Prologue: A Mother's Farewell

Grim, known as Kate, pens a letter to her daughter Iris, explaining her imminent departure to rescue her sister Christy from dangerous men. She entrusts Iris to friends, knowing she may never return. The letter is both a confession and a gift: the story of her love with Beast, Iris's father. Kate reflects on fate, the coin toss that shaped her life, and the inevitability of her bond with Beast. The prologue sets a tone of sacrifice, love, and the weight of choices, foreshadowing the story's blend of violence and devotion. It's a mother's attempt to make sense of her dangerous world and to pass on the truth of her and Beast's imperfect, hard-won fairy tale.

Kiss Fight Beginnings

Kate, daughter of crime boss Carter Davidson, trains with Beast, her father's enforcer and her bodyguard. Their relationship is a volatile mix of banter, sexual tension, and mutual respect. Kate, nearly eighteen, is determined to prove herself in the brutal world of Tales, the underground fight club her father rules. Beast, both protector and provocateur, keeps her at arm's length, citing her age and his loyalty to Carter. Their sparring is physical and verbal, each pushing the other's boundaries. The chapter establishes their chemistry, the rules of their world, and the looming question: will they remain adversaries, allies, or something more?

Blood and Loyalty

Beast interrogates a traitor in the club's basement, revealing his capacity for brutality and his unexpected compassion. The man's silence is broken only when Beast promises to protect his innocent sister, showing Beast's code: loyalty to the innocent, ruthlessness to the guilty. Carter's world is one of shifting alliances and constant danger, and Beast's actions blur the line between monster and savior. Meanwhile, Kate's independence and recklessness draw her deeper into the club's violence, and Beast's role as her protector becomes more complicated. The chapter explores the cost of loyalty and the ways violence shapes identity.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Tested

Kate's night out with friends turns tense when Beast arrives to retrieve her, jealousy and protectiveness simmering beneath his gruff exterior. Their banter escalates into a dance—literally and figuratively—on a crowded club floor, where attraction and frustration reach a boiling point. The boundaries between bodyguard and ward, man and woman, blur. Beast's internal struggle is palpable: he wants Kate but refuses to cross the line, citing her age and his promise to Carter. Kate, bold and unafraid, pushes him to confront his feelings. Their connection is undeniable, but the world they inhabit punishes vulnerability.

The First Kill

Carter forces Kate to participate in the execution of a traitor, Saxon, as a rite of passage. The moment is a crucible: Kate hesitates, unable to pull the trigger, and Beast steps in, steadying her hand but ultimately taking the shot himself. Carter's disappointment is brutal, branding Kate as weak. The experience leaves her shaken, questioning her place in her father's world and her own capacity for violence. Beast's support is both comfort and torment, as he tries to shield her from the worst of their world while knowing she must harden to survive. The chapter marks a loss of innocence and a deepening of their bond.

Princesses Don't Cry

Kate grapples with the aftermath of the failed execution, feeling the sting of her father's contempt and her own perceived weakness. She seeks solace in the familiar—her books, her routines—but nothing can wash away the sense of failure. Beast, ever-present, tries to comfort her, sharing pieces of his own painful past. Their late-night conversation is raw and honest, revealing the wounds that drive them both. Kate's struggle is not just with her father's expectations but with her own identity: can she be both ruthless and compassionate, both Grim and Kate?

Medicine and Mayhem

After a violent confrontation with Carter, Kate's anger boils over. Beast is tasked with taking her to the shooting range, a punishment and a lesson. Their dynamic is fraught: Kate resents his authority, Beast resents his own desire. In the quiet of the medical room, as Beast tends to her wounds, the tension between them is electric. Their banter masks deeper feelings, and the lines between protector and lover blur further. The chapter is a study in contrasts: violence and tenderness, punishment and care, longing and restraint.

Secrets and Lies

Beast takes Kate to a secret speakeasy, a rare moment of luxury and intimacy in their brutal world. Over a sumptuous meal, their flirtation becomes a game of push and pull, each testing the other's limits. The setting is a respite, but the undercurrents of danger and secrecy remain. Beast's reputation as a lover, Kate's inexperience, and the ever-present threat of Carter's disapproval hang over them. The chapter is a dance of words and glances, a prelude to choices that will have lasting consequences.

Temptation's Edge

The tension between Kate and Beast reaches a breaking point. Kate, emboldened, tries to seduce Beast, laying bare her desire and her frustration with his self-imposed restraint. Beast, tormented by his promise to Carter and his own moral code, refuses her, even as his body betrays him. The rejection is painful for both, leaving them raw and exposed. The chapter is a meditation on temptation, the cost of loyalty, and the agony of wanting what you cannot have. Their relationship is at a crossroads, and the choices they make will shape their future.

