Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Monster Without Mercy

Rate this book
Anyone can be tempted…

Xavier Hollow is the king of destruction. A shifter, a vampire, a demon—every nightmare you have—all rolled into one very smoking hot package. Xavier snaps his fingers, and the world falls at his feet. His enemies tremble in fear. And the women who want him? They tremble with yearning. Life (and death) is one fabulous ride…until a certain very old curse kicks in for him. A curse that threatens to take away all of his dark power.

He needs someone good…to fall for him. STAT.

Three days. That’s how long Xavier has to tempt one Mercy Josephine. Innocent, pure, the actual descendant of an angel, she’s all the things that normally give him hives—literally. He’s allergic to good and just can’t stand it. Committing a “good” act causes Xavier physical pain. The bigger the act, the more intense his suffering. But, for Mercy, he’ll have to pretend to be someone very, very different. Someone who is—unfortunately and ever-so-disgustingly—good.

He’ll corrupt her. She’ll save him.

A simple enough task. Go to the costume ball. Charm the modern-day princess. Get her to sacrifice her soul for him. Done. He could probably bring her to the dark side with just a kiss. But then he meets Mercy and realizes that he’s not the only one looking to destroy some goodness. Other beasts are closing in, and in order to break the curse that haunts him, Xavier will have to do the one thing he never expected…protect Mercy. Beautiful, brave, and—shudder—good Mercy.

The plan won’t change.

By the time the clock strikes midnight on the third day, Mercy will be under his spell. He’ll convince her that he’s a hero, that she’s desperately in love with him. She’ll give up her soul—and her life—for him. The desire that rages between them is hotter than the fires of—well, home. Temptation is his specialty, and he can seduce her like no other.

Not like he’s going to change his mind for her. Not like…

Not like anyone can teach a monster to love. Because only the good love. And Xavier is many things, but he will never, ever be good. Not when being bad is so much fun.

Time for the world to burn. Time for an innocent to fall. And time for the monsters to reign…

MONSTER WITHOUT MERCY is a steamy paranormal romance (41,000 words) featuring one seriously intense hero, lots of life-or-death drama, and more monsters than you can handle. HEA guaranteed and no cliff-hangers.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

84 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

309 books6,808 followers
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
238 (50%)
4 stars
139 (29%)
3 stars
80 (16%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Vashti.
1,233 reviews29 followers
October 25, 2023
I loved this book!
Light meets dark in this fast-paced paranormal romance that had me quickly turning page after page till the very end.
A descendant of Angels meets the son of the Devil, and he has 3 days to break a curse in which she gives her life up for him or he dies.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,385 reviews899 followers
October 19, 2023
This had the feel of a dark fairy-tale romance, which I crave! My heart literally quickened with anticipatory delight from the moment this couple met. I knew I was in for a read that was going to give me all the feels and holy Hades did it ever!


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7a/c3/f4/7ac3f41ae9f7e10ec89e91cfd164deff.jpg


Xavier was the perfect hero to star in this fairy-tale and I was a goner to his bad boy ways. I loved the way Mercy saw only the good in his monster. Watching him fall for her and fighting with his instinctive nature was a wonderful experience.


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/50/2c/c3/502cc36d986650aaa63d527ced00d13a.jpg


This is a fast read, relatively short, but gave me all that I could hope for in a longer book. While this had plenty of danger and drama, there was enough angst to cause a lump in my throat and a struggle not to cry. I’m excited at the potential for future books in this world and can’t wait to see what this author gives us.

Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam

Profile Image for Carol.
1,245 reviews
October 26, 2023
4 Stars

You can never go wrong with the big bad monster King of Destruction falling in love with the descendant of an angel who he's required to suck the shine out of to break a curse that will ultimately weaken his power if he fails.

This was a fast paced bundle of entertaining monster deliciousness. It made me laugh and it made me swoon. It gave me exactly what I was hoping for.

Xavier was so wickedly charming. He was a riot at times and I loved his personality. Him experiencing physical pain and even hives when he did an act of good was rather hilarious. I think my favorite part was when Mercy called him her hero because he saved her and him being immediately offended when he snapped "How dare you?" 🤣

Mercy was unexpectedly bold and daring in her own right. I really truly liked her. I also adored how she just claimed Xavier back regardless of his wickedness. I liked her personality even if I felt we didn't get to know as much about her as I would have liked.

Together they were just adorable. I would have loved a few more chapters of them just getting to simply be, as a couple before the book began wrapping up. But alas...😔

Xavier's right hand man Micah was also a fun side character throughout the story. Their dynamic was a huge bit of comic relief throughout the entire story that was hard not to enjoy.

