Taken by the Beast (Conduit Series Book 1)

Okay, ignore the synopsis on the book. It doesn't do "Taken by the Beast" any justice.

Charisse is down on her luck, moving back to her hometown after aging out of her modeling career. Completely broke after paying her late mother's medical fees, she is forced to move in with her long-time best friend Lulu. Lulu's brother bumps into her, and he is into his sister's best friend. The all around nice guy, small town charm, Dalton insists there's something there.

Determined not to be a burden to her friend, Charisse accepts a job from Abram as a club manager soon to open. Where Dalton is a good guy, Abram is the ultimate bad boy with a bad attitude. On opening night, a murdered girl looking an awful lot like Char drops through the roof. As facts and unnerving details surface, Char doesn't know if she should her instincts or stay as far away from Abram and take Dalton for all he's worth.

Now, my review. There are some forgivable editing mistakes, and sometimes too much detail in some places, like Abram putting his clothes back on. It was pointless. Conner and Rebecca's worst transgression, the 2nd love interest copout. It is standard for 2nd love interests to either die or become the bad guy. I think it should have been done differently here, and I think the story should have ended with this book. The end leads into the next installment, but I don't think it should have, but it was a good read.

I do wish the supporting characters were more than pawns. They were just there without really adding anything to the plot, mob aside.

This story follows one of three gals who get sucked into a wormhole transporting them to another world, getting separated in the process. Gemma immediately finds her mate Orion, a wolf shifter and king of his clan. The adventure and romance held my interest until the end, partly due to the author’s ability to create a believable world with different clans and creatures. The Oracle was a favorite character of mine, but I would have liked to hear more about where she came from and how she came to be a part of Orion’s clan.

It was mentioned on several occasions that Gemma would like to get the shifters’ blood samples under a microscope since she was a scientist, but that never went anywhere – I would have liked for her occupation to have somehow been of help to her new planet, lending her talents so to speak.

Lastly, a note on editing. Words like quiver or quivering tend to stick in a reader’s mind – there were six examples of this, and I would urge the author to make use of a thesaurus. For example, you might trade some of these with words like tremble, shudder, shiver, quake…you get the idea. However, this was minor and probably only bothered me.

All in all it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it especially for those who enjoy wolf shifter romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Review for Taken by the Beast (Conduit Series Book One) by Conner Kressley & Rebecca Hamilton

Taken by the Beast is the first book in the Conduit Series by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton, it’s also the first book I’ve read from these authors. I was really excited to dig into this one because it’s a BBW paranormal with growly alpha shifters, what’s not to love right?

The gist of the story is the heroine, Char, comes back to her hometown after her life basically blows up. She’s staying with her long-time BFF, Lulu. Wanting to find herself and feel useful she decides to find a job. She literally falls into the perfect job. Abram, her new boss, is a jerk. It was extremely hard to find any redeeming qualities in his character for the first half of the book, in the end things were better.

I’m going to be completely honest here, this book is not one I would recommend. It’s not a terrible read, if it was I wouldn’t have finished it, but there are a lot of technical issues and the plot is disjointed in places. It is rushed during the action parts and drags during the filler. There is so much happening to build up the rest of the series that this book lost something.

I really tried to like this book, I actually started to get really into the book around Chapter 23 and then it petered back out with Chapter 33. Because of those ten chapters this book earns three stars from me and two wet panties — the smut could have been great, but there are several plot issues and holes that left it lacking.

Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
Book gifted by authors via the store for honest review.

The beginning did have some mystery to it and was enough to get me interested in it. This book had me on a rollercoaster, going up and down, up and down. There were so many times I loved the scenes (going up,) and then so many times I thought the heroine was not that bright (going down.) I thought the heroine needed to get a backbone at times, and then the times that she did have one was inappropriate... I mean you're at the cusp of life or death, and now you decide to take a stand? I'm hoping this is about character growth throughout the series. I found myself able to put the book down for days at a time then pick it back up.

This is a first in a series of from what I know so far 3 books. But the end doesn't leave you with a WTH moment and you want to scream at the authors. There is an ending here if you wanted to stop with this one, but it also sets up the beginning of the next one.

