I read each of these books as they came out but decided to review them together because you will not be able to read the first without wanting to jump right into the second.The story of Michael and Hayden starts at the Devil's Blaze MC after Beast's (Michael) devastating loss of his daughter to a fire that also burned him badly in his attempt to save her. Beast is trying to get back to living, even if he is faking his smiles and his want to keep living. A horrible comment from a girl at the compound shows Beast that he needs get away from all the pain, internal and external. He takes the barn next to Pistol's sister both as a way to get away and a final favor to Skull when he promises to look in on the girl. Hayden hasn't had it easy in life being saddled with a brother like Pistol and being sold to Blade a sadistic monster. She just wants peace and quiet and to be allowed to give birth to her daughter. That is until Beast shows up.Jordan Marie took two extremely damaged people and gave them a sometimes beautiful, sometimes horrific, sometimes humorous but always engrossing story. Hayden is a character that you can't help but want to pity yet you can see the backbone of steel that hides behind the anxious woman. Michael is a grizzled, seen way to much of the world man. Some of the things he has seen are things that he has done, some are circumstances that have been thrust upon him but they have all left an indelible mark on his mind and his heart. He thinks that he is incapable and underserving of love and you can't fault that thinking even when you know it is wrong.The story, arching over the two books is well developed with complex characters that will keep you reading very late into the night. The danger is high with enemies and allies coming from all sides, the sex scenes are sensual and dirty. Jordan Marie has the perfect touch when it comes to the gritty, down and dirty of MC life and personalities. Her Devil's Blaze books are always a fantastic read and Beast and Beauty are no exceptions. These two are raw, real, exciting filled with action (in and out of the bedroom), heartbreak, laughs, and love.