Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Monsters of The Divide #2

A Vexing Valentine

Rate this book
Every day the monsters come through The Divide. For exactly six hours they have free rein before they're pulled back to their realm. For six hours every day, it's hell on earth.

So make sure the correct symbols are carved deep into your threshold and every windowsill. Make sure you recharge them with a few drops of your blood at least once a month to keep the monsters out.

And whatever you do, don’t go outside past curfew.

Max:
I used to hunt the monsters that hunt us … that is until I lost everything. I hate the monsters. I hate the loneliness and heartache I live with every single day. But now there’s a monster made of starlight that is stalking me, watching me every night, protecting me. Why? I don’t need or want its help.
And why do I feel so drawn to it?

Vex:
I’ve never been fond of the dull human realm. I prefer the realm of monsters where there is magic everywhere for the taking … if you’re strong enough. But ever since the night I scented him, I can’t stay away. I’m drawn to the human every night. I watch. I yearn for the impossible. I protect.
Because the large male with the piercing blue eyes is mine.

156 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2024

29 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

T.B. Wiese

14 books95 followers
T. B. Wiese is a military spouse, dog mom, photographer, Disney nerd, and lover of spicy fantasy. She loves animals (She grew up with dogs and working with horses, including working at the Tri-Circle D Ranch at Disney World), so don’t be surprised when you find yourself reading lovable animal characters in her novels.

She has loved reading since she was little, and her tbr list is embarrassingly long, but she’s always looking to add more, so if you have a spicy fantasy recommendation, pass it along.

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
71 (33%)
4 stars
82 (39%)
3 stars
44 (20%)
2 stars
12 (5%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for spidermse.
317 reviews50 followers
January 13, 2024
"I would have come back to you, Max. I'm a monster. I'll do unspeakable things just to be by your side."

Loved this! Vex is so adorable. I love when there's a dangerous monster that is submissive with their partner just because they can be. For me this one was a bit darker and didn't have as many swoony moments between the characters as in book 1 but I loved it just as much.

I liked that Max brought up the concern that fated mates isn't real love and that they're basically being forced to have fake feelings. I would honestly feel the same way if I were in that situation. And Vex was so supportive while Max worked through his past.

Also a sweet monster MC in a kilt??? YES PLEASE.

Excited to read the next story and get back into this world!
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,511 reviews155 followers
March 28, 2024
I picked this one up because I loved the first one so much. This is the second installment in the Monsters of the divide series. This story features Max & Vex a human who lost everything and a monster who's drawn to him. This romance is sweet but also steamy. I loved the whirlwind romance. It's a perfect installment in Max & Vex's story. I can't wait for the next one. I ended up devouring this one in just a little over an hour it was impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Becci.
133 reviews39 followers
February 15, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up. This was kind of cute 😳 I’m not usually one for monster romances but I’ll admit this monster was cool and a non-intimidating intro. They had skin like a galaxy of swirling night, some of the descriptions were really beautiful.

Pronouns were handled smoothly, which was refreshing: “I assume Jarius referred to Vex as they for a reason. I mean, maybe not, but that pronoun fits my starlight monster. Either, or. Neither, or both. They are simply, Vex.”

The smut wasn’t really my thing but the world building side of things was intriguing, the divide between the human and monster worlds falling and the inclusion of angels reminded me a bit of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series. I’m tempted to go and read the first Christmas novella in this series.
Profile Image for Sopha.
199 reviews14 followers
January 20, 2024
ARC Review

’I’m not sure what they’re asking for, but just hearing them call me theirs has my heart melting. I’ve missed being someone’s someone. I never felt that from Peter, or anyone since Reece. My body freezes when the usual pang of despair doesn’t hit me at the thought of Reece. I realize there’s room inside me for Reece’s love as well as something new. Being needed again has given me back a piece of myself.’



Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️

Vex turned out to be the sweetest, most precious monster ever?? They found their mate in Max and were ready to do anything to keep him safe. Not that Max needed much protecting being a former monster hunter.

We see him still trying to deal with the grief of losing his partner and although he tried to fight his attraction to Vex, there is just no denying the mate bond.

I LOVED them and the Valentine Day theme incorporated is just the cutest.

