The Monster Within

Mounting Darkness #1

by Lola Rayne

Sometimes the monster that haunted you as a child truly is real...

All it took was one phone call to bring Nicole Jones's life crumbling down around her. Now a nightmare she thought she'd left in her past is back, and he's not exactly bringing her candy and flowers. While fleeing, in a non-terrified fashion, she meets a menacing man in a dark alley. Then promptly passes out at his feet.

Gideon Evans hasn't exactly been having the best run of luck, but all that changes when a buxom little blonde collapses right in front of him. Or at least he thinks it has. It doesn’t take him long to realize that bombshell is an appropriate description for more than just her looks. Now he's facing several problems, including a surprising enemy, his own dark past, and a rather inconvenient case of lust.

Can they work together to battle the nightmare that's chasing them? Or will they succumb to the monster within?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Erotica

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2012

About the author

...I'm really starting to hate these with a never ending passion...

Born the only daughter of a pirate and a gypsy, Lola discovered the secret of time travel... and in doing so accidentally caused the destruction of the Roanoke Colony. When asked, her response was "Oops, my bad." She now maintains the flow of time with her hyper-intelligent Raptor side-kick (Fabian), a phone booth than can travel sideways through time, and a bracelet that transforms her into an ass-kicking costumed super hero in a yellow power suit. Writing dirty books is just a cover so no one gets too close and learns her secret.

Reviews

[Natasha is a Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“... his lips descended on hers. There was simply no other way to describe the manner in which he kissed her. It was not gentle or sweet; it was raw and brutal. A statement of carnal intent.”

The paranormal genre is not my niche. I have enjoyed reading it in the past but as I grow older I need more and more scenarios I can easily identify with, and less and less make believe supernatural action. Very few series of this kind still go onto my reading list by default, but let me tell you, this one most definitely will.

In this first short novella-type instalment of the upcoming Mounting Darkness series, we are introduced to all the major characters. Our heroine is Nicole. We meet her at the instant when her painful past suddenly catches up with her, causing her to panic and flee from the scene. Nicole had hoped for her horrific nightmares to stay in the past, but they come back seeking her out, angry and hungry for vengeance. In this moment of distress, she is saved from her own panic attack by a stranger, Gideon, who comes to her rescue inexplicably drawn to her. What follows is a very speedy introduction between the two lead characters, in the Biblical sense as well, and the appearance of all the other secondary characters.

This is an incredibly enticing story of magic, supernatural creatures, a new world that Lola Rayne craftily weaves for us but only allows us to dip our toes in it. Her writing style is flawless. She can make you feel whatever she wishes you to feel. Her prose is elaborate and yet to the point, current but not overly slang-ish. It never distracts from the story itself and it draws you in from the very first sentence. It is laced with delightful humour, making even the more dramatic scenes quite entertaining and light-hearted.

“The fact that she’d actually forgotten that her main squeeze was lying unconscious on the floor caused her to flinch before she rushed to his side. She had always assumed  she would make someone a very sh*tty girlfriend, and as far as she was concerned, this clinched it.
“Oh well, sweetheart, you’re stuck with me now.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing baby. How do you feel?”

Ms Rayne can also undoubtedly write good chemistry between characters, some of the scenes are so full of passion that you might need a glass of water afterwards. But the length of this book did not do the story any favours, especially when it comes to the natural development of the attachment between the lead characters. The pace with which bonds were forged felt slightly rushed to me, making me wish they had more time to explore the draw between them. I had no time to properly connect with the characters myself. I loved Nicole’s sharp-tongued sassiness and passion, I was weak at the knees from Gideon’s vulnerability and yet dominant alpha male tendencies, but I was left hoping for more pages to pace out a good thing. Their connection was solidified physically through some very sizzling hot lovin’ rather than through careful character compatibility and development and this was dissatisfying for me, a little less for Nicole and Gideon. They went from 0 to 100 in a matter of hours, almost whip-lashing the reader into a situation where we were told they were “mates” rather than shown the build-up of feelings between them.

I was left a bit uncertain as to why this book needed to be a novella rather than a full-length book. I believe it would have had a greater impact on the reader as a full instalment rather than just a teasing bite. This book only sets the scene for the rest of the series. It establishes the links between the characters, hints at some of their shared histories and makes sure the reader is sufficiently intrigued  to keep on reading. It literally only puts the keys into the ignition, turns the car on but it never puts it into ‘drive’.

