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The Monsters Among Us #3

When Monsters Love

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The Golden City awaits, and it's time to put my acting skills to the test.
It's time to trick a bunch of celestials.
It's time to lie.

Rue's journey continues in When Monsters Love. There's action, sizzle and multiple love interests for our lucky heroine in this paranormal fantasy romance.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2023

366 people are currently reading
285 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Cassidy

134 books2,748 followers
Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Annette.
3,847 reviews177 followers
August 28, 2023
When I was "kidnapped" into Debbie's arc team I didn't know I would love her books this much. Of course I had read a few of her books but I was far from reading her entire backlist. But the covers for her books are awesome. I like the other people reading her books and she always comes up with concepts sounding insanely interesting. And after the first two books in this series I was looking forward to this third book even more.

This Author writes insanely fun fantasy adventures. And all of her books are different. This series has gathered a special place in my heart. It's maybe one of her more straight forward series, easy to follow and not too complicated, and yet the world building and the mythology are amazing! I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. We're finally visiting the city and we're finally seeing what's going on there and it's everything I imagined and more.

Although the mythology sounds quite complicated it never becomes confusing. There are series where there is so much going on that it's hard to keep up but here that's not the case. We discover all the information at the right pace and in this book there are also a few really lovely reveals changing everything! And of course there is a new cliffhanger keeping us on the edge of our seat and biting our nails until the next book releases.

I also like that there is quite clearly a lot of love going around in this book but that it never feels like that love is not meaningful. On the contrary. I think in this kind of world a lot of love can only be meaningful. No one knows how much time there is left. No one knows what dangers will be waiting for them tomorrow. And it feels only natural that even though it's not easy to share eventually everyone just want others to be and feel happy.
Profile Image for alex.
971 reviews178 followers
May 5, 2024
✩‧₊ 2.5 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

・ 。゚☆:When Monsters Love *.☽ .*:☆゚

☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°。 0:32 ──♡───── 3:47 ☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°。

🎶 I walked out, I said, I'm setting you free. But the monsters turned out to be just trees 🎶🎶🎶

Rue (h) finds herself among monsters, learning to trust and rely on them in a world where the truth is hard to come by. With the fate of the world at stake, she must have faith in herself as she navigates through lies and deception to unravel the mysteries surrounding the relics. Leaving behind familiar faces (Shem and Bastian), she embarks on a dangerous mission, relying on her acting skills to deceive the enemy and secure the final relic piece. With allies by her side, she must trust in her own abilities to save the world and confront the challenges that lie ahead.

─── ・ 。゚☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆゚. ───

“Don’t worry,” Michael said. “You’ll be safe within the walls. Shem won’t be able to get to you.”


“I’ve got you!” Michael gripped me tighter then shot up toward the stars.”

“Almost there, Rue,” Michael assured me.


The book is captivating, especially the constant shifting dynamics between Rue and her love interests. At times, it's challenging to figure out who she's most connected to as another character is thrown into the mix, adding a new layer of complexity to the story. Rue's bond with Shem and Bastian is strong, but her interactions with Michael and Gabriel add an interesting twist to the narrative.

His eyes narrowed and his beautiful lips curved in half a smile. “Has Michael seen this side of you? The rebellious streak? Or have you been hiding it from him?”

“Oh, he’s seen it all right.”


“Yes. I suppose he has, but not while you’ve been here. You’re playing a game and he’s allowing it.”


The introduction of new character Gabriel was a game-changer for the plot, as Rue finds herself drawn to him in unexpected ways. His presence adds a fresh dynamic to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how he fits into Rue's already complicated love life. Gabriel is an unexpected presence in Rue's life, appearing out of nowhere and seemingly resistant to her charms. Despite his annoyance with her, it's clear that he is affected by her in ways he can't explain. There is a palpable sense of protectiveness in his actions, even as he tries to maintain a facade of indifference. The way he looks at her with narrowed eyes and half-smiles speaks volumes about the depth of his feelings for her, despite his best efforts to keep her at a distance. Rue, on the other hand, is a fierce and independent character with a rebellious streak that Gabriel finds both intriguing and exasperating. She is unafraid to challenge him and push his buttons, even as she struggles with her own conflicted emotions towards him. Their banter is filled with wit and sarcasm, creating a tension between them that crackles with electricity. The dynamic between Gabriel and Rue is a constant tug-of-war between hate and love, with both characters fighting against their growing attraction to each other. The way they navigate their complicated emotions and the unexpected twists and turns of their relationship make for a thrilling and engrossing read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

“What you just did was cruel. You gave him back to me only to tear him away again. What is wrong with you? Did you honestly think you were doing me a favor? Have you any idea what…” I shook my head. “You probably don’t, do you? Did your creator leave out a heart when he made you?”


