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The Monster Keeps Me Safe
I didn’t know I was a captive. How could I? I didn’t have my memory. He could have told me anything about the world, and he did.
And I believed him.
Until the day a mysterious stranger showed up, killed the man I’d believed was my husband, and decided to take me with him.
I don’t know what he plans to do with me, but it can’t be anything good.
But at least the world still exists.
The Monster Keeps Me Safe is a dark romance standalone with an HEA and NO cliffhangers. This title was previously published as Tabula Rasa. This edition includes a new prologue and bonus epilogue.
And I believed him.
Until the day a mysterious stranger showed up, killed the man I’d believed was my husband, and decided to take me with him.
I don’t know what he plans to do with me, but it can’t be anything good.
But at least the world still exists.
The Monster Keeps Me Safe is a dark romance standalone with an HEA and NO cliffhangers. This title was previously published as Tabula Rasa. This edition includes a new prologue and bonus epilogue.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2023
100 people are currently reading
5055 people want to read
About the author
Kitty Thomas
56 books4,956 followers😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...
"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
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🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
NEW RELEASE:
RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...
"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads
"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads
"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads
Get a FREE ebook when you subscribe to my newsletter: https://kittythomas.com/free-book/
🔥 COMFORT FOOD, the OG Dark Romance: 🔥
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Food-K...
All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/comfort-...
🔥 BOOK OF THE WEEK: 🔥
For readers who like to share promotional images on their socials or in groups, you can get those here: https://bookbrush.com/reader-hub/Kitt...
Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.
Thank you for reading!
Kitty ^.^
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 15, 2023
When Kitty Thomas decided to republish The Monster Keeps Me Safe,it was a very good decision,because he really does…..
And even though i already have it in my library,i was still more than happy to buy this new edition.
Because,let’s face it,it’s Kitty Thomas we’re talking about,and you know she delivers each and every time!
Now republished,with a delicious prologue and new epilogue,this story remains as beautiful as before.
No,that’s not true….the epilogue gives a much needed insight into Shannon’s mind.
A very satisfying insight,one that most certainly adds to the already wonderful and delicious dark gem.
So,if you were already thinking about trying a Kitty Thomas story,now’s your chance!
If waking up without any trace of a memory isn’t scary enough,Elodie also seems to have a husband that frightens her.
Plus,he tells her the world collapsed,and they are on their own….
It takes time to get used to the idea of both facts,and she remains feeling uncomfortable,trapped even.
Until her world tilts on its axes yet again,and she’s forced to face a new situation yet again.
How to deal with that is a whole new challenge…..
Is she ready for it,and how it makes her feel?
In true Kitty style,this is a story that challenges you.
To face the f**ked up situation she puts the heroine in,and how said heroine faces it.
How the heroine goes through all of her options,and finds that while the only one may make her feel uncomfortable,it still is the one she prefers.
If by any chance you haven’t read this beauty,i suggest you go in blind.
Because you need to feel this rollercoaster-ride in all its dark glory with an open mind.
I did,and i enjoyed it….A LOT!
And even though i already have it in my library,i was still more than happy to buy this new edition.
Because,let’s face it,it’s Kitty Thomas we’re talking about,and you know she delivers each and every time!
Now republished,with a delicious prologue and new epilogue,this story remains as beautiful as before.
No,that’s not true….the epilogue gives a much needed insight into Shannon’s mind.
A very satisfying insight,one that most certainly adds to the already wonderful and delicious dark gem.
So,if you were already thinking about trying a Kitty Thomas story,now’s your chance!
If waking up without any trace of a memory isn’t scary enough,Elodie also seems to have a husband that frightens her.
Plus,he tells her the world collapsed,and they are on their own….
It takes time to get used to the idea of both facts,and she remains feeling uncomfortable,trapped even.
Until her world tilts on its axes yet again,and she’s forced to face a new situation yet again.
How to deal with that is a whole new challenge…..
Is she ready for it,and how it makes her feel?
In true Kitty style,this is a story that challenges you.
To face the f**ked up situation she puts the heroine in,and how said heroine faces it.
How the heroine goes through all of her options,and finds that while the only one may make her feel uncomfortable,it still is the one she prefers.
If by any chance you haven’t read this beauty,i suggest you go in blind.
Because you need to feel this rollercoaster-ride in all its dark glory with an open mind.
I did,and i enjoyed it….A LOT!
February 17, 2024
I LOVED IT
--
An absolute revelation.
Summary:
Waking on a fake shipwreck in an abandoned amusement park, Elodie remembers nothing of her former life. A man named Trevor tells her that he is her husband and that the world as she knew it was essentially destroyed in a solar flare. Her only companion, Elodie sees no option but to trust Trevor and embrace her new survivalist reality.
Six months later, Elodie learns that everything Trevor told her was a lie.
Rescued from Trevor, Elodie is now at the mercy of a new, even more dangerous, captor. But if Shannon is so terrifying, why does Elodie feel so safe around him? And what is hiding in her mysterious past?
Review:
My reading and writing focuses a lot on how romantic fantasies are actualized through the romance genre. This book? This is my fantasy (well, this and IPB, of course).