This genre might have not been my ‘natural habitat’ and it might have made me uneasy at first, but I very quickly found my bearings and never looked back. A great beginning to a tantalising new series.

~ N ♥

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[BookMojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read erotica. Every time someone asks me why I haven’t read the Fifty Shades of Poorly Written Crap trilogy and I say no, a little piece of me dies a horrible agonizing death when they give me “that look”. A few months ago, thanks to a challenge issued from one author friend to another over dinner and drinks, I accepted that I would be reading at least one smut novel in my life. Not only was I willing, I was looking forward to it! I was excited! As the novella got closer to being done, said writer decided to create a new pen name just for the smexier books that she writes. Thus, Lola Rayne was born!

As Lola was getting closer to finishing The Monster Within, she decided that not only would there be one dirty little urban fantasy-slash-paranormal romance-slash-erotica story, there would be a WHOLE SERIES. Now I was REALLY curious.

The day finally came when The Monster Within hit my inbox. I started reading it and life got in the way and I couldn’t finish right away. A week later, I picked it back up, finished it and was in LOVE!!!!

Yes, there are some sex scenes (shocking, I know) but the STORY is what really got me. The story is…….well, just incredible. From the very first page, I could hear my author friend in our main character. Nicole is snarky and sarcastic at heart and she will make you laugh on the very first page. Then, right away, shit gets REAL. The action drops on this little novella like an atomic bomb and it is non-stop from there. A seriously good and well-written plot line in a smut novel??? Who woulda thunk?!?!?!

For those of you out there that like the erotica side of it, don’t worry. The sex isn’t lacking or poorly written either! The dirty scenes flow well and are convincing. They also work for the story line. There are no scenes that are just crammed in there because it is expected of a smut novel. Everything works together. However, the scenes are “smutty” enough that you totally feel like a Peeping Tom after reading it. *wink wink*

Overall, I give The Monster Within 5……ok, I was going to say something really bad just then but I will edit it down because my MOM reads this site! I give The Monster Within 5 serious cases of girly wood! (that really is much cleaner than what I was going to say). This is a MUST READ and I cannot wait for the next installment in the series!!!!

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

Prepare to be electrified by Lola Rayne’s debut novella, The Monster Within, along with some buck naked actions (and I don’t necessarily mean sex :p)!

You say, ‘whaaa..?’

Hmm, let’s have a stroll, shall we?

It’s the first novella of the series, Mounting Darkness; a thrilling paranormal, fantasy/erotic romance. The concept behind The Monster Within was interesting, to say the least. Personally, I haven’t read as many paranormal stories as I’d like to, but the genre is one of my favorites. I was on unfamiliar ground on some things and still trying to get a grip of some of the stuff, but even then, I found myself rooting for the characters and the series itself.

When I was asked for a requested review I had no idea what I was getting into. But something about the titled snagged me right in. Oooh ah, monsters *drools*… er, ok, I wanted to simply read it and find out if I can discover another wonderful debut author. And I just did. Lola’s writing would entertain you without a doubt because it’s funny ... hilarious ... witty ... Loads and loads of it! I always admire an author who can write wit so good (and they are hard to find IMO), Lola’s various versions of “About Me/the Author” got me hooked.

The world of The Monster Within is a world where magic is still there. A world where magical and other transformed beings are still roaming; not as freely as they would’ve liked though. There is good and there is ancient evil, both trying to keep their hold on the gradually subsiding world of magic.

The story itself starts with a bang; a phone call to Nicole, who once used go by the name Ekaterina. A phone call that makes her sick, literally. Who is this voice? I keep wondering… what’s wrong with Nicole?

Turns out, Nicole has magical powers... not just your tinsy-winsy ones but BIG. She was recruited as a child (without her parents’ consent) by this man called Slaine to (I assume) train her. I won’t go into the ‘whys and hows’ of Slaine’s actions because it’d only give away too much. But Nicole suffered through a traumatic past, ran for her young life… She was somewhat rescued by a man named Montimore, someone who is a father figure. Nicole has stored her magical abilities away in a tight little box, never to be touched again, until this one horrifying little phone call.

When she comes out of the store where she works, to flee, she faints in front of Gideon, who was... umm, stalking her. Now don’t get me wrong. Gideon isn’t your normal male, though once upon a time he used to be. It took me a while to get to the part where Gideon’s identity was revealed and I was like ‘squeeeeeee’! Thanks to Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series, I know something about berserkers and ooh boy, I love them. Berserkers mate for life, and to Gideon, Nicole meant the only word: mate. He must possess her and protect her, at all cost.