“I’m sorry that you’re hurting, Rue,” Michael said. “My intention wasn’t to cause you pain.”


One of the most intense moments in the book occurs when Rue confronts Michael about his actions, accusing him of cruelly toying with her emotions. The raw emotion and vulnerability in this scene really drew me in, and I found myself feeling deeply for Rue as she navigates the rocky waters of her relationship with Michael. The dynamic between Michael and Rue is fascinating, with Rue initially seeing Michael as her hero and protector, only to discover that he is not who she thought he was. Their relationship is complex, with Rue feeling both captivated and betrayed by Michael, which adds an interesting layer of depth to the story. She must pretend to side with Michael in order to keep him at bay, but internally, she despises him and cannot bring herself to trust him. The tension between Rue and Michael is palpable and you can feel the animosity and distrust between them leap off the pages. As the story unfolds, Rue's internal struggle becomes more pronounced as she grapples with her conflicting emotions towards Michael and her desire to reunite with Shem and Bastian.

“You bonded with Gabriel?”


“I want you to explain it to me,” Shem said to me.


“Hell, no.” Bastian planted himself between us. “You want to speak to Rue, you can do it right here.”


Rue is back with Shem and Bastian, but with Gabriel now, Shem is feeling conflicted about it. He's not too happy about Rue bonding with Gabriel, but he's willing to come to terms with it as long as he can still have her by his side. Their main enemy in this book is Michael, and things are really heating up between the characters. Shem is not one to back down easily, and he's determined to protect Rue from any danger that comes their way.The tension between the characters is palpable, and you can't help but get sucked into their world. Everything seems to be going well until Michael pulls a total backstab on everyone. I mean, seriously, Michael seemed like the good guy in the beginning, like he was willing to help Rue escape and all that. But then, BAM, he turns out to have ulterior motives and betrays them all. Talk about a plot twist! Now, poor Gabriel is left trapped because of Michael's betrayal. And to make matters worse, Rue managed to escape, but she's all alone out there. At least she's safe for now. But Michael? He's off with Shem and his people, plotting who knows what kind of mischief.

─── ・ 。゚☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆゚. ───

The author has done an excellent job of keeping me engaged throughout the book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting monster romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
July 12, 2024
Excuse me while I go into a corner and throw a tantrum...... The way this book ends by dropping a bomb is cruel on so many levels. Thank heavens this series is done because waiting would have driven me mad. I had questions about the loyalty of a certain character and now to know the truth but be slapped in the face by it, well, it's maddening. It's actually pretty funny because there are so many characters who have their allegiances up in the air. Everyone is one step away from changing sides and I hate not knowing what everyone's evil scheming is for. Rue continues to try and save the world single handedly only this time she's opening her heart to all the possibilities and for her there are many. Still unclear who she will end up with in the end but at least now she's opening her heart. Though I will say watching her see Jamie again and then lose him like his memories-this was painful and I couldn't help but feel for her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,798 reviews18 followers
September 2, 2023
Oh my, wow