I am not the book boyfriend type. Usually, I can't relate to that as a concept. But Shannon... I want to live in a fancy monochromatic minimalist house with a dominant, merciless, sociopathic hitman who cleans his own home and doesn't name his cat and is obsessed with me because I'm the only person in the world who makes him feel anything and will protect me at all costs but also menace me 🥺🥺🥺
Besties, that's the dream. I'm in love.
THESE ❤️🔥 SCENES?? THIS IS HOW I ASPIRE TO WRITE. Perfection. Just... perfection.
TMKMS fits into my new favorite (dark) romance subgenre in which a heroine healing from trauma gets the love (and revenge) she deserves (see also Mindf*ck & Little Deaths).
In retrospect, there are a lot of plot-holes. Or I just missed a lot. For example, there are mentions of futuristic supply chain/storage practices (related to "just-in-time delivery")--idk if Trevor just completely made that up, but it's never really addressed or debunked. Elodie realizes: "Possibly just a few miles away, life as everyone had known it had been humming along without a hitch. Just-in-time delivery... still there. Electricity, running water... it was still all... still there." And that's it?
Other things are sprinkled in and skimmed over--Elodie's mysterious, rich dad, Shannon's urban exploration and parties, Trevor and Elodie pre-amnesia, Elodie's life before she ran away. Some of it could maybe be attributed to Elodie's memory loss and trauma, but not everything.
Overall, the plot was OTT dramatic, but not in a ridiculous, laughable way. TMKMS true strength is its romance.
Elodie is a very convenient captive. The story is set up so that--with no past and no resources--Elodie doesn't have any viable options but to go with Shannon and has no motivation to escape. Combined with the romance genre's conventions and Shannon's extraordinary devotion to Elodie, the reader can feel comfortable indulging in the fantasy of Elodie's captivity. Depending on the reader, this might be a good book for someone considering dipping their toe in the dark romance genre.
And, fuck me, the lines in this book...🥺
When the romance finally heated up--I swear every line stopped my heart and short-circuited my brain. This book had me fucking breathless.
Tropes:
-captive
-hitman
-amnesia
-fake relationship?
-cinnamon roll sociopath dom mmc
-one bed
-fmc healing from trauma gets the love (and revenge) she deserves
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅creative
✅engaging/entertaining
✅I loved it
❎doesn't foreground historically underrepresented voices
❎not innovative/subversive
Not quite *iconic* but I am giving it one bonus ⭐️ for Shannon / because these are some of the best written ❤️🔥 scenes I've ever read 🪦🥲 Depending how I feel about this book after some time passes, might change to 5⭐️
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--
An absolute revelation.
Summary:
Waking on a fake shipwreck in an abandoned amusement park, Elodie remembers nothing of her former life. A man named Trevor tells her that he is her husband and that the world as she knew it was essentially destroyed in a solar flare. Her only companion, Elodie sees no option but to trust Trevor and embrace her new survivalist reality.
Six months later, Elodie learns that everything Trevor told her was a lie.
Rescued from Trevor, Elodie is now at the mercy of a new, even more dangerous, captor. But if Shannon is so terrifying, why does Elodie feel so safe around him? And what is hiding in her mysterious past?
Review:
My reading and writing focuses a lot on how romantic fantasies are actualized through the romance genre. This book? This is my fantasy (well, this and IPB, of course).
I am not the book boyfriend type. Usually, I can't relate to that as a concept. But Shannon... I want to live in a fancy monochromatic minimalist house with a dominant, merciless, sociopathic hitman who cleans his own home and doesn't name his cat and is obsessed with me because I'm the only person in the world who makes him feel anything and will protect me at all costs but also menace me 🥺🥺🥺
Besties, that's the dream. I'm in love.
THESE ❤️🔥 SCENES?? THIS IS HOW I ASPIRE TO WRITE. Perfection. Just... perfection.
TMKMS fits into my new favorite (dark) romance subgenre in which a heroine healing from trauma gets the love (and revenge) she deserves (see also Mindf*ck & Little Deaths).
In retrospect, there are a lot of plot-holes. Or I just missed a lot. For example, there are mentions of futuristic supply chain/storage practices (related to "just-in-time delivery")--idk if Trevor just completely made that up, but it's never really addressed or debunked. Elodie realizes: "Possibly just a few miles away, life as everyone had known it had been humming along without a hitch. Just-in-time delivery... still there. Electricity, running water... it was still all... still there." And that's it?
Other things are sprinkled in and skimmed over--Elodie's mysterious, rich dad, Shannon's urban exploration and parties, Trevor and Elodie pre-amnesia, Elodie's life before she ran away. Some of it could maybe be attributed to Elodie's memory loss and trauma, but not everything.
Overall, the plot was OTT dramatic, but not in a ridiculous, laughable way. TMKMS true strength is its romance.
Elodie is a very convenient captive. The story is set up so that--with no past and no resources--Elodie doesn't have any viable options but to go with Shannon and has no motivation to escape. Combined with the romance genre's conventions and Shannon's extraordinary devotion to Elodie, the reader can feel comfortable indulging in the fantasy of Elodie's captivity. Depending on the reader, this might be a good book for someone considering dipping their toe in the dark romance genre.