I think the only complaints I have is that it wasn't longer, the epilogue didn't provide me with the closure I wanted because it wasn't even about them, and that the bad guy got dead rather easily (although deservedly so) without Mercy ever learning he was responsible for her mother's death as well.

I think that was a big plot hole tbh and I wish she could have learned all he did so she would have felt more justified in helping his demise along when it happened.

Otherwise, this book was so much fun. Cynthia always delivers with her big alpha baddies who go soft for their women.
Profile Image for Charissa Gracyk.
Author 38 books149 followers
November 5, 2023
A Wicked Good Time

I loved this book! I thought the whole premise was fun and I found myself wondering how the King of Destruction would find happiness with the descendent of an angel. Especially when goodness gave him hives lol! This story was so entertaining and I hope Paxton and the rest of the siblings will get their own stories.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,042 reviews23 followers
October 24, 2023
Good And Evil!!

Xavier Hollow is the king of destruction. Evil as they come. His days are numbered.

“Your evilness?” “G’away.” A throat cleared. “Your most wretched evilness?” “Sleeping.”“Your most dastardly, wretched evilness?” A touch of impatience.

Mercy Josephine is a descendent. Pure and beautiful.

“Sweetheart, what do you want me to destroy for you first? Him?

Whether she’s writing suspense or paranormal it’s a must read.
This is a short story that you just can’t put down. Good always triumphs over evil or does it. Sometimes it’s good to be Bad!!
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,708 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2023

I'm so happy to have a new paranormal romance by Cynthia Eden. It's been a hot minute since her last one. Right off I knew I was going to love this one. It was totally her. Sexy take charge guy, sweet and strong female and a whole lot of mess.

I really think Mercy has to be one of Eden's sweetest heroines. She's just so good. Now I know that part of who she is, but the author has written other very sweet character but this one just rose to another level.

The differences between Mercy and Xavier are so far away from each other but yet so close. The are like two sides of the same coin. I really enjoyed the evilness of Xavier. He shows how powerful he is but also has a side to him that you will see that isn't evil at all.

Together these two will fight for each other and make decision that is the best for the other person over themselves. Their love is something special. The story is fast paced and before you know it, you'll be done and wanting more. I really hope she writes more stories in this world.

Make sure this is your treat on Halloween!

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

ARC received for an honest review
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,284 reviews207 followers
October 25, 2023
3.75stars

MONSTER WITHOUT MERCY by Cynthia Eden is a contemporary, adult, paranormal, romance story line focusing supernatural power Xavier Hollow, and descendant of an angel Mercy Josephine.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Mercy and Xavier, MONSTER WITHOUT MERCY follows Xavier Hollow as he attempts to break the curse invoked by his father. Xavier has three days to take the life of Mercy Josephine but there are others racing to take her life before our story line hero. Mercy Josephine has no idea she has been targeted by the supernatural world but a fundraising auction features Mercy as the ultimate prize. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Mercy and Xavier, and the potential fall-out when Xavier becomes the target of a desperate man.

The relationship between Mercy and Xavier is one of immediate attraction but Xavier’s seduction threatens the life of our story line heroine, and Mercy’s love for Xavier threatens the power of the man that she loves. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.

We are introduced to Xavier’s right hand man Micah; his brother Paxton; as well as Mercy’s father’s assistant Thomas.

MONSTER WITHOUT MERCY is a fast paced, dark fairy tale style story of betrayal, power, control and magic. The premise is enchanting and captivating; the romance is predicated upon desperation and a lie;the characters are determined and powerful with a little bit of mania.
2,557 reviews23 followers
October 24, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed "MONSTER WITHOUT MERCY
WOW!!! I was hooked on this story right from the start it pulls you right into all danger, action, intrigue, curses, evil & good, humor, demons, tears, monsters, attraction, twists that makes for a very addicting story.
Xavier Hollow is the King of Destruction his father the Devil cursed him he has three days to find an innocent make her fall in love with so he can take her soul for him, being good literally pains Xavier.
Mercy Josephine is an innocent descendant of an Angel she radiates light when Xavier meets her he knows she's the one, the closer he pulls her into his world, their immediate attraction to one another the instant connection they have, makes it easier for him to get what he eanrs from her.
Mercy's light seems to attract monsters out to kill her Xavier if he saves her & protects her will be extremely painful to him.
I definitely recommend to get this delightful intense interesting story Mercy isn't afraid of Xavier because her stepdad gave her something to protect her, will they both be destroyed when Xavier's secret gets out, his good act is extremely painful for him, will Mercy be the one to save him its a must read for sure I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
AWESOME MUST HAVE PARANORMAL ROMANCE!!!!
Profile Image for Lyn *Nomadic Worlds.
526 reviews57 followers
October 25, 2023

It just wouldn’t be October without a steamy paranormal romance from Cynthia Eden and Monster Without Mercy fits in perfectly with the fall season — with a wicked, morally gray character like Xavier Hollow. Oh my God, I just loved him! That snark is to die for. You can’t help but love him.