This is action adventure murder with romance well written with an excellent story. Charisse is a full figured model, or was but life has kicked her, she lost her job, her mom died of cancer and she is left with nothing. She staying with her best friend Lulu, as she tries to get back up on her feet. She has two hunky men she must choose from. Lulu's little brother, Dalton, who isn't so little. Than her new boss Abram, who she is drawn to but he really pushes her buttons. With women turning up dead, who all look like her, Char just don't know which way to turn. Now she is in a whole different reality, witches, werewolves, and she learns that her blood is magic? One hunk swears to protect her always and one is out for her blood.

This was an interesting, book with many wonderful twists. An excellent enjoyable book with plots you don't see coming. As you're reading along you think things are going one way, only to find out that they are going in a completely different way. It's nice not to be able to anticipate everything as you're reading along. This book has everything needed in it, it's relatable, well developed characters. A love story, mystery, murders, monster's (I'll let you find out what kind), betrayal, deep friendships, curses, and a sleepy small little town with lots creepy woods. People who are not what they seem, and others that are exactly what they seem lol.

This book was a joy to read, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.... yay there is a next book. It sounds like it should be a good one also. It seems the main characters have quite a journey ahead of them, and I am ecstatic to go on the journey with them.

I'll let you know what I think of the next book...

This is the second book that I have that reminded me of a fairy tale with a twist.

This book is the author's take on beauty and the beast.

Charisse is a plus size model but has to return back home to New Haven to look after her terminally ill mum. But whilst she US home she is having to stay on friends settees due to having no money since the modelling work dried up.

Charisse gets a job working for club owner Abram. OMG these two have amazing chemistry together even when they are rowing.

Girls start getting killed, mysterious deaths and disappearances.

The detective working on the case is Lulu 's younger brother. Charisse finds herself drawn to both men. I can't wait to read book 2 to see what's happening next and what's happening with these girls

This book is about bbw, smiling to yourself.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "TAKEN BY THE BEAST" This was a very unique story with some twists and turns, suspense, drama, passion, murder, intrigue, spells, it was a very interesting entertaining read. As much as I enjoyed this book from Kressley Hamilton my first read by her as an author it definitely did have some editing issues which was a bit distracting if you can get by that I do recommend to read this book I will be interested in the next book in this series.

What I particularly loved of this book is the setting of the plot involving policemen. As a keen detective novels reader, I get used to see policemen dealing with murders and mysteries - and sporadically a bit of romance. In Beauty and the Beast, the situation is opposite. The romantic line develops providing an intriguing love story which is sprinkled with obstacle and... mysteries.

I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and the steamy descriptions. A very good work by two talented authors. I knew Hamilton from her The Forever Girl book series but I haven't read anything from Conner Kressley and it's been a pleasant surprise. 5 well deserved stars for me!`

Absolutely loved this book. Hooked me right from the beginning & I couldn't put it down. But...cliffhanger. I hate that. I do have to say that it did leave me in a place where I wasn't angry. I can actually deal with this cliffy...can't wait to read the next book!!!

Char has moved back to her home town and needs a new start. She gets a job as a club manager. But she is drawn to her boss Abram. Fighting that attraction isn't easy...but Daltons attention helps. Too bad Dalton is her best friends younger brother. Who will win her heart? And what's up with the woods, howling & missing women?

Content: I suggest the authors take one more pass with a proofreader. There were some lingering mistakes. Fairly not very many but authors should put their best foot forward.

I admit very little of this reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. It's not so much a retelling as a B&B-inspired paranormal romance. The world building was unique, but simple, which was a nice departure from other works by these authors.

I rather not give too much away. Don't let me make this decision for you. The free reading sample was enough to help me make my download decisions and I believe it will be enough for anyone this would appeal to as well.

If you like paranormal romance, this is a book you must read! It was such great new twist! It was exciting. It was sweet. And it left me wanting more. I an officially hooked and I will follow the series thru.

I don't want to be one of those reviewers that just regurgitates the story for you in a giant way too long to read review. So, I'm just going to say that this is a must read for anyone loving paranormal romance. A refreshing new story that will leave you searching for the next book!

Love love love

Omg what a great story that was. Half way through I had no idea that this was going to end this way. If this is the first of the conduit series I'm looking forward to book two. Exciting, slick dialogue and really intriguing this story just gallops along. The input of the supernatural must be the influence of Rebecca Hsmilton in this first venture into co-writing, but what a team. Worth every one of its points awarded this is a MUST TO READ book. Roll on book two in the Fall.

