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Monster Research Facility #2
The Revenant's Heart
Can a dead heart learn to beat again?
After dropping out of med school, Lucy Sullivan thought her skill with a scalpel would only be useful for her hobbyist taxidermy. But life takes another unexpected turn when she becomes the doctor for a most unusual one who’s already dead. Or undead, rather.
Subject X-14, “The Revenant” - aka Victor - may be a collection of stitched-together corpses with a hunger for human flesh, yet Lucy soon finds herself grappling with unexpected fondness for her patient. In spite of her general fear of getting close to people, she wants to make him happy just as badly as she wants to cut him open and figure out what makes him tick.
But when Victor uses her as a hostage and kidnaps her, Lucy becomes a pawn in his plot to take out his cruel creator. They say if you seek revenge, you should dig two graves - and with Lucy caught up in this scheme, it might just be three. Can she save Victor before he loses himself to his desire for vengeance, or will he drag her down with him?
After dropping out of med school, Lucy Sullivan thought her skill with a scalpel would only be useful for her hobbyist taxidermy. But life takes another unexpected turn when she becomes the doctor for a most unusual one who’s already dead. Or undead, rather.
Subject X-14, “The Revenant” - aka Victor - may be a collection of stitched-together corpses with a hunger for human flesh, yet Lucy soon finds herself grappling with unexpected fondness for her patient. In spite of her general fear of getting close to people, she wants to make him happy just as badly as she wants to cut him open and figure out what makes him tick.
But when Victor uses her as a hostage and kidnaps her, Lucy becomes a pawn in his plot to take out his cruel creator. They say if you seek revenge, you should dig two graves - and with Lucy caught up in this scheme, it might just be three. Can she save Victor before he loses himself to his desire for vengeance, or will he drag her down with him?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
209 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 14, 2024
3.5✨ (Rounded down to 3 for GR)
2.25🌶️
The Revenant's Heart is Book 2 in the interconnected Monster's Research Facility series, which, so far, features a different human x monster romance pairing. Book 1 had a human scientist FMC and a shadow-type creature MMC, and now Book 2 has another human scientist FMC and an undead creature MMC.
This kind of ends up being a The Walking Dead situation, where author Skyla Gray uses almost every word BUT zombie to describe the MMC, but he's a stitched together amalgamation of different human body parts, come back to life by a mad scientist as an undead corpse. So... zombie-esque.
In comparison to Book 1, I thought Book 1 was better overall. It had stronger writing and what felt like a tighter, more composed narrative. I think The Revenant's Heart struggled a bit in its first half. While the characters introduced, particularly the FMC, were delightfully quirky and interesting, the story itself dragged, and felt slow taking off. Usually during this time some good pre-romantic tension would help with this to build momentum, but aside from some brief and very clinical interactions, we really don't get a lot of true development from the MCs during the front half.
But around the midway point, there's a sort of plot twist that changes the tone of the story and moves the setting away from the Monster Research Facility (MRF), which makes things much more exciting and engaging. From here on out, it's almost like a different book. There's more focus on developing the relationship between the MCs, so that when it turned sexual, I believed it more, and when the couple faced their third-act battles, I rooted for them!
Overall, Book 2 definitely suffered a bit from sophomore syndrome, which was very apparent in the first half, but the make half almost made up for it, hence the 3.5, rounded down rating. Excited to see where Skyla Gray takes the series next!
2.25🌶️
The Revenant's Heart is Book 2 in the interconnected Monster's Research Facility series, which, so far, features a different human x monster romance pairing. Book 1 had a human scientist FMC and a shadow-type creature MMC, and now Book 2 has another human scientist FMC and an undead creature MMC.
This kind of ends up being a The Walking Dead situation, where author Skyla Gray uses almost every word BUT zombie to describe the MMC, but he's a stitched together amalgamation of different human body parts, come back to life by a mad scientist as an undead corpse. So... zombie-esque.
In comparison to Book 1, I thought Book 1 was better overall. It had stronger writing and what felt like a tighter, more composed narrative. I think The Revenant's Heart struggled a bit in its first half. While the characters introduced, particularly the FMC, were delightfully quirky and interesting, the story itself dragged, and felt slow taking off. Usually during this time some good pre-romantic tension would help with this to build momentum, but aside from some brief and very clinical interactions, we really don't get a lot of true development from the MCs during the front half.
But around the midway point, there's a sort of plot twist that changes the tone of the story and moves the setting away from the Monster Research Facility (MRF), which makes things much more exciting and engaging. From here on out, it's almost like a different book. There's more focus on developing the relationship between the MCs, so that when it turned sexual, I believed it more, and when the couple faced their third-act battles, I rooted for them!
Overall, Book 2 definitely suffered a bit from sophomore syndrome, which was very apparent in the first half, but the make half almost made up for it, hence the 3.5, rounded down rating. Excited to see where Skyla Gray takes the series next!
May 4, 2024
4.5 stars
I’ve been SO excited for this series to continue, so of course I had to snag an ARC. This book was dark in different ways to book 1, but carried the major themes forward. It acknowledged the nigh impossible task that Dr Wright had in front of her in rebuilding while giving us new characters to root for.
