Hello, hello, kuties. I hope everything in your lives is going much better than in today's book. It is a story about hurt and grief, of damage and defeat, of how humans can be the worst kind of heroes but also the most unforgiving villains. It's my first time reading something like this, but I highly recommend you pick up a copy of From Best to Bested, by MN Bennet, with an audiobook narrated by Nick Cracknell. Thanks to the author for the copy to review!
- Print Length: 306 pages.
- Audiobook Duration: 8 hours and 38 minutes.
- Audiobook Narrator: Nick Cracknell.
- Publisher: Self-Published.
- Publication Date: January 13, 2025.
- Genres: Erotica, Gay, Horror, Thriller, (Toxic) Romance.
- Rating: 5/5 stars.
Roman Grayson has turned his prison stint into an opportunity of fame by becoming the reigning champion in an underground fight club. But when he’s dethroned by a new inmate, Roman quickly loses everything that made his incarceration bearable. From the extra perks of being champion, to the authority of keeping fellow inmates in line, all the way to his best friend being forced to room with the man who stole everything from Roman.In a desperate attempt to win back his title and respect, Roman challenges the new reigning champion to a rematch, but Ezra Delgado only wants one thing from Roman. His pride. Roman has more enemies than he can count in the form of hostile inmates, angry guards, and a corrupt warden who’d gladly see Roman dead so long as it made a profit. If he wants to survive, Roman will have to decide how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice for Ezra’s entertainment.From Best to Bested is a MM dark romance. This is a tale about defeat, surrender, and submission, then clawing a way back out. Please check content warnings at the beginning of the book.
This was a challenging book, I have to say! I was nervous because I have seen a lot of controversy regarding "dark romance", but I gave the author the benefit of the doubt once I saw that he (correctly) promoted it as a toxic romance. That gave me some ease, knowing he wasn't romanticizing such a horrible scenario.
That said, this is an amazing story. It takes you on a wild ride through Roman's fall from grace, partly because of his own mistakes but also partly because of the people involved in it. This is a man who does his best with whatever he gets, even if he doesn't know how to handle things every now and then. It was painful to see everything he endured, but that was the whole point.
I've followed the author for a while, but this is the first time I've read his stories, let alone listened to them! Bennet has an incredible style that surrounds you in a dark atmosphere, a different universe that doesn't let you go, a style that Cracknell knows how to develop even further with the cadence of his voice. Even I, who struggles with solely audio, found it irresistible to stop, and don't get me started on reading and listening at the same time!
From Best to Bested is already one of my favorite readings of the year. It is dark, alluring, horrific, and shows the worst and the best of the human psyche. A Gothic tale about men being the most dangerous predators, it also offers a glimmer of hope with an unconventional ending. I would read a sequel for sure if the author decided to write it, but it still shines as a stand-alone book.
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