I AM READY FOR MALICIOUS 😇
Profile Image for Ryn Meagher.
478 reviews22 followers
February 6, 2025
Book Review 💖 𝘼 𝙑𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚 – TB Wiese

Meet Vex. A monster who’s soft but hard in all the right places—and adorably obsessed with gardening. (Yes, even monsters need hobbies, and I love that for him.)

Then there’s Max. He’s got some serious emotional baggage, but when fate throws them together? Whew. This fated mates romance hit all the right notes.

🔥 Spicier than book 1? Yup.
💔 Emotions that had me fully invested? Absolutely.
💘 A monster romance perfect for Valentine’s Day? Sign me up.

Honestly, T.B. Wiese delivered again, and I am so here for this series. Next book, please!

#AVexingValentine #MonsterRomance #FatedMates #EmotionalDamageAndSpice #BookishLove #GiveMeMoreVex
Profile Image for Rae, shutupandbookup.
381 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
This series are standalone novellas with HEAs for main couples! However, there are little Easter Eggs and previous characters popping up. I read this one first before reading book one so I'm going to review them the way I read them = out of order (gasp)!


*



*



*

"Monsters are real."


Monsters are real and they aren't the ones your typical monster lover author writes about. If you are caught outside after warning sirens, then you better have written out a will. . .


Max's tired of being stalked by a monster! Our ex-monster hunter is done of just sitting in his house watching the monster who watches him. He decides to take things into his own hands and confront said monster. He has nothing to lose so why should he care if his life ends? Yet, something about the monster fascinates him and has him awestruck by its beauty. NO, Max, no! It is a monster he should hate it, loathe it with every fiber of his being. . .right?!


"No one enjoys being alone. I’m no exception … especially with Valentine’s Day a week away." - Max


I saw the author filling up my feed with artwork of the main characters and snippets from the book. Plus, I was just in the mood for a novella and monsters are always down my alley. Whether the monsters are yummy or the villains of the story! This read has a mixture of both!


Max is dealing with grief and not very well. His heart is heavy and the emptiness of his being and home match. But when he begins to notice some changes around his neighborhood his hunter instincts kick in. Just like riding a bicycle you never truly just forget all of it. Spotting a monster who seems to be hanging around his house specifically the notebook comes out along with binoculars and caffeine to stay awake! Only after so many weeks Max can't just stay idle any longer!


"I thought my obsession would wear off, but ever since I first scented him, it’s like I’m being pulled to him. I can’t resist." - Vex


Vex avoided the human realm like the plague! Preferring to stay on the monster side of The Divide. Only once they scented Max it was all over. Vex doesn't know why but they're drawn to Max and will not allow another monster to get close to the human. They have a hunch as to why they're drawn to Max but it's impossible. I mean a human and a monster can't be a thing, right?!


I really loved this novella and just all of the romance and fluff! We understand the gravity of earth's situation and how the monsters who cross over are not good. I like that not all of the monsters are reverted to their primal instincts and there's diversity amongst them. The confusion and longing between the two MCs was fantastic. I mean one is a monster hunter while the other is a literal monster! Yet, neither of them can help but stare at the other with utter want!


First time reading from this author and really enjoyed her style! The banter is fantastic and even though Max is big and scary he's also a giant cinnamon roll who easily gets distracted! I really liked the descriptions of the monsters and how are MC was well fleshed out. Understanding how Vex worked and what their abilities were. The author spoils us with a list and descriptions of monsters from The Divide who we may encounter within the book. Breaking it down and comparing them to the human monsters we already know i.e. vampires, werewolves, etc.


Again, this read does deal with depression and grief. Max also has a bit of PTSD and has flashback episodes. A scene involving hallucinogenic that results in a nightmare. There's a scene of a MC purging themselves of something that may be a little triggering to some. Vex also allows Max to lash out and there's some violence. Violence, gore, blood drinking, and bloodshed are present within the book along with language. I like the author's note before the TWs.


The monster falls first with this read! We get dual POVs, and I really loved being inside both of the MC's heads! One sided enemies to lovers, forced proximity, sexual tension, and more! The tension between the two is so well written and I just wanted both of my babies to get an HEA! Which they do as well as a great Valentines! We get fun scenes of MM action and Vex has some handy secretions. . . I also enjoyed the take on fated mates and what that meant. Max's comparison to what Vex says is hysterical.


