Imperfect Monster (A Dark Romance)

I was lucky enough to read the novella version of “Imperfect Monster” and now I feel as though I got to eat the cake WITH the frosting and a whole bunch of pie to go along with it. This story was decadently dark and so delicious, it gave me goosebumps in all the right ways. If you haven’t become a fan of Jennifer Bene yet, what are you waiting for? Her stories will keep you up late at night and leave you wanting more.

I recieved an arc for this review

Wow! What an amazing, sexy, HOT book. I loved Nicky and Andre together. These two are sexy and leave you wanting more.

I love how Andre fights for what he believes in and tries to be dangerous at the same time, when all he really wants is to just be with Nicky.

Nicky loves her brother more than anything , so when he lands in the hospital, Nicky goes into protector and does something she should have just walked away from, but when she sees Nicky her life changes and it may be for the good.

This is a first for me by this author and I loved it.

This was a dark romance that totally engrossed me. We don't know much about the beautiful Nicky, but we see her behave fiercely in order to protect her brother. Nicky already has a bit of darkness in her, but nothing like what is in the house she has come to. Andre sees a Valkyrie that he alternately longs to abuse and protect. These two strangers are thrown together because of Andre's last shred of humanity. The longer they are together, the lighter Andre becomes, and the darker Nicky becomes. Nicky sees that in order for Andre to become the monster is a sign of strength, to push back the fear & do what needs to be done. Andre is forced to make a terrible decision-help Nicky survive or they both may die. The violence and trigger warnings helped prepare me for what was ahead with this nasty bunch of secondary characters. I enjoyed Ms Bene's writing style, and the story had good flow to it.

I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.

Imperfect monster he is. In one hand he is saving her from being raped and passed around, but he takes her and hurts her just the same. I could not out the book down until I finished it. The terror she goes through just to save her brother is bad enough. To find Love after all that is perfect. This is a must read. The author did a great job. Can't wait to read some of her other books.

Was given for an honest review. This was my first time reading this author and I would read her again. Its hard to describe without giving much away. Extremely intense, very dark. Andre and Nicky, it was like the perfect storm of dark and light clashing and coming together, pushing and pulling for revenge and some sort of redemption. There wasn’t one monster. This was nothing but monsters. But who better to help navigate and protect an innocent through the nightmare then the most imperfect monster of them all? Very good read. Hard to get through at times. But very worth it.

Andre has spent almost three years undercover in a drug cartel based in Miami. As the enforcer, he has had to see and do some very ugly acts and is in danger of losing his humanity. Nicky pushes her way into the mansion trying to pay off her brother's debt and mouths off to the leader of the cartel! Of course her money isn't enough, and they keep and abuse her. Andre claims her to save her, but ends up saving himself too. This story is very dark, dangerous, and has many triggers so consider yourself warned! The sense of imminent danger starts on page one and never lets up; you just know more bad is coming. I liked and understood Andre, at times Nicky seemed too stupid to live, but she learns. This is a well told tale and I would recommend it to others. This is not my first Bene book and I know I will find more to like. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a dark romance with a little violence. Its exciting dark sooooo good. Nicky tries to help her brother but busting in on dangerous men isn't her smartest idea. Andre sees her and wants her for him self. Just a taste. Ha little do the both of them know what's going to happen. I love a dark read that you dont want to punch the main characters because of arrogance where a story and the characters develop in a way that has you glued to the book. This is my first book from this author but not my last. I received an advanced reader copy for my honest review

She did it again. Jennifer Bene sure knows how to make the unthinkable exciting. Andre is dark and amazing. Nicky is fierce but naive. And when Andre drags her into the dark with him it is explosive. I love how this story played out!

When I read Security Binds Her, by this author, I was totally hooked on her writing style. I purchased everyone of her books since then and Imperfect Monster is perfection personified. Ms. Bene grabs you by the throat, I’m her opening pages and keeps you invested in the story throughout it’s dark and twisted path. I’m purposely leaving out spoilers. This review is simply what I thought about this book. It’s riveting, hard to put down and different from 98% of all of the books flooding the store. Grow up and read a really good book.