And, fuck me, the lines in this book...🥺
When the romance finally heated up--I swear every line stopped my heart and short-circuited my brain. This book had me fucking breathless.
Tropes:
-captive
-hitman
-amnesia
-fake relationship?
-cinnamon roll sociopath dom mmc
-one bed
-fmc healing from trauma gets the love (and revenge) she deserves
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅creative
✅engaging/entertaining
✅I loved it
❎doesn't foreground historically underrepresented voices
❎not innovative/subversive
Not quite *iconic* but I am giving it one bonus ⭐️ for Shannon / because these are some of the best written ❤️🔥 scenes I've ever read 🪦🥲 Depending how I feel about this book after some time passes, might change to 5⭐️
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August 12, 2021
DRR: Day 1 B1
So, I've only read one Kitty Thomas book in the past. And that book got a 5 stars. Somehow I stopped picking up her book since then, mainly because I grew out from that bdsm phase.
This one was actually her old book Tabula Rasa (i.e. Blank Slate). So basically, there's this girl who woke up not with an amnesia on an abandoned theme park. A man who found her told her that he was her husband and they're in this this post apocalyptic world that destroyed the humanity.
That's all I'm willing to tell you. I'm sure you can guess the rest. I'll only leave this behind. The hero is a sociopath and I kinda love him, in a sick and twisted sort of way.
So, I've only read one Kitty Thomas book in the past. And that book got a 5 stars. Somehow I stopped picking up her book since then, mainly because I grew out from that bdsm phase.
This one was actually her old book Tabula Rasa (i.e. Blank Slate). So basically, there's this girl who woke up not with an amnesia on an abandoned theme park. A man who found her told her that he was her husband and they're in this this post apocalyptic world that destroyed the humanity.
That's all I'm willing to tell you. I'm sure you can guess the rest. I'll only leave this behind. The hero is a sociopath and I kinda love him, in a sick and twisted sort of way.
February 10, 2023
Imagine waking up and the world, as you know it has ended, the man there with you claims he is your husband, and you do not have any memory of this, it's a complete blank?
Elodie wakes and her past is an empty black hole, Trevor claims they are married, and they are living in an abandoned theme park, but she cannot remember this.
Along comes a dark figure, like a dark angel come to rescue her, and he drags her away from this messed up life.
Kitty Thomas has written a spectacular and deranged story about a person's reality being shattered by truth, honesty being covered with lies, and life being complicated with realism.
The new prologue was excellent, it gave us more insight into the story. But that bonus epilogue was so needed and wanted. It was like glimpsing into the future of Elodie and Shannon.
Beautifully written story!
Elodie wakes and her past is an empty black hole, Trevor claims they are married, and they are living in an abandoned theme park, but she cannot remember this.
Along comes a dark figure, like a dark angel come to rescue her, and he drags her away from this messed up life.
Kitty Thomas has written a spectacular and deranged story about a person's reality being shattered by truth, honesty being covered with lies, and life being complicated with realism.
The new prologue was excellent, it gave us more insight into the story. But that bonus epilogue was so needed and wanted. It was like glimpsing into the future of Elodie and Shannon.
Beautifully written story!
Read
February 17, 2023
Meet your new book boyfriend, contract killer, Shannon Mercer. He's never killed an innocent. Are YOU innocent? Then you have nothing to worry about.
Available at all major online retailers in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
Ebook $2.99 sale, Release Week Only.
Buy Links: (Print at B&N and Amazon):
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AUDIO ($3.99 sale):
BUY DIRECT FROM ME
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Not all retailers listed.
The Monster Keeps Me Safe:
I didn’t know I was a captive. How could I? I didn’t have my memory. He could have told me anything about the world, and he did.
And I believed him.
Until the day a mysterious stranger showed up, killed the man I’d believed was my husband, and decided to take me with him.
I don’t know what he plans to do with me, but it can’t be anything good.
But at least the world still exists.
What Readers Are Saying:
"I didn’t think I could love a cold unfeeling man, until now. I love how Kitty Thomas makes a character so flawed and yet never in need of improvement." - Ginger C, Amazon reviewer
"...a relationship driven dark romance with a twisted happily ever after like only Ms. Thomas can conjure up” – Darkreads, Goodreads
"For starters, she's got amnesia, which is not only a unique perspective but also a brilliant counterpoint to his sociopathy: She's a blank slate mentally in the same way he is emotionally, and that's the kind of profound storytelling choice that awakens the English major within!" -Dana Sweeney, Amazon Reviewer.
"Kitty Thomas is the queen of mind twisting demented stories that always seem to leave your mind reeling at the end of her books, and this book is no exception. " - Kellybear, Amazon Review
"I don't know how Kitty makes me feel like I'm in the heroine's shoes but I always connect so intensely with them. I feel like there is so much more I can say besides I loved this but words just don't seem to do it justice." -KM Ernst, Amazon Review
March 5, 2023
This didn't go how I expected but it was still interesting! I just never believed the HEA!
But very unique.
3 stars
3 on the spice scale.
But very unique.
3 stars
3 on the spice scale.
