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Her Monstrous Boys #3

The Submission

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Don't you know better than to hide from the Fae?

I followed the monsters through the Veil. And dared to play with them. I became their perfect sacrifice. Then, I rode the storm beautifully.

Now, I am growing in more ways than one. Like dancing with the Fae God in his own court, making friends with sentient trees, or bonding with the monster beneath a mysterious library.

Perhaps I'd rather play seek and peek with the Fair Folk...and not hide.

Drago, Kyan, Mayce, and Merikh. I call them my monstrous boys.

The Fae God says I must submit to their darkness and show them my own. But if I give them my heart and reveal my demons, I fear I will become the greatest monster of them all.

Unless I am the one who turns monsters into miracles...

Quintessa and her monster gods are hotter and darker than ever in The Submission, book three in Her Monstrous Boys series. A dark fantasy romance inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche. If you love fast-burn dark romance, morally gray monsters, and the sassy sweetheart they’ll burn worlds for, you will fall hard for touch-starved Quintessa and her beastly boys.

With a dark and deformed Fae Court, a master illusionist Fae God—and bonus vine tentacles, and sizzling activities on a public throne, The Submission is perfect for fans of the Vicious Lost Boys Series.

332 pages, ebook

Published January 15, 2024

85 people are currently reading
560 people want to read

About the author

Emily Shore

32 books694 followers
Emily used to be the good little church-going girl who snuck peeks of smutty romance at the bookstore. Now, she proudly writes smut and has forsaken the religious cult of her past. Emily includes a trauma-healing theme loosely based on her own experiences in all her work.

In 2020, Emily found her voice while writing dark fantasy romance. In 2021, she rebranded on Kindle Vella and has been a Vella bestseller for two years. Her writing always features enemies to lovers with heroines who don't need a sword to be strong, monsters and villains with "burn the world for her" vibes, and trauma healing.

Emily's bestselling books on Kindle Vella include: The Sacrifice, Bride of Lucifer, Bride of the Corpse King, Courting Death and Destruction, and Grymm Beauty. Learn more at “Emily’s Vella Verse” on FB or connect with her on social media to learn how you can become a super fan and get super fan treats!

An abuse survivor and trained advocate, Emily has worked as an awareness speaker all over Minnesota. Identifying as bisexual and feminist, she loves to showcase sex and kink positivity and normalized LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

When not writing enemies to lovers, Emily is addicted to the Enneagram, rewatching Schitts Creek, cuddling with her kitty, and spending time with her online sisterhood where she can exercise her big empath heart. She lives in Saint Paul with her husband and two daughters—one is a budding author.

Please subscribe to Emily’s newsletter at - www.emilybethshore.com - to keep up with her series projects, author promos, and prize contests. Or follow her on Tiktok at @authoremilybshore.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMILY:
This list gives you a little peek into the crazy brain of this author. If you find yourself relating to any of these, reach out to me on any of my pages and we shall go forth and bond!

1. I am an extrovert with unlimited psychological energy. (I also stockpile Pinterest memes!)
2. HUGE Enneagram fan, so if you want to connect more, prepare to be asked to take the test so I can better understand you and speak your love language . (My tritype is 847 - which makes me Deadpool's female twin!)
3. My favorite authors on the YA side are Laini Taylor and Susan Dennard. My favorite authors on the adult side include: Amelia Hutchins *Queen*, Pam Godwin *Goddess*, and Elayna Gallea.
4. Up until 2020, I used to write strictly YA. I had a major identity transformation, wrote three books in three months (back to back), found my true VOICE, processed my identity, healed from past trauma, and came out as bisexual. Now, I love writing spicy fantasy romance and bridging the gap between the heterosexual and queer audience by offering them badass heroines taking on the dark alphas and literally *everyone* in my books is queer and polyamorous because #whychoose? It's normalized, it's respected, and it's beautiful!
5. My favorite film is The Princess Bride.
6. I am Disney-obsessed, especially Marvel and the Princess movement.
7. I started writing The Aviary over twelve years ago after a visit to Germany and learning about the Red-Light District. These books were evidence of my sexuality screaming to be let out.
8. My favorite Broadway is The Phantom of the Opera followed closely by The Scarlet Pimpernel.
9. Songs to describe me: Unbreakable by Fireflight, Warrior by Demi Lovato, Ready or Not by Brit Nicole and Lecrae, Speechless by Naomi Scott (Aladdin), Show Yourself by Idina Mendel (Frozen 2), This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, and The Sound of Silence.
10. I’m a mom to two little girls. I fight for a better world for them and for myself.

