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Don't you know better than to invite a vampire inside?

I've burned with the dragon God of Fire. I've soared with the fallen angel God of Air. I've danced with the fae God of Earth.
Now, I'm sleeping in a coffin with the vampire God of Blood.

Perhaps I'd rather drown in the vampire's dark tide.

From vampire castes and cults determined to claim me, the danger and threats are greatest in the Court of Hollows. None more than Merikh himself.

He's determined to break me. I will break myself.
He wants to drown me. I will dive into his dark sea.

I won't stop fighting for Merikh. I trust our broken hearts may bond with every scar he gives me. I trust he will keep my heart beating until I hold his soul in my hands and conquer this Curse once and for all.

I will become the blood that writes the salvation of his soul...

Quintessa faces her darkest trial yet in The Salvation, book four 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 in this taboo series full of triggers.

With a dark and depraved Court of Hollows, a bloodthirsty vampire god—magic crosses, blood rituals, an altar of sacrifice, and vampire arena battles, The Salvation is perfect for fans of the Vicious Lost Boys Series.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

70 people are currently reading
482 people want to read

About the author

Emily Shore

32 books711 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
159 (60%)
4 stars
59 (22%)
3 stars
28 (10%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
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8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Torie Stallings .
122 reviews
February 27, 2024
Emily does it again! This one is for sure darker and much more 🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! I truly loved it and I can’t wait to continue the series! I love how we find Meriks would and how quintessa always finds a way to get into trouble 😂
Profile Image for Holliesbooksandbooze .
211 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2024
Emily has absolutely soared to the top of my favorite monster romance author with this series! I’m a little thankful I didn’t start it until slightly before book four launched because waiting for book five is going to be brutal 😂

I adore these four monstrous boys and their adoration and devotion to Quinny! Now I need to know what happens with Qora and (spoiler) -how do they play a part in the final war??! What do you mean series cross over 🫣

If you’re looking for some monsters to fall in love with and some serious spice!!! This is absolutely the series for you!!!

5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Shannon.
64 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
*dies* The fourth book in Her Monsterous Boys, The Salvation, is the darkest book yet. We all know by now that Emily brings the best spice 🫠 we finally get to learn Merikh's story, how he and Kyan formed their bond, and what Shadow is. It was a wild rollercoater, and I was all here for it. Emily will break you so beautifully and put you back together ✨️
Profile Image for Linda Knauer.
348 reviews13 followers
February 19, 2024
This was definitely the darkest of the 4 books.... and I can't wait until book 5. I am so happy to see Qora finding a place and the reunion with her sister too. Merikh finally showed us why he is the way he is and I'm here for it.
Profile Image for Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews.
472 reviews15 followers
Read
June 11, 2025
I really tried to get into this novel, but it was just a repeat of the previous 3. Same dirty talk, same nicknames, same sadism, same sex, same "oh no, where is his soul... oh, look, it's conveniently RIGHT HERE." Same obsessive use of the words "simper" and "deadpan", and then ending with a gangbang that evolves her.

I honestly got to where I was half falling asleep for the last 20% of it.

I won't be reading the 5th and final book in the series.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rhamstine.
161 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
"The Salvation" by Emily Shore delves deep into the shadows of Quintessa's world, where danger lurks at every turn and love blooms amidst chaos and darkness. 🌑🌟 In this fourth installment of the Her Monstrous Boys series, Quintessa finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and peril as she navigates the Court of Hollows and its bloodthirsty inhabitants. 💀🩸

The dynamic between Quintessa and Merikh is at the heart of this story, and Shore masterfully crafts their relationship with a raw intensity that is both captivating and haunting. 💔🖤 As they struggle against external threats and inner demons, their bond deepens, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength that kept me on the edge of my seat. 🎭🔥

What sets "The Salvation" apart is its exploration of darker themes and the complexities of love in the face of adversity. Shore fearlessly delves into the depths of human (and non-human) nature, exploring the blurred lines between good and evil, desire and destruction. 🌌🌹 From the forbidden allure of the vampire god to the sacrifices Quintessa must make to save herself and those she loves, the story is a gripping journey through the shadows of the soul. 💫💀

Despite the darkness that permeates the narrative, there are moments of light and hope scattered throughout, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found. 🌟📚 Shore's prose is as lyrical as ever, painting vivid images of a world where magic and danger collide in a whirlwind of passion and peril. 🖋️✨

Overall, "The Salvation" is a breathtaking continuation of Quintessa's story, filled with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. 📖🔮 Whether you're a fan of dark fantasy, romance, or simply love a good tale of forbidden love and redemption, this book is sure to captivate your heart and mind. 💖🌈
211 reviews
February 29, 2024
"You said the story of the soul is written in the blood with all its secrets, demons, and monsters. Well, here I am, picking up the damn pen and writing a new chapter because you are not ending it here."