Xavier Hollow doesn’t do good deeds. Nope, he’s bad personified. His life of wreaking havoc and destruction would be swell, if not for a tiny snag — like a curse bound to take his powers away if he doesn’t find someone good to fall for him.

Enter Mercy Josephine. She was pretty amazing herself and I liked her a lot. She had spunk and I loved how she and Xavier were together.

This might be a novella-length story but it was crafted very well, with a fantastic plot-line and awesome characters. I had so much fun reading this book, I finished it one setting. Totally one of my favorite books for this year.

Thanks to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stay tuned.
∼Lyn

Posted on Blog
3,129 reviews
October 17, 2023
Xavier is the king of destruction. He can shift into anything he wants..from a wolf to a dragon. Doing anything nice or good causes him pain. His father put a curse on him, he has three days to get a pure of heart woman, to give up her life for him. His assistant finds a descendant of an angel and he goes to New Orleans to find her.
Mercy has believed she was going crazy because she saw monsters. She is given a pill to take and she doesn't see monsters. What she doesn't know is that she's a descendant of an angel and the pills didn't make her shine. But she either missed a couple of doses because that is how Xavier locates her.
Xavier isn't the only one that wants Mercy. Now that her shine is shining, every paranormal thing can see it too. Xavier doesn't plan to fall for her but does and sends her back to her own realm to be happy but can he live without her?
Such a excellent story. I giggled a little because Xavier cracked me up. He's bad but can't help doing some good. Mercy is just the person to love him no matter what. Sexy.

* Received from Bookfunnel and voluntarily read and reviewed for author *
1,068 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2023
Outrageously entertaining, this book had me hooked from page one.

When the sweet and lovely Mercy Josephine finds herself being auctioned off at her father's gala it is the sinfully gorgeous Xavier that is suddenly saving her as she feels her reality slipping into some kind of psychotic nightmare. It seems monsters are real even when you are awake.

For Xavier Hollow, King of Destruction, an ancient curse is about to kick in that will destroy all of his evil powers. He has just three days to make a woman with a soul of goodness sacrifice herself for him. Then he meets Mercy; a pure, innocent descendant of an angel that carries a halo of radiant light about her, and their instant connection has lust quickly raging between the two. The more Xavier draws her into his world the closer he is to getting Mercy to give him everything he needs.

But as other beasts zero in on Mercy, in need of her beautiful 'light', Xavier's very act of protecting her will not only cause him extreme physical pain, the King of Destruction's secret will most certainly destroy them both.

I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
2,523 reviews42 followers
October 24, 2023
Xavier Hollow is the King! He is the king of destruction, a demon who was cursed by his father…the Devil. He has three days to break the curse and must find someone who is “good”, make her fall in love with him and give her life for him. He sets his sights on Mercy Josephine who shines with goodness, even though she sees monsters, monsters who killed her mother. Mercy, who is the descendent of an angel, is soon captivated by Xavier. Unfortunately, when Xavier does something good (which he normally avoids), he pays for it with pain and injury to his body. As he realizes that someone else plans to end Mercy’s life, he steps in and does the unexpected, he vows to protect her. Can he keep her and still protect her from himself? He takes her to his realm to keep her safe, but he is at war with himself; to enjoy her love could kill him and to end her life would kill him. Will evil prevail or will good conquer evil? A delightful and fast moving paranormal, with witty dialog and entertaining characters. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,861 reviews210 followers
October 25, 2023
I think I've found the perfect read for this time of year with its Demon versus Angel dynamics. Xavier is without a doubt a bad boy to the extreme and pretty much all about destruction ! Mercy is a good girl who kinda wants to be little bad but has no idea she's descended from an Angel and that has painted a huge target on her. With a short time frame driving Xavier he's determined to get Mercy to hand over her soul but when he meets her she's not at all what he expected and as sparks fly so too do his hopes of ever parting from her !
Ok this was shorter than I wanted but still very entertaining. This couple just cannot keep their hands off each other but for this reader it's all the asides into Xaviers way of thinking that kept me eagerly turning the pages. This is a story of passion yes but also betrayal and even loyalty. Although perhaps most of all that it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done good is in all of us and love can be found in unexpected places. Bottom line is this short story was fun, steamy and had a happy ending so this reader enjoyed the ride.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,529 reviews19 followers
November 26, 2023
This was a very quick, fun, and satisfyingly silly paranormal romance. It was definitely a unique spin on your good girl/bad guy story.