Imperfect Monster is my new favorite book by Jennifer Bene! I absolutely love her books and have read many other books more than once because they were so good. Imperfect Monster is a classic Jennifer Bene story about Nicky and Andre. Andre works undercover foe a ruthless crime boss and finds himself getting ducked deeper into the dark as time psasses. One day Nicky barges into hisnbosses mansion demanding she be allowed to pay her brothers debt. She's furious that he's been beaten and is in the hospital. She realizes too late she just walked into a dangerous hell. In order to save her from being gang raped, Andre claims her as his own and they both fall deeper into the dark.

copy received for honest review
This is a very dark romance with some really hard scenes to read. The darkness was expected. Nicky walks blindly into a life ending situation. She is in over her head. It takes her a while to actually get how dire her circumstances are. Her smart mouth got her into trouble and it annoyed me. She didn't know when to shut up. Andre was losing his humanity working for his drug boss. He had things to do. Saving Nicky was not part of the program. He had to keep himself and Nicky safe. The plot moves along at a fast pace. I am not sold on the romantic relationship between Andre and Nicky. there are twists and turns that keep you interested. If you like dark dangerous men with violent tendencies, this will be your cup of tea.

I just finished my advanced reader copy of this book. Nicole barges into a drug lords home to pay off her brothers debt and ensure his freedom when she is taken captive. Andre claims her for himself which creates problems within. Andre is undrecover trying to take down Paulo but realized he can't let Nicole go. They need to find a way to escape while bringing down the drug lord.

I voluntarily read this advanced readers copy... The lamb barged her way into the lions den. After 31 months undercover Andre resembles nothing of a good guys but Nicky shows up trying to pay her brothers debt he knows she needs to get out but his need for her is greater. Will she survive or will Andre destroy her? That is the question that kept me glued to every page.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review:
I almost gave up on this book, but I’m glad I didn’t. It started out incredibly violent which isn’t my thing. And, while it doesn’t turn all sweet and flowery, it is a good story with a lot of heat.

Spoiler alert: If you are triggered by violence and/or sexual assault, this book isn’t for you.

So dark & twisted! Imperfect Monster had me hooked me from the start. Andre is such a monster & when you think the story can't get any darker, it does. Nicky is trying to save her brother & doesn't realize what she is getting herself into. When she thinks things can't get any worse, she is wrong. Andre has been trained to kill but is there hope for him when he meets Nicky? You need a strong stomach & mind to read this book & if you have that, then this book is for you. It's not a love & roses book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC.

One of the best romantic suspense books I have read in a long while. Hot, nail biting and tearful. The plot keeps you wondering how the story is going to end. The characters seem so real, it is almost like you can reach out and touch them. You get so involved in the book that you actually feel like you are right there in the middle of the action, not just setting there reading a book. Kudos Jennifer Bene you sent this book straight to the top. I received this book for free as part of the ARC Team in exchange for an honest review.

Andre almost lost his soul after thirty-one months of undercover work in a ruthless gang. And then Nicky came thundering into the worst possible den of monsters. Andre may be imperfect but this book is perfect in every way. Heat off the charts, believable characters, impossible odds of survival. I couldn’t stop reading this and was sorry to see it end. Looking forward to more by Jennifer Bene. There is violence in this book that may offend. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book. Nicky goes to a drug lord's house to pay off her brother's debt and finds herself a prisoner in a den of vipers. She is short on paying the debt amount and is bought by Andre. Andre can be dark and cruel but also shows a softer side with Nicky. This book has dark moments but was good read.

Can you imagine, getting sexually fired up over the thought of murdering someone (that's so hot!)? Yup, that's the hero and heroine in the epilogue. This book was OK up until then - hugely unoriginal "girl taken by mafia to pay off debt" plot - but very well written. You know the story - girl pays off someone else's debt, falls in love with her owner. In this case the owner is an undercover cop, but this has all the undercover cop tropes down pat as well. Pity about the last 5% of the bit - it was a 3.5 star read before then.

Nicky is in big trouble. Foolishly going to the gangster Paolo's house to deliver money to save her brother's life, she's held captive Paolo and his gang, including Andre. Andre keeps her from being molested by all of them by claiming her for his own. But we soon realize that Andre is an undercover policeman who has infiltrated Paolo's gang. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I really enjoyed this book. Be prepared to stay up all night. A very entertaining dark read.

Believe the description when it says this a dark romance. It isn't kinda dark, it isn't shades grey it is scary and as close to black as you can get and still have a love story. The hero is a monster but he's her monster, and the heroine goes through more than anybody should ever have to go through. These two are both beyond damaged at the end but they damaged in ways that fit the other and that's what's important.

***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***

I love Jennifer Bene's particular brand of dark, dirty, and sexy and Imperfect Monster doesn't disappoint. Nicky has no clue what she has gotten herself into by walking into Paulo's place to try and take care of her brother's debt. Andre scares the living daylights out of her, but she finds herself attracted to him. I love the suspense of this book. It grabbed my attention and I couldn't put it down.

