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Monsters of Alberad #1

Tempting the Dhampir

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Sadie’s plan for summer break was a tropical vacation with her sister, and maybe some cocktails on the beach.
It did not include a gorgeous dhampir and a magical mate bond that forces them to stay near one another.
Everett never expected to meet anyone like Sadie—witty, charming, and up for a Vegas adventure with the fanged man she just met on an island—but keeping her is a whole different matter.
Can Everett convince Sadie that the bond is more than just the fates playing games with them? That it could be their forever, if they’re just brave enough to reach for it?
Tempting the Dhampir is an MF forced proximity romance between a human and her fated mate. It’s the first book in the Monsters of Alberad world. Each book can be read as a standalone. For readers 18+

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

27 people are currently reading
273 people want to read

About the author

Elle Sterling

8 books57 followers
Elle Sterling is an author of wholesomely horny romance that'll make you giggle and swoon.

Much like her own life after emigrating from South Africa to South Korea, she enjoys writing characters crossing cultural barriers and loving without restraint.

You can usually find Elle in her writing cave with coffee within reach at all times. She also enjoys grilled kimchi-and-cheese sandwiches and hibernates during the humid summer until the weather has cooled.

To keep up with her life in Korea and latest releases, follow her on social media: @ellesterlingauthor

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
891 reviews52 followers
December 22, 2024
Very cute, and a fresh idea on fated mates! If you need something with a sweetheart of a mmc and a feisty fmc with fun banter and a lighthearted storyline, this is it. I already read about Natalie and her males (book three), and I'm looking forward to the stories about Cece and the other ladies and their mates too!
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,821 reviews507 followers
December 14, 2024
3.5 stars
So the first 3 of this book was a bit choppy and disorganized, but the last 2 thirds were well done. I loved that we had a hyper feminine FMC was IS like other girls and a MMC that supported her in that. She was confident and passionate, though a bit insecure about her value as a romantic partner. He was all sweet and playful and also insecure about his value as a partner because of his shitty upbringing. It was also a fun play on the fated mates trope, tho I won’t spoil what’s different.

Spice: 4.5/5

Triggers: sexual harassment (not by MC), detainment-ish, references to financial difficulties, discussion of emotionally abusive parent
Profile Image for Victoria.
78 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
A debut novel that brings a new twist on paranormal romance!

📖Book Information: Tempting the Dhampir by Elle Sterling
📖Series: Monsters of Alberad, book 1
📖Reading Details: E-book ARC
📖Genre: Paranormal Romance
📖Tropes: Fated mates, forced proximity

I RECEIVED A FREE ARC OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR. MY THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥

✨Review: This was such a great start to a series! I can’t wait for the next book!

I loved this book! It’s light hearted, spicy, and such a fun read. I’m a huge fan of monster/paranormal romances, and this book stood its ground.

I really enjoyed the world the author built. The tattoo pairing was something I haven’t seen before and thought was really interesting and unique. I’ll take a tattoo pair with a monster, please!

Everett is absolutely swoon worthy! He’s tall, dark, and full of delicious banter. He falls hard and fast for Sadie, and seeing his devotion to her had me feeling all the feels. And don’t get me started on Sadie! Sadie had confidence and spunk for days! Her bright personality and love of all things sparkly endeared her to the reader.

For this to be the author’s debut novel, I was blown away. Writing a novel is no joke, so I applaud her for her creativity and execution. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and learn more about the other characters and their monster tattoo matches!
Profile Image for Alex.
17 reviews7 followers
July 15, 2024
This was SUCH a fun and cute but spicy book! Absolutely amazing, especially for a debut novel. I really recommend everyone to read this, it's guaranteed fun and spice.
I can't wait for the next book, I'm so excited!
Profile Image for Misty's Book Space.
1,067 reviews52 followers
July 22, 2024
3.5 stars

I won an ARC of this book from a giveaway I entered back in June or maybe it was May I can't remember now. I Was so excited when I found out I won because if you've been following me for a while then you know I love vampire books. This book is a about a Dhampir which if like me you had no idea what this was then it's a half vampire half human. This is the authors debut novel and for a debut I think it was a pretty good. I think at times it was a bit too descriptive and a bit repetitive and it had some minor plot holes. I loved that we get to briefly meet what I am assuming is going to be the characters of books to come and I loved the main characters of this book Sadie and Everett and thought they were so cute and their chemistry jumps off the pages at you. It did take way to long for anything to actually happen between though in my opinion. I was almost 60% into the book before things really started to happen. I liked their banter back and for and the communication!! Oh my gosh this was the best representation of communication I have ever read. I wish more authors would do communication like this. While I did really enjoy my time with this and I really looking forward to reading more books by this author I do have to say that the plot was very simple and things wrap up pretty easily. I would have liked a little more conflict maybe but at the same time I wouldn't want the author to sacrifice the amazing communication in this book
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
777 reviews73 followers
January 11, 2025
TtD is the first book in the all-new monster romance series Monsters of Alberad by debut author Elle Sterling and my newest obsession… *whispers* as if I need another one of those! *snorts*

It’s fair to say I didn’t recognise myself when reading it. Who was this person squeeing, sighing, and giggling to herself? (Monsters, spice & lore, oh my! *winks*) So much so, she’s read it twice! With her never-ending TBR passing judgement the entire time… *palms face* Apologies, peeps, for the third person interlude.