Xavier has been cursed by his father to lose his powers if he doesn’t get someone to give up their good soul for him. After ignoring it for far too long, his trusted and snarky advisor (who steals the show in many scenes) finds a descendent of an angel who may fit the bill. Xavier shows up in his evil ruler glory to save said person (Mercy) and whisk her away to safety. That kind of backfires a bit, and there’s oodles of explaining to be jammed into very dangerous times, but it turns out that Mercy has been surrounded by folks trying to take advantage of her!

In this case, Xavier might somehow actually be the safest bet for her, especially when he starts demonstrating some very un-evil behaviors. This is especially concerning to those how know Xavier as the evil-doer who literally hurts when he does nice things. After many quick twists and turns and fun new intros (more books please?), we do get ourselves to a nice HEA here.
520 reviews84 followers
January 28, 2024
Bad boy meets good girl and just can’t get enough of her! If you want a quick, hot, paranormal read then look no further then this book right here!

Our hero is Bad with a capital B, as in the King of Destruction. In order to break a curse that will drain his powers he needs someone “good” to fall for him. Enter our heroine who is the descendent of an angel and the embodiment of “good”. Will he taint her with his wickedness? Or will she bring out the goodness in him (even if it makes him physically ill to do anything good)? You are in for one heck of a good read.

Both main characters have a whole lot of personality and they really shine. This book has action, suspense, paranormal goodness and definitely steam. Even though it’s only a relatively short read it’s paved really well doesn’t leave you feeling like you missed anything.
6,539 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2023
Whether you are reading Cynthia's romantic suspense or her paranormal books you are sure of a great read this falls under her paranormal banner and though it is only a short read it totally draws you in

What happens when Xavier the god of destruction and the son of a devil falls for Mercy Josephine the descendant of an angel He has to make a decision to keep her safe will mean extreme pain for himself as any good deeds causes him that pain, but he also has to contend with the fact that his father has cursed him and he has to take an innocent soul within three days But others are after Mercy and he is determined to keep her safe Is there anyway this can have a happy ending You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Paula.
1,962 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2023
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Net Galley of Monster Without Mercy . This is a fantastic paranormal romance . I really enjoyed reading it . Xavier Hollow is the King of Destruction . Unfortunately his father put a curse on him he had three days to find a woman with a soul of goodness and she would have to sacrifice herself for him , if not he will lose his powers . Mercy Josephine has no idea she's a descendant from an angel . She has no idea that monsters are real . When she meets Xavier she soon finds herself in danger and it's closer than she realizes . This story is an enjoyable paranormal romance . It's witty and action packed and definitely entertaining . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Profile Image for Mei.
315 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
5 absolutely tantalising wretched Xavier stars! Loved the humour, the dynamics of being king of evilness and how they literally feel pain when they act contrary to their nature. In Xavier’s case, he’s the king of destruction and he every teeny little itty bit of goodness he does causes him at minimum, to wince in pain, depending on how big of a good deed he does, the pain is just as big. With all the paranormal forces gunning for Mercy, the descendant of an angel, her ‘shine’ attracts monsters. Far and side to rip out a piece of her. But Xavier needs her to willingly sacrifice herself for him to break a curse placed on him by his dear dead dad. The world building was excellent, I could visualise Xavier’s realm with all the beasts lurking around every corner working for him.
6,153 reviews30 followers
October 23, 2023
Angel v. Demon...

Xavier has three days to break the curse his dear old papa put on him. Find an innocent (the more angelic, the better) to sacrifice their soul for him. Then its back to being bad, cuz being good literally pains him, and its way more fun to be bad all the way. Easy-peasy.

The innocent descendent of an angel who has her shine on, has already been identified. Its Mercy Josephine. As soon as they meet, its an incredibly fast paced roller coaster ride of demons and monsters coming to kill Mercy. She's not afraid of Xavier (thanks to the little pills her stepfather provides). Steamy, fast paced, just plain good fun.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Shiro Kitana.
454 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2023
He may be an evil monster but she claimed him as hers.