Ok, so book three picks, right up, and is basically non-stop action until the very last sentence that still has my jaw on the floor. But what else can I expect from the Queen of Cliffhangers? Anyway, Rue gets answers, but they are not exactly what she wanted to hear.
Not everything is as it seems, but most things are exactly what they appear to be. The real question is...who exactly are the true monsters?
I can't wait until I get to devour the next one
4,226 reviews
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
When Monsters Love by Debbie Cassidy had me absolutely hooked from the first page—no warm-up, no slow build, just straight back into the chaos. Rue’s journey picks up right where the last book left off, and it’s a wild ride of danger, deception, and sizzling tension. The Golden City is an intricate maze of lies and half-truths, where Rue has to rely on her sharp instincts and growing powers to stay alive. But trust? That’s a luxury she can’t afford, especially when the stakes are higher than ever.
Rue’s internal battle is just as intense as the external one. She gets the answers she’s been chasing, but they’re not what she hoped for—and honestly, they might shatter everything she thought she knew. The question that lingers throughout the book is chilling: Who are the real monsters here? I loved the introduction of new players who add layers of complexity and chaos to Rue’s already precarious situation. They bring unexpected twists that kept me glued to the page (and yes, kept me up way too late).
Shem’s absence leaves a void that pulses through the story, and Rue’s decision to part ways with him might just break her... and maybe the world. The emotional weight of that choice lingers, and I felt every ache of her uncertainty and longing. But Rue doesn’t have the luxury of wallowing—she’s got a relic to find and a city full of enemies to navigate.
And that ending? Oh. My. Gosh. Debbie Cassidy strikes again with another jaw-dropping cliffhanger that had me staring at the last page, wishing I could will the next book into existence. I know better than to start one of her books before bed, but I still did it... and of course, I devoured the entire thing in one sitting. Losing sleep over her books is a sacrifice I’m always willing to make. If you’re looking for heart-pounding action, steamy tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down, When Monsters Love delivers in every possible way.
Profile Image for Wendy K..
355 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
Oh my…I really like where this book turned, but there is a shocking cliffhanger at the end. Rue ends up in the custody of the Celestials and finds out that things really are not what they seem. She finds her friend, Bee, and also makes an alliance with someone you would not expect.

While in the custody of the Celestials, she realizes that in order to survive and not be suspected of not being fully human, she has to trust someone and bond herself to a Celestial. These bonds last for life and make you have touchy-feely thoughts toward the person you bind to.

The story and characters in this series are still going strong in this 3rd book. Rue continues to develop relationships with multiple male characters and now it’s hard to keep up with exactly how many might be interested in her for romantic purposes and not just because she possess a light inside her which can help heal them, but her personality fits so many, so the potential for many multiple partners is a potential. There is a sad development with one of her lovers and it kinda made me not sure how I felt about it other than, well, I guess it is what it is because they didn’t except to last forever given the world they live in. It was still sad though.

Just like the previous books, there is not a lot of spice. Very low and maybe like 2 very short scenes with 2 different males, but the story is keeping me interested. If you are looking for a bunch of basic romance, this isn’t really it.

I would still recommend these for just the cool concepts of the post apocalyptic world, the monster/celestial beings, Rue’s developing power, and the awesome story alone.
Profile Image for Kathryn Jay Cox.
Author 2 books9 followers
August 14, 2023
This book picks up right where the last one left off. No warm-up period, so be ready dive back in and have your breath taken away!

Once again, there is constantly danger, and Rue has to figure out who to trust... with higher stakes than ever before. I am LOVING the new players in the game and the wrench that they throw into Rue's world. With so much to figure out, to hide, and to discover... will Rue be able to get the relic and get back out of the Golden City? Or will her decision to part ways with Shem break her... and the world?

Watch out for another gasp-worthy cliffhanger ending, and don't start this book before bedtime like I did... I read the entire book last night and got to bed very very late. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!! Any book that this author releases, I pounce on without hesitation, dropping literally anything and everything I can to do so. No matter what other book I'm reading or how earnestly I had laid my plans for that day.

Nothing else matters but devouring Debbie Cassidy's newest book. You won't even regret losing half your sleep for the night because of it.
Profile Image for Erica.
316 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2023
WHAT? NO WAY. THAT. DID. NOT. JUST. HAPPEN!

In the last book, Rue hnd just given herself up to Michael and in this book, we pick up right where the previous book left off. Rue is taken to the Golden City and things get a little dicey. The city is odd, traditional, yet modern. Different areas and spaces that appear small but are actually so much larger.

Cloud food... White, fluffy clouds, that taste like the food you'd normally eat. The imagination there is astonishing. It sounds weird, but also intriguing? You can't help but want to try it.

The Dominions are nothing short of terrifying. How any of our characters are going to beat them is unclear. Why are they doing this, what do they gain from it?

Things were going so well. All the pieces lining up to fall into place and then BAM. The author jives us a truly horrific twist. I am so utterly confused and hurt. All the emotions, minus joy are swirling around in my mind and I cannot land on one. I don't understand, how? Why? What now? Where can we go from here? This author is an evil genius and I'm going to die waiting for the next book.
358 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2023
Totally blown away!

When Monsters Love is the third book in this RH fantasy. It continues Rue's journey to find the relics and save her world.