Can you imagine it though? One minute you’re on a much needed tropical holiday with your beloved sister living your best life making friends & memories, the next you find out that not only are monsters real, but thanks to the jiggery-pokery of the Fates, you are magically bonded to the sexiest dhampir you’ve ever seen… granted, he’s the first and only dhampir you’ve ever met but *shrugs* potato, potahto!

*sighs* Some gals have all the luck! (Thinking about these two again is making me want to either read the book for a third time and/or eat ALL the chocolate!)

Honestly, I liken this book to someone giving me free rein at a pick and mix sweet stand… (a plethora of) monsters, mate bonds, he falls first, close proximity (thanks to said bond), minimal angst, communication, sweet, spicy, fangs, b!ting, banter, teasing and a HEA! Phew! The pheromones were flying everywhere and when the spice hits… it’s *chef’s kiss* perfection.

I adored how Sadie was unapologetically herself, sparkles and all, but also worried that she’d have to dim her sparkle at some point in life… our cinnamon roll hero, Everett, not only loves everything (E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!) about her but will move heaven & earth to make sure her star shines bright for the world to see if she wants it! *hiccups* That’s goals right there!

*sighs* No wonder I’ve got Unrealistic Expectations-itis!
Profile Image for Kelly.
25 reviews
June 23, 2024
If I had to decide, I’d say this book gives “chaotic neutral” vibes. But in a sweet, lighthearted, playful way?

☀️Chaotic because you kind of have to adopt Sadie (FMC’s) newly acquired motto of “F*ck it” and suspend your disbelief. Just because *you* wouldn’t find yourself in these situations doesn’t mean they wouldn’t happen to Sadie haha

🌙 Can’t be Evil 😈 because Everett (MMC)is too sweet 🍬 and not morally grey.

✨ Can’t be Good 😇 because the spicy 🌶️ scenes disqualify the plot from that label.

Thus: Chaotic Neutral

I loved that I could pick up this book and read it as a one off without having to be completely emotionally traumatized. I also like that the other characters’ stories are there to be explored in future books!

Did this book change my life? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Should you read it? See below:

✅Who this book is for:
1. fantasy lovers who are looking for quick palate cleanser before diving back into more complex/heavy fantasy novels
2. Romance readers who are looking for a safe entry into fantasy/monster romance
3. Someone looking for a quick, light, yet spicy, standalone

❌Who this book is not for:
1. People who like “clean” fantasy
2. Readers who are looking for something with serious vibes
3. Readers who struggle to just go with the flow while reading (just go with it!)
Profile Image for Racheal.
659 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2024
This was such a light, fun and romantic read, perfect for summer!

From the very first few chapters, I loved how this book gave off the "women supporting women" vibe. This mainly was due to just how sweet and supportive Sadie was around the new women she met, lifting them up with compliments and good vibes. I loved how Sadie was just unapologetically herself. She was just such a sweet yet fierce, sassy, confident and wholesome character. Everett on the other hand was just a downright flirt, but you've gotta love him for it! I liked that they both had some insecurities that they each dealt with. It just made them feel more real and relatable.

Though I loved the spicy scenes, I really liked that Sadie and Everett took their time getting to know each other first before the spice kicked in. It just made their connection feel more authentic. Okay, and I loved the little playful jabs/quips sprinkled into their conversations. It just made this so light, playful and fun to read!

I also loved the whole concept to this book and all of the magical elements. It was fun initially getting to see all the different kind of monsters and how the wards worked. I also loved how Fate had a hand in pairing all the couples together. I just know that there's a lot of fun ahead with the future books! Out of all of the couples though, I'm especially looking forward to Bertie and Cece's book. Bertie is just so straight laced and Cece is just such a soft, kind and tender hearted person. With the pushback Bertie was giving, it'll be interesting to see how those two play out.

One last thing I want to note, is the sweet sisterly bond between Cece and Sadie. I loved their nicknames for each other and how they were always there for each other. I thought that the texts added a nice touch to keep the reader aprised of what was going on with Cece. Especially because of how important she is to Sadie.