Lucy was quirky in a spooky obsessed with dead things way, so it wasn’t surprising she found herself working with Victor, who was basically Frankenstein’s monster crossed with a zombie. He was broody, severely traumatized, and very reluctant to trust Lucy in any way shape or form. They ended up being a good couple cuz why wouldn’t a taxidermist/former medical student be a good partner for him. I would have loved a little more getting to know each other on page, but they still worked. Looking forward to the next book!
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, dismemberment, medical experimentation, medical torture (off page), starvation, mention of solitary confinement, imprisonment, consumption of human flesh, kidnapping, drugging, grief from loss of patient, grief from loss of mother
I’ve been SO excited for this series to continue, so of course I had to snag an ARC. This book was dark in different ways to book 1, but carried the major themes forward. It acknowledged the nigh impossible task that Dr Wright had in front of her in rebuilding while giving us new characters to root for.
Lucy was quirky in a spooky obsessed with dead things way, so it wasn’t surprising she found herself working with Victor, who was basically Frankenstein’s monster crossed with a zombie. He was broody, severely traumatized, and very reluctant to trust Lucy in any way shape or form. They ended up being a good couple cuz why wouldn’t a taxidermist/former medical student be a good partner for him. I would have loved a little more getting to know each other on page, but they still worked. Looking forward to the next book!
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, dismemberment, medical experimentation, medical torture (off page), starvation, mention of solitary confinement, imprisonment, consumption of human flesh, kidnapping, drugging, grief from loss of patient, grief from loss of mother
August 26, 2024
De las peores lecturas del año. Qué rabia y eso que el primer libro me gustó mucho. Ahora bien el problema no radica que el tipo sea un renevant o un no muerto, sino que la autora intente edulcorar una serie de comportamientos que obviamente NO están bien.
Yo por ahí no paso.
Yo por ahí no paso.
May 17, 2024
Tropes:
~monster romance
~prison romance
~kidnapping
~forced proximity
~doctor x patient
~nerdy heroine
~scarred, tattooed, and pierced hero
~one bed
Okay, but I loved this! I was immediately sucked into the dynamic between Lucy and Victor, and was kept glued to the pages by the fact that the first half of the book is them interacting as doctor and patient at the facility, but then in the second half we have Victor on the run with Lucy as his captive. Victor being a Frankenstein type monster was super unique, and add in his tortured bad boy persona with the tattoos and piercings, and I was way more invested in this hero than I originally expected when I first saw he was a zombie haha. I'm beyond excited to see what Skyla Gray writes next, and am hoping some other side characters we've met might get their own monster romances!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics
"Time, mystical time
Cutting me open, then healing me fine"
~monster romance
~prison romance
~kidnapping
~forced proximity
~doctor x patient
~nerdy heroine
~scarred, tattooed, and pierced hero
~one bed
Okay, but I loved this! I was immediately sucked into the dynamic between Lucy and Victor, and was kept glued to the pages by the fact that the first half of the book is them interacting as doctor and patient at the facility, but then in the second half we have Victor on the run with Lucy as his captive. Victor being a Frankenstein type monster was super unique, and add in his tortured bad boy persona with the tattoos and piercings, and I was way more invested in this hero than I originally expected when I first saw he was a zombie haha. I'm beyond excited to see what Skyla Gray writes next, and am hoping some other side characters we've met might get their own monster romances!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics
"Time, mystical time
Cutting me open, then healing me fine"
May 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the first in the series, this book was just as good! Lucy and Victors story deals with some complex emotions but had that comfortable feeling of a HEA. Please read these stories ! I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
The Revenant’s Heart - Book 2
Meet Lucy + Subject X-14 💕
Lucy drops out of medical school and takes an unexpected turn - becoming an eccentric taxidermist. But when she’s offered a position at The Facility as a doctor, she can’t resist. Her assignment? Subject X-14 - a man who looks like a walking corpse, pieced together from different human parts.
As Lucy begins to understand him, her fascination turns into something deeper. But just when she thinks she’s getting through to Victor, she’s kidnapped and thrown into his deadly game of revenge against the one who created him.
Will she survive his obsession…or become part of his plan?
✨ T r o p e s | T r i g g e r s ✨
Human + Monster Romance
Research Facility
Experimentation
Past Medical Trauma
Drugging
Kidnapping
Revenge
Spicy
Meet Lucy + Subject X-14 💕
Lucy drops out of medical school and takes an unexpected turn - becoming an eccentric taxidermist. But when she’s offered a position at The Facility as a doctor, she can’t resist. Her assignment? Subject X-14 - a man who looks like a walking corpse, pieced together from different human parts.
As Lucy begins to understand him, her fascination turns into something deeper. But just when she thinks she’s getting through to Victor, she’s kidnapped and thrown into his deadly game of revenge against the one who created him.
Will she survive his obsession…or become part of his plan?
