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Credence Curse #3

Taming the Beast

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She refuses to love. He’ll stop at nothing to have her. Together, can they fulfill their deepest desires?

Hope Pippa knows her life is missing something. The curvy dancer has no love life, and wants to keep it that way to avoid getting hurt again. To live with herself, she hardens her heart and avoids intimacy at all costs, even if it cuts her off from her ultimate passions.

Elijah Beastie is on the prowl for a mate. When the tiger shifter meets Hope, he knows she’s the one his animal nature will stop at nothing to have. He seeks to capture her heart, confident he can protect her from any threat.

Together, Hope and Elijah make incredible new discoveries that change their lives forever. But can they handle the new world they’ve unleashed?

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First published May 3, 2016

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About the author

Sedona Venez

72 books540 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sedona Venez lives in New York City with her hot ex-military hubby--hooah--and their fur babies. She loves writing sizzling, sexy intricate stories about strong but broken characters who push limits, overcome their fears and risk it all for love.

Want a text alert when Sedona has a new release? Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
1,793 reviews107 followers
March 12, 2022
This didn't work for me the focus of this is more romance intended of world building and plot building. I think there was so much that could have been amazing in this book of it had been explored. For me I just couldn't connect with our characters and our amazing plot ideas don't really go anywhere.
Profile Image for Nella ☾ of Bookland.
905 reviews106 followers
September 26, 2021
2.5 stars

So Hope and Elijah are in love with each other but she won't give him a chance because her crazy ex boyfriend might try to kill him. Lots of sexual tension (and eventually sex) ensues, plus a not so interesting plot about a demon...?

This was definitely giving c. 2012 wattpad vibes. If you came for smut, this book delivers. World-building and plot? Not so much. To be fair, it's a series (same world, different characters each book) so I may be missing key information. But it's obvious that the romance is the main attraction.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,473 reviews53 followers
May 6, 2016
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*

TAMING BEASTIE by Sedona Venez

Hope Pippa is a dancer and choreographer in LA. She's only 25 but she is looking for something more in her life, so she goes back to New York to take some time out to rest and relax. Her best friend encourages her to let go of the past and to try enjoy herself. So she introduces her to Elijah, and a whole new world opens up. Her life changes and everything that she thought was just a myth....isn't. Not only does she have to accept that she is not who she thought she was, but she has to try distance herself from the man she loves because of her psycho ex.

Elijah Beastie has known Hope for over a year and knows she belongs to him. She's his mate and he will do whatever he needs to to have her, but he also knows pushing her too hard will send her running. He needs to explain to her who he is and about his shifter side. Then she will know he can protect her and maybe then they will have a chance. But his running out of time, his tiger is getting restless and wants his mate.

Can Elijah and Hope sort out their differences? Will Hope see him for who he is, and what he has to offer her before her ex gets a chance to stop him. Can true love stand the test of time?


This is book 2.5 in the Credence Curse World series. This is the first book I've read in this series, and the author does a great job trying to bring everyone up to speed. It's a short read but I loved the storyline, it was intriguing and entertaining. The characters are awesome, and I love the dialogue. Elijah and Hope have such an intense chemistry, which comes across perfectly. This book is filled with action, drama, and romance. However there were a few things I wasn't overly keen on, but they are my preferences and doesn't take anything away from the story. Overall an interesting and enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,696 reviews35 followers
May 3, 2016
Wow, just wow
This book has so many elements of the wow factor that it’s hard to describe. Starting off with a “Human” woman (Hope Pippa) that due to a past experience with an old flame doesn’t want to trust herself to another relationship in fear said old flame will kill anyone who get close to her. When she finds out he’s been released from the mental facility things get worse. We have her best friend who’s a wolf shifter, but Hope doesn’t know anything about the “Others” of the world. The we have Elijah who is who is a Tiger shifter and Hope is his true mate. The two have been doing a flirting dance for a year now. And then back to Hope who has no Idea that she herself is an “Other” but not even Elijah knows what she is. We do find out and that’s when a whole world of action starts to happen. This may be a self-contained story but I can’t wait to read the next to find out what happens. This is a very well written and extremely entertaining story to read. High praises to the author and job well done.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,713 reviews17 followers
May 7, 2016
I received this for an honest review. If you have not read any books by Sedona Venez then you are missing out. I just love her books.