Rue has no choice but to put herself in the hands of her enemy. It's the only way to get into the Golden City to find the next relic, and save the Watchers from being found. But is Michael going to protect her or turn her over? She can't be sure, and as she becomes more exposed to what's going on in the city, the more she's conflicted on what to trust him with. She'll reconnect with Bee and this just adds to her worries and challenges. She finds possible new allies, but she also discovers an unknown player in this game...an entity that is imprisoned and it could be for a very good reason.

Not knowing who's friend or foe kept me on the edge of my seat as much as the battles between the Watchers and the monsters. I'm very intrigued by GabrieI and his part in this story. I loved see Bastian finally give in to his feelings. And Shem is always so intense. I loved this third book and the ending left me wanting more. Bring on the fourth book!
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,750 reviews30 followers
August 31, 2023
Debbie is a beast!!! She is like one of my top fave authors, not only does she have the gift of storytelling, she never misses. I really cannot think of one single book of hers that I just have not loved, loved.

Also not only does she write these female characters that will make you have a girl crush, the plots are so dang addicting, writing style spot on, chemistry for all the characters in every book. She has the ability to make you think you figured it out, but nope. She will have you guessing until the very end. Speaking of that ending, What!!!!!

I cannot even begin to know where to start on telling you all of the wonderful captivating things about this series. Every time she comes out with a new one, I swear that is my favorite, until she writes the next one. Yeah she is that good.

And hats off to Rue, things may not be going to plan with her trip to the Golden City with Michael, but the girl got some skills. She gets to reconnect with someone and hey maybe even find someone she thought she lost. So lots of action ensues, powers revealed and then that ending.

But I cannot wait for book four, she has got me hook, line and sinker.
Profile Image for SunandBooks.
275 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2023
This book is my least favorite so far. It just had too many distractions and Rue's actions were a step back in her character. The story line also seemed to have certain plot holes and/or events that didn't flow with the way story was set up initially.

I didn't like that Rue shared everything with Bree considering the risk she was putting her mission in. Their interactions felt too immature like two girls gossiping over coffee. Also, the new female voice and her new power was interesting development but it was super weird that literally everyone ignored it! Seriously not one person was curious/shocked/etc. Including Rue, it was hours and hours later where she said oh I forgot....how could you forgot something like that. Lastly, the watchers agreed to help Shem rescue Rue under certain conditions. Nome of those watchers demanded that payment once they got back. This was also completely out of character considering these watchers were going to rebel against Shem. The plot didn't feel like it was well thought out... I didn't feel this book, it felt rushed towards the ending.

The cliffhanger was awesome though and unexpected.
360 reviews
August 28, 2025
What the hell was that twist at the end?! Damn, couldn't something go well once in this world?
Rue was taken to the Golden City by Michael and the city was very creepy. Like we could have already guessed after the first two books, the celestial kept humans to use them for their benefit. The city was high tech and pretty, but still it was just a pretty human farm run by the lower rank celestials for the highest, Dominion. Michael was ordered to get information from Rue in three days, after that she would be pretty much mindfucked to death. He took her to see Bee and Jamie, the scene with Jamie was so fucking sad. Rue didn't trust Michael, but she didn't really have a choice when the time was running out and another celestial, Gabriel, seemed to be waiting to get her hands on her.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,790 reviews23 followers
September 22, 2023
When Monsters Love - More Challenges

Shem’s chest heaved. “You’re mine, Rue. You carry a piece of me inside you.” “And that gives you rights over whom I fk?” His grip on me tightened. “Yes. This”—he covered my pussy with his free hand—“is mine.” Heat spiraled low in my belly. The instinct to agree, to give him control washed over me. “No. It’s mine and I decide who gets to play. Not you.”

Rue’s journey is even harder that it has been in the first two books in Debbie Cassidy’s The Monsters Among Us series. Learning that the monsters she feared may actually be the ones that may help her succeed in helping her friends, she embarks on an adventure to find a very special artifact.

She must now enter the territory of her enemies and attempt to have them believe her lies, which leads to further mysterious circumstances and those who may not be what they seem.

One thing for sure, you are in for a truly wild adventure…and you’ll be anxiously awaiting book four, When Monsters Rise!
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
811 reviews35 followers
March 1, 2024
Suspense romance read...