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5 stars
175 (55%)
4 stars
85 (26%)
3 stars
38 (11%)
2 stars
15 (4%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Schweinepriesterin.
89 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2024
So…. What can I say. I was pulled into these books and can’t put them down. I have to say that this is my favorite of the series so far (although I can’t wait for my favorite character to get his turn). The story unfolds beautifully and now more than ever the story and romance go hand in hand. Also… the wyrm who loves books… that is always a good thing to keep me tethered to a story. The general progress and growth that quintessa experiences during this book is incredible. So all in all I can say this book is a very good way of curing one book hangover (it’s why I started reading them) but definitely material to start an even worse hangover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Destiny Imperati.
1,032 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2024
“But I must confess how much I love the floral patterns and how he decorated my p***y like a blooming lotus flower.” 👀❤️‍🔥🪷
ARC Review ✨
Emily is coming in hot with the third book of Her Monstrous Boys!!! This dark fae fantasy romance will have you on the edge of your seat wishing you were on the edge of Macey’s lap instead 😉😉 I am obsessed with daddy Macey!!! Oh my goodness he’s a dream!! This book is full of morally gray monsters and a FMC named Quintessa you can’t get enough of! The relationship that Macey shares with Quintessa is my favorite! I truly believe their connection is the strongest. The world building and the plot were remarkable in this one! The other two books are fantastic, but this one takes the cake for me!
Profile Image for Heather Johnson.
40 reviews
October 29, 2024
Loved it! Quintessa and her boys! Quick easy read. Very spicy but there’s enough plot going on too. Wish we got more about Qora. Can’t wait to read the next book when I’m ready for more spice & Merikh’s story.

“Through sacrifice, surrender, and submission, you will claim your salvation. Together.”
Profile Image for Audra PC.
283 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2024
You cannot possibly fathom how long I waited in anticipation for Daddy Mayce!

This is the third installment of Her Monstrous Boys series and to truly appreciate the journey and how far our group has come (haha). You’ll need to read the first two books.

Quinny and her boys meet their baby. This is a good portion of the story so please read any TW’s first.

And as much as I loved Master Mayce and his court. The ending, the ending with Merikh. Being so wonderfully and beautifully broken. I shed a few tears.

I highly recommend this series and am counting down the days til the next installment!
Profile Image for Torie Stallings .
106 reviews
January 16, 2024
Omg took me no time at all to finish this one! Absolutely loooved!!!! Picked up right where they left off and I super can’t wait for the next one! I just know it’ll be just as spicy!🌶️
Profile Image for Stephanie Rhamstine.
151 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2024
Don't you know better than to hide from the Fae? Quintessa didn't, and her journey into the world of the Fair Folk takes readers on an exhilarating ride. 🧚‍♂️✨

In this thrilling third installment of the "Her Monstrous Boys" series, Emily Shore weaves a tale of dark fantasy and romance that's as addictive as it is captivating. Quintessa, our daring protagonist, ventures into the realm of monsters, forming an unbreakable bond with Drago, Kyan, Mayce, and Merikh – her "monstrous boys." 💖🌌

The story unfolds with Quintessa navigating the complexities of the Fae Court, forging friendships with sentient trees, and uncovering mysteries hidden within a library like no other. 🔮🌳📖

But it's the connection between Quintessa and Mayce that steals the spotlight - a beautiful dance of submission, emotion, acceptance, and strength. And let's not forget the sizzling spice that ignites their relationship! 🔥😍

As Quintessa is urged to submit to the darkness within herself and her monstrous companions, the stakes are raised, and the line between monster and miracle blurs. 🌓🦹‍♀️

"The Submission" is a dark fantasy romance inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche, and it delivers on all fronts. If you're a fan of fast-burn dark romance, morally gray monsters, and a sassy sweetheart who can ignite worlds, this book is a must-read. 💏🌍

With its dark and deformed Fae Court, enigmatic Fae God, bonus vine tentacles, and sizzling activities on a public throne, this book is a rollercoaster of passion and intrigue. 🔥🌿👑

However, it's essential to start with the first two books in the series to fully appreciate the evolving story and characters. Emily Shore's writing keeps improving with each installment, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the fourth book, focused on Merikh. 📖🤩

In conclusion, "The Submission" is a dark fantasy romance that hits all the right notes. Quintessa and her monstrous boys will sweep you off your feet, and you'll be left craving more of their enchanting world. Highly recommended! 👏🌟
102 reviews
December 31, 2024
The quality degrades with each book.