Charisse has returned to her home town and is staying with her best friend. Before long she has two men in her life. Abram, is her mysterious employer, and Dalton, is her best friend's younger brother. Women who look like Charisse are being murdered. She wants to know why, especially after she is attacked by a strange creature she can't even name. Sexy and suspenseful, this is a fantastic book, I loved it!

I received this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

A successful modern take on the Beauty and the Beast story with some great and twisted new ideas. Our heroine is working in a nightclub where romance with her boss Abram could be on the cards. Then there is Dalton, her best friends brother. Not all is as it seems.
This is great fun with excellent pace and continuous surprises throughout. Really enjoyed it.

*A complimentary ecopy was provided by the Author, in exchange for my honest review.*

I had no idea that this was a ‘Modern Fairytale’ until halfway, when the townspeople are chanting, “Kill the Beast.” But no, this isn't anything at all on what we've all grown up with. Which in turn makes it all the more intriguing. (For some reason, it had a Once Upon a Time, feel. IMHO.) And it's so shrouded in mystery, you're going to keep turning the pages just to see the who, what, when, where, how, and why. The revelations of some things will leave you with your jaw hanging open from shock/surprise. I love how the characters are relatable, stubborn, funny, sexy...oh, my!! The plot, the whole Conduits & Supplicants and the Magic!! That's neat and unique. I want more on THAT!! I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a modern-day twist on a classical tale.

I loved it! Reminded mea little of The Beauty and the Beast. I loved the spin that was put on it. It took me a bit to warm up to the main character but I did. At first I wasn't sure who was her interest since it felt Abram and Charisse did not have a huge relationship development to me in the beginning. But by the end I needed more Abram and will defiantly be reading book two.

I received a complimentary copy of Taken by the Beast in exchange for an honest review.

Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton have put together an intense and exciting first book of a series and I wasn't sure what to expect as I settled in on the deck facing the ocean this morning. I didn't even notice the tides turning or the chill in the wind as the day passed, or the color of my skin as the tan turned into a little tender pink of a burn - that's how much this book sucked me in.

The evolution of Charisse from the inept babysitter of her best friends kid that opens the book, to the heroine at the end really is a journey of smiles and a lot of nail biting thrown in. The chemistry between her and Abram burns right off the page and the twists this book takes are refreshing and unexpected.

Looking forward to the next installment of this captivating series.

Taken by The Beast (The Conduit # 1 )by Connor Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton is a Sexy Beauty and the Beast spin off in the Secret Worlds series.
I really really wanted to like this book but we don't click.
But it is well written and I like Rebecca's other books . That's why 4 stars and Thank you.

I don't usually care for retold fairytales but this one is really good. It's a mix of genres starting off as murder mystery, action adventure, and contemporary romance. The fairytale is there but surrounded by so much more.

Lots of twists in this one - well developed story line and characters make it a great book to read ... didn't know who was going to turn out to be on which side and what the best choice was going to be .... kept me interested all the way through

I loved every action packed minute of this book! Full of twists and turns. This book has a beauty and the beast vibe, which I absolutely loved. Characters are well written and very likable. Can't wait to read more from these two wonderful author!

So far, Taken by the Beast has definitely captured my attention from start to current. I love the main character or heroine of the sorry plot. Her charismatic, witty, passionate, and funny personality is what kept me reading this book, along with the suspense and mystery that is taken place in the book so far. From the time That Charisse claimed that Abrahm doesn't show at work at night, I new he was a werewolf. I like what I'm seeing so far and hope more updates would arrive soon because being in the dark is killing me. However keeping me on my toes does help with my imagination though.

I love this book it was a great modern paranormal twist on Beauty and Beast.

This story grabs you from the first paragraph and does not let go. The surprises were great and the story line exciting enough that I never wanted it to end. I look forward to the next book in this series

This one was pretty good. I enjoyed the characters.. certain parts were a little slower for me but then something came soon after that and I was hooked again. Very good series and I'm glad I got to review it

Returning to New Haven after her modeling career hit bottom, Charisse Belmany had to watch her mom slowly die as cancer ate at her body, with no money she moved in with her best friend who was about to pop out another child. She felt bad for mooching on her friend with no money to offer her so she agreed to baby sit her young son in return. Char was not domesticated with cooking or taking care of children and had burnt Jack's grilled cheese lunch and lost him as well! She was glad that Lulu's young brother, Dalton had stopped by when Lulu went into labor as Jack hadn't stopped crying through out the time she called for an ambulance to the knock that ushered Dalton's arrival! The next day, Char decided to find a job and there was an ad in one of the windows for a office manager. Hardly believing her luck she raced down the stairs, tripped in her heels, and landed into the arms of a good looking man......................