This angst driven, plot twisting story continues. Unable to distinguish between allies and enemies, secrets are revealed, and trust is pushed to its limits.
Rue, taken by Michael to the Golden City, finds herself in enemy territory and alone. Reunited with Bee, and an alliance with Gabriel brings an escape but no relic. Again, nothing goes to plan.
Shem, Bastian, and the watchers plan to rescue Rue, but it's an impossible situation and extremely dangerous.
Action and intrigue build the suspense in this quick read. There are so many unanswered questions and plot twists that I can’t wait to delve into book 4.

Tropes:
Monsters. Forced Marriage. Dystopia. Survival. Celestial beings. Found family. Forced Proximity. Betrayal.

Quotes:
“I’ll happily live in a world infested with monsters as long as you’re in it with me.”

“Good,” Bastian said. “Now, how about we enjoy a moonlit walk through monster land? Where peril is a thrill and humanity is an all-you-can-eat buffet.” I snorted. “Monster land. You run, we chase.”
Profile Image for ChokeholdByFiction .
149 reviews
October 17, 2025
Wow. This series continues to have me absolutely hooked. The writing is sharp, the pacing keeps me on my toes, and every chapter feels like a new punch of danger, suspense, and monster mayhem. I love how the world keeps expanding : the Golden City, the archangels, the constant threat of attacks. Everything has me devouring these pages.

That said… the bonds. And the “love” parts. I don’t even know how many love interests Rue is supposed to juggle at this point 😅 We’ve got Shem, the broody alpha male. James, who somehow survived but lost his memories (and let’s be real, he’ll probably get them back and re-enter Rue’s orbit). Bastian, who’s supposedly dying (but is he, though???). And now Gabriel too? He’s not technically a love interest yet, but come on....there’s a spark there.✨️

It’s a lot. Honestly, probably more than it needs to be. But even with that, the story is so entertaining. The high-risk moments, the brutal fights, the revelations. They’re exactly why I can’t put this series down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,326 reviews47 followers
August 16, 2023
Boy oh boy, that ending is making me scream! Why are you doing this to me? To us!? The plot in this series is throwing me left and right, and I have no clue what’s up or down anymore. Who can we trust? Who can be saved? And who is ultimately working for whom…?

I absolutely love this series, and I adore a writer who manages to leave a ton of questions open at the end of book three, while still keeping my attention captivated the entire time. There is so much to explore in this series, so many questions that remain unanswered and I can't wait to get all the answers I'm longing for. But alas, the next book is still a few months away. That doesn't mean you should wait to start this book. No no, it is absolutely worth the agony of waiting, simply because it's such an amazing series you could easily reread it a few times, waiting for the next book.

So yeah: "When Monsters Love" was awesome, from start to finish, and that cliffhanger is going to haunt me until the next book arrives...
Profile Image for Denise.
496 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2023
When Monsters Love is the 3rd book in The Monsters Among Us series. I loved reading reading this one and it was easy for me to catch on what was happening and why. It picks up with Rue being taken to the Golden City with the Arc-Angel Michael. Rue is on a mission to retrieve an item that will help her friends.
Rue is the main character although there is many characters talking with there P.O.V.'s I enjoy it when other characters take the lead in books... It gives books deeper meaning when that happens.
Michael as stated is a Arc-Angel he was given the job of finding Rue for a specific reason.
Bee is Rue's best friend and she has amazing skills and doesn't take to the word "No" to easy.
Shem is a Watcher and he is for the humans and protects the humans rights to live on Earth.
This story has all the action and love one can enjoy in a book..
So if you love Sassy lead characters, Arc-Angels, Romance and Awesome Battles then you love this series.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,253 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2023
Omg!!!!

This series definitely has me on edge! I can't wait to see what happens next with Rue!!!

It kicks off with Rue going to the Golden City with Michael to try to find the Relic that they need from there. But she quickly realizes that her task will be much harder than she originally thought. The great news is that she is able to reconnect with Bea and discovers that Jamie is still alive somehow, but he has completely forgotten her.

