Books & Spoons Review: TAMING THE BEAST by Lucy King

A four book multi-author series, based around four women who went to boarding school together, and an old Irish pub in Brooklyn called Sully's. Each story riffs loosely off a fairy tale. The stories are tightly connected and it's best to read the series consecutively.

Once upon a time, Mercedes ‘Mercy’ Hernandez had the most enormous crush on her best friend’s older brother, Seb Madison. Now, though, she can’t stand the beast. Forget that he’s as spine-tinglingly gorgeous as ever. He’s a lousy brother and a manipulative bastard, not that she ever thinks about that disastrous one night stand they once had…

Still riddled with guilt over the death of his parents, billionaire loner Seb Madison has spent so long emotionally shut off that when beautiful, fiery Mercy bursts into his life again, he doesn’t know what’s hit him. All he knows is that she confuses him and he doesn’t like it.

Yet their chemistry hasn’t faded and, when hostility turns to attraction, a no-strings affair seems the logical solution. Mercy’s taking a much needed break from her family’s Argentinian vineyard to study for an MBA and Seb doesn’t do relationships. Neither have either the time or inclination for anything other than weekends-only red-hot sex. Or do they…?

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The Fairy Tales of New York continue with a book three, where Mercy and Seb has the chance to tell their story.
Mercy, the always happy, bubbly, caring and loyal friend, who would do anything for her friends, who likes to fix things, and always see the good in other people. And who has had a crush on Seb since the first time she saw his picture over a decade ago.
Seb was introduced previously in the series, and not in the best of lights, as Zel's older brother, who all but deserted her after the tragic accident where their parents died and Seb was seriously injured.
But Seb has much more to him, than it seems. There are deep wounds, guilt, and demons from the accident, that has driven him to be a secluded loner. He has pushed everyone out of his life, to avoid the possibility to hurt them and their life in any way. He has dedicated his life to his work, and nothing else has room in it.
Until Mercy, once again fighting for her friend, Zel, pushes into his life, and things start to change.
The planned 'just weekends hot affair' doesn't work so well, as the interest goes deeper, feelings start to develop, and the walls around Seb and his heart starts to come down. Seeing the development in Seb, the heartfelt pain, loneliness, and guilt starting to crumble, was a moment of victory. Seeing his true colors makes him likable, caring, appealing, even charming. Mercy is so perfect for him with her sass and non-stoppable ways pushing him forward. Together they are not only steaming hot, but the fragile feelings developing between them are adorable. There's trouble, agony, and anguish, but also passion, joy, and devotion.
This series has been a true joy to read so far, with the allegiance of the friends and family, the fervor and intensity of the loving romances, and the true, lifelike troubles and feelings the characters go through, makes the stories true winners, one after the other, and Taming the Beast is no different in that regard
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side 

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