✨ T r o p e s | T r i g g e r s ✨
Human + Monster Romance
Research Facility
Experimentation
Past Medical Trauma
Drugging
Kidnapping
Revenge
Spicy
June 23, 2024
Amazing amazing. I was expecting something similar to Nightmare but Lucy and Victor really had their own story that was related to the Facility but revolved around it. It was refreshing and unique and so sincere to Victor’s backstory.
I love that the author didn’t feel the need to make the Facility the center of every story, even though it may originate from there.
Spice was great when it finally hits, although its a little but of a slow burn.
I love that the author didn’t feel the need to make the Facility the center of every story, even though it may originate from there.
Spice was great when it finally hits, although its a little but of a slow burn.
November 4, 2024
Obsessed
“I think you’re perfect. Perfectly flawed. I’ve wanted you since I first saw you.”
This one took my heart ❤️
“I think you’re perfect. Perfectly flawed. I’ve wanted you since I first saw you.”
This one took my heart ❤️
February 23, 2025
ANOTHER 💳💥💳💥
May 2, 2024
I've been waiting months for this and I was NOT disappointed. Skyla Gray has done it again with a delicious monster romance! The Revenant's Heart involves Lucy, a med student dropout working at the newly reformed MRF, and her patient, Victor, a Frankenstein creature of sorts. I would have devoured this story in one shot if I didn't have to attend to life; it was that good. It's got action, steam (role playing, pain kink, weapon play), revenge, and really well developed characters. While this can certainly be read as a standalone, it was helpful to have read the first book, as we get to see Mara, Dr. Wright, Ezra, Belle and Somnus briefly.
Two broken people meet when Lucy is assigned to be Victor's doctor, as his body is falling apart due to the cruel actions of his creator. After years of trauma and abuse, Victor is confused by Lucy's kindness and her intent to find painless ways to operate on him. As the months go by and they get to know each other on a personal level, Lucy starts struggling that she let this work get too intimate and close. On the day of the operation, Victor uses Lucy as his hostage to escape so he can invoke vengeance on his creator. What they don't expect is to start caring more than they should. Lucy is willing to do whatever to save Victor because he is worth it, even if he's looking at her like she's a meal.
I loved Victor, despite his actions, and he was an interesting "monster" since he was so human (if that makes sense!). So much so, that I forgot he was a "monster" most of the time until something like a limb came off or his hand (like Thing from Addams Family) did something. He was normal, or at least as normal as one could be when you are stitched together with a bunch of parts and have a green tint. He has a bit of a zombie like quality in his need for flesh to quench his hunger.
Lucy on the other hand has gone through some losses despite her meticulous care and love for others. She longs to open her heart again and not experience the continual loss. She wants to save people, and after her losses, she drops out of medical school. Dr. Wright finds her and Lucy's curious nature pushes her to take the job at MRF. From day 1, she experiences a spark with Victor, and it was heartwarming to see her feel comfortable enough to begin opening up to him.
This is a dark, steamy, but compassionate (and funny at times) story with a HEA that had me wanting more. If you are new to Skyla Gray's work, I highly recommend both books. They are so imaginative and I cannot wait to read the stories of the other characters with their monsters. I look forward to reading what more lurks behind the doors of the Monster Research Facility.
I had the opportunity to receive a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two broken people meet when Lucy is assigned to be Victor's doctor, as his body is falling apart due to the cruel actions of his creator. After years of trauma and abuse, Victor is confused by Lucy's kindness and her intent to find painless ways to operate on him. As the months go by and they get to know each other on a personal level, Lucy starts struggling that she let this work get too intimate and close. On the day of the operation, Victor uses Lucy as his hostage to escape so he can invoke vengeance on his creator. What they don't expect is to start caring more than they should. Lucy is willing to do whatever to save Victor because he is worth it, even if he's looking at her like she's a meal.
I loved Victor, despite his actions, and he was an interesting "monster" since he was so human (if that makes sense!). So much so, that I forgot he was a "monster" most of the time until something like a limb came off or his hand (like Thing from Addams Family) did something. He was normal, or at least as normal as one could be when you are stitched together with a bunch of parts and have a green tint. He has a bit of a zombie like quality in his need for flesh to quench his hunger.
Lucy on the other hand has gone through some losses despite her meticulous care and love for others. She longs to open her heart again and not experience the continual loss. She wants to save people, and after her losses, she drops out of medical school. Dr. Wright finds her and Lucy's curious nature pushes her to take the job at MRF. From day 1, she experiences a spark with Victor, and it was heartwarming to see her feel comfortable enough to begin opening up to him.
This is a dark, steamy, but compassionate (and funny at times) story with a HEA that had me wanting more. If you are new to Skyla Gray's work, I highly recommend both books. They are so imaginative and I cannot wait to read the stories of the other characters with their monsters. I look forward to reading what more lurks behind the doors of the Monster Research Facility.
I had the opportunity to receive a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
???
I genuinely loved this book so much. Frankensteins monster is hot in it and learns about medical consent. But also I will not be taking questions about this because also what?