Michael and Gabriel start to help her with her task after Gabriel reveals he's been leading an insurrection. But everything starts to go wrong. Lots of action happens and new powers are revealed... but the biggest "oh snaaaaappppp" moment happens right at the end! Omg i cant wait to see if what the dominions said was true and there is a metaphoric snake in the grass (as well a literal one!! Lol)

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,107 reviews34 followers
September 2, 2023
When Monsters Love continues Rue’s story as she made the decision to be the distraction to keep Michael and the other celestials from discovering them as they acquire another piece of the relic. But what awaits Rue as she’s taken back to the celestial city? The Dominion wants to know why Shem wanted her. What Rue finds there though will be things that she never expected. Answers to questions that will forever change how she and the others look at things.
When Monsters Love is another fascinating addition to the series. The author keeps readers page-turning to find out what is going to happen next in Rue’s story. The threats are closing in all around her, and finding the next relic piece isn’t going to be as “easy” as the previous ones. Brace yourself for shocks, surprises, twists, some steamy moments, and an ending that will leave you with your jaw on the floor. Yeah, you’re going to be chomping at the bit for book four to find out how all of this plays out.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Katelyn Livezey.
Author 1 book11 followers
September 2, 2023
When Monsters Love is the 3rd book in The Monsters Among Us series. It picks right up where we left off… Rue was taken to the Golden City with the Arc-Angel Michael to retrieve the last relic.
.
Michael was given the job of finding Rue for a specific reason, but he wants to protect her, even in his odd way. While there she is able to reconnect with Bee and sees her lost bae… unfortunately he doesn’t remember her and it breaks her heart, but at least he’s still alive.

Not everything is as it seems… she finds out the truth about Shems past, gets a new unexpected ally who she ends up bonding with… (I really want this bond to go somewhere in the future, hint hint)

Shem doesn’t want to be away from her, so they plan a rescue mission… once they get there Michael breaks her out with the help of a certain someone… There’s so much action and spoils in this book, but the cliffy!!! Ugh. I can’t wait for the next book!!!

Run run run to read!!!
Profile Image for Tara Syrnyk.
807 reviews5 followers
Read
September 19, 2023
I am so hooked on this series! The world building is so unique and creative and Debbie does such an amazing job at describing the intricate details that it is so easy to “picture” this world as we read along. These characters have worked their way into my heart and I am wholly invested in their journey. This particular addition to the series really took my heart on an emotional rollercoaster. Rue has experienced so much in such a short amount of time, she’s been handed such a difficult task, all the while navigating not only heartbreak, but growing feelings towards certain characters that cause her even more confusion. This book has it all, action, drama, steam and nail biting , heart racing moments. I could not stop reading once I started! Well written with phenomenal character and world building, a solid creative storyline that keeps you guessing and an ending that makes you eager for the next book!


Profile Image for Andrea Green.
815 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2024
A Journey of Faith, Trust, and Deception!

As the world teeters on the precipice of chaos, she is faced with the daunting task of navigating through treacherous territory, where nothing is as it seems. Monsters, once feared and despised, now offer a sanctuary amidst the chaos and a peculiar sense of camaraderie develops as both herself, shem and the watchers have a common goal.
Rue must take a leap of faith, placing my trusting herself but this means leaving behind everything aand everyone including Bastian & Shem plus the support of the watchers.
She must trust Michael to keep her safe as she enters the enemy camp in search of the third relic piece, as she is the only one capable of obtaining it.
Rue’s journey continues in When Monsters Love, an enthralling paranormal fantasy romance, where action, sizzle, and multiple love interests intertwine, captivating both the heart and the mind.
Profile Image for Azraelitys.
234 reviews22 followers
March 11, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Paranormal Romance
Relationship(s): MFM
Romance: Medium Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, First Person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 274 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤
Series/Stand Alone: The Monsters Among Us
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: Monsters, Angels, Parallel Worlds, Survival, Quest, Save the World, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes

Time for some infiltration and extraction, that definitely keeps the story moving and interesting. We get to see behind the curtain of what Dominion rule is like and all the depraved things they’re doing. I think I’m getting a better picture of Michael, I’m glad he’s opening his eyes to the truth. However I didn’t see Gabriel’s storyline going that way, I thought he was a villain for sure.

So glad she got to see Jaime, but him not remembering her was terrible, maybe there will be a twist somehow. It’s nice to have Bee back in the story, with so many males we need some female energy. I wonder how her story will play out now after the bonding. Again, Gabriel…where is this going with Rue hmmm? 🧐 Shem is finally realizing how much he cares for Rue, so maybe he’ll stop being an ass. I need more hot scenes with them together. Bastian is back to the guy we met in the first book, they’ve finally talked and connected so things hopefully will get better for them.

The escape didn’t go how I thought it would, but I suppose her time there wasn’t wasted and we’ll see results in the final books. Also I’d love to know who the dream chick is the mystery is annoying me, maybe next book. OMG that cliffhanger!!! I’m not shocked, a bit surprised but betrayal always is I suppose.