February 15, 2023
This is a renamed book. This book title was originally Tabula Rasa and I think the author did a great job with the new title which well he is a monster.
Per usual Kitty Thomas always deliver in angst, sexual situations, and an array of emotions. If you want to fall in love with a vilain this is one of the books for you
Recommend it
**just re-read this book with the add of prologue and epilogue and OMG you all need to add this book way up on your TBR**
Per usual Kitty Thomas always deliver in angst, sexual situations, and an array of emotions. If you want to fall in love with a vilain this is one of the books for you
Recommend it
**just re-read this book with the add of prologue and epilogue and OMG you all need to add this book way up on your TBR**
January 9, 2024
The premise had me hooked. FMC comes to in an abandoned amusement park with no memory of how she got there or who she is. A man claiming to be her husband tells her the world ended and they are living in a post apocalyptic wasteland. Yes! Give me all the twisty twists but womp womp after this amazing set up the author takes the FMC out of the spooky amusement park and into the regular world which surprise! was still chugging along. The husband wasn't her husband but some creepy stalker holding her hostage. Why she didn't she try to leave the park? Good question. No idea. She was a poorly developed doormat and unfortunately the entire book is in her POV and it is so much telling. So much. We get entire paragraphs about random people she comes across that add nothing to the story.
The MMC was also a cardboard cutout. We are told he's evil and murdery since he kills people and dismembers them. But since we only see him thru her eyes , he remains a one dimensional character. He rescues her but also keeps her hostage in his house where he has a sex dungeon because ofc. She regains her memories in the most anticlimactic way. And then it got weird. Like horror movie weird and she stabs someone to death. Then becomes suicidal and by that time I was so over all of it and skimmed to the end.
I love a murdery villanous MMC with no conscience but I also love showing not telling, relationship and character development and there was none of that here.
⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Amnesia
Kidnapping
Villain mmc
CW: this is dark and gory so proceed with caution
The MMC was also a cardboard cutout. We are told he's evil and murdery since he kills people and dismembers them. But since we only see him thru her eyes , he remains a one dimensional character. He rescues her but also keeps her hostage in his house where he has a sex dungeon because ofc. She regains her memories in the most anticlimactic way. And then it got weird. Like horror movie weird and she stabs someone to death. Then becomes suicidal and by that time I was so over all of it and skimmed to the end.
I love a murdery villanous MMC with no conscience but I also love showing not telling, relationship and character development and there was none of that here.
⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Amnesia
Kidnapping
Villain mmc
CW: this is dark and gory so proceed with caution
May 19, 2021
The Monster Keeps Me Safe offers a different take on Kitty Thomas' brand of dark romance. To me, this story is actually two stories in one. The first part is quite mind-bending and nothing is what it seems. I'm going to stay intentionally vague since it's best to go in blind. In the second part, we get more of a relationship driven dark romance with a twisted happily ever after like only Ms. Thomas can conjure up. The characters and their motivations are complex, the mystery is riveting and the romance is intense and twisted with a hefty dose of steam. A definite must read!
May 19, 2021
This is a rerelease of Kitty Thomas' book Tabula Rasa. I have to say that TR is one of my top 5 fave Kitty Thomas books. I'm really excited to see it come back out with a new title and a new cover. I think that the cover is completely gorgeous.
Elodie wakes up in a broken, rusted ride at an abandoned amusement park and doesn't remember a thing before she opened her eye. Trevor, the man who says he's her husband, finds her and tells her that the world has ended and they've found shelter in the castle of this old amusement park. When they get back to the castle and get it all shut up for the night, Trevor is angry that Elodie doesn't remember him and is afraid of him. After a few months, things seem to get better. At least until the night, Shannon shows up. Shannon is an urban explorer who walks into the castle, thinking he's just wandering into an empty building in an abandoned amusement park, only to find Elodie and Trevor.
Elodie and Shannon end up having an interesting relationship, while she tries to come to grips with what has happened. There is a lot of time when your mind isn't quite sure as to what is going to happen between the two of them. The first time I read it, I spent a lot of time wondering if she had walked into the fire from the frying pan or if she had managed to get away from that altogether.
I really enjoyed watching Elodie's journey to figure out who she is and what's going on.
This ending of this is very Kitty Thomas. And I think that's part of what makes it one of my favorite books of her. I really enjoyed the way it happened.
Elodie wakes up in a broken, rusted ride at an abandoned amusement park and doesn't remember a thing before she opened her eye. Trevor, the man who says he's her husband, finds her and tells her that the world has ended and they've found shelter in the castle of this old amusement park. When they get back to the castle and get it all shut up for the night, Trevor is angry that Elodie doesn't remember him and is afraid of him. After a few months, things seem to get better. At least until the night, Shannon shows up. Shannon is an urban explorer who walks into the castle, thinking he's just wandering into an empty building in an abandoned amusement park, only to find Elodie and Trevor.
Elodie and Shannon end up having an interesting relationship, while she tries to come to grips with what has happened. There is a lot of time when your mind isn't quite sure as to what is going to happen between the two of them. The first time I read it, I spent a lot of time wondering if she had walked into the fire from the frying pan or if she had managed to get away from that altogether.