Cannot wait for more holiday novellas of this series! I read book one and will be reviewing it shortly! The books can be read as standalones but again it may be more enjoyable to read them in order. They're under two hundred pages so quick, fun, and spicy reads!


Enjoy the monster romance novella with a monster stalker x human stalker! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com
Profile Image for Sameeksha.
159 reviews9 followers
February 2, 2024
4.75

It's the little wins.

Vex is the cutest, most understanding, and most supportive partner I have ever read in a book. In today's terms, 'They are a 1000000'. I loved this book so much more than the first.

Summary:
This is a second novella in the 'Monsters of The Divide' series. We start with Max, a human and a former monster hunter, who is loading his gun to take out the monster who has been stalking him. As soon as the The Divide falls, this monster comes and stays outside of his home, staring inside. Although they never come closer and they also seem to be protecting him against others, he doesn't want any protection from the likes of them.

Vex doesn't want to be in the human realm, except whenever The Divide falls, like a well-oiled machine, they always come and stand in front of Max's house. They just cannot stay away, and it has been like that since they first came here to help someone and caught a whiff of Max's scent.

Plot, writing and World-building: This 156-page book can be read as a standalone too, but I would suggest readers read it sequentially, as the majority of the world-building is done in the first, although all the major points of the world are touched upon here as well. The book is fast-paced and written in the first person, from a dual POV. I love the writing style of the author in general, and in this book, I was really taken with how well the author conveyed emotions.

The plot focuses more on the relationship between the characters and the emotions that they are going through. The events of this book, although fantastical, are realistic, and the push and pull between the characters is very believeable. Also, the events are based around Valentine's Day, which adds to the romantic vibes.

Characters: Although I loved both Max and Vex, my love for Vex is unmatchable. They are Anza, small in size but lethal. Death by anza is very slow and painful. Max is human, a monster hunter, but is going through a lot emotionally. I loved the subtle individual growth that the characters go through and the choices they make.

We are meant to be together. I'll figure out how to fix things. Somehow.

Romance and Spice:
I enjoyed the chemistry and the tension between them, and at the same time, I understood their inner conflict. Like all her other books, the spice in here is very tastefully handled.

Recommendation: The events of this book occur around Valentine's Day, which makes it perfect for all the romantasy readers and also for those looking to get into the Valentine mood without investing in a full-length novel. The spice is like a cherry on top.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Iris Pleitez .
20 reviews
January 20, 2024
Soon as I started, I loved that it gave a very detailed introduction to the monsters, how they looked,powers,etc. I don't see it often, so this helps me imagine better. I've written this review as I'm reading going back and forth.....at this point, I'm annotating it.... I can't help it. GO READ IT!!! I find humor,laughing on some parts 😂😂 And be🤤🥵🥴 where it gets hot. So enemies to lovers monster romance. Max ends in the monster realm!! I'm kicking my feet in the air and rolling in my bed!!! Vex and max are cute. Their relationship unfolding. Vex is super sweet. There's flirting.slow burn, but when it gets to the spicy...IT BURNS 🥵🔥🌶 . Ughhh, GO READ IT. It has me walking in freaking shorts and tank top out here on the freezing cold weather bc of how hot the scene they finally fall into their desires for each other.

We start with Max human, monster hunter with a sad past living in a world where monsters appeared one day from what they call 'The Divide'. An invisible barrier separating the monster and human world but now allowing the monsters to pass through for 6 hours every wreaking havoc.

Max has been studying this beautiful yet deadly monster who has been pretty much stalking him outside his home protecting him from other monsters ( though he doesn't know why it's out there ) hates to admit he is entranced,pulled to them.

Now! Vex, our beautiful deadly dangerous monster Stalker , is being pulled to our human max. The way they explain how they feel and everything is just 🤌🏼💋✨️ amazing. Vex is very protective of our big boy max 😍 which is so funny bc max is taller 😂

HOLY FOOKING SHIET!! Our cuties are something I tell ya. Feeling hot after almost accidentally killing max,our boy dying but vex getting hard 😗 almost coming from max sucking on their blood to live......

Max's sad tragic past comes to light as he's having the nightmare hallucinations from Vex's body. Survives waking up somewhere and admiring the place 😂😂 and Vex getting seduced but still being alert. Vex is totally a switch being a top and a bottom they will let max do anything to them. That's how obsessed vex is with max.