The Queen's Test

Carter's birthday "gift" to Kate is a deadly spectacle: a fight to the death between Beast and Derby, the King's enforcer. The rules are changed, weapons are introduced, and the stakes are higher than ever. Kate is forced to toss the coin that will decide Beast's fate, a cruel echo of the coin toss that shaped her own life. The fight is brutal, and Beast is pushed to his limits. The spectacle is a test—not just of Beast's strength, but of Kate's resolve, her loyalty, and her capacity for leadership. The chapter is a crucible, forging Kate into the queen she was meant to be.

Family and Betrayal

In the aftermath of the fight, secrets come to light: Carter's debts, his willingness to sell Kate to the King, and the true nature of Beast's loyalty. Kate is forced to confront the reality of her father's betrayal and the cost of survival in their world. Beast, battered but alive, must choose between love and loyalty, between protecting Kate and honoring his word. The chapter is a reckoning, as family ties are tested and the meaning of loyalty is redefined.

Death in the Cage

The fight ends in blood and death. Beast, pushed to the brink, kills Derby and, in a final act of defiance, Carter. The violence is both an act of love and a declaration of war. Kate, witnessing the deaths of her father and Derby, is left to pick up the pieces. The chapter is a turning point: the end of childhood, the end of old loyalties, and the beginning of a new, uncertain reign. The cost of power is made clear, and the path forward is fraught with danger.

Aftermath: Hearts and Guns

In the bloody aftermath, Kate is forced to choose between love and power, between vengeance and mercy. The King reveals his hold over Tales, and Kate must navigate a world where every alliance is suspect. Beast, wounded and desperate, confesses his love, but Kate, hardened by loss and betrayal, cannot forgive him. The chapter ends with a gunshot—a promise broken, a heart shattered, and the future uncertain.

The Price of Power

The King reveals the contract that gives him control over Tales, demanding a price Kate cannot pay. The balance of power shifts, and Kate must decide how to navigate a world where every relationship is transactional. The cost of freedom is made explicit: two million pounds, or a lifetime of servitude. The chapter is a meditation on the price of power, the limits of loyalty, and the sacrifices required to survive.

Love, Loss, and War

Beast and Kate, both wounded by the night's events, confront the reality of their love and the impossibility of their future. Their promises—to each other, to Carter, to themselves—are tested and found wanting. The world they inhabit is one where love is a liability, and every connection is a potential weakness. The chapter is a lament for what might have been, and a call to arms for what must come next.

The King's Gambit

The King consolidates his power, offering protection in exchange for obedience. Kate, forced to play his game, must navigate a world where every move is watched and every word is a potential weapon. Beast, sidelined and broken, must find a way to protect Kate without sacrificing himself. The chapter is a chess match, with lives and hearts as the pieces.

A Promise in Ink

In a moment of vulnerability, Beast tattoos Kate's handprint over his heart, a permanent reminder of his love and his promise. The gesture is both a declaration and a plea: for forgiveness, for a future, for a chance to make things right. Kate, torn between love and duty, accepts the gesture but cannot forget the betrayals that brought them here. The chapter is a quiet interlude, a moment of hope in a world of violence.

The Last Kiss

Beast and Kate share a last, desperate kiss, a promise of love in the face of impossible odds. But the world they inhabit is unforgiving, and the cost of survival is high. As the story ends, Kate pulls the trigger, and the future is left hanging in the balance. The chapter is a testament to the power of love, the inevitability of loss, and the hope that, even in the darkest of worlds, a new story can begin.

Characters

Kate "Grim" Davidson

Kate is the daughter of Carter Davidson, raised in the violent world of Tales. She is intelligent, stubborn, and determined to prove herself in a world that sees her as both asset and liability. Her relationship with Beast is the emotional core of the story: he is her protector, her tormentor, and her greatest temptation. Kate's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the expectations of her father, the demands of her world, and her own desires. She is torn between compassion and ruthlessness, loyalty and independence, love and power. Her transformation from "Princess" to "Grim" to "Queen" is marked by loss, violence, and the hard-won realization that she must define herself on her own terms.

Beast (Roger Smith)

Beast is Carter's enforcer, a man shaped by violence and loss. His loyalty is absolute, but his heart is not as hardened as he pretends. Beast's relationship with Kate is fraught with tension: he is drawn to her but bound by his promise to her father. His internal conflict—between desire and duty, love and violence—drives much of the story's emotional arc. Beast is both monster and savior, capable of great brutality and unexpected tenderness. His past is marked by abandonment and grief, and his future is uncertain. The tattoo of Kate's hand over his heart is both a symbol of his devotion and a mark of his vulnerability.

Carter Davidson

Carter is the king of Tales, a man who rules through fear and cunning. He is both father and adversary to Kate, demanding loyalty and strength while undermining her confidence. Carter's love is conditional, his approval hard-won and easily lost. His willingness to sacrifice Kate for his own survival is the story's central betrayal, and his death is both a liberation and a wound. Carter embodies the dangers of unchecked power and the corrosive effects of a world built on violence.