I genuinely loved this book so much. Frankensteins monster is hot in it and learns about medical consent. But also I will not be taking questions about this because also what?
April 30, 2024
I received an arc of this book and I’m so happy to be part of her arc team her books are my favorite! Loved this book so much just as much as I loved the first book in the series I wish there was more unique books like this out there! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
May 23, 2024
"I love every stitch. Every scar. Because they're part of you. They're part of what make you the man I know."
If someone doesn't call me with an offer to start working at the Monster Research Facility, I think I might cry. I have been lucky enough to be an ARC reader for both books in this series, and I am completely consumed by this series. The Revenant's Heart can be read as a standalone but it does touch on some information that was dealt with in the first book, so it would make more sense if you read the first book as well.
This book is filled with relatable gems from our FMC, Lucy. Including this one, which is one of my personal favorites - "This is why I hold people at arm's length. I've always known that relationships led to pain. So why, oh why, did I choose to let him through my walls?" (Whoops, I promise this isn't the spoiler you may think it is. But I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out for yourself. Heheh.)
Our MMC, Victor, is the sweetest man.. uh, man? I don't know if that's the right word to use but sure, we can go with that. He is described in a way that makes him sound absolutely delectable, and I think I want one for myself, but I know he's off limits. He is loyal, afraid of hurting Lucy, and protective. You know how there's been an influx of people talking about their German shepherd husbands instead of their golden retriever husbands? He gives me German shepherd husband vibes all the way.
This is a great addition to the Monster Research Facility series, and I really hope there will another book in the series after this one. I will scoop that one up so fast and devour it, just like Victor wants to scoop up and devour the... OOPS. I can't say that, it would be a spoiler. (PICK THIS BOOK UP AND READ IT SO I DON'T HAVE TO KEEP CENSORING SPOILERS, JEEZ!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If someone doesn't call me with an offer to start working at the Monster Research Facility, I think I might cry. I have been lucky enough to be an ARC reader for both books in this series, and I am completely consumed by this series. The Revenant's Heart can be read as a standalone but it does touch on some information that was dealt with in the first book, so it would make more sense if you read the first book as well.
This book is filled with relatable gems from our FMC, Lucy. Including this one, which is one of my personal favorites - "This is why I hold people at arm's length. I've always known that relationships led to pain. So why, oh why, did I choose to let him through my walls?" (Whoops, I promise this isn't the spoiler you may think it is. But I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out for yourself. Heheh.)
Our MMC, Victor, is the sweetest man.. uh, man? I don't know if that's the right word to use but sure, we can go with that. He is described in a way that makes him sound absolutely delectable, and I think I want one for myself, but I know he's off limits. He is loyal, afraid of hurting Lucy, and protective. You know how there's been an influx of people talking about their German shepherd husbands instead of their golden retriever husbands? He gives me German shepherd husband vibes all the way.
This is a great addition to the Monster Research Facility series, and I really hope there will another book in the series after this one. I will scoop that one up so fast and devour it, just like Victor wants to scoop up and devour the... OOPS. I can't say that, it would be a spoiler. (PICK THIS BOOK UP AND READ IT SO I DON'T HAVE TO KEEP CENSORING SPOILERS, JEEZ!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 21, 2025DNF 62%
Había muchas maneras en que esto podría haberse desarrollado mejor...pero secuestro? una protagonista que es muy incrédula? Sí, ya me perdiste ahí.
La idea de que fuera un rettelling de Frankenstein me estaba divirtiendo bastante, hasta que ya no. Podrían haberlo desarrollado mucho mejor y empezó re bien eh, pensé que iba a ser algo como, no se, ella ayudándolo a superar su trauma y después los dos buscando venganza juntos, pero esto no me gustó para nada 😤😤😤😤.
Había muchas maneras en que esto podría haberse desarrollado mejor...pero secuestro? una protagonista que es muy incrédula? Sí, ya me perdiste ahí.
La idea de que fuera un rettelling de Frankenstein me estaba divirtiendo bastante, hasta que ya no. Podrían haberlo desarrollado mucho mejor y empezó re bien eh, pensé que iba a ser algo como, no se, ella ayudándolo a superar su trauma y después los dos buscando venganza juntos, pero esto no me gustó para nada 😤😤😤😤.
May 24, 2024
The worst thing about this book is the author is a new author, so I only currently have a single other book to (pun intended) devour. The perfect mix of a single volume slow burn and romance, set in a larger connected world.
I cannot wait for the next book so I can see little cameos for Victor and Lucy!
I cannot wait for the next book so I can see little cameos for Victor and Lucy!
August 15, 2024
I most definitely didn’t expect this to be my next binge read, but I just couldn’t put this one down. Go ahead and judge me 😅
January 4, 2025
My toxic trait is that I hope she keeps making these. O look I did read book two!
June 11, 2025
Fast paced read that helped was a great palette cleanser. Extra points for being short.
May 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the 'Monster's Research Facility' series, despite experiencing a reading slump! If you're in the mood for an action-packed HEA romance with a twist, I recommend you pick this up.