Honestly one of my favorite novels ever because not only is my boy Xavier the man who will be in the world for her he is also the man who would kill himself just to save her. I freaking love this couple and I have no complaints. This even had me crying a couple of times. Slight spoiler especially when he has been doing good things for her honor without realizing I've been feeling the pain just so he could make her feel better. Mercy was also very unhinged because while she was like don't kill these people when she found out that's doing good hurts him she was like be as bad as you can be the bad as bad so he wouldn't be in pain.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
October 19, 2023
Monster Without Mercy by Cynthia Eden
I enjoyed Cynthia's book about good and evil - a little like Beauty and the Beast. Xavier Hollow is the king of destruction, and Mercy Josephine the actual descendant of an angel. He has three days to break his father's curse. He needs Mercy to give him her soul. There is angst, monsters, terror, evil, good, some humor and tears, attraction, steam and some changes all to get to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Page-turner Entertaining Romantic Scary Witty Tear-jerker Haunting Great world building Wonderful characters Steamy Action-packed Happily Ever After.
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,193 reviews44 followers
October 24, 2023
This is such a fantastic book and I devoured it in a day. Xavier is the king of destruction and there’s a spell that needs to be broken. Loved how quickly he and Mercy fall for each other. But he’s using her and I felt for them. I even had some tears. I really loved how possessive they both were too. Will he really sacrifice her? Loved the surprise ending and that they did get a very happy ever after. This book is worth re reading. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Melissa May.
333 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2023
Monster without Mercy is a awesome read for the Halloween season!
Fast paced, action packed and twists and turns!
Darkness against the light, who will win, good or Evil!!
Xavier Hollow is the King of destruction and cursed by his father, the Devil.
He has three days to find someone good and make her fall in love with him and give her life for him. He chooses Mercy, the descendant of a Angel. Will she fall for him?
I was hooked from the first page on and couldn’t put it down!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion!

336 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2024
I'm not super crazy about reading paranormal fantasy romance books but after reading the blurb and sneak peek chapter I knew I had to read it. This book has completely changed my mind about this genre because I WAS HOOKED. Boy was it hard to stop reading, I absolutely loved the concept of this book. I have never read a book like this and I'm obsessed. In this book, the possibilities are endless. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Xavier made looking bad look GOOD. My favorite part was the ending, as well as how possessive and alpha Xavier can get.
1,070 reviews
January 22, 2024
Great book

This was a very enjoyable short and fun read. I really like the concept of Xavier being the king of destruction but needed Mercy, a descendant of an angel to give up her life for him in order to break his curse. I like how protective he is of her even from the very start. It was great watching them fall in love. Good action and fast paced. No angst or drama. I’d be interested in reading about his brother Paxton, the king of illusions, if the author writes about him.
I recommend this book and can see me reading it again.
1,602 reviews13 followers
October 23, 2023
Monster Without Mercy is a novella-length, highly entertaining and amusing story with the feel of a fairytale about the eternal battle between good and evil - both within Xavier and between him and the real monsters. I loved the tongue-in-cheek dialogue, the fast-paced action, the incredible twists and turns and of course, the touching and sentimental HEA!
I was lucky to have received an advanced copy through Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
628 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2023
All I can say is awesome. This was a great fast paced page turning enjoyable read by Cynthia Eden. She is one of my favorite authors and I’ve loved all her books so when this came out I had to read it and was not disappointed. I love her paranormal romances. This is devil meets angel, good vs evil and needless to say good wins out. Xavier Hollow has been cursed by his father and has three days to end it or else he loses his powers. Mercy Josephine is his solution. This is worth the read.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
October 30, 2023
A brand new sensational, badass paranormal romance from Cynthia Eden that had me once again, falling in love! This was such a satisfying and sexy and really fun read! This is an incredible take on the Devil and made me laugh, sigh and eager for more in this awesome new world.

This book had red hot chemistry, sweet, heart melting moments and a romance that tugs hard at the heart. I am so happy with how this book turned out to be and honestly I can't wait to read it a second and third time!
Profile Image for Rexanna Ipock-Brown.
Author 2 books8 followers
October 27, 2023
What's a World Without Destruction and Mercy?

An interesting look into the two sides of nature. To find the aspect of severity and mercy in a paranormal romance was delightful. It's given me a whole new view of my study of the Qabalah and the Tree of Life.

The story also gave me hot and steamy sex, romance, and a very happy ending.

As always, I love Eden's books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.