So would they be able to uncover and face this monster from the past who is taunting Nicole? Can Gideon save his mate or would he have to face his own monsters?

FYI: Nicole doesn’t need ‘saving’ per say, I assure you!

Part of the story was the building of the series. We are introduced to new characters, including Montimore and his gang, Nicole’s ardent supporters, who know about her past. Gideon and his ‘brothers’, who I suppose will get their books. I’m especially interested in Tomahawk. Have to see who gets to bust his cranky nuts! *heehee* There are definitely a lot to hook you up on those. I’m also very interested in Slaine... not because he’s a handsome old evil, whiny bastard who doesn’t even fry to death but, just that, he made me laugh, a few times. I have NO idea why.

(don’t look at me like this...!)

My only complaint, this could’ve been a longer work with deeper background information. I think someone as ignorant about the various aspects of paranormal genre as me would find it helpful. I wanted to know more about Nicole and Gideon’s past life but I think we’ll get to see much more in the next installments. A solid 4 star, and waiting for the next in the series.


This ARC of The Monster Within was provided to me by Pure Textuality in exchange of an honest review. This review is a part of my very first blog tour, The Monster Within Blog Tour. For more information, please visit Punya Reviews...

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that Lola Rayne definitely has a sense of humor, and its wicked. If you get the opportunity make sure you read her “Acknowledgements” and the “About the author” sections. The way she speaks in these sections makes me think I want to hang out with her and do shots until someone gets arrested.

I have a habit of only reading partial blurbs. I read until I find something I like, then I read the book. I often get surprised by the content inside. That’s I was with this book, surprised by the content. This book morphs into several things which I didn’t expect from the minute portion of the blurb I read. I didn’t expect the fantastic high heat, the action, or the awesome paranormal aspext. This story was full of terrific surprises that had me flying through the words at breakneck speed.

While at work Nicole gets a disturbing phone call. One that brings her horrifying past right to her present. Her body reacts and its only a moment before she takes off. But her body proves that it is not always her brain that is in control, and she passes out. Then we see that someone has been following her. Gideon.

Gideon postiviely gives me the creeps…but only until he gives me the shivers, and I mean that in a completely good way. This man has a lot more going on than what you’d expect just from looking at him. I think he is a fabulously interesting character, and I’m hoping we get to see more of him in the future.

“He might have howled her name. He might have let loose a string of profanity. Hell, he might have done something really stupid like shouting to the ceiling the he fucking loved her.”

I loved these two in action! I mean, if you read the book you will absolutely see why. There are more than sparks, there are damned electrical currents causing white hot fire. Even without all of the other great aspects of this story, the parts where Nicole and Gideon are together are worth the price of admission.

But then on top of that you get a great story that starts in the highlands of Scotland. There is a paranormal battle that includes changlings, magic, berserkers, and much more. The evil is clearly evil, and the steamy scenes will make you wish you were there. All in all, I’m impressed with this story, and I definitely think you should add it to your TBR!

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
www.booksforcompany.com
In Short
- I loved the concept behind The Monster Within
- Both the main characters were characters which I liked.
- I was constantly on edge wondering what was going to happen next.
- It's a short read but still has so much happening.

In Long
The blurb for The Monster Within really intrigued me. I really wanted to find more out about Nicole, when I read ‘While fleeing, in a non-terrified fashion, she meets a menacing man in a dark alley.’ It made me ask myself so many questions and the only way to answer them was to read the book! I loved the idea that Nicole was fleeing in a non-terrified fashion, how is that possible and what is she fleeing from? I have to admit that although the blurb made me want to read this I didn’t realise that I would enjoy it as much as I did.

The concept behind The Monster Within is one which I straight away knew I would like. The idea that Nicole passes out in front of a stranger and together they fight against this ‘nightmare’ which is following them. There are so many twists to this storyline, it’s obviously been very well thought out because I am constantly on edge wondering what will happen next.

Both Nicole and Gideon are characters I liked. I wouldn’t say that this story is strongly character lead because it’s quite a short story there isn’t time for that. However Lola definitely created characters which were strong enough to lead the story. I didn’t bond that strongly with them but I definitely liked their personalities. Gideon is a great guy, he is definitely the type of guy who I can see myself swooning over!

I really liked how everything came together towards the end, even more so because I didn't see it coming so it there was some twists in the story.

Final Thoughts
The Monster Within is a short book but definitely grabbed my attention. This is one of my favourite short books because of how much it manages to accomplish in such a short number of pages.

[Zoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Monster Within is an interesting novel which hooked me at the beginning but ... disturbed me during the middle. I had to give up read it because of this. I will go into further depth in that later on in the review.

The beginning is incredible, full of action and suspense. The mystery of who this man that Nicole didn't want to see was very suspenseful and made me want to read on. The unique and eerie ambience is brilliantly crafted and it is clear that Rayne is a confident writer. The description is fantastic and the words flow onto the page.

Now, the problem which caused me to stop reading. I don't recommend this as the YA genre. There are many, many of Those Type Of Scenes... if you get my drift. The sexual description is very heated and there is a clear chemistry, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY AT ALL. Couldn't the author just have written a sentence saying they had 'it'? Two thirds of the book went into disturbing detail that had me cringing throughout. Sure, I have read books with scenes in but most of the book is revolved around this. Nothing happens.

This has been quite a hard review to write since I didn't finish it and I didn't feel connected to the characters and.. gaa. I'm not sure which age group this has been aimed to either... I'm so confused! However, there are other good reviews of this, so don't base it just on mine. Thanks to the author for including me in the blog tour and sending me a copy for review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

he Monster Within is a fast read with hot sex between Gideon and Nicole and a build up to what looks like a promising story arc in the books to come.

Sure there's smexiness going on in the story but there is a real plot and characters that only get their start in this 1st book in the series. I can't wait to see both develop more as series unfolds.

The Monster Within is a mix of creatures like berserkers (which I'm guessing is the were/shifter family) to magic wielding people.

From the moment that Gideon spots Nicole on the street his inner beast is telling him that she is his mate. The man part of Gideon tries to fight it. I don't normally like it when a couple gets together so fast especially if the series will be about them. I like the relationship to blossoms so my only complaint was that Nicole and Gideon jumped into bed too soon even though it was totally hot.

I hope that Lola Rayne can keep the heat going in the next installment. And I want to learn more about Gideon's old military buddies that come to their aid near the end of the books. This story has potential.

If you're looking for a lot of heat and the beginning of what looks an action pack story in a short, fast and enjoyable read, you should try The Monster Within by Lola Rayne.

Oh by the way this book has the best Acknowledgements and About the Author section I've ever read. Funny stuff.

[Franjessca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review posted on Book Lovin' Mamas

My thoughts on "Monster Within" was it was a great start to Lola Rayne's Mounting Darkness Series.  The characters she created had great chemistry, and I was able to click with them very well. Nicole kicked butt and Gideon scared the crap out of me when I found out what he was and what he was made to do. There were some very steamy, erotic moments between Nicole and Gideon in the book, so be prepared to take a cold shower maybe afterward.  (Yes Lola wrote some sexy, steamy scenes) It was a short novella and only had touched a little bit, and I felt it could have been more...but in the end, I was pleased with what happened. Lola did leave me hanging at the end.  I want to know what will happen next, especially since Nicole and Gideon found out something else that I'm curious about in the story. I recommend this book to paranormal romance readers out there and for readers who love reading short novellas. "The Monster Within" definitely was a great start to one amazing, sexy, paranormal romance series.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Monster Within’ is a scintillating story of passion, magic, terror, evil, and the supernatural. Ms. Rayne will easily draw readers into the new world she’s created and leave you salivating for more! I loved the characters of Nicole and Gideon and the steamy chemistry between them as they band together to fight the nightmare which has plagued them both. The secondary characters give flesh to the world of Ms. Rayne’s creation. The dialogue and prose are modern without being easily dated. It’s hard to go back and read a book when there are too many slang words and/or pop culture references, but it won’t be an issue with ‘The Monster Within’. The action and passion which effortlessly flowed from the pages gave me goose bumps of both fear and excitement! My only issue is I wish this was a full length book, instead of a novella. I hope we see more of Nicole and Gideon – it seems to be their story is far from over!

[Brandy Dorsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine has opened my eyes to more authors and genres then I can ever begin to thank her for. Insert gratuitous thank you to Jena here. :)

Anyway, when I discovered a story written by Lola Rayne I decided to give it a try. WOW, was I blown away. This is a story that got me hooked from the beginning. I know what it is like to think that the past is dead and buried and to have it reach up and bitchslap you. So, when that happened with Nicole, I was drawn into her life.

Gideon has a definite white knight syndrome and that is such a sexy trait in someone that has a little more to them. When he realizes that Nicole is his mate, he will do anything for her and well, to her. This is a great beginning to what I believe is going to be an amazing series!