I really enjoyed watching Elodie's journey to figure out who she is and what's going on.
This ending of this is very Kitty Thomas. And I think that's part of what makes it one of my favorite books of her. I really enjoyed the way it happened.
May 20, 2021
I read this book under its original title of Tabula Rasa. I loved it then, and the story is still the same. The author updated the cover and title as a rebranding. I do think that more people will get attracted by the new cover and title.
This story has some twists and turns, so I will be very vague about the story. But Elodie wakes up in a broken down pirate ship park ride without her memory. She has no idea about herself or what is going around her. Trevor comes over and tells her about an apocalypse. They are living in the amusement park off the food stores that were left (there are solar panels that keep the freezers running).
Kitty Thomas is an author that plays a lot of psychological games with her readers. She has a lot of twists and turns. She writes amazing characters that I always fall in love with. While her heroines are sometimes in a bad place at some point (there is some dubious consent in this story). I always enjoy where they end up in the end. She is great at pushing by boundaries.
Like I said, I had read this book before, but it was just as good the second time around. I love stories that I can revisit and still enjoy them the second time around.
**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This story has some twists and turns, so I will be very vague about the story. But Elodie wakes up in a broken down pirate ship park ride without her memory. She has no idea about herself or what is going around her. Trevor comes over and tells her about an apocalypse. They are living in the amusement park off the food stores that were left (there are solar panels that keep the freezers running).
Kitty Thomas is an author that plays a lot of psychological games with her readers. She has a lot of twists and turns. She writes amazing characters that I always fall in love with. While her heroines are sometimes in a bad place at some point (there is some dubious consent in this story). I always enjoy where they end up in the end. She is great at pushing by boundaries.
Like I said, I had read this book before, but it was just as good the second time around. I love stories that I can revisit and still enjoy them the second time around.
**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 11, 2021
I already read this as Tabula Rasa. Why do authors do this? People don't always read the blurbs. They just see that an author has a new book out and buy it only to find out it's a story they already read and then they leave nasty reviews.
May 19, 2021
OMG 🤭 This book (Originally Titled Tabula Rasa) is most definitely another book gem 💎 in the Kitty Thomas collection 🖤 This story kept me guessing!! Just when I thought it was going to go in one direction, it went in another, and I was ALL IN!! Elodie, our main female character, was fantastic!! She is one of my favorites 💙 I love the fact that she was vulnerable, because of her situation, but smart and tough at the same time. She definitely wasn’t a shrinking Violet!! I felt like her thoughts and feelings were very realistic to each situation she faced throughout the story. Then, we have our main male character 😍🔥 I’m not going to give away his name here, because it will ruin the experience of his arrival 🖤 Lets just say, Kitty knows how to write a fantastic sociopath 😈 I could not put this baby down!!
Elodie wakes up, in an abandoned amusement park, with no memories of who she is or anything about her current/past life. A man, who claims to be her husband, finds her. He informs her that the world has ended, and they are the only two survivors at this amusement park. That is, until the day a tall, dark, dangerous and mysterious man shows up, and turns their world upside down……
I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🌷💙
Elodie wakes up, in an abandoned amusement park, with no memories of who she is or anything about her current/past life. A man, who claims to be her husband, finds her. He informs her that the world has ended, and they are the only two survivors at this amusement park. That is, until the day a tall, dark, dangerous and mysterious man shows up, and turns their world upside down……
I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🌷💙
May 19, 2021
“This was a fake fairy tale…and my tears weren’t magic.”
Imagine waking up in a strange location with no memories…no memories of your past, how you got there, or even your name. Where the only truth is what is told to you, and to be faced with decisions to either believe that person or to believe your instincts. I’m not going to do a summary of this story because it would lead to major spoilers!! I’ll just say that Kitty Thomas has a way of world building in her stories that draws you in, and you, the reader, believe the truths she is weaving.
I loved this story so much that I immediately started reading it again. I do believe I’ve found a tale I love more than her COMFORT FOOD. This dark journey had so many twists and turns it kept my heart racing. I can’t recommend this, as well as her other stories enough!
Note this title was previously published as Tabula Rasa
Imagine waking up in a strange location with no memories…no memories of your past, how you got there, or even your name. Where the only truth is what is told to you, and to be faced with decisions to either believe that person or to believe your instincts. I’m not going to do a summary of this story because it would lead to major spoilers!! I’ll just say that Kitty Thomas has a way of world building in her stories that draws you in, and you, the reader, believe the truths she is weaving.
I loved this story so much that I immediately started reading it again. I do believe I’ve found a tale I love more than her COMFORT FOOD. This dark journey had so many twists and turns it kept my heart racing. I can’t recommend this, as well as her other stories enough!
Note this title was previously published as Tabula Rasa
May 20, 2021
So this is a rebrand, not a rewrite, that I have to recommend if you like this author. There will be people who may not like it, but it really is a great read. I started reading Kitty Thomas's work more recently. So I haven't read too much of her older books yet, and you can tell she has grown as an author. That being said she also was a really great author before as well. I was still completely sucked in and could barely put the book down! This one felt a bit shorter then some of her other books, but also didn't slouch on an engaging story. Kitty Thomas is also known for her twists in her books, and this one was a doozy. In the end I think the story was they way it should've been. And if you want to know why I say that, then I suggest you go up and buy this book!