This story between Quintessa and Merikh gave me absolute chills. From the very beginning, it was always so intense between the two of them but then getting to this book, the intensity amplified and exploded by the end.

How Quinn found Merikh's soul, I was literally sobbing my heart out reading it and cried happy tears when it was restored.

This was definitely the darkest out of all the books but it explained so much of Merikh's past, what he endured and his beginning with Kyan/Shadow.
I loved the glimpses we saw of Qora again and I hope we get to see more of her in book 5!!

Each and everyone of these characters I absolutely love. The growth of Quinn in this book has me in absolute awe. She endured so much in this one but she came out stronger than ever, they all did.

Emily knows how to write beautiful stories that will break your heart but put them back together by the end. I can't wait for book 5 ❤

"We are monsters. And we belong to the half-ghost girl of scars and tattoos who walked through the Veil of Souls and dared to play with us. She may have saved us all, but her days of playing with monsters will never end."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
March 1, 2024
Finally the monstrous boy we've all be waiting for, Merikh!

I've throughouly enjoyed Emily's monstrous boys series from the very first book she wrote. And book four was no exception and very much worth the wait. Merikh is all kinds of steamy and will leave you seeking your partner or favourite toy or so Emily's books always warn and I fear she maybe right. I've enjoyed reading each monstrous boys story but Merikh's and Quintessas proved to be the peak and absolute cherry on top thus far. Leaving you wanting, nay craving more like an addiction you just can't scratch. I highly recommend this series through the highs and lows of emotions you'll feel and I promise each book, maybe even each sentence will leave you insatiable and wanting more!

I fear the only way to recover from this book hangover is to read all of Emily's series but specifically the ones that eventually link up with eachother. Emily's writing is like milk to a babe, you can find a replacement aka formula but it doesn't quite hit the mark.

Give this series a try or any of her others and like myself you'll delve into an unquenchable addiction to her writing. She always leaves you wanting more.

24 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2024
This book- my goodness! I've loved each book so far, but I've so looked forward to getting to know Merikh. He's been my favorite since the beginning. And let me tell you this book did not disappoint! I could not put this one down and loved everything about it! Merikh the sweetheart sadist!!! My heart hurt so much for all of his self loathing but I'm so glad that he faced all of that with his 'Little Dove' so he can start to move past all of it. And Quinn- I am so proud of how far she has come and how much she has grown into herself, how she sees herself worthy of her Monstrous boys and worthy of healing them. There is so much to unpack in this book but the Emily addressed it all perfectly. The back story between Kyan/Shadow & Merikh was horrible and beautiful and just so much. I could read an entire series just about them, I think. I'm so looking forward to book 5 and have got my fingers crossed that it focuses on Qora and Shade because I'm very interested in knowing more about him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula Martin.
172 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2024
"She is the blood moon on a starless night gazing down at me while I drift upon an endless Black Sea". Merikh (The salvation - Emily Shore)

I have truly been on an emotional roller coaster and loved every minute, thank you Emily Shore you have again taken me on a beautifully dark journey that has captivated my imagination and left me wanting more.

As this story unfolds you truely begin to see the real Merikh and how his past has shaped the vampire he has become. Merikh's story delves deeper into his relationship with his bonded and his little Dove and takes you deep into the volatile court of the vampire God.

This is the darkest and spiciest of the series so far and I recommend that you review the trigger warnings first. Also in Her Monstrous Boys series are and I do recommend that you read these first.

The Sacrifice
The Surrender
The submission

I highly recommend you will not be disappointed.
9 reviews
February 25, 2024
Oh Emily, hitting another one out of the park!
I knew I was gonna love our broody vampire more than before. And this has to be my favorite in this series. His story broke my heart and the relationship development of him and Kyans relationship early on was so raw and emotional. Our "little dove"s growth through this series has been profound and is a very overcoming obsticals and internal battles within self type of story. The spicy is spicy in this one. 5/5 hands down. What those crosses do?!

I knew he was a big broody teddy bear. And I love him all the more for it. Merikh has to be my favorite of the four monsterous boys. Totally my type of guy haha. Love his redemption arc and learning more about him in general.

I cannot wait for the 5th book in this series! I need to know what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
62 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
Oh, how Merikh has my heart. I absolutely loved The Salavation, although my heart definitely broke for both Quintessa and Merikh for a while. Emily certainly has a knack for breaking your heart and putting it back together, but I haven't felt it quite as strong as in this book.