[Donna Was A Scandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm actually giving this one 4.5 stars - I really enjoyed it.

Here's the link to my Scandalicious Book Review...and there's a giveaway, too! Click on over for your chance to win a copy!
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that I want to read more. It wasn't long enough for me :) I had the whole thing read in 5 hours straight. The plot is really interesting and I can't wait to read more!

[Nette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good indication that the series will not disappoint! Action packed, highly sexual with a handful of colorful characters and a well imagined story, The Monster Within was a satisfying read.

[Proserpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling quick read. I really enjoyed all the paranormal elements and mostly, of course, the berserker character; Gideon!

The storyline is entertaining and it keeps me reading all the way through it because I was so intrigued by how it would end! The subject isn't the happiest on earth, but I guess that's why I was so into it.

Nicole Jones had a shitty past and thought she was over it when the one person she feared the most has come back to haunt her. I really enjoyed reading about Nicole because I could completely create a bond with her. Everyone fears something in his life and even if this particular thing is different to everyone, are feelings remaining the same toward it. Nicole is an interesting character, I really liked her audacity.

Gideon is the perfect representation of the alpha male, the one we love to read about because he's possessive, and the ultimate protector of his mate, strong, sexy and also wounded by his past. When he meets Nicole, everything will be turned upside down but still in a good way!

Nicole and Gideon couple was an instant firework! I'm the kind of girl who likes the insta-love and mate things so I was delighted when this couple occurred. They were meant for each other!

I would have love to read a bit more about Nicole and Gideon's past, each of them seems to have a disturbing ones, but since the book is a quick read, I think the subject wasn't scratched enough.

The ''Bad Guy'' in this story was awesome! He's pure evil and I liked that way!



Page Turner: Yes! A fast-paced little read!

Series: Yes! (Mounting Darkness #1)

Stand Alone: I guess but I think you would love to read the sequel and the rest of this series!

Hotness: Gideon = Berserker = Me = Swoon!!!!!

Proserpine Recommendation: I recommend this title to every Paranormal Romance lovers! Since it's a quick read, you should all give it a try! Buy-Borrow, TBR-pile and Next-To-Buy list!

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read and was asked, "Be honest. Was it terrible?"
I can honestly say that, no, it was not terrible. Was it the equivalent of The DaVinci Code or Gods & Men? No. But I wasn't a huge fan of those books, so this is a good thing.
I was quite happy that it wasn't immediately clear what "beast" is inside of Gideon. Or that Nicole has a secret as well. I love when I don't know things right off the bat because it quite obviously takes the mystery out of it.
Some of my favorite parts of this book were the realistic sex scenes: by this, I mean that she didn't reach orgasm in 30 seconds or less. There was foreplay and they both had to work for it. That's real life! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the "beast" inside of Gideon wasn't what I was expecting (on a side note: I was even happier that the beast was not, in fact, a gorilla. At one point, Gideon carries Nicole in a fireman's carry up to his lair, which happens to be at the top of a tall building. Then I got to thinking of King Kong and how weird it would be for there to be a story about a gorilla shifter and why that would be weird and my mind works in tangled tangents. Moving on!)
It's a 96 page novella that is short, sweet, hot, enthralling and had me salivating for more. I desperately want to know what happens next, and I have been assured that there will be other books. Thank goodness! Buy it, read it. It's only $0.99. So what are you waiting for?

[Pereza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great read! There was just enough paranormal mixed with erotica to keep you wanting more. The plot grabbed me from the first word. The attraction between Nicole and Gideon was instant. There were a handful of other characters I'm hoping she'll elaborate on in further novellas *hint, hint*. I also look forward to learning more about Nicole's past and why it is coming back to haunt her. There is also a little well placed humor throughout. I give this 4.5 stars and anxiously await the next.

[kelly {BookCrushin} · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, steamy & interesting story. I liked the characters & development but I was left wanting more! Not that that is a bad thing...but I was just getting invested in the story when it ended.

I would rate this 3.5-4 stars for creativity, flawless editing, well crafted characters & some really, really smexy scenes.

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I may expand on this review in time.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5?

I mean, the story could maybe have potential to be a good one, but it's kind of hard to tell when there is only a little over 100 pages and 85% of that is sex scenes.

[Jocelyn Stover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, my only complaint is that it ended and I don't know what happens next!!!!
Thoroughly interesting characters and an introduction to a world I'm dying to learn more about.

[Lola Rayne]

I wrote this.