Rating: 3.5/5
Although I'm likely not the target audience for this genre, I managed to form connections with the characters and become invested in the fast-paced story. However, while the narrative captured my attention, I couldn't help but notice a lack of refinement in the writing style, which occasionally gave off an impression of immaturity. Additionally, certain passages seemed to overexplain the characters' actions, disrupting the natural flow of the story and reminding me of the author's presence behind the scenes. Nonetheless, I believe the author exhibits promising talent, evident in the significant improvement from the first book to the second. The original concept of the series intrigued me, and I eagerly anticipate the books to come in this series, hoping to witness further growth and development in both the storytelling and the author's craft.
Thank you for sending me an ARC, this review is my honest opinion.
Rating: 3.5/5
Although I'm likely not the target audience for this genre, I managed to form connections with the characters and become invested in the fast-paced story. However, while the narrative captured my attention, I couldn't help but notice a lack of refinement in the writing style, which occasionally gave off an impression of immaturity. Additionally, certain passages seemed to overexplain the characters' actions, disrupting the natural flow of the story and reminding me of the author's presence behind the scenes. Nonetheless, I believe the author exhibits promising talent, evident in the significant improvement from the first book to the second. The original concept of the series intrigued me, and I eagerly anticipate the books to come in this series, hoping to witness further growth and development in both the storytelling and the author's craft.
Thank you for sending me an ARC, this review is my honest opinion.
March 2, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this. It's got its issues which I'll mention, but it was a surprisingly gripping book and it fixed a lot of the issues the first book had.
The story follows Lucy a med school dropout with a penchant for taxidermy. When her life falls apart after dropping out of her program she takes a job interview at the Facility, a secretive research base housing monsters. There she meets her charge Victor, a hulking, tattooed Frankenstein style zombie monster with a sharp wit and bent on revenge. When she finds herself taken captive the two road trip towards his end goal.
I thought this was super engaging and I liked the couple together more than the first book.
SLIGHT SPOILERS / THOUGHTS BELOW!!!!!
- I liked Lucy as a character, she's blunt and a bit of a recluse and very dedicated to her craft. I liked seeing how she really tried to help Victor and actually wanted to do better by him. That said, I wish they had bonded more. She's basically super into him / attracted to him from the jump so we don't really see them actually bond, it seems like she just gives in to her sexual feelings and they hook up a bunch. I kinda wanted to see more from Victor? Like how he falls in love with / learns to care for her but we don't really get that.
- I LOVED Victor as a character. He's angry, sardonic, undead and out for revenge after being tormented and ripped apart for years. He's never felt kindness and he's got an insatiable need for human flesh. I thought he was super hot and definitely has that bad boy energy. I also LOVED how his separated hand is basically the thing with a mind of its own. That was super cute and added a comic relief element.
- I felt the ending was a bit lackluster. Like we know Victor needs human meat regularly but all we get is they live happily ever after, he gets revenge and in the next book she's working at the facility? Where is this meat coming from and how did he last so long during the trip? Does she ever run the risk of him eating her like in the first part?
- the smut was pretty hot but I wanted more relationship depth. We basically learn victor's been using her kindness this whole time to bust out of the facility, they don't really bond or share things / connect with each other and then suddenly it's a full blown sexual relationship? I just don't see how these two would even stay together since that's basically the only thing holding them together????
The story follows Lucy a med school dropout with a penchant for taxidermy. When her life falls apart after dropping out of her program she takes a job interview at the Facility, a secretive research base housing monsters. There she meets her charge Victor, a hulking, tattooed Frankenstein style zombie monster with a sharp wit and bent on revenge. When she finds herself taken captive the two road trip towards his end goal.
I thought this was super engaging and I liked the couple together more than the first book.
SLIGHT SPOILERS / THOUGHTS BELOW!!!!!
- I liked Lucy as a character, she's blunt and a bit of a recluse and very dedicated to her craft. I liked seeing how she really tried to help Victor and actually wanted to do better by him. That said, I wish they had bonded more. She's basically super into him / attracted to him from the jump so we don't really see them actually bond, it seems like she just gives in to her sexual feelings and they hook up a bunch. I kinda wanted to see more from Victor? Like how he falls in love with / learns to care for her but we don't really get that.
- I LOVED Victor as a character. He's angry, sardonic, undead and out for revenge after being tormented and ripped apart for years. He's never felt kindness and he's got an insatiable need for human flesh. I thought he was super hot and definitely has that bad boy energy. I also LOVED how his separated hand is basically the thing with a mind of its own. That was super cute and added a comic relief element.
- I felt the ending was a bit lackluster. Like we know Victor needs human meat regularly but all we get is they live happily ever after, he gets revenge and in the next book she's working at the facility? Where is this meat coming from and how did he last so long during the trip? Does she ever run the risk of him eating her like in the first part?
- the smut was pretty hot but I wanted more relationship depth. We basically learn victor's been using her kindness this whole time to bust out of the facility, they don't really bond or share things / connect with each other and then suddenly it's a full blown sexual relationship? I just don't see how these two would even stay together since that's basically the only thing holding them together????