This was an interesting story. Hope did not know the supernatural even existed. Her and her best friend had always joked around about such matters. Let me tell you a little about Hope. She was this beautiful curvy woman that was a dancer. She missed having a mother and a father for hers were dead. She did have an uncle that she loved so dearly.

Hope had a crazy ex who had tried to kill her. She was afraid to get in any relationship in fear of what he might do. She was having dreams of this tiger it was not until recent that this tiger became someone she knew. Hope had it bad for a man name Elijah. Elijah had made his feelings know to Hope but seem to try to push him away.

Elijah was this tiger shifter. He knew that Hope was his mate. He was so happy to have found her. He wants so badly to claim her. Hope was really making him work for it. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she would be his.

Things get dangerous for Hope. It becomes very difficult for Elijah to keep her safe. His much rely on the ones he works with for help. Elijah will do what ever it takes to keep her safe.

This book will get hot and steamy. It will have the parts that may you swoon. Will will have love and danger. You will love how the Tiger is protective and will defend what is his.
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,575 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2020
Taming the Beast has a great plot and exciting characters, but one necessary thing is missing, which I think is essential for any paranormal story...ACTION!

Hope Pippa and Elijah Beastie have the hots for each other, but Hope fears her crazy ex. Carter will kill or maim Elijah should she pursue a relationship with him. Hope has maintained her social distance from Elijah for the year they have known each other and doesn't know Elijah is a tiger shifter--or that shifters, vampires, demons (Others) exist. Let alone that Elijah is a bada$$ hunter working for Rogue hunting down Others. OR SO WE ARE LED TO BELIEVE!

With Hope's ex Carter much-heralded release from the mental hospital, I was prepared for his release to kick this story up a notch. That didn't happen. Carter is killed in the blink of an eye, and the details are nill. Much to my disappointment. We never get to read how bada$$ Elijah supposedly is! It's over in less than a paragraph, and he and Hope move on as if Carter never existed ("He who shall not be named again"). INSANE!

Moving on to Hope and her learning what she is in the paranormal world. Hope learns that the Demons and Fae are out to get her, literally. When an attempt is made to take Hope, once again, Elijah has the opportunity to flex his muscle. Instead, Twitch and Kraven eliminate the problem before Elijah even has a chance to get out of the car! More importantly, again, we are denied any details, action, or blood drawn between the shifters and the demons or Others. FRUSTRATING!

Hope and Elijah's intimate scenes are nothing to write home about. The characters are not very well developed and since Taming the Beast is book 3 in the Credence Curse series, I have my suspicions that this is not an action or suspenseful series. Take it or leave it.

On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Patty.
4,373 reviews39 followers
November 13, 2020
Taming the Beast
Credence Curse, Book 2
By: Sedona Venez
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross

Hope is a dancer, and though not looking for love knows there is something missing from her life. Elijah walks in and knows from the minute he meets her, she is his mate. And the real dance begins. Elijah has his work cut out for him to try and get past Hope's trust issues, but he is determined. When danger comes to Hope though, secrets are revealed, and she learns not only who her true mate is, but who she is as well. Will he be able to keep her safe? We are taken into this world of the supernatural. Shifters, demons and fae are all around. And what Elijah and Hope find out is life changing. Interesting characters, passionate love, lurking evil all keep this story captivating. It's a steamy, fun listen and leaves you needing the next book!