Overall, this was a cute, light and fluffy read!

My thoughts and opinions are my own in this review. I want to thank you Elle Sterling for the opportunity to read this ARC!🩷
Profile Image for Caitlin.
179 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2024
When Sadie and her sister decide to spontaneously join a group of women for an island vacation, she naturally never expects to stumble across a gathering of men with some clearly non-human traits. And it’s even more of a shock when she finds out that some invisible bond makes it physically impossible to be separated from one of them. While waiting for more news on how this has happened, Sadie becomes increasingly interested in getting to know Everett, the Dhampir to whom she is now attached. Will they shake off their bond, or end up embracing it?

This was a fast-paced, steamy romance that delivered exactly what it promised. The concept is fun and well-executed, and also flexible enough to have a lot of fun with. In particular, I liked the lighthearted atmosphere of the book, and the relatively low stakes compared to others in the genre. The writing occasionally got a little repetitive and lagged at times, but was still charming and easy to read. I thought that the focus on describing clothing was a fun way to help showcase Sadie’s love for fashion in a natural way.

The one thing I wish is that there was a little more plot than what we got, or maybe that we could have seen Sadie interacting more with the city of Vegas. That said, I absolutely loved how Sadie’s femininity was portrayed in this book! And how those around her not only accept it as part of her personality, but love her for it. It was a breath of fresh air to see a romance heroine who IS “like other girls”, rather than the all too common checkboxes that paranormal romance ladies get forced into. I look forward to reading more about her sister in the upcoming sequel.

3.5/5 Naughty cat of the week: Everett. Bit my ass.
Profile Image for Lia ☾.
237 reviews31 followers
July 1, 2024
" First of all, I don't go out looking for males. But if I had a preference, I'd say if you hit me with good banter, indulge my love for sparkly things, and give me some good D, I'll be the best thing that's ever happened to you. "

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Story rating: 4.0⭐️ | Romance lvl: 3.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️  | Smut frequency: 3.75⏳

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Tropes:
✨ Human x Dhampir (half vampire half human)
☀️ Sunshine x Sunshine
🔥 They're big tease
🔗 Magically linked (forced proximity)
☁️ Cozy romance
💘 "Sisters by blood, friends by choice"

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~ STORY 📝 ~

This is a perfect light monster read for the summer 🌸

Sadie is a mood! She's the "living" representation of a Bratz, and I love it. She's glamorous and extravagant and can't help but shine. Also, an FMC who knows how to flirt and is not afraid to do it?? HELL YEAH! 🔥

Everett is the type of cinnamon roll I love: ultra caring and devoted while having little feral moments 😏. He's as much a flirt as Sadie and most of the book is them playing at "let's see who's gonna cave first". And they're really not playing fair. 😂😉

Honestly, if you want to dip a toe in monster romance but want to keep it on the "safe" side this is perfect. And I have the feeling that the whole series will be a perfect introduction to the genre with the large pool of monsters whose gonna be featured in it while still being "human-passing".😌


~ SPICE 🌶️ ~

If you're reading "Tempting the Dhampir", you're in for :

🏝️ He can scent her
🏝️ Dirty talks
🏝️ No but seriously, they're BIG tease
🏝️ Spanking
🏝️ He's obsessed with her blood
🏝️ Insassiable for each other


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This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖

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Profile Image for Michelle Lebron.
251 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2024
Sadie is a Queen! Sassy, Sexy, Strong, and Sweet. I loved her at every moment of the story; I enjoyed her personality. The story is incredible with an excellent plot, especially full of magic and monsters, and I'm eager to learn each of their stories. I couldn't stop reading it. Sadie and Everett, with their teasing and banter, had me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen with them, especially when that teasing leads to exquisite spice. The way they focused on Everett and Sadie without letting the plot fall into the background maintained a balance, making this book one of my favorites. The relationship between Sadie and her sister is very beautiful. Every time they say "sisters by blood and friends by choice," I love it; I adored their relationship. This book is beautiful. Sadie will take you to a world full of pink glitter and make your day brighter after reading this story. The nicknames between them are so lovely!!! They are definitely a perfect couple.

The whole bond system fascinated me, creating that forced proximity which is undoubtedly one of my favorite tropes. Elle undoubtedly created an excellent world that I want to keep exploring in her upcoming books. As her debut novel, it was on another level; it exceeded my expectations.
Profile Image for Josie Lingard.
141 reviews
July 1, 2024
Tempting the Dhampir follows Sadie, a lover of all things sparkles, and her sister on an island getaway. Here they meet a group of women who charter a boat to an ‘uninhabited’ island where they encounter a group of hot monster men! Sadie and Everett, a dhampir (half vampire/half human) have immediate chemistry, and then they discover that the fates have paired them through mystery tattoos and they can’t go more than a hundred yards away from each other?? With this forced proximity will they be able to hold their attraction at bay or will they give in to the fates plan?