May 12, 2025
4.5/5
When Lucy Sullivan, a med school dropout and taxidermy enthusiast, receives a call with a job offer to work at a mysterious facility, she decides to give them a chance without knowing the details of the position. When she arrives, she discovers that monsters are real and she will be responsible for treating Subject X-14, a creature that is eerily similar to Frankenstein's monster.
I think that Skyla did a fantastic job writing two compelling MCs in The Revenant's Heart. Lucy has faced a lot of hardships in her life that informed her experience as a medical student. She also seemed to be written as though she is autistic (difficulty with her "bedside manner" and relating to others, feeling as though she is perceived as strange or different, a special interest in taxidermy, and a hyperfixation on unravelling the mystery of Victor's existence). I'm not sure if this was a deliberate choice by the author, but she definitely came across as autistic to me and I thought it added to her character. Victor's backstory was tragic and at times heartbreaking, and I thought that his trauma informed his actions in a realistic way.
Similarly to The Nightmare's Kiss, The Revenant's Heart is a plot-focused horror romance novel where the romance is a subplot compared to the overarching narrative. That being said, I do think that the relationship between the two MCs was a much bigger part of this book. The plot is driven forward by Lucy's increasing interest in Victor and uncovering what happened to him in the past. The chemistry between Lucy and Victor was very well done and I loved getting to see more of their relationship develop on page than we did in the first book of the series.
I absolutely loved The Revenant's Heart and it was my favorite of the Monster Research Facility series.
When Lucy Sullivan, a med school dropout and taxidermy enthusiast, receives a call with a job offer to work at a mysterious facility, she decides to give them a chance without knowing the details of the position. When she arrives, she discovers that monsters are real and she will be responsible for treating Subject X-14, a creature that is eerily similar to Frankenstein's monster.
I think that Skyla did a fantastic job writing two compelling MCs in The Revenant's Heart. Lucy has faced a lot of hardships in her life that informed her experience as a medical student. She also seemed to be written as though she is autistic (difficulty with her "bedside manner" and relating to others, feeling as though she is perceived as strange or different, a special interest in taxidermy, and a hyperfixation on unravelling the mystery of Victor's existence). I'm not sure if this was a deliberate choice by the author, but she definitely came across as autistic to me and I thought it added to her character. Victor's backstory was tragic and at times heartbreaking, and I thought that his trauma informed his actions in a realistic way.
Similarly to The Nightmare's Kiss, The Revenant's Heart is a plot-focused horror romance novel where the romance is a subplot compared to the overarching narrative. That being said, I do think that the relationship between the two MCs was a much bigger part of this book. The plot is driven forward by Lucy's increasing interest in Victor and uncovering what happened to him in the past. The chemistry between Lucy and Victor was very well done and I loved getting to see more of their relationship develop on page than we did in the first book of the series.
I absolutely loved The Revenant's Heart and it was my favorite of the Monster Research Facility series.
July 10, 2024
Gotta count on a monster romance when it comes to breaking a reading slump🤣🤣
Anyway I loved this so much ,I loved the accuracy of Victor and like his portrayal as Frankstein especially the part about his hand being a conscious being as well and allowing it to do it's thing and also it's helpfulness at the end of the book.
I related so much to Lucy well not in the medical school part and the taxidermy part but in the part of loosing her mum and you know doing what she could and hoping that her mum would get better but you know nobody can stop or control death , I lost my mum around the same age as she did but slightly older , had turn 18 literally a couple months before she passed on and I literally started college and drowned myself in it and now that I'm done you know it's hard being in the house without her but luckily my dad is in the picture. Anyways enough about that. I related to her wearing glasses also and not just wearing glasses in one chapter and it never being mentioned again but it was a part of her and she literally couldn't see without them which made it more personal because I literally 😅 can't see without mine either.
I resonated with this book so much and I can't wait to actually read the rest of the books in this series because it was so easy to read and I am in love with the author's writing style
Definitely recommend for anyone who is looking into getting into monster romance
Anyway I loved this so much ,I loved the accuracy of Victor and like his portrayal as Frankstein especially the part about his hand being a conscious being as well and allowing it to do it's thing and also it's helpfulness at the end of the book.
I related so much to Lucy well not in the medical school part and the taxidermy part but in the part of loosing her mum and you know doing what she could and hoping that her mum would get better but you know nobody can stop or control death , I lost my mum around the same age as she did but slightly older , had turn 18 literally a couple months before she passed on and I literally started college and drowned myself in it and now that I'm done you know it's hard being in the house without her but luckily my dad is in the picture. Anyways enough about that. I related to her wearing glasses also and not just wearing glasses in one chapter and it never being mentioned again but it was a part of her and she literally couldn't see without them which made it more personal because I literally 😅 can't see without mine either.