In chapter 5 it mentions Vex's blood being black...max tasting/smelling chocolate?? Does vex blood taste like chocolate.. valentine's is in the name...chocolate and vex smells like chocolate 🤔

T.B WIESE's clear explanation to details is amazing allowing the reader to follow the story easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Naj_ana_reads.
380 reviews18 followers
January 17, 2024
✨ A Vexing Valentine by T.B. Wiese ✨

Happy Release T.B. Wiese on your newest release. I have been reading her work from Forsaken By The Gods series and now this paranormal romance and I enjoyed it so much. I do got to say when I started reading this one I didnt know what I was jumping into and it turned out that this is my first ever non-binary read. I have read plenty of MM and poly romance but this is my first ever non-binary character which I was pleasantly surprise. I will have to say it was a bit of a challange but that is just due to the fact that English is not my first language so reworking my brain when it came to the pronouns when it came to reading was a small hiccup at the begining. Once I was able to get that situated, I devoured the story so fast and it was nice to see the apperance of Paine from Paine for the Holidays which is the first novella in the series.

If you love
💫 Holiday Paranormal Romance
💫 Enemies to Lovers
💫 He's a monter hunter / They are a monster
💫 MM (Male & NonBinary Romance

Type: Paranormal Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: Standalone Novella (Monsters of the Divide)
TWs: Violance, 🩸 , Gore Use of 🔫s /🔪s, Bitting, Claiming, Loss of a love one

💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
TikTok l Instagram l Goodreads l Amazon l Audible Reviews
Profile Image for Olga Ayon.
75 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2024
Perfect mix and of spice and cuteness!

Picked up this book on whim and I’m so happy I did. First the author send the cutest package white art and swag.

Digging into the story wasn’t sure what to expect…certainly not a monster with a heart or a monster realm that reflected the human world.

Vex is anything but vexing and makes me wish I had my own monster waiting in the shadows. Max definitely has lots of shadows that haunt him and the way vex chases them away is beautiful and will make your heart melt.

Don’t think that it all sweet there is definitely slice added in the mix and clues to a much bigger plot unfolding that I suspect will unfold across the different books of Monsters of the Divide ❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Katnip.
179 reviews
January 16, 2024
Loved this story. Max is a former ex monster hunter. And he hates them even more when he had lost his love to one. Vex is a monster that caught Max’s scent on their one time to the human realm and believed they found their mate. Can Vex change Max’s mind about monsters and fate?

I love this story!I know I said that already but it’s worth mention again. I can’t wait to put it on my shelf. The writing is fantastic. It keeps you intrigued and wanting more. The characters are great and their dynamic is off the charts! Vex is the dream partner! If you love enemies to lovers and fated mates, you’ll love this story. A perfect Valentine read!
Profile Image for Jess Michalski.
512 reviews17 followers
January 19, 2024
So, this book was definitely outside of my normal genre, but I am SO glad I gave it a try! FIRST, it was VERY well written, so much so, I actually started looking up the author's backlist to see what else I could read by them! Second, this book pulled me in VERY early on. While it was a novella length, it still had a slow burn, without being a rush at the end of the book. While spicy, it definitely had a plot and I could follow along. I actually really adored Vex and Max and the relationship they were building. The emotions felt so real. If you like fated mates and monster / human dynamic, this is your book! Great Valentine novella!
Profile Image for Brooke.
252 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2024
*An ARC of this novella has been kindly provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

MM romance isn't normally my vibe but I like T.B. Wiese's writing style so I thought I would read it. When Vex was introduced in Paine for the Holidays, I was thinking of a creature with multiple eyes like a Monster's Inc character. The description may have been there, but I probably missed it. Vex's actual monster description is far more beautiful and charming. 😂 I thought that this was a cute story of a man finding love after his Greatest Love is lost. Vex helps Max believe in love again and I enjoyed how Vex slowly wins Max's trust. Nice li'l romantic Valentine's Day story to help you get in the mood. ❤

P.S. I'm looking forward to a certain nepha's story come summertime! ☀️ 💕
Profile Image for Courtney Sformo.
38 reviews
January 17, 2024
Just like with Paine for the Holidays, I read this in one sitting. I wasn’t sure how a Valentine’s Day theme was going to work, but I went into this with an open mind and truly enjoyed every minute of it. I can appreciate the complexity of Max’s past and how he works through that with Vex. I was also happy to still have a little bit of Paine in this story, and I am truly excited for the next two to come out!!

*Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC in exchange for a review. Upon finishing, this was my honest impression.
1 review
January 17, 2024
Can’t Wait For More!

Just like with Paine for the Holidays, I read this in one sitting. I wasn’t sure how a Valentine’s Day theme was going to work, but I went into this with an open mind and truly enjoyed every minute of it. I can appreciate the complexity of Max’s past and how he works through that with Vex. I was happy to still have a little bit of Paine in this story, and I am truly excited for the next two to come out!!

*Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC in exchange for a review. Upon finishing, this was my honest impression.
Profile Image for K.F. Starfell.
Author 3 books2 followers
February 5, 2024
a really good, spicy, mlm v’day read

This book was a really fun, spicy, quick read for Valentine’s Day. It was what I needed and I enjoyed both characters very much. The internal monologue felt a little repetitive at times, but that’s easy to ignore because there was a lot of world-building in this tiny novella. I liked all the concepts and felt like it was very well-thought out and complex. Overall, really liked it and I will be getting a physical copy for my trophy shelf as soon as I can!
Profile Image for Shandi.
225 reviews
January 18, 2024
I think after briefly meeting Vex in book 1 I underestimated how much I would like him. He was so cute. Also it amazes me again how much TB Wiese is able to fit so much into the novella. There is so much depth to the story and characters outside of the romance. Loved the Paine cameo as well and I wonder if he will help Vex live in the human world as well. Never really though monster romance would be something I would like but this series has proved that wrong. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
Profile Image for Main Street Book Club.
173 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2024
Like a box of delicious chocolates, this is a great treat for your Valentine's celebration. A Vexing Valentine is the second book in what looks like a very promising monster romance series. It is an intoxicating tale of fate mates and second chances at love. Add in some spice *wink wink* and queer representation, it's truly the perfect combination. MUST READ!
297 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2024
A Vexing Valentine bk2

This was another eye opener to the world of Monsters of the Divide. I love that Paine was brought back to the story if only briefly but necessary for the story to end well. Max was a great character and well... Vex was just as lovely in my mind as described by the author. Gotta love those fated mates' endings.
3 reviews
January 15, 2024
This was a quick, hard to put down read. I loved the MMC’s internal struggle to tackle his feelings and to reconcile loss with new love. I would have loved to get more backstory on the characters, but really appreciated the introductory primer on the monsters that would be mentioned in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Esther Easterly.
20 reviews
January 26, 2024
I mean, who wouldn't love a sexy little midnight-colored monster mating with an equally sexy human alpha male? Vex and Max belong together and I'm so glad that they found one another. Such a cute, quick li'l Valentine's Day read! Enjoyed it so much!
Profile Image for Kinley.
750 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2024
A cute little monster novella. I really liked the world building and despite the short length, the characters were well-developed and the conflict interesting.

I feel as I always do with novellas: wanting more!
Profile Image for Sara Virasami.
349 reviews
February 23, 2025
A little vexed I didn't like it more, but it felt rushed? Repetitive? Lacking? I can't put my finger on what exactly it was. It seemed really promising initially, but the story was a bit lacking, despite the descriptions of characters & setting being well written.
Profile Image for Chantel.
17 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
This romantasy novella was unlike no other I’ve read! Monsters and humans…who would have guessed! Kept my attention. I enjoyed this novella!
Profile Image for Bobby L.
198 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2024
She did it again with her writing 🥵🥵 I loved it very much it was definitely spicy with max and vex 🥹🔥 but first read your tw!!!!
Profile Image for FuryaNoctis.
52 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2024
3,75/5
Again, a nice book, but a bit too rushed. Could have lasted for more pages as book 1.
But I enjoyed Vex and Max’s story, it was cute ♥️
27 reviews
January 30, 2024
Just as good as the first

I loved getting to see vex again. What a sad past max had. I'm glad they found each other. I can't wait to read malicious' story.
Profile Image for monika_is_booked.
375 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2024
I love Vex and Max!! I really enjoyed this novella, following a monster and their mate 🥰
Profile Image for KaleDragon.
84 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2024
Adorably cute

This one was so cute. Vex is such an adorable yet terrifying monster. And Max is such a lovable bear of a man. I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.