I loved this story. It is very dark and understanding that before you read it helps you put you in an open mindset and are able to enjoy all this book has to offer without judging. I liked Andre immediately and could see how he would be attracted to Nicky. This is one of those books that you can't put down and is often hard not to put down but I have to give it 5 starts because, I couldn't put it down!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Imperfect Monster or imperfect savior? I believe this is the darkest book I have read so far. I was not sure what to expect but the story was compelling, gripping, uncomfortable, and soul-saving. Yes, I was uncomfortable at some of the things portrayed in the book but also very moved by the way one person can save another and how redemption is possible. Who saves who? The ending to the story is beautiful.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This book is sometimes hard to read but definitely worth it. There is a little bit of everything here in this dark romance but the attraction between characters is hot. You'll be routing for them to overcome the obstacles and be perfect for each other.

I recommend this book to romance and dark romance readers and I would most definitely read books from this author, again.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This superb read of violent drug lords in South America is where Andre an undercover cop is trying to bring Paulo the drug lord down. The twists and turns of this dark read keeps you turning page after page, better than any movie as it was so descriptive. This is what Jennifer Bene does best, she is a fantastic author that makes you feel you are in that book, I was literally worn out by the time I finished reading it. A brilliant must read. Can Andre save Nicky or will he pull her into the darkness with him and will she survive? This is my honest review of an ARC I received.

Second book by Bene - for the "dark" aspect it was a bit lacking for me - I get why it's called dark given Nicky's circumstances in coming into the house, and her subsequent circumstances but in the end ..............

Though I did find the end adorable and it read more on the side of romance for me than anything else, and I adored Andre and I even liked a few of the side characters - not many though.

I liked his personality throughout the book and the progression of thought, and again, the end!

I received an ARC of this book for review.

Imperfect is one of the most perfect dark romances you can find. I was hooked from chapter 1. I got it and couldn't stop till I devoured it whole.

The characters are so well written. The plot at times may have been predictable but it didn't stop me from loving this step into the dark side.

Jennifer has a new fan in me. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. Really dark but mesmerizing romance. The sex was at times brutal but the story was overwhelming. Andre is a real bastard who feels his heart is black and he is irredeemable. Nicky is brave but naive and gets herself into a world of trouble. Great suspense. Not for everyone due to the brutality and rape scenes but I felt the story was worth it.

Imperfect Monster by Jennifer Bene
This book is a suspenseful, riveting read. The story is hardcore mafia with a twist of an unconventional romance. The story between Andre and Nicky will keep you on the edge of your seat. The internal turmoil that Andre goes through, throughout the book is exciting and mind gripping, the man he is against the man he wants to be is a constant battle for him. Then along comes Nicky, someone he feels he has to save from the Mafia that he works for. Great story one that will keep you engaged throughout the whole book. A definite recommend

The things we do for family. Nicky, attempting to pay off a debt owed by her brother, finds herself the property of the people the money is owed to. Andre, an undercover cop working inside the group, buys Nicky for what is owed to the group. How will this tantalizing read turn out? That is for you to find out. Be warned, this book is not for the faint at heart..it contains some very dark portions. If that doesn't bother you, this is a great read for you to enjoy. I received a free copy of this book but my review is completely voluntary and unbiased.

Good grief WOW ! What a Fantastic,dark and delicious ride this story by Jennifer Bene takes you on.
A devilishly,addictive and compelling tale that will entrance you from the start until the end.
Paying a debt never should feel so exciting,exhilarating and dangerous.
Loved this book
Dark Romance fans go and grab your copy you won't be disappointed.

A Review of Imperfect Monster by Jennifer Bene

Nicky and Andre - 4.5 Stars

This is the first book I have had the opportunity to read by this new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of this one and all the twists and turns that she took us on. Definitely worth purchasing!

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

I just finished my advanced reader copy of this book. Nicole barges into a drug lords home to pay off her brothers debt and ensure his freedom when she is taken captive. Andre claims her for himself which creates problems within. Andre is undrecover trying to take down Paulo but realized he can't let Nicole go. They need to find a way to escape while bringing down the drug lord.

I voluntarily read this advanced readers copy... The lamb barged her way into the lions den. After 31 months undercover Andre resembles nothing of a good guys but Nicky shows up trying to pay her brothers debt he knows she needs to get out but his need for her is greater. Will she survive or will Andre destroy her? That is the question that kept me glued to every page.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review:
I almost gave up on this book, but I’m glad I didn’t. It started out incredibly violent which isn’t my thing. And, while it doesn’t turn all sweet and flowery, it is a good story with a lot of heat.