I resonated with this book so much and I can't wait to actually read the rest of the books in this series because it was so easy to read and I am in love with the author's writing style
Definitely recommend for anyone who is looking into getting into monster romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
I Love a paranormal Romance book and this was my first Frankenstein retelling. HIPHIP Hooray what a great a first {That's what she said HAHA}
Lucy Sullivan a female human, former medical student has experienced extreme personal loss. She hyper focuses on her Taxidermy projects to keep herself emotionally distant. Melsbach Research Facility reaches out with a job opportunity she can't resist.
Victor ( X - 14 ) a hybrid Frankenstein/Zombie recovering from severe physical and emotional abuse. He's guarded and hates everything related to doctors, hospitals and all medical procedures even the ones he desperately needs. Victor's entire focus is on revenge; taking out his creator.
After Lucy's kidnapping a true breakthrough is made between her and her patient (uh hum captor). Victor is so much more than his bits and pieces. Enter his hand.
The story is told via the MFC
HEA
Adventure
Mystery
Fantastic World Building
Overarching Series
Spice 3
I would like to have been able to read a bit more of Victors back ground which is my one morsel of criticism. He is such an interesting character. I'm looking forward to the expanse of this series.
Highly Recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lucy Sullivan a female human, former medical student has experienced extreme personal loss. She hyper focuses on her Taxidermy projects to keep herself emotionally distant. Melsbach Research Facility reaches out with a job opportunity she can't resist.
Victor ( X - 14 ) a hybrid Frankenstein/Zombie recovering from severe physical and emotional abuse. He's guarded and hates everything related to doctors, hospitals and all medical procedures even the ones he desperately needs. Victor's entire focus is on revenge; taking out his creator.
After Lucy's kidnapping a true breakthrough is made between her and her patient (uh hum captor). Victor is so much more than his bits and pieces. Enter his hand.
The story is told via the MFC
HEA
Adventure
Mystery
Fantastic World Building
Overarching Series
Spice 3
I would like to have been able to read a bit more of Victors back ground which is my one morsel of criticism. He is such an interesting character. I'm looking forward to the expanse of this series.
Highly Recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2024
This is an exceptional follow on from The Nightmare’s Kiss. I loved being able to explore more of the MRF and the characters we’ve already met. Lucy and Victor are the most perfect additions to this world. I love how Skyla writes her FMCs. Mara, previously and Lucy in this book have their issues but instead of falling in a heap they push through, while still being scared, to save the ones they love. There’s a quiet strength that Lucy possesses. She doesn’t miraculously get over her fear, but still is brave enough to do what she has to do to do the right thing. I love that being depicted. Victor is just everything. What he’s been through is so horrific and the book can be dark at times, but I’m glad his past is explored and Lucy is trying to help. He’s so layered and brave. He’s such a sweetheart at times and a cheeky shit at other times.
The steamier aspects of the book are so well written and very sexy but not overbearing or excessive.
This is just such a perfect continuation of the Monster Research Facility story and I highly recommend it (after you’ve read The Nightmare’s Kiss, of course 😊)
I read this through BookFunnel but bought the paperback as soon as it was available and I’ll read it again when I receive that.
The steamier aspects of the book are so well written and very sexy but not overbearing or excessive.
This is just such a perfect continuation of the Monster Research Facility story and I highly recommend it (after you’ve read The Nightmare’s Kiss, of course 😊)
I read this through BookFunnel but bought the paperback as soon as it was available and I’ll read it again when I receive that.
May 19, 2024
Skyla Gray's The Revenant's Heart is an electrifying dive into the macabre, blending the eerie charm of Frankenstein with the modern, unexpected twist of a love story. I went into this book expecting an interesting take on the undead, but what I got was a profound exploration of humanity, revenge, and the beating (or unbeating) heart of what it means to be alive.
Victor's quest for revenge is a gripping narrative arc. The adage “if you seek revenge, you should dig two graves” looms large over the story, adding a layer of inevitable tragedy. Lucy’s efforts to save Victor from his own rage are as heart-wrenching as they are heroic. The chemistry between them is palpable, making their struggle against his creator even more intense and emotional.
The ending of The Revenant's Heart is a masterstroke. Without giving too much away, it’s a satisfying conclusion that ties up the narrative threads while leaving a lingering impact. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet resolution that underscores the novel’s themes of redemption and the possibility of life after death—both literally and metaphorically.
Victor's quest for revenge is a gripping narrative arc. The adage “if you seek revenge, you should dig two graves” looms large over the story, adding a layer of inevitable tragedy. Lucy’s efforts to save Victor from his own rage are as heart-wrenching as they are heroic. The chemistry between them is palpable, making their struggle against his creator even more intense and emotional.
The ending of The Revenant's Heart is a masterstroke. Without giving too much away, it’s a satisfying conclusion that ties up the narrative threads while leaving a lingering impact. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet resolution that underscores the novel’s themes of redemption and the possibility of life after death—both literally and metaphorically.
July 13, 2025
I honestly don’t even know how this book landed on my TBR, but I gave it a solid shot. Made it to 77% and still couldn’t force myself to finish. This just isn’t for me and I’m definitely not the target audience.