The King

The King is a rival crime lord, a man whose charm masks a ruthless ambition. He is both ally and enemy, offering protection while demanding obedience. His interest in Kate is both personal and political, and his machinations drive much of the story's conflict. The King's control over Tales is a constant threat, and his willingness to exploit every weakness makes him a formidable foe. He is the embodiment of the world's dangers: seductive, unpredictable, and deadly.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez is Carter's new enforcer, a man eager to prove himself and quick to exploit any opportunity. His loyalty is to power, not people, and his actions often undermine both Carter and Beast. Rodriguez is a reminder that in this world, trust is a luxury and betrayal is always a possibility.

Hudson Freed

Hudson is Kate's best friend, a survivor of the care system with dreams of a better life. He is smart, resourceful, and fiercely protective of his brothers. Hudson's relationship with Kate is platonic but deeply important: he is her confidant, her anchor, and a reminder that not all men in her world are monsters. His presence is a counterpoint to the violence and cynicism of Tales.

Dom

Dom is one of Carter's trusted men, a fighter with a sharp tongue and a good heart. He provides comic relief and a sense of camaraderie, but he is also a reminder of the costs of loyalty in a violent world. Dom's friendship with Beast is genuine, and his support for Kate is unwavering.

Joey

Joey is the club's unofficial doctor, a man who patches up wounds both physical and emotional. He is a father figure to Beast and a source of advice for Kate. Joey's presence is a reminder that even in a world of violence, there is room for compassion and care.

Nadia

Nadia is the housekeeper, a surrogate mother to Kate and a rare source of stability. Her warmth and practicality provide a counterbalance to the chaos of the club. Nadia's presence is a reminder of the importance of home, even in a world built on blood.

Derby

Derby is the King's enforcer, a fighter whose reputation for violence is matched only by his skill. His arrival raises the stakes for Beast and Kate, and his death marks the end of an era. Derby is both a mirror and a warning: the fate that awaits those who live by the sword.

Plot Devices

Coin Toss of Fate

The recurring motif of the coin toss—"Tales you win, heads you lose"—serves as both a literal and symbolic device. It represents the illusion of choice in a world governed by violence and power, and the ways fate can be both arbitrary and inescapable. The coin toss shapes Kate's life, determines Beast's fate, and underscores the story's central question: can anyone truly escape their destiny?

Dual Narration and Perspective Shifts

The story alternates between Kate and Beast's perspectives, allowing readers to experience their internal struggles, desires, and fears. This dual narration deepens the emotional impact, highlights the misunderstandings and missed connections, and creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The shifting perspectives also allow for dramatic irony, as readers know more than the characters at key moments.

Violence as Rite of Passage

Violence is not just a backdrop but a crucible: characters are tested, transformed, and defined by their capacity for brutality. The forced execution, the fight to the death, and the constant threat of betrayal are all rites of passage, marking the transition from innocence to experience, from child to leader, from lover to killer.

Symbolic Tattoos

Tattoos are a recurring symbol of identity, loyalty, and love. Beast's tattoo of Kate's hand over his heart is a literal and figurative mark of his devotion, a promise made permanent. Tattoos serve as reminders of the past, declarations of intent, and shields against the world's dangers.

Power Struggles and Shifting Alliances

The story is driven by constant power struggles: between Kate and Carter, Beast and the King, loyalty and ambition. Alliances are fragile, trust is rare, and every relationship is a potential threat. The shifting balance of power keeps the stakes high and the outcome uncertain.

Foreshadowing and Circular Structure

The story is bookended by the prologue and the final confrontation, creating a sense of inevitability and tragedy. Foreshadowing is used throughout—Kate's letter, the coin toss, the warnings about betrayal—building tension and reinforcing the sense that, in this world, every choice has a cost.

Analysis

Tales You Win is a brutal, emotionally charged reimagining of the gangster romance, blending the violence of the underworld with the intimacy of a love story. At its core, the novel is about the cost of power: what must be sacrificed to survive, to lead, to love. Kate's journey from "Princess" to "Queen" is a meditation on agency, identity, and the ways women must navigate—and subvert—the rules of a world built to contain them. Beast's struggle is one of loyalty and self-forgiveness, as he learns that love can be both a weakness and a source of strength. The story interrogates the meaning of family, the limits of loyalty, and the possibility of redemption in a world where every relationship is a potential betrayal. The recurring motif of the coin toss underscores the tension between fate and choice, reminding readers that, in the end, survival is as much about luck as it is about strength. The novel's refusal to offer easy answers or tidy resolutions is its greatest strength: it is a story about the messiness of love, the inevitability of loss, and the hope that, even in the darkest of worlds, a new story can begin.

Last updated: September 9, 2025