Book one was great. Book two was ok. This book was just not it. Repetitive over the top, to the point of comedic, sex scenes are a major feature. Frankly, I felt bored a lot while reading this book.
As for the characters, the female lead is weak and ditsy. She doesn't have an original thought in her head, in fact it got to the point where the only thoughts she's allowed to have are the ones the kings have put there. She has no autonomy or freewill and is really just loved for her ability to save these men. The main plot device for her punishments are the fact that she just wanders off like a 3 year old a lot, even when she knows there is danger around her. Once she so strongly suspects one of them of cheating that she doesn't want to heal him, an act that is accomplished with sex, never gets any explanation and it's just never mentioned again. And when she hesitates to heal him, the other men force her on to him. Anally. With no lube and no effs given despite her pain. Because love. ??
We're supposed to believe that she orgasms from this too! She's also subjected to anal twice during labor with no consent or warning.
I also didn't care much for Mayce, his attitude or his brand of no choice bdsm.
The series had a lot of potential but the author lost it somewhere.
Profile Image for Bri.
7 reviews
January 21, 2024
I’ve been waiting to read this book with bated breath. Emily always ends her books in such a way that you really want to put it down and immediately pick up the next one. And this one was no different. I’ve been looking forward to this one because it was Daddy Mayce. And I was not disappointed in the slightest. Holy hot Daddy. This kingdom was so interesting and I loved the other characters and I’m a sucker for a good fae story line. I’ve loved every single book in their series because the Monstrous Boys are all so different. It’s been so amazing to get to see how everything is coming together. I am so excited to see how the next book goes. Also Daddy Mayce’s extra . . . Endowments? Enhancements? Talents? Magical disco stick skills. Whatever you want to call it —- definitely was very very interesting. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ if you’ve loved the rest of them this one is no different. Better get started reading The Submission now, The Salvation is coming. 🤩🤩🤩
24 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2024
This one has been my favorite of the series so far! Quinn finally, FINALLY, comes into herself a bit. Accepts who she was, who she is now, and who she wants to be. Mayce's story was wonderful, and his court and his powers were amazing! I'm not gunna lie though- I think my favorite part was Ruana! When Mayce finds Quinn and her cuddled all cuddled up, I may have laughed out loud! Wynter is met a firing end, and she served a purpose. Quinn needed something like being captured by Wyntris to really accept herself. And the glimpses into Qora's situation was horrible and just the right amount of info to let us know what's going on. I'm interested to see what's going to happen with her next. Was the Kronos's brother? Will he end up being the monster she is wanting so bad? Can't wait to find out! And I'm completely stoked that we finally get the chance to really know Merikh!!!! So excited for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Irish_I_was_reading.
395 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
Ok, let’s start with the dedication: “To all the monster-fudging good girls who love the real dark fae sidhe who are more like monsters and you’d absolutely eat fae food and become their plaything.” That dedication alone is just *chef’s kiss*. It is accurate and absolutely wraps up this book!

Now, this is the third book in this series (the first is The Sacrifice, the second being Surrender) and you will definitely have to read the first two before this one. Just like the other two, this has 3 different POVs (Mayce, Quintessa, and Quora (Quora not so much)).

This book is action packed, and of course very spicy I absolutely love this series due to it being spicy, yet has an amazing storyline to it! Mayce gives off protective, daddy dom vibes throughout the entire book. Now, when it comes to the spicy scenes, there are MFM, MF, MFMM, MMFMM involved, but it is so well written!
5 reviews
January 11, 2024
Book 3 is all about Daddy Mayce and his desire for submission. Taking off right where we left off in Book 2, Quinntessa is pregnant and Mayce is insistent that the safest place for his little Rosebud is his very own Court of Thorns. Can she break his curse and restore his realm to its former glory? Only her submission will be acceptable in his court, but will it be enough to break the curse?
Emily Shore drags you into her deep and dark world of pleasure, pain, and everything in between. The monstrous gods are, as always, a fantastic blend of blend of fire, air, earth, and water. They each breathe new life into Quinntessa and show her how she is so much more than she sees herself.
I can’t wait for book 4.
Profile Image for Jenna Forever Booked.
46 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
I loved reading Mayce’s story. It was so beautifully written! 😩❤️ Great plot twists, & fighting scenes. The world building was 👩‍🍳 💋, so descriptive! This is another 5 ⭐️ read. Emily Shore makes it so hard to pick a team ya’ll. 🤣 After all, this series is all about the “Why Choose” trope.🫣😝😉 However, I am still #teamKyan… For now 😏. I wonder what Book 4, “The salvation” has is store for us, since it is Merikh’s turn to end his curse. Cant wait!!! Here are some tropes:
- Touch her and 💀
- Bdsm
- 🧚‍♂️🐉🪽🧛‍♂️
- Polyamory
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
- 💦
- 🤰🏻
- m/m,f/m,f/m/m/m/m
- Multiple POV’s
- 🍑💥
- 👌🏼🍆
What are you waiting for?! 🏃🏻‍♀️💨 and get your copy now! You will not be disappointed 😏
Profile Image for Samantha Conner.
14 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2024
I just wanna say Emily absolutely blows me away with every new book she releases. She is a brilliant author and I am can NOT wait for the next book in this series.


