4.5 stars 
 The Beast is a return to the relationship of Rhage and Mary. As is the format for this series, there are also segments of the book that focus on the relationships and lives of several other brothers throughout the main plot. What is different for The Beast is the focus on family and what makes a family. Rhage and Mary are not the only childless couple in the Black Daggar ranks, but as Layla's pregnancy progresses, and L.W. and Nalla continue to grow, others in the house begin to question their own choices and situations. 
 I skipped the last few BDB books, simply because they were feeling too bogged down with so many different characters' stories running at the same time. But I missed the Brotherhood and this world, so decided to take a chance and jump back in with The Beast. This felt more focused on Rhage and Mary than I was expecting or even hoping for, so I was very pleased that even in the side scenes, characters were reflecting on similar themes and events as Rhage and Mary. 
 There are a couple new characters to add to the group, and I can't wait to see the effects from two of the new characters particularly. 
 I fell in love with Rhage, Mary, and Rhage's beast all over again. This was a side of Rhage readers haven't seen in a long while and it is heart melting. There is still plenty of the hotter kind of heat, but also plenty of sweet. 
 I love the way this felt like a return to the BDB that I loved -- the focus on the bond between the Brothers, their love for their shellans, and all the crazy antics that come from having so many different personalities living under the same roof. There is a little movement in the fight against the Omega, but this is one of those rare moments where the Brotherhood's focus is at home rather than on protecting the people. This also made me consider going back and reading the two books I have skipped, if only to get a few pieces of background information that I missed, and rekindled my love for this series and these vampires. 
 ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.