The Beast I Loved

A Battered Woman's Desperate Struggle to Survive

By: Robert Davidson

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Before domestic violence hotlines and safe houses were widespread, June Briand shot four bullets into her husband's head and was sentenced to 15 years to life. This is the shocking, true story of survival - and the intense bond June shared with her pathologically violent husband, a monster who physically and sexually tortured, degraded, and dominated her so relentlessly she refused to believe he was dead even after she killed him.

What kind of woman would slay her own husband? What kind of man would drive her to do it? Why didn't she just leave him?

Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case, the author explores those difficult questions while exposing the twisted dynamics of a relationship that enslaves a woman - and drives her to kill the beast she loved when she was finally out of hope, out of time, and out of her mind.

At once terrifying and maddening, heartrending and ultimately exhilarating - including an unforgettable glimpse inside a maximum-security prison - The Beast I Loved is an audiobook you won't soon forget.

©2018 WildBlue Press (P)2018 WildBlue Press

Glad This Story Was Told

This was such a challenging story to hear...not because of the narration, but that my heart was so heavy from hearing of this woman's turmoil and abuse.....and not just for June, but for Pam and Janna who witnessed this abuse and was even abused themselves. I hope by June sharing her story that it will enlighten more women (not just women, but men and children) who are abused to get the help that they need and the shelter away from the madness.

As always, Kevin Pierce did a phenomenal job narrating this book and did much better at relaying this message than I ever could, through me wiping away my tears. Thank you Kevin for bringing life to this horrible story


This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom

Wonderful writing

Wonderful writing such a heartbreaking story. I was sad with some the decisions that she made but the world did change quite a lot from the 80’s to the 90’s so there were limitations that she couldn’t control! I’m so glad there’s awareness now & this story is why it’s so wrong for people to fake or embellish or “me too” when they could have had a situation like this! Thx for bringing it to light!

HE'S LUCKY I....

He's lucky I wasn't there to kick his a$$. I am one who always yells at the TV, screaming, "OMG how can you put up with this, beat him senseless!" but of course it's easy to say a lot of things when you haven't gone through it. It's one of those scenarios that I've tossed around in my mind probably thousands of times... .what would I really do if... But, I know, unless you've gone through it, you just don't know. So, I give ultimate respect to those that have been through this. It makes me mad, it makes me want to punish... but then, am I any better than the punisher?
This is a great book, with great narration, I don't have anything bad to say about it whatsoever, it's a great and powerful story everyone should read/listen to :) Captivating. Enthralling. Scary as hell. Real as hell.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Great book and Narration

I like so many was hesitant to listen do to the narrator being a man. You won’t be disappointed. Kevin Pierce really brought the story to life!

Hard to take in, but necessary

The story of June's life is absolutely horrifying. Thankfully I have never been in a abusive relationship; I wasn't even spanked as a child, so violence does not register for me as a means to expressing inner turmoil. I had (up until a few years ago) been one of those women thinking, "Why doesn't she just leave him?" or that I would not have let the abuse start in the first place because there HAD to have been red flags in the earlier stages of the relationship. But are listening to this story I now see how complex it really is. I thank June for sharing her story, but I wonder where she is now. How have the past few years been for her?

A Horror Story at least

After listening to this book, I thought about it for days. What horror this woman suffered at the hands of a monster. She didn't deserve one minute behind bars. This was definite case of justifiable homicide. I would've done the same thing but far sooner. June is an inspiration to women. The narration was excellent.

Compelling

The life of this woman and her beloved children is shocking..the fact that she survived her sick husband for even 1 year, let alone 6, is nothing short of amazing. Thank God the justice system came to their senses for June to live a happy, normal life

Great insight of what kept quiet domestic abuse

oh my goodness, is all I can truly say, I felt the anger from Jimmys insecurity on every page...just to think June woke up daily not knowing how far Jimmy would go...so heartbreaking, but good ending

Horrifying!

How anyone can survive such a long time in this kind of life is beyond me. I found myself getting emotionally involved. Get ready to cry!

Battered women syndrome

Never have I listened to an audiobook that brought tears to my eyes. In all my 65 years I have been lucky to never have experienced such a horrific experience in my life and now I understand just how and why women stay in this kind of relationship it’s not a choice of their on but a choice of survival. I pray June has been able to reconnect with her children and have a positive impact on their life. I’m happy that she found a man who will treat her with the respect she so deserves.
Wonderfully written.
I received this free of charge from the author or narrator for an honest review.