This book concentrates on Quintessa and Mayce, and the submission, emotion, pleasure in their relationship. Quintesse learns to submit to Daddy Mayce while he protects Quintesse and break the curse.

If you are looking for a read you WILL NOT be able to put done then look no further, this book has it all!! 🔥🌶️🖤

Touch here and die ✅

Multiple POV ✅

Polyamory ✅

Pregnant MFC ✅

Protective men ✅

MFM, MF, MFMM, MMFMM ✅

🍑 play ✅

AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON HOW SPICY THIS IS…🌶���🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
406 reviews25 followers
January 16, 2024
While this book can be read as a stand-alone I think it’s much more enjoyable when read as part of the Her Monstrous Boys series.

There’s a lot going on in this book - Quintessa is spending time with Mayce in his kingdom, hoping to help him find his soul so that he will truly be free of his curse. Quintessa is pregnant and trying to acclimate to the ways of the fae. Mayce has to face a past lover turned enemy, and so much more.

While I can say this book was an enjoyable, smutty ride, I will also say that it’s more intensely emotional, too, as Quintessa experiences some significant emotional growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,433 reviews234 followers
February 18, 2024
OMG! I read this book so fast. After book two I needed this book. Bring on book four.

What I love the most is that each of the men have a different nickname for Quin. Each one is perfect and shows their different personalities as well. In this book, it was more about Mayce with touches of Drago. Mayce may be more of the quiet one out of the group, but he brings the big "D" energy. It was nice to see more of his and Drago's relationship as well.

Kyan more jovial side came out as well and Merikh is still a bit gruff around the edges but his soft spot for Quin has grown. For example, when she hugged Merikh, this would not have been allowed back in book one.
Profile Image for Rebecca Georgiev.
245 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2024
I'm OBSESSED with This Series!!!

6⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I can’t say enough about how much I'm OBSESSED with this series!! The Submission picked up right where they left off in book 2. It took me no time to finish this book and I can't wait to dive into book 4 "The Salvation".

I refuse to let any spoilers slip! You will just have to read it to find out everything for Yourself!!

If you are into Dark Fantasy Romance and Morally Gray Monsters🥵🔥 then I HIGHLY Recommend this series, if you don't read then you are Missing out big time!!

⚠️⚠️As Always Please check Your Trigger Warnings⚠️⚠️
Profile Image for Christina.
192 reviews
June 23, 2024
‼️ CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS ‼️

⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
***Self-harm***
***Dark***
***RH***
***MFMM***
***Age gap***
***DP***


I'm doing a review on the first 3 books in the series... I won't lie it took me a while to get into the first book. But, once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are all great I love Quinn. She is such a strong character, and the way she finds herself while awakening, and claiming her monsters is amazing. The world building is beautifully described without being so overdone that it becomes monotonous. Oh, and the spice (chefs kiss). I can't wait for book 4. I truly hope she reunites with Quora.
Profile Image for Daria.
1,944 reviews42 followers
February 25, 2024
The King of all Fae in all his grandure and decadence. Q is in definite awe as her 3rd monster seeks her submission.
Lessons to be learned for our lil flower and she's an apt pupil...mostly.
Ice, fire, wind and earth oh my... The past tries to be the future but the for Mayce... been there done that and left it for a reason.
We also get some quora interesting story that.
I really like the interactions, the story detail.... what a series and what a journey. Each story flowed into each other beautifully. Read the stories prior and they are very much worth it. Enjoy.

Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
639 reviews19 followers
January 5, 2024
This series is an absolute masterpiece!
In this third book we keep following Quintessa in the court of thorns with delicious daddy Mayce and the other monstrous boys in a path of pain,tears and pleasure.
My highest praise to Emily Shore for the profund deph in the creation of her characters, specialy Quintessa,her past traumas,how she sees herself unworthy and unwanted but has a huge heart and how she gives her vulnerability and trust to her monstrous gods.
A absolute MUST READ!
16 reviews
January 6, 2024
Emily, you have done it again!! Wow!! The Court of Thorns was everything I needed and more. I loved the beings in this book and the beautiful landscape you painted. DO not get me started on the amazing continuation of Quintessa and Her Monstrous Boys! I am dying for March when we get to see the final Court and find out more about this darkness that has entered her world as well as another 🖤 believe me when I say I will constantly be looking for the next ARC!!
Profile Image for Joy.
294 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2024
The Submission is the third book in Her Monstrous Boys series. You definitely need to read the first two books. I absolutely loved this book. The story and characters keep getting better with each book. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the relationship between Quintessa and Mayce; the submission, the emotion, the acceptance and finding strength in oneself. And the spice…OMG! I'm impatiently waiting for the fourth book (Merikh). I highly recommend this book.
81 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2024
This series is just so good! Each book really gives you the feel of each of the gods in a way that can be totally immersive. Watching Quintessa grow alongside her gods, while never losing her original fire is just the best feeling! There's trials and tribulations, of course, but there is also the balance of moments to make you giggle out loud. And the spice is nothing to bat an eye at. Mayce's moment we've all been waiting for does NOT disappoint.
62 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2024
Daddy Mayce's control is tested while he tests Tessa's ability to submit. This book has a Daddy Dom/sub vibe that I'm here for. Once again, Emily's FMC's trials and ability to succeed in the face of trauma, without a man to rescue her from everything, always amazes me. I can't wait to read the final book, and see how Merikh's court will be different from the dragon, fae and angel. The glimpse of him at the end was not what I expected.
Profile Image for Jennifer Tabor.
76 reviews8 followers
January 15, 2024
The third book in the series. You definitely need to read the previous books in the series to be in line with the story. This book will have you sweating with the Need to read the dynamics of Mayce and Tessies story. It will pull you and and leave you with a sense of desire to turn page after page and dive deeper into it's pages. I can't wait to see where the series goes next. Emily's work is definitely on my auto buy list and is as always a pleasure read for me.
9 reviews
January 15, 2024
Emily Shore has done it again with book 3 The Submission, in Her Monstrous Boys series. The writing is beautiful, the story telling from different characters focus from book to book is really entertaining and the SPICE is VERY NICE! Of the 3 books so far this one is my favorite! The emotions and self discovery kept me at the edge of my seat rooting for both Quintessa and Mayce! I can't wait for book 4!
5 reviews
January 19, 2024
We just keep getting more and more from every single one of these books! 😍 The more invested Quintessa gets, so do you! Full of spice while still being emotionally relatable - it's so nice to see Quintessa grow and realize she's worth so much more than she's given herself credit for in the past, all while Daddy Mayce doesn't disappoint, as expected of course. What a wild ride in the fae court. Ready and waiting for book 4!
Profile Image for Whitney Payne.
28 reviews
February 4, 2024
✨Spoliers✨

Emily does it again!!!!! This is book 3 in Her Monsterous Boys series. You will fall in love with Daddy Mayce even more than before. You get to see a new side to Mayce, you are use to seeing the cool, calm and collected but to see him lose his always rational mind was amazing! And to see how much all the boys love and care for Quinn during her pregnancy and how much they care for the baby. And how the baby is a piece of all of her Monsterous Boys!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Literary Chimera.
179 reviews12 followers
February 15, 2024
Daddy Mayce is everything!
How do these just keep getting better?!! The Submission is book three in this series and it is my favorite so far! The relationship between Mayce and Quintessa is absolutely beautiful and I love everything about this book. I especially love Quintessa's growth to this point. The world building in the fae realm is by far the best in the series.
I have a feeling that book four could spell my doom, however. Merikh might break me, and I'll love it.
Profile Image for Allis Liljenberg.
7 reviews
March 15, 2024
As the god of fae Mayce has a connection with earth itself and an ability to create nature, maybe this is why he is the first one that wants to know Quintessa down to her roots and then help her grow into a beautiful flower by overcoming her insecurities and realising her own worth. The way he does this is by making her submit to him. The way he does this is not very gentle though and instead makes him earn his nickname, Daddy Mayce.

I swear, this series just keeps getting better and I'm a little scared of reading the last one, both because I don't want it to end and because it will be focused on Merikh and all that that entails.

Be sure to check the trigger warnings before you read though because it’s definitely not for everyone, especially since Quintessa loves to feel everything, both pleasure and pain.

I got the arc version of The Sacrifice from author Emily Shore in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fawn.
558 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2024
the submission

Up until now I have given five stars in spite of minor errors but this one had not only moments where the wrong word was used or a - in the middle of a word (h-is I think the error was) but there were several times where the scene jumped in the middle of a chapter with no warning and I had to read and reread the page several times to figure out what just happened. Which kicked me out of the story.
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