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross bring these characters to life. This team always has fantastic listens, and this one is no exception. Kai as Hope is strong, confident and her voice lets emotes all the vulnerable and adaptable feelings she has. This character goes through so much, and Kai captures it all with her voice. Wen is that strong alpha Tiger that Elijah is. Sweet, tender, strong, passionate and protective, he brings it all out in Elijah. These two made the listen for me.
Profile Image for Christi Fowler.
1,513 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2021
Title: Taming the Beast
Author: Sedona Venez
Format: Audio
Narrators: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifters, Action, Suspense, Military
Standalone: Kinda
Part of a Series: Part of the Credence Curse World
POV: Hope and Elijah
Steam Level: Hot
4/5

Taming the Beast is the first book I've read by Sedona Venez and I honestly can't tell if it's a standalone or a cliffhanger. While several storylines remain open, Hope and Elijah's story seems to have finished. This has the potential to be a great series with action, suspense and humor. Overall, I liked Taming the Beast but also wanted more.

I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Katie Kaste.
1,598 reviews
February 20, 2024
Hope and Elijah meet a year ago and she has been resistant to his charms. Elijah is tired of waiting on his mate. Hope learns of demons and Elijah learns of Hope’s ex. These two finally put all their cards on the table and try to find love. I have enjoyed all the books in this series. I wanted this one to be a little longer. I wanted a little more development with Hope and what she discovers. But it was a solid paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Karen.
68 reviews
October 14, 2019
A could not finish this !

You had a good plot, however using God name in the same sentence as #&%$ is blasphemous. So when you stop saying things like a Oh my #&$% god I may read another one of your books. There are other phrases you can use the won’t offend your readers like What the #&%% or D#&% which is still cursing but not blasphemous 🙁
Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
4,317 reviews40 followers
February 14, 2021
This book had so many different aspects from the paranormal world. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and the storyline. The characters had fantastic personalities and the leading lady was no pushover. With a fantastic performance from both Kai and Wen they really embraced the characters.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
Profile Image for CD Keith.
389 reviews17 followers
July 22, 2017
Great Spin-off

A fae and tiger, oh my. Elijah and Hope are finally together and happy, but the story ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for Hope to meet the Credence girl's either.
132 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2018
Beast finds his mate!

Enjoyed the sexy, humor in Hope!
Fierce, dominating alpha in Elijah!
Ended to guickly! Just as Hope finds
the truth ! Would have enjoyed a few
more chapters delving into the Demons,
Shadows & Hope turning into a Fae!
675 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2019
Hope is a human who doesn't know about the paranormal beings around her. Elijah is a tiger shifter who doesn't think he's good enough for a true mate. Can these two find happiness together with all the challenges in their way? I highly recommend this book and series
Profile Image for Teresa Taylor.
14 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2019
Left wanting a little

As I read this installment, I was left wanting a little more. There were a lot of duplicated scenes from the previous books. I dont know if this was done on purpose, but it is the only reason for only 4 stars. I am otherwise enjoying the series thus far
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews48 followers
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read, Hope is so funny even though she is running from a abusive past that once you listen to the story you find out there is so much more involved. While this is book two for the series I was not lost on the storyline. The narrator did a great job.
1,167 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2021
A Shifter romance between Hope and Elijah. Her dreams of a tiger haunts her. When Elijah finds her, he claims Hope as his mate. He's very protective of Hope. The story is sexy steamy, full of danger.
Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott narration is very good.
🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer.
Profile Image for crystal smith.
697 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2020
Awesome

Great story I hope they find out who has lighting. I'm glad hope can love again with out fear anymore
Profile Image for Sonya Williams.
804 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2020
Interesting...

Good storyline, but missing something. Elijah and Hope have sexual chemistry. Although the book can be read as a standalone, but clearly I am missing something.
35 reviews
February 3, 2021
Didn't really moved me

This book could have been much better full stop. It lack personal emotions and all about sex not enough action. Just didn't do it for me.
21 reviews
February 18, 2021
I liked the heat between Elijah and Hope and I liked that they had known each other for a year before their passion finally exploded. Hope's backstory was promising but fell a little flat for me once she discovered she was Fae. I think there was a missed opportunity to enrich her backstory with more information about her mother and father. What we got was a little information about her mother. I hope we get more information about her in the next book.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,264 reviews34 followers
May 3, 2016
TAMING BEASTIE {A Credence Curse World Novel}-HEART-STIRRING, ACTION & SIZZLING ROMANCE!