For over a century, Abram Canadar was cursed to become a beast when the sun set. As a child he saw his dad take what he wanted and see his parents fight, so that as a man, he toyed with women until he spurned one woman's love and she cursed him as she threw herself over a cliff. How was he supposed to know that she was a witch and know what love was? He'd made a lot of mistakes in his life and had thought to kill himself as his beast appeared. Now, he just wanted to provide a place for kids to enjoy themselves and provide safety. He stood at the door, preparing to paint it when a curvey woman fell into his arms.............

The two co-authors of book one will keep readers spell bound and rapidly reading as Char is attracted to two men. She feels guilty by her attraction to her best friend's little brother as is confused by her attraction to her boss, but he's hiding something and with women similar in looks to her start dying she believes it is her fault! I can't wait to read book two!!

If this book had been edited I would have enjoyed it. Unfortunately I couldn't wait to get through it because it was so hard to read through the mistakes, missing words, wrong words crossed out words and simply poor writing. This was a first draft that was published, I hope because it was never edited or the author gave the publisher the wrong copy. I gave it 3 stars because it was a half-way decent story but I will not read the sequels. The authors need to reread and rewrite this book.

A different take on Beauty and the Beast. This is a book about a woman name Charisse who returns to her home town and gets a job at a local nightclub. There she is drawn to her boss Abram, the only problem is she's in a new relationship with Dalton a local police officer, who just happens to be her brother's best friend. Abram has secrets of his own and Charisse having her own secrets that she's not aware of, this book will keep you reading and not wanting you to put it down! I love it and defintely recommend it!

Although this is a dark fantasy, "Taken by the Beast," highlights many exquisite tastes. The magic of a fairytale, mystic shape-shifting paranormal creatures, hot steamy sexual encounters, and explosive drama. The authors have woven a unique storyline that keeps you turning the pages while biting your nails in anticipation. Will Charisse be content with a normal life with a human policeman, or will the sexually animal magnetism of Abram draw her into his supernatural existence? After reading "Forever Girl," and "Taken by the Beast," I am thoroughly "Taken" by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton's Conduit Series!

This is an action filled story. It also has yummy romance....not too,too graphic. If there was a problem with the book it was the editing. There were several misplaced words...these mistakes would take my head out of the story.

Loved this book! It had the perfect combination of a suspenseful plot with the right amount of romance thrown in. It's been a while since I've read a paranormal book that I can truly say was well written and kept me engaged the whole time.

Char was immature and childish and jumped around to more conclusions than a child w/a jump rope... I liked Abram better but he was a bit obtuse and for the last nest seemed to think Char should know things she clearly didn't .... While I came to find her deeply annoying as well,I never expected her to be brighter than she soo obviously wasn't ... Unlike Abram... While I can see plenty of ppl like this one pov mess,but not offense to those who like it for me my title says it all.... Soo grateful only my time was wasted ;(

This book showed promise, more towards the end then at the beginning. I found all the references of name brand clothing tedious. Who wears five inch heels in the woods? Charisse Bellamy, maybe. Monsters and witches, curses and fangs. The second book sounds good, if sleeping beauty is your thing.

This was a great paranormal romance that was a very quick, fun and enjoyable read. I wasn't exactly sure in which direction the story was going to go and exactly what Abram was at first but it was nice that it was a different twist than the typical paranormal romances that are out there today. I'm looking forward to when the second book is going to be released so that I can pick up where the story left off.

Wow!!!
What a modern twist on a classic fairy tale.

Who knew that when two amazing writers put there heads together we would get such a wonderful brain child.

Wonderful story, easy to follow plot and a great group of characters that I loved, even some I loved to hate.

I can not wait to see what other wonderful stories these two stunning minds come up with next.

Wow, no wonder this book is already so popular! This hot paranormal romance takes us on the ride with Char and Abram as passion and magic fly. “Taken by the Beast (The Conduit Series Book 1)” by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton, is a steamy summer treat that could even warm up a cold winter night. What fun! Highly recommended. Five stars.

Love the book so far, defiantly a different twist on not only Beauty and the Beast, but most werewolf books in general. A different storyline helps the storyline and unpredictability. Characters are exactly that, well-developed characters; different from the assumed Alpha roles and werewolf plots common throughout the genre now. Love it.