February 16, 2023
I have found a new man to add to my dark and twisted dream man list. Shannon is intense, slightly scary, demanding, and almost cold in his methodical way of life. Elodie is like a blank slate who has a core of strength even in her weak moments. The way they fit together feels right.
This story is twisted and dark, and HOT. There's some serious steam going on. I was sucked in and stayed up way too late because I didn't want to put it down. Ms. Thomas does a fabulous job of showing you the insights into her characters without bogging the reader down, and some of my favorite moments were when Elodie seemed to get lost in her thoughts. If you love dark romance, this one will make you very happy.
This story is twisted and dark, and HOT. There's some serious steam going on. I was sucked in and stayed up way too late because I didn't want to put it down. Ms. Thomas does a fabulous job of showing you the insights into her characters without bogging the reader down, and some of my favorite moments were when Elodie seemed to get lost in her thoughts. If you love dark romance, this one will make you very happy.
July 17, 2021
This was a wild ride and most aptly titled! The ups and downs, twists and turns, they keep coming as the story evolves. Our heroine, she is all over the place, when the only thing she wants is to be safe and cared for. She kinda, sorta, finds that, just not maybe as she expected. That is the centre of her development, her expectations versus her reality. She struggles to make them sync, and it is only after she aligns the two that she finds the peace she thought was out of reach. This will mess with your mind and have your emotions pinging all over the place, and it was deeply and disturbingly wonderful because of it!
May 20, 2021
Loved this book, it was a little different than other Kitty books I have read but it was great! I stayed intrigued and glued to my seat until I had read the whole thing. Of course it had some similarities with her other books, love the sociopath who has no feelings for anyone but that one special someone, reminded me of Brian and Mina from Broken Dolls. Absolutely love the nameless white cat in the story and how sassy she was. As with all of the books I have read by Kitty Thomas this one I know will stay with me for days or weeks in my head, they always keep me thinking long after I read the last sentence. I recommend this book to anyone who likes dark romance and dubious consent books.
June 1, 2021
I’m truly at a loss for words. This book is truly mind boggling, you really have to pay close attention otherwise you will get lost. I love this tile it fits perfectly. I must say that Elodie has been through hell and back with all the monsters she had to face, but there was only one who was upfront. I have to say that Shannon is more of her protector. They have grown and rubbed off on each other a bit. I love how Elodie’s curiosity lead her to unlocking her past and peaked into deviant side. Above all I loved that Shannon finally was able to express his feelings.
February 12, 2023
This was excellent, 5 dark and dirty stars!
There's something about a slightly sociopathic hero that really works for me and Shannon hit all my buttons. The new epilogue was particularly great, I adored his perspective and would love to read more from him in the future.
There's something about a slightly sociopathic hero that really works for me and Shannon hit all my buttons. The new epilogue was particularly great, I adored his perspective and would love to read more from him in the future.
August 12, 2021
bro should have been freakier
April 19, 2024
DNF 50%. I really tried with this.
January 20, 2022
I’m so confused
This could have been so interesting.
The start was okay. Got me wondering what was going on.
Then came the slab text over analyzing every single aspect. To suddenly be pushed into the future randomly and without any character development.
To then have slab text of internal thoughts and questions (which by the way repeat over and over just in different words)
There are so many non sensical words, phrases and even full sentences that could have been removed, reworded or rearranged.
Again like in every other review - I can not understand who edits these books. It’s frustrating because I’m sure the editor makes a nice $$ cut for their effort (and lack there of).
And stop with the stuttering. Stop. Every word that comes out the characters mouth is s-stuttered. I-it’s so annoying. S-so weak. T-tedious. Part of editing is looking through not just the flow of a story but reading it in just dialogue alone to see it it makes sense and if it flows.
This character is a stammering push over with no resolve and no internal strength. She has no self esteem or sense of self preservation.
Who in their right mind gets a bad feeling about someone but then sets up shop with them no drama. 🤨 you don’t go searching- trying to escape- yuck. She’s an appeaser and a pushover.
Furthermore when referencing being violated in any way it should (in my opinion) not be described in such a blasé way. “This is how I was violated” next second “I shouldn’t like being violated in the exact same way when I just remembered not even five minutes ago that I was violated” and brutally from the way it was glossed over.
No mental health strategies or growth. She just got over it. SHE GOT OVER IT hahahahaha no. This takes away from the real hero’s that struggle every single day to be their best selves even though they have been wronged. Takes away from the work they put in to get help, to try and find a new normal for themselves.
And I’m so glad that in the next breath she was very happy to be on a revenge adventure. That’s the promotion here? Kill them? Um…. WHAT!!!
What kind of absurdity is that.
And somehow after it’s all said and done they talk about going on a trip to Paris together. Oh how lovely.
This book is hard to swallow from begging to end. I kept trying to find that redeeming feature that has given this book 5 star reviews and I haven’t found it. And not for lack of trying.