What you’ll find in the story: a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters; fantastic story-line, breathtaking vivid scene descriptions, phenomenal banter, camaraderie, action, gripping suspense, horrific danger, life threatening incidents, tear-jerking moments, earth shattering heart-throbbing sensual romance, and a heart-melting conclusion leaving you wanting more.

Hope, a gorgeous woman of color with striking blue-eyes and a curvaceous body is a dancer, and famous choreographer has quit her job after seven years to reevaluate her life. A jealous insane ex boyfriend tried to kill Hope and threatened to kill any lover she would be with, keeping her from any relationships for the past two years. Hope’s best friend Harper, knows her past and keeps telling her she should pursue a relationship with her friend Elijah. Elijah has been in Hope’s nightly dreams since she met him a year ago, but keeps her feelings tucked away to protect the sultry powerful alpha male. Elijah knew from the moment he met Hope that she was his mate and has been giving her time to warm up to him. Hope is in for the shock of her life when she discovers what she is and experiences first hand that supernatural beings exist. Spine-chilling danger is coming for Hope and Elijah will do anything to protect the woman who has captured his heart forever...

WOW/SPECTACULAR fast paced well written exhilarating read by a truly gifted author. The characters are awesome as they spring to life with fantastic dialogue, intriguing plot, and action keeping you hooked to the story from start to finish. Hope has a lion-hearted persona and Beastie is a most gallant hero. The two are perfect together and their intoxicating romance is filled with fiery passion. If you treasure shifter fantasy this is a fabulous addition to your library. I await the next book in this most enthralling series. {I was gifted this book, and this is my honest review}. In the world of shifter romance, the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservation I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,030 reviews31 followers
May 5, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. Even though this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.

In this book we meet Elijah Beastie and Hope Pippa. In this book Hope is looking for something more for her life. She doesn't know what it is yet but she knows that she is growing restless in her job as a dancer and choreographer. The only things she does know is she needs to keep one step ahead of her psycho ex and that means no attachments. The problem with this is she really really wants Elijah she just isn't sure she is strong enough to handle anything happening to him. Carter really did a number on her and when he killed the first man she dated and tried to kill her she knew she had to harden her heart and keep everyone at a distance. The problem is when the man that you wants invades your dreams how much longer can you keep him at arms length no matter how much you want to protect him?

Elijah will do anything to have his mate but he knows if he pushes to hard to fast he will loose her forever. Elijah isn't what he seems though and if he can just get his mate to understand how strong he is and that he can protect her from anything they might just have a chance. However he first need to get her to understand his wilder side. He knows that Hope doesn't know anything about shifters and that is the first of many things he needs to reveal to her. The more time he waits though the less patient his tiger becomes. Can he get his mate and show her all he has to offer her or will her ex stop him from ever getting his chance?

This is a fabulous book that lets us know that their are shifters in this book but doesn't have the story revolve around that fact. In this book Elijah knows there is something special about his mate but until he reveals that they are mates and what that means he knows he will only know surface things about Hope. This book is full of twists and turns that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
521 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2016
I have been waiting for the third book in Credence Series and this book fit in perfectly. I know its not the third book but it was just as spicy. Its good that I read the other books because you have a feel for the characters and the new characters fit in just as nice. I love that Elijah never gave up on his mate. I honestly don't blame Hope for having her guards up to protect Elijah. (Did I mention that Elijah is a mighty tiger shifter alpha?) Her crazy ex stalker boyfriend is cra-cra as the young kids would say.

I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning. Ms. Sedona is worming herself into one of my favorite story teller. I truly feel like I'm actually there. I go through the emotions.