The Salvation covers Quintessa's time in Merikh's court, as we discover whether Quintessa will break his curse and find Merikh's soul to set them all free, how Kyan and Merikh formed their bond, and how Shadow came to be. We also get another peak at Quora.

There will be one more book in Her Monstrous Boys, and I can't wait to read it. I have loved all of these books, devouring them as fast as possible, feeling anxious for the next time, just as Quintessa's monsters devour her.
Profile Image for Donna Williams.
787 reviews26 followers
March 1, 2024
Oh Emily I don’t know how you do it but you knocked this one right out of the park. All I can say this is an absolute hone run and made me fall in love with our vampire all over again.

I knew I was gonna love our handsome broody vampire more than before.i have to say this is by far hands down my favorite book in this series. His story broke my heart and the relationship development of him and Kyans relationship early on was so raw and emotional. I had to keep the tissues handy or else I would have been a weepy mess. The spice is spicy in this one. Five out of five hands down. Oh my god what those crosses do made me want more. I knew from the start he was big cuddly teddy bear who wouldn’t want a man like that.
Profile Image for Brittany.
33 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2024
This book was beautiful continuous of the series of Her Monstrous Boys. Emily Shore is a newer author to me and started reading this series on Kindle Vella. This series is not my typical book that I would go for, but I absolutely excited for the next book in the series. This book like the rest of the series is dark, I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before reading. This series especially this book has made me want to read more dark vampire story and book wrote from Emily Shore. The heartbreaking moments was helpful for the readers to bond with Quintessa, Merikh, and other character in the book, just like in the other books in the series. I would love to more scene with Quora. I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Silke  K.
397 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2024
Merikh makes his permanent mark with this book. Quintessa goes off to his realm after giving birth Aislynn. This book is the 4th book of the series, and it is certainly deep and dark. Merikh's journey is only going to be complete when he has his soul restored by Quintessa, his little dove. There are a lot of twists and turns going on in this book. We meet the founders of his clan, and he has restored everyone as it should have been, with his new powered blood. Quintessa does not shy away from what Merikh has to do, she says do your best, take everything. This book is dark and delicious and definitely a very good 4th book. The main bad guy is Malachor. He is the original god of blood.
Profile Image for Joy.
299 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2024
The Salvation is the fourth book in the Her Monstrous Boys series. I have been excitedly anticipating this book. And WOW!! This definitely was worth the wait. Merikh's story is much darker, raw, and emotionally powerful than the previous three books. And the spice OMG (*fans oneself)! I love our heroine Quintessa and her strength. Despite everyone attempting to break her, she sacrifices everything to try save her Merikh and break his curse. This fantastically written story was a rollercoaster and I enjoyed the ride. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. I can't wait to read the final book.
Profile Image for Irish_I_was_reading.
430 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
Let’s start with the dedication: “To all you vampire lovers who preferred Blade, Underworld, Queen of the Damned, True Blood, or any other vampire franchise.” This is DEFINITELY not Twilight, I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings!

With that said, this is the fourth installment of Her Monstrous Boys Series, and yes, you do need to read the first 3! The order is as follows: The Sacrifice, The Surrender, and then The Submission. Merikh (vampire) finally has his time with Quintessa and boy does he start it amazing! He has a special piercing called a magic cross! I would say this is the darkest of the 4 books, and is also very much spicy.
Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
685 reviews21 followers
February 18, 2024
Deliciously dark, raw and spicy!
After The Sacrifice this serie turned addictive, and Salvation doesn't disapoint!Even darker and spicier than the others,Emily Shore did a brilliant work with the interactions between the characters, how she made my heart break with Kian/Shadow and Merrick's past is Chefs kiss!
But is Quintessa that makes this series a masterpiece, how she gains her worth,turns her weakness in strenght and through pain and blood the salvation of her monstrous boys!
A must read!
Profile Image for Bethany Kirby.
66 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2024
Emily did it again!! She had me at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next!!

Quinn and Merikh journey was dark and challenging. They kept facing challenge after challenge but of course they all come out of it together

I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!

Some of my favorite quotes
“Drown me. Bleed me. Just keep my blood flowing and my heart beating until I hold your soul in my hands!”

“Excuse the violence, my lady, but…..no one effs with my family”

I love their family dynamic. She gets the family she has always wanted four times over!!
Profile Image for Daria.
1,999 reviews42 followers
March 2, 2024
Whew! Emotions were everywhere... what a journey this series has been. Book for omg... darker than the previous one.
Merikh story and man so worth the wait. Deep, dark intense. And Q she pulled me in as well this time. More ground and passion not with just her monster boys but others around her.
You can feel the danger in the pages, the cunning and cleverness.
The beauty in his/their fight. Old enemies, power struggle... I mean what else to expect from vampires. The heat of the charts. So many layered emotions. Job well done. Enjoy
Profile Image for Rebecca Georgiev.
245 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2024

DARE TO SAY, "THE BEST BOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2024!!"

10⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice OMFG Level🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥

Firstly, Emily, Girllll....Forget about knocking this book out of the park, You have knocked This Book Out Into SPACE 🚀🌌!!! Yeah, You heard that right!!

The First Three were FREAKING AMAZING as well but This One... OMFG🤯 BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES!! HANDS DOWN & ALL HAIL OUR HOT SEXY VAMPIRE KING MERIKH. I'm Madly in LOVE with this series!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, A Must-Read Series!!

⚠️⚠️ Pls check Your TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️⚠️
138 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2024
I have been freaking hooked on this series since the very first damn book released. I can honestly and without a shadow of a doubt say that Emily Shore writes with her whole heart and soul. These stories are nothing short of absolutely incredible with some of the most fascinating and vivid world creations I have ever seen. I feel every single emotion during each and every chapter. Also, this is the darkest and most intense book of the series so far so take the trigger warnings seriously. I cannot wait for the next!
Profile Image for Crystal Poliquin.
14 reviews
February 21, 2024
Well...Emily has done it again! This book has won my heart and left me wanting more of Quintessa and her monsters...this is the 4th book in her monsterous boys series and it is the best one thus far!! Don't get me wrong, the first three were amazing as well, but this one had my emotions all over the map..this series is a must read..to watch her and her monsters grow and evolve is captivating. Highly recommend!!
422 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2024
Wow just wow. What did I just read? This book is crazy. We deep dive into the vampire court ( aka Merikh) and our grey female Quinn has stepped in to her power. We have all grown since the first book. We have the connective story continuing on from the previous books and one more book coming. This one was amazing book but please mind your triggers it is a dark romance. This book does have the best spice so far dark and delicious. This series is a must read
Profile Image for Jaime Yates.
933 reviews11 followers
March 1, 2024
I couldn’t wait to finally read more about Merikh and his backstory,
and this book did NOT disappoint! I loved reading how Quintessa and Merikh's relationship changed and evolved. Devoured this book without pausing. Definitely recommend! CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!
This book was deliciously dark and tantalizing. I couldn’t put it down until the end. I thought this was the final book inthe series, but I can't wait for the next and final book!
6 reviews
March 2, 2024
I have been looking forward to this story since the very beginning, and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 🖤😍 This one gets dark, and we love that for Merikh, so just make sure you're ready for it - this one will take you to places you couldn't even imagine. Quinn and Merikh's story is a beautiful one full of spice and enticing darkness. Prepare to cry a little- if you're like me and get super invested in the characters, it'll get a bit emotional! LOVE LOVE LOVE! CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE!
Profile Image for Doni Smith.
48 reviews
March 2, 2024
This book will break you and put you back together…

The fourth book in the series and by far the darkest. I was definitely looking forward to this book the most because it centered around Merikh the tortured Vampire and his court. Be sure to check the triggers because there are many and they hit HARD. This book broke me in the most beautiful way right along with our heroine gray girl. Each chapter had me thirsting for the next!
Profile Image for Nocturne Pages.
211 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2024
Ah, yet another masterpiece!

While I think The Submission is still my favorite of the series, The Salvation has become a close second! This is such a fantastic story.

Quintessa is such a fighter, despite her fears, reservations, and insecurities! I’m so eager to see what she becomes in the next book. I love how much Merikh opens up in this book! I’m loving the focus on each God for their own book.

I can’t wait for the next one! 5/5 stars
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
443 reviews26 followers
March 9, 2024
This is the 4th book in the author’s Her Monstrous Boys series, and I think it might just be my favorite!

There is a lot happening in this book, which focuses on FMC Quintessa and her time spent with Merikh, the brooding, sadistic vampire. Between the copious amounts of smut (not a bad thing), the inherent sadism of Merikh’s court, the vampire politics, the reappearance of a nemesis, and the hurdles and dangers that Quintessa and Merikh must overcome, this story has a little of everything.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Whitney Payne.
28 reviews
April 29, 2024
Emily out did herself with our broody prince!!!!! You can’t help but fall even more in love with Merikh! This is book 4 in the series and it is by far the darkest of the series in my opinion. But even though the story is dark it is an absolutely beautiful story! It is full of twists that you don’t see coming and it will make you fall even more in love with God of Blood and the Lord of the Court of Hollows!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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