The concept had potential: monster romance with a twist, fast pace, a little chaos, a little spice. The second half, once we got out of the facility, almost hooked me… but it fizzled just like the rest.
The writing? Yeah no. It felt like the book didn’t trust the reader to have a brain. Everything was over explained like I needed a narrator holding my hand through every thought and feeling. Instead of sinking into the story, I felt like I was being talked at. Zero subtlety, zero finesse. It came off more like a first draft fanfic than a polished second book.
To be fair, the author is improving there’s clear growth that can occur between this book and the next. But real talk? Newbie romance readers will eat this sh*t up with their know-nothing ahh selves lol. If you’re fresh outta Wattpad and just want vibes and chaos, have at it. But if you’re looking for depth, tension, or anything that isn’t spelled out like a coloring book you’re gonna get bored fast.
The concept had potential: monster romance with a twist, fast pace, a little chaos, a little spice. The second half, once we got out of the facility, almost hooked me… but it fizzled just like the rest.
The writing? Yeah no. It felt like the book didn’t trust the reader to have a brain. Everything was over explained like I needed a narrator holding my hand through every thought and feeling. Instead of sinking into the story, I felt like I was being talked at. Zero subtlety, zero finesse. It came off more like a first draft fanfic than a polished second book.
To be fair, the author is improving there’s clear growth that can occur between this book and the next. But real talk? Newbie romance readers will eat this sh*t up with their know-nothing ahh selves lol. If you’re fresh outta Wattpad and just want vibes and chaos, have at it. But if you’re looking for depth, tension, or anything that isn’t spelled out like a coloring book you’re gonna get bored fast.
May 5, 2024
Something I'm always going to eat up is a Frankenstein inspired romance that is smutty, it's what mother Mary would of wanted. The story was good, and the romance was great. Also the smut didn't make me cringe once, which is always impressive. Like the dialogue in those scenario's felt very natural. The only reason this isn't getting a five star is because I felt like the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would of wanted. This story did feel very insta-lovey, because even though it takes place over a while you only see a few scenes of that so it comes across as a short while in a way. Personally that's not a deal breaker for me but for some people it is so I thought I would throw that out there. At the same time this story is only around 270 pages so I feel like most people know what their getting into when they see that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
This was honestly a really good book. For a newer author this book was amazing. Super easy read and I enjoyed every second of it and could not put it down. Overall 5/5⭐️ misunderstood, tortured bad boy.. okay.. big sexy monster misunderstood, tortured bad boy. Ummm.. Yes please! This book has all the right tropes but I was worried for a second that there was going to be a miscommunication but that wasn’t the case (thank god). This book didn’t have much spice but it didn’t need it. The story was great and the little spice it did have was like a treat sprinkled in. Victor learning to love himself as he is and trust again was just so good and Lucy learning to let people in and just live her life. I loved how it tied into the first book but was also its own complete story while bringing in previous characters 🤭 I will be reading the next one and I know I will be enjoying it.
May 2, 2024
“There’s a difference between mostly dead and all dead.” - Miracle Max from the Princess Bride.
This story put together two people whose brokenness fit together like puzzle pieces to make one beautiful HEA. Lucy was hired to take care of Victor. They both had major trust issues they were forced to work through to get to that HEA. Plus there was the small matter of Victor being dead-ish (mostly dead?). Victor and Lucy’s story was a definite departure from the usual monster romance stories I’ve read before. But, somehow, Skyla Gray made it work. It was a fun addition to the monster romance series. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her next story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story put together two people whose brokenness fit together like puzzle pieces to make one beautiful HEA. Lucy was hired to take care of Victor. They both had major trust issues they were forced to work through to get to that HEA. Plus there was the small matter of Victor being dead-ish (mostly dead?). Victor and Lucy’s story was a definite departure from the usual monster romance stories I’ve read before. But, somehow, Skyla Gray made it work. It was a fun addition to the monster romance series. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her next story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
3.5⭐️
I have to say that I did like the story better in this one than book 1, but a lot of my same thoughts of book 1 transferred to this book as well. I'm confused on what the inspiration for Victor was, cause I have 3 options that resonates with his character; a zombie, frankenstein and lurch (from the Addams family). It felt like he was inspired by all three. The first half of the story felt kinda dragged out and annoying in parts. Lucy wasn't my fave FMC but I liked her a little better than Mara ( I think, still deciding on that part) and the second half felt like a different book and honestly the second half was better. That's why I am giving it a slightly higher rating but I found it was still a good time and recommend you check them out for yourself.
I have to say that I did like the story better in this one than book 1, but a lot of my same thoughts of book 1 transferred to this book as well. I'm confused on what the inspiration for Victor was, cause I have 3 options that resonates with his character; a zombie, frankenstein and lurch (from the Addams family). It felt like he was inspired by all three. The first half of the story felt kinda dragged out and annoying in parts. Lucy wasn't my fave FMC but I liked her a little better than Mara ( I think, still deciding on that part) and the second half felt like a different book and honestly the second half was better. That's why I am giving it a slightly higher rating but I found it was still a good time and recommend you check them out for yourself.
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