Hope is a very strong woman. She has endured a lot in her life to be so young. I love the chemistry between her and her best friend Harper. Let me say before I forget, I wish I could experience one of those parties Ryker throws for his charity. The kinky parties, you guessed it. And this year Harper was in charge due to her being his right hand woman, assistant and a mighty fine shewolf who knows how to throw down. And for two, she had those skinny heffas swallowing their words when they saw Hope, a cury, sexy diva with a little meat shake that booty shaker and have all the mighty alphas run to her stage. But she had eyes only for one...and I love when she bent down and whispers in his ear what took him so long...this my friends was the beginning of the first day of her HEA. Now, don't get me wrong, they have an adventure. Hope finds out their is something special about her and that everything isn't always what it appears to be. This book is very well written....okay enough, I don't want to spill the beans but trust me when I say you wont be dissapointed. You might be holding your breath or squeezing your legs tight. But its well worth it.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,776 reviews39 followers
May 6, 2016
Taming Beastie by Sedona Venez

Designation: Book 2.5 in the Credence Curse series, author states parts must be read in order

Sedona Venez is not a new author for me and although this is book 2.5 in the Credence Curse series, I picked it up first before any of the other books.

This starts out in Hope’s dream and where there is a tiger which turns in to Elijah. The think is Hope has never met a shifter and so she thinks it’s just a crazy dream. The reality is that Elijah is really a tiger shifter and from the moment he saw Hope he knew one day she would be his. Hope was nearly killed by an ex so she is not one to get mixed up with guys and even though there is a spark with Elijah, she is afraid that her ex will kill him if she agrees to date him.

I have to say that I’m still on the fence with the paranormal genre, but I really enjoyed this one. It was more focused on Hope’s journey of discovery that there are other worlds and beings besides humans. Also, surprisingly Elijah was a strong Alpha, but not over the top. And even though there are definitely things that I need to learn from the other books, it was more of a feeling of enjoying this so much and wanting to see what else is happening to the characters rather than feeling completely lost by not reading the other books. Since this book is part of a series there is more to come as they continue to battle, but it does not end on a cliffhanger in my opinion. Very well done Sedona!

*REVIEW STARS*
Hero: Elijah 5 stars
Heroine: Hope 5 stars
Steam Level:4 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Overall: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: no

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,011 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2016
Taming Has Never Been so Sweet!

I will always say the same, felines are way hot they are so passionate! This looks to be the beginning of a great series.

Hope Pippa is a very sexy ebony beauty, she has made a name for herself as a great dancer, but a very evil sadistic ex has put a damper on her life. Even her wildest fantasy she keeps at arms length and only dreams of passionate interludes with him. She fears having a relationship with him and endangering his life. But Hope's life is suddenly turned 180 degrees, not only does her fantasy come to life, but she discovers her whole life has been a lie and everything around her isn't what she thought.

Elijah Beastie is a very powerful sex on a stick tiger shifter and he has known for the past year that the beautiful exotic Hope is his mate, but he has given her the space she has requested even though he knows she wants him. All that is about to change because the waiting is coming to an end and he will claim his mate. She is the only woman that can tame his beast, but he soon discovers that there is more to Hope than meets the eye. And he vows to help her accept her role in life and protect her from those that would do her harm.

I absolutely love Elijah, he is so passionate and sexy and what a mouth on that man! I can't wait to read more books in this riveting series and follow Hope through her journeys into a world new to her.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,090 reviews48 followers
May 3, 2016
Hope is a wonderfully well written character. Tall with curves she still manages to be a hot shot choreographer and puts all those who diss her larger than usual body in their place. BUt she does have demons. Carter, her ex boyfriend, stalked her and almost killed her a few years ago so she has a real problem trying to have a relationship. She is terrified that he will escape and kill...again.

Harper is her bestie but has yet to let her on on the fact that she is well...not human!!! When Carter gets released from the hospital Hope realises her time is up. He's coming for her, she just doesn't know when.

Elijah is a tiger shifter and has been patiently waiting for over a year for his mate to realise what he is. He understands that she is not quite as human as she thinks she is but he's not real sure what she is either!!! When he decides to make his move and claim his mate, his timing could not be better. her psychotic ex needs dealing with and he's just the shifter to do it!

This is a stand alone story in the "Credence" world. Very well written and superbly real life feel to the characters. Harper is the adorable best friend and the Rogue team are hot stuff!!!! I can't wait to meet them again!!! There was a lot of..exhibitionism/voyeurism, though not with the main characters, so if that's not your thing then you might want to give this one a swerve.
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