Men & Monsters

The Sinners of Saint Benedicts #3

by E.J. Knox, Elizabeth Stevens

From Elizabeth Stevens, writing as E.J. Knox, comes...
A broken man. A dangerous monster. And the woman that binds them.

My life is perfect. My life is planned. My life isn't mine.
Promised to a man I love. A man I hate. Not even a man. A god.
Apollo Callahan is that and much more.

My life is broken. My life is fractured. My life isn't free.
Craving a man I hate. A man I need. Not even a man. An angel.
Valen Kincaid is nothing I could ever want.

Though the Saints rule the hallowed halls of Saint Benedict's College, they're anything but saintly. Behind closed doors, they call themselves the Sinners. Sex. Fast Cars. Drugs. Money. The odd assassination or two. Nothing is beneath them, except the next in a long line of women. Can one little princess, searching to break free from her prison tower, bring these mighty lords crashing to their knees?

The epic final book in the Sinners of Saint Benedicts Harlow trilogy.

This is a dark, angsty, contemporary high school enemies-to-lovers romance with enough steam to melt your screen. Do not engage in public consumption unless your poker face is impenetrable.
Do not read if you don't like broken alpha males claiming what's theirs, a feisty heroine determined to break the bonds of an unwanted future, or complicated love triangles full of passion and dirty words.
This story features the heroine in sexual situations with both love interests. While not considered cheating by the characters, you may have different feelings. Proceed with caution.
This book is written using Australian English. This will affect the spelling, grammar and syntax you may be used to. It might come across as typos, awkward sentences, poor grammar, or missed/wrong words. In the majority of cases (I won't claim it's infallible, despite all best efforts), this is intentional and just an Aussie way of speaking (it took my US beta readers a bit to get used to). I can't say 'the' Aussie way, since we seem to differ even within the same state. Just think of us as a weird mix of British and US vernacular and colloquialisms, but with our own randomness thrown in. I still hope you enjoy it, though!
Contains possible triggers.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

E.J. Knox is the darker/bully romance penname of bestselling author Elizabeth Stevens.

E.J. is the name to read if you want darker/bully romance in the Mature Young Adult/New Adult crossover space. Think high school, college, and academy. E.J. brings my usual wit, banter, and repartee in good old enemies-to-lovers showdowns between alpha males and the sassy heroines strong enough to knock them down a peg or two.

There's fake-dating, love triangles, kidnapping and danger, second chances, and more.

Find out more at the website, or check my socials:
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NB: I'm usually happy to discuss review copies of my books. A track record of reviewing is preferable, but not completely necessary.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I had to read the first two first and I flew three them. I thought some of it was a little far fetched ( high school boys being this practiced at certain things ) but it didn’t take away from the story. I’m looking forward to the alternate endings and the books from the boys povs.

Also can you imagine being a woman and living in a world like this *shudders *

[Elicia Meairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

Character Development:
In "Men & Monsters" by E.J. Knox and Elizabeth Stevens, readers are thrust into a world where the lines between love and hate, desire and revulsion, blur with intoxicating intensity. The authors deftly craft complex characters whose inner conflicts and desires drive the narrative forward with relentless momentum. From Apollo Callahan, a broken man bound by duty and obligation, to Valen Kincaid, a dangerous monster with a heart of darkness, each character is meticulously rendered with depth and nuance. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into the tangled web of relationships and power dynamics, witnessing firsthand the transformative journeys of characters grappling with their own inner demons and desires.

Themes and Exploration:
At its core, "Men & Monsters" explores themes of power, desire, and the human capacity for redemption in the face of darkness. Knox and Stevens skillfully navigate the complexities of love and loyalty, examining the lengths to which individuals will go to protect those they care about, even as they confront their own inner demons and moral ambiguities. Through the lens of the Saints and Sinners of Saint Benedict's College, the novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature, challenging readers to confront their own preconceptions about right and wrong, good and evil. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the choices they must make, "Men & Monsters" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the forces that shape our destinies.

Plot and Pacing:
The plot of "Men & Monsters" unfolds with heart-stopping suspense and gripping intensity, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and betrayal that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. From the halls of Saint Benedict's College to the hidden depths of the human psyche, Knox and Stevens craft a riveting narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, drawing readers deeper into a world where nothing is as it seems. The pacing is taut and electrifying, propelling the story forward with relentless momentum and building tension with each passing chapter. As secrets are revealed and alliances are tested, "Men & Monsters" delivers a pulse-pounding reading experience that will leave readers breathless with anticipation until the final page.

Writing Style:
Knox and Stevens' writing style is atmospheric, evocative, and brimming with raw emotion, immersing readers in a world of passion, danger, and intrigue. Their prose crackles with intensity and tension, capturing the dark allure and seductive charm of the Saints and Sinners of Saint Benedict's College. With its vivid descriptions and vivid imagery, "Men & Monsters" transports readers to a realm of forbidden desire and forbidden secrets, where the line between pleasure and pain blurs and the true nature of humanity is laid bare. Knox and Stevens' masterful storytelling and deft characterizations ensure that "Men & Monsters" is an unforgettable reading experience that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Men & Monsters" is a dark and captivating tale of love, power, and the monsters that lurk within us all. E.J. Knox and Elizabeth Stevens have crafted a novel that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, inviting readers on a journey of suspense and self-discovery through the shadowy depths of the human soul. Whether you're a fan of dark romance or pulse-pounding suspense, "Men & Monsters" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away by its gripping narrative, spellbinding characters, and unforgettable twists and turns as you embark on a journey into the heart of darkness where desire and danger collide in a battle for the soul.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is not hers but she will try to get away even though it may seem impossible for her to do so. Can she escape? How will she get on? Can she get a better life? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it

Great ending to an action packed love story. Twists and turns until the very last page. I cannot wait for the next book

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy good book that caught my attention from the first page. Multi dimensional characters and an intense suspenseful storyline. Can't say enough about how good this book is. Read it asap!!!!!

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC REVIEW **

I did not realize until I got this ARC that I had already read these books but they are still phenomenal! One of the best dark romance series out there. Highly recommend!

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Men and Monsters,” by E. J. Knox and Elizabeth Stevens

I really liked this spicy mafia book with rich kids, violence, and an arranged marriage. It has a ton of action and tension between the main love interests. I’m really happy I read the third in this series and can’t wait to read more by E. J. Knox. The story line in this series is the best part and then I would say the characters were written well and I cared about all of them. The romance is a forbidden romance with bullying and tsundere tension that I loved. I gave the book a 4 out of 5 stars.

-Mafia
-Arranged Marriage
-Forbidden Romance
-Love Triangle

Thank you for the ARC.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series I can read over and over again. I’m so in love with the characters and the storyline. The author is a great storyteller. Plot is developed. Characters are well developed and well written. Very relatable. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I’m going to hate when it ends! This will be added to my Kindle library!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[MRS. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story arc between her and the guys are something you don't usually read, so it was a pleasant surprise that it went the direction instead of a normal enemies to lovers. This was a great complimentary book and I'm glad that the ending to this series wasn't just wam bam and done.