Spoiler alert: If you are triggered by violence and/or sexual assault, this book isn’t for you.

So dark & twisted! Imperfect Monster had me hooked me from the start. Andre is such a monster & when you think the story can't get any darker, it does. Nicky is trying to save her brother & doesn't realize what she is getting herself into. When she thinks things can't get any worse, she is wrong. Andre has been trained to kill but is there hope for him when he meets Nicky? You need a strong stomach & mind to read this book & if you have that, then this book is for you. It's not a love & roses book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC.

One of the best romantic suspense books I have read in a long while. Hot, nail biting and tearful. The plot keeps you wondering how the story is going to end. The characters seem so real, it is almost like you can reach out and touch them. You get so involved in the book that you actually feel like you are right there in the middle of the action, not just setting there reading a book. Kudos Jennifer Bene you sent this book straight to the top. I received this book for free as part of the ARC Team in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Andre and Nicky... the way they met, the things that happened, you would never think anything would come of it. It was sick, twisted and dark. All in the best possible ways for a story like this.
Join Andre and Nicky on a wild ride to survive and find the happiness they both deserve. You will not regret it!

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I receive. This was a hot violent romance. A sister trying to pay off her brother's drug debts gets held against her will by the drug lord. The Hero claims her as his own to keep her safe from the other's that are even more dangerous than he is. While this story isn't perfect, it still was an interesting read with a lot of action.

Wow, impressive, this is the first I've read from this author and it caught my attention and kept it, I can't wait to read more from her.

I received a copy from hidden gems and voluntarily leave my own thoughts

Dark, twisty, and delicious. My favorites. Nicky was a complete bad A. I loved that she didn't lose face. And Andre....sweet baby Jesus. I love me a man who is dark and twisty. An imperfect soul but still has light in him that he balances with his dark needs. I loved that this was told in first person point of view for both characters. It gave the book dimension.

I loved this dark romance! Andre is someone you just don't want to mess with, but once Nicky caught his eye, all bets were all. And Paulo was one creepy MF. I was completely captivated by this book,and I want more from these two! I hope we haven't seen the last of Andre and Nicky! They were sexy hot with crazy chemistry that can't be denied!

Dark, dirty, tragic, beautiful. This book was amazing. The torment Nicky endured and the darkness within Andre was written to pull you in, shock you, and hold you captive through out. It's a dark read but the author did such a great job writing with passion and feeling. I loved this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.

This book was fast paced from the very begining. Nicky was a strong character that I found to be frustrating at times as she just needed to not talk and observe more. Andre was someone who was trying to do the right thing but in doing so became someone he did not like. Overall with the twists and turns I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though some parts were a bit hard to read. I will definitely be reading this author again.

Another great dark read by Jennifer Bene. I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. There were some grammar issues (mainly numerous run-on sentences) that could be easily solved with a good editor, but it didn't really take away from how awesome this book was. Highly recommend it to dark romance readers.

I loved this book. Just enough of EVERYTHING a woman could ask for to keep you from getting off the couch.

But.... I do have to correct the author on one thing. "The Last Of The Breed" was NOT a western!!!! Just sayin. It was a wonderful book written by Louis L'Amour, but it was one of his western novels.

That's the reason for only 4 stars.

Wow! This is definitely one of the darkest books I've read. It took me by surprise how intense the story line is. It is definitely not for the weak of heart and if violent things trigger you, this is not your book! However, I loved every single page. I voluntarily reviewed this book for an advanced copy.

Another deliciously dark and twisted romance by Ms Bene which I couldn't put down until the very end. She shows us even monsters can have good in them. There's some very harrowing scenes which could be triggers to some. Will be impatiently waiting to read her next novel!!

Read through KU.

“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book”

this book is very dark has some parts that are very dark but it does a have a good story behind it . is very well written . all i can say is if you can get through the tough parts and you get a great surprise in the end .

I love when books with dark characters keep them that way. I really really hate when the H goes all soft and mushy because he falls in love. This one was great at keeping both the story and the characters dark with slivers of light to keep them both relatable and human. Good dark read.

Dark romance is my favorite genre, and overall I enjoyed this book. However, there were a few things that bugged me. Nicky was just plain naive, but I got over it since it set the meeting of the main characters. But I couldn’t get over how quickly she overcome what happened with Paolo and Luis. Also the resolution and ending in general felt like they didn’t quite match the first part of the story. I would have liked if more details, it just seemed wrapped up too quickly. What I did like was writing style, and Andre was amazingly well developed and portrayed as tortured undercover cop. Altogether a 3.5 stars for this one.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.