If this is top tier for 2022 then it’s going to be a long year ahead of one star reviews.
This could have been so interesting.
The start was okay. Got me wondering what was going on.
Then came the slab text over analyzing every single aspect. To suddenly be pushed into the future randomly and without any character development.
To then have slab text of internal thoughts and questions (which by the way repeat over and over just in different words)
There are so many non sensical words, phrases and even full sentences that could have been removed, reworded or rearranged.
Again like in every other review - I can not understand who edits these books. It’s frustrating because I’m sure the editor makes a nice $$ cut for their effort (and lack there of).
And stop with the stuttering. Stop. Every word that comes out the characters mouth is s-stuttered. I-it’s so annoying. S-so weak. T-tedious. Part of editing is looking through not just the flow of a story but reading it in just dialogue alone to see it it makes sense and if it flows.
This character is a stammering push over with no resolve and no internal strength. She has no self esteem or sense of self preservation.
Who in their right mind gets a bad feeling about someone but then sets up shop with them no drama. 🤨 you don’t go searching- trying to escape- yuck. She’s an appeaser and a pushover.
Furthermore when referencing being violated in any way it should (in my opinion) not be described in such a blasé way. “This is how I was violated” next second “I shouldn’t like being violated in the exact same way when I just remembered not even five minutes ago that I was violated” and brutally from the way it was glossed over.
No mental health strategies or growth. She just got over it. SHE GOT OVER IT hahahahaha no. This takes away from the real hero’s that struggle every single day to be their best selves even though they have been wronged. Takes away from the work they put in to get help, to try and find a new normal for themselves.
And I’m so glad that in the next breath she was very happy to be on a revenge adventure. That’s the promotion here? Kill them? Um…. WHAT!!!
What kind of absurdity is that.
And somehow after it’s all said and done they talk about going on a trip to Paris together. Oh how lovely.
This book is hard to swallow from begging to end. I kept trying to find that redeeming feature that has given this book 5 star reviews and I haven’t found it. And not for lack of trying.
If this is top tier for 2022 then it’s going to be a long year ahead of one star reviews.
July 11, 2023
I don't understand the amazing reviews for this novel.
This book could have been so much more than what it is. It's a downright shame. I stuck it out waiting for something epic and it all just fell completely flat.
First off, how are you going to promote Teddy Hamilton and he only narrates the prologue and epilogue, that's bull. And the female voice's male narration is absolute garbage, you could have at least had Teddy read the male parts to make it somewhat decent.
Second, the beginning of the novel could have been a badass book in itself. This was obviously the author had a couple of ideas and through them together. The premise makes no sense that an urban explorer killer would happen upon a kidnapped woman and then wouldn't kill her when he IS a psychopath. It's all so dumb. Stick with a theme and go with it. A kidnapped girl in the abandoned theme park is cool, in itself. It's all so annoying. And how does this psychopath feel temporary emotion and pity when he sees her and then following that goes back to this mute and bland personality. It makes no sense. Yes, psychopaths can be charming, but they're in no-way, so hot and cold. Usually, they're always pretty mild tone. So, in general, it always felt like he was a different person and someone else was writing for his dialogue throughout the book. It was downright awful.
Third, it is SO DUMB, she falls for the Stockholm syndrome, commits murder, freaks out, and then they're cuddling in bed together and it just is what it is. I was like...what? I waited for NOTHING! The climax was so dumb, short, rushed, and crap. I can't believe how bad this book is. It's downright garbage. It shouldn't even be published.
I am NOT one of those crazy reviewers that just randomly trash talks, I'm saying if you like actual dark romance, you won't find it here. This was the most dull book I've ever read, HONESTLY.
This book could have been so much more than what it is. It's a downright shame. I stuck it out waiting for something epic and it all just fell completely flat.
First off, how are you going to promote Teddy Hamilton and he only narrates the prologue and epilogue, that's bull. And the female voice's male narration is absolute garbage, you could have at least had Teddy read the male parts to make it somewhat decent.
Second, the beginning of the novel could have been a badass book in itself. This was obviously the author had a couple of ideas and through them together. The premise makes no sense that an urban explorer killer would happen upon a kidnapped woman and then wouldn't kill her when he IS a psychopath. It's all so dumb. Stick with a theme and go with it. A kidnapped girl in the abandoned theme park is cool, in itself. It's all so annoying. And how does this psychopath feel temporary emotion and pity when he sees her and then following that goes back to this mute and bland personality. It makes no sense. Yes, psychopaths can be charming, but they're in no-way, so hot and cold. Usually, they're always pretty mild tone. So, in general, it always felt like he was a different person and someone else was writing for his dialogue throughout the book. It was downright awful.
Third, it is SO DUMB, she falls for the Stockholm syndrome, commits murder, freaks out, and then they're cuddling in bed together and it just is what it is. I was like...what? I waited for NOTHING! The climax was so dumb, short, rushed, and crap. I can't believe how bad this book is. It's downright garbage. It shouldn't even be published.
I am NOT one of those crazy reviewers that just randomly trash talks, I'm saying if you like actual dark romance, you won't find it here. This was the most dull book I've ever read, HONESTLY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
I’m not quite sure where to start. It’s been a few since I read a book from Kitty and this made me remember why I fell in love with her writing to begin with.