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Profile Image for Tes.
529 reviews21 followers
March 5, 2024
TITLE - When Monsters Love
AUTHOR - Debbie Cassidy
TYPE - Series; #3 of 5 in 'The Monsters Among Us"
POV - 1st Person - Multiple
GENRE - Dystopian, Romance
READ DATES - 3/5/2024 to 3/5/2024

RATINGS
Overall: 4.2/5⭐️
Characters: 4/5👀
Plot 4/5🧩
Pacing 4/5⌛️
World 4.5/5🌎
Romance 2/5💘
Spice 4/5🌶️

MAIN CHARACTERS - Rue, Shemyaza, Bastian, Jaime, Gabriel,

INITIAL REACTION - Holy shit, that ending! I'm much more invested now in the story and the characters. I'm still struggling with who the love interest(s) are and it's a bit annoying but also kind of interesting. It hasn't been entirely predictable so that's refreshing.

Full review will be posted at When Monsters Fight.
Profile Image for Kimberli.
396 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
Plot thickens

Things are moving along and the plot is getting a little more twisted. While I'm enjoying the series, I have to say that its starting to drag a little for me. I'm not sure why I feel that way. But I found myself skimming a bit. I think that when pretty much nothing but bad stuff happens, it's hard to want to read every little thing because it's depressing. While the story is moving along, it just seems that too little is happening at the same time. I would like to see some encouraging things happening. Bastian on his way to dying is depressing. The celestials being evil is depressing. Monsters everywhere and killing all humanity is depressing. There have been small victories, but Rue not getting the third relic piece is depressing. Anyway, I'm just hoping happy stuff starts happening. Bee being back is cool. That's one good thing.

Now, what is this shadow? What is Michael up to? Inquiring minds want to know...
Profile Image for Alina.
966 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2023
When Monsters Love is another one of Debbie's amazing books in another one of Debbie's amazing series that manages to capture the reader from the very first page and annoyingly (happily) gets invested with the characters and the world around them. WML is a break-fast start that does not relent. Starting from the events of the last book, WNL throws the reader into the drama and keeps on until the very end.
This was probably my favorite book so far in the series. So much was going on, yet not enough to feel lost or confused about. Debbie manages to weave her stories beautifully without over taxing them. Obviously, you should definitely read the two previous installments of this series before diving into this one and if you are on the fence about continuing the series, jump on over and continue! You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,775 reviews85 followers
August 31, 2023
Rue, Rue, Rue.... is she my favorite? I'm not really sure, but she has to be up there.

This book slams into the action on page 1, picking up right where book 2 left off, with Micheal and a thousand questions. Rue leaves Shem behind (what??) and delves into the odd world of the Golden City - a place that bleeds mythology yet feels oddly modern. The entire thing is just, off, but in a way that makes you want to know more. From the characters to the food, it's a new world in an already confusing world.

And questions... There are a thousand more of them, and of course - a cliffhanger that makes you want to throw your Kindle. Beware - but don't let that stop you, There's too much to enjoy in these books to wait, and Cassidy is always excellent about saiting our ravenous book hunger on time.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,570 reviews82 followers
September 6, 2023
This is one of those series where you have no idea how many guys she’s going to end up with. There’s a lot of speculation and hinting along the way, but it feels like each book we get one or two new potentials added in. Depending how long this series winds up, that’s a lot to handle, though she’s collected three of four species in the world at this point. (I refuse to count devolved handlers, because that is a step too far. But Dominions are still up in the air.)
This book provides more information on how this world became what it is, and hierarchy and information that was previously unknown to the crew. It once again ends on a cliff hanger, though one more intriguing than the last. There’s the usual non-stop action and fast moving plot, and some new monsters we hadn’t met yet. It’s such a great apocalypse story, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,127 reviews85 followers
July 28, 2023
I was excited to see what was happening in this world, so I eagerly devoured this latest in the Monsters Among Us series. Rue’s journey to the Golden City is an excellent adventure, and when the book was done, I was so unhappy with the ending…in a good way. I kinda saw a couple of the “plot twists” coming, but I was so hoping I was wrong about one, and really hoping I was right with the other. There were some very excellent happy moments in the middle that sort of made it all worth it, but I’m still unhappy about the ending. LOL! This was an excellent addition to the series, and fans of this series will love it. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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