She takes subjects and scenarios that others stay away from in not only fiction but real life and makes you see them, truly see them.
This book starts in a way that draws you in immediately. While I did kind of guess the direction it was heading there was the matter of an unreliable narrator that made even me doubt myself for a moment. We quickly move into the relationship of Elodie and Shannon and they had me both rooting and crying for them the entire book. Elodie hasn’t had it easy yet I found her so strong as a character. While Shannon really got to me. I can imagine how hard it is to write a sociopath, but it felt so well done I could feel the struggles for both Elodie dealing with it from the outside and Shannon from the inside.
We do get 2 big conflicts, one near the start and one near the end, I only wish the last conflict got a little bit more page time, it felt the tiniest bit rushed to me. But other than that, which was minor in and if itself, I have no complaints.
I raad this book in one sitting, I got sucked in so fast I couldn’t see my way out till the end, so I think it’s safe to say I recommend it!
Just check your trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to anything as Kitty Thomas still very much is a dark romance writer.
She takes subjects and scenarios that others stay away from in not only fiction but real life and makes you see them, truly see them.
This book starts in a way that draws you in immediately. While I did kind of guess the direction it was heading there was the matter of an unreliable narrator that made even me doubt myself for a moment. We quickly move into the relationship of Elodie and Shannon and they had me both rooting and crying for them the entire book. Elodie hasn’t had it easy yet I found her so strong as a character. While Shannon really got to me. I can imagine how hard it is to write a sociopath, but it felt so well done I could feel the struggles for both Elodie dealing with it from the outside and Shannon from the inside.
We do get 2 big conflicts, one near the start and one near the end, I only wish the last conflict got a little bit more page time, it felt the tiniest bit rushed to me. But other than that, which was minor in and if itself, I have no complaints.
I raad this book in one sitting, I got sucked in so fast I couldn’t see my way out till the end, so I think it’s safe to say I recommend it!
Just check your trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to anything as Kitty Thomas still very much is a dark romance writer.
September 25, 2021
This is the first “dark romance” I’ve read and I wasn’t sure what to expect. If it would bother you to read about bondage and domination then this isn’t the book for you. And it wouldn’t be my first genre choice but this book drew me in from the beginning. It’s difficult to write about this book without giving away the story twists so I won’t go there. What I will say is that the way the killer is written was so believable that I actually feel I’ve gained insight into the mind of a sociopath. Knowing that a sociopath does not understand emotions is one thing but after reading about this man as he goes about his daily life the writer allows you to actually feel his lack of emotional connections.
May 20, 2021
Didn't see that coming!!
Wow Kitty, that's a hell of a first! I was riveted and finished it in 12 hours ( I hate when my life interferes with my reading!) No pun intended but the book.was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked Shannon, then I didn't trust him, then I was in awe of his meticulousness. Life is messy and this book reflected that On soon many levels. It reflected how different people are and some levels of difference. Love is different for everyone , everyone deserves.to be loved in a way they can be happy. NONE SHOULD JUDGE another in their choice. Didn't mean to get preachy!! I really enjoy Kitty's writing dark as it can be!!
Wow Kitty, that's a hell of a first! I was riveted and finished it in 12 hours ( I hate when my life interferes with my reading!) No pun intended but the book.was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked Shannon, then I didn't trust him, then I was in awe of his meticulousness. Life is messy and this book reflected that On soon many levels. It reflected how different people are and some levels of difference. Love is different for everyone , everyone deserves.to be loved in a way they can be happy. NONE SHOULD JUDGE another in their choice. Didn't mean to get preachy!! I really enjoy Kitty's writing dark as it can be!!
May 24, 2021
I originally read this as Tabula Rasa, and it was one of my first Kitty Thomas books, and it remains one of my favorites.
The Monster Keeps me Safe is the tale of Elodie, lost in amnesia and trying to find normalcy in a world which has become dark and strange. Its dark, erotic, and beautifully written. I love that it carries such amazing twists and turns in it, and keeps the dark eroticism despite not being filled with sexual encounters. It gets into your head and makes you think about it, and is not a book you will ever forget. It is a brilliant display of Kitty Thomas' skill in writing!
The Monster Keeps me Safe is the tale of Elodie, lost in amnesia and trying to find normalcy in a world which has become dark and strange. Its dark, erotic, and beautifully written. I love that it carries such amazing twists and turns in it, and keeps the dark eroticism despite not being filled with sexual encounters. It gets into your head and makes you think about it, and is not a book you will ever forget. It is a brilliant display of Kitty Thomas' skill in writing!
February 17, 2023
Like all Kitty Thomas books, this is dark and delicious. And like her other books, it's hard to write a review that doesn't contain spoilers. If you are a newbie, this is a good way to dip your toes into the world of awesomeness that is a Kitty Thomas book. Elodie is a complex character. She has no memories but certain aspects of her character still peek through. There were some interesting twists I wasn't quite expecting. Overall I really enjoyed the book. I loved the bonus epilogue. It gave me the closure I needed for this story.
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