I received an eARC for this book and I could not wait to start it once I knew it was coming and it did not disappoint! It was phenomenal and I completely devoured it 😍 It was cosy with lots of women supporting women which is so refreshing, with spice off the charts! Sadie and Everett had insane banter and the tension that built between them throughout the book had me sweating 🔥 It had fated mates with a twist, mysterious matching tattoos, forced proximity, Everett’s communication with Sadie had me swooning and as an added bonus, Sadie ain’t afraid to stand up for her man when required! 🫠

If you’re a fan of cosy and spicy monster romance, solid communication, and strong confident women this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Monica.
51 reviews
July 11, 2024
This was such an adorable and sweet read. It was such a fun take on the fated mates and forced proximity tropes, and it was done extremely well! From the moment that they meet, Sadie and Everett are very obviously a perfect match. From their personalities, their banter, the fact that he dresses in dark colors and she wears bright clothing, every thing leads to them being an incredible pair. Sadie and her sister, Cece, are also the sweetest set of sisters. They are so attuned to one another and support each other through the craziness that they encounter. The spice in this book is extra spicy (especially after their tension that was so thick it could be cut with a knife), but Everett is not only sexy, but kind and caring and protective of his new mate. I am so excited to see the rest of this world develop and learn more about the monsters.
Profile Image for Erin M. Cooper.
480 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2024
Such a good book, I loved the banter between Sadie and Everett. The two of them were perfect for each other. I think if fate didn't intervene, they might have met out in the “wild” instead of it being a controlled meeting. The nicknames were adorable for each other; sparkles and zooms.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Spicy_bookcorner .
497 reviews8 followers
July 1, 2024


Happy release day @ellesterlingauthor!!

I absolutely love this book!! It’s such a cute and fantastic read. I’m quite into monster smut and this did not disappoint.

Sadie is on a getaway with her sister CeCe and they join other women on a boat ride, except, they accidentally stumble across some monsters, including dhampir (human/vampire), Everett. Each monster and woman suddenly sport matching tattoos and cannot be separated.

Sadie is many the cutest with her love of all things pink and sparkly. I loved her confidence. Everett is just 🥵🥵 and I fancy the heck out of him. Their relationship is super HOT and loving and I literally cannot get enough. I look forward to more from the series ❤️
Profile Image for monika_is_booked.
368 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2024
A fun girl's night out for Sadie, her sister and some new friends on their holiday in the Carribbean turns into something more as soon as the girls discover, that the desert island isn't as uninhabited as they thought.
Everett doesn't know what to make of the ten women who suddenly disrupt his and his friend's holiday. They aren't supposed to get on the island at all.
When he suddenly feels a strange pull towards Sadie, things start to get really complicated. Apparently the fates are up to something, pairing each girl with one of the monsters, forcing them to keep close to one another for the time being.
This. Book. Is. So. Freaking. Cute!! You can't help but love sassy Sadie and kind and caring Everett. Even though they try to fight their growing bond, it just gets stronger and stronger until they can't help but collide 🔥. Everett makes it easy for Sadie to choose him and to finally open up her heart.
I really love the idea of the fates bringing the couples together, but that they have a choice in the matter too. It kinda combines the best of two concepts ☺️
If you like: accidentally fated mates, forced proximity, lots and LOTS of excellent banter, humour, heart and fantastic 🌶️, you better put "Tempting the Dhampir" on your TBR!!
Profile Image for Adrienne.
40 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
Tempting the Dhampir is Elle Sterling’s debut novel and I’m blown away! This book is the perfect feel-good combination of lovable characters and spicy romance. Sadie and Everett fall hard and fast for each other. The banter and build-up are everything I want in a fun, flirty summer romance. These two make me laugh and swoon while warming my heart…and then the spice hits! I love that these characters are so confident, open, and funny. And they communicate with each other🙌
This book gets bonus points for the amazing, supportive sister relationship between Sadie and Florence.
Elle Sterling has crafted characters that will steal your heart, and I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Rose.
74 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2025
Okay this book was absolutely amazing!
This is actually the first book in the series, but I read it second, and I honestly think it made the experience better. I think getting the world building and the background we get in Enchanting the Elf made the pacing in this one just right.

Everett is an absolute hunk of a dhampir, and I would like one, please and thank you.
Sadie was so spunky and was such a strong character.
I loved the way they complimented each other.

And can we talk about the spice???
Oh my gosh it was 🥵🥵🥵 soooo good. It makes me even more excited for the next book (book 3)
Profile Image for Jyl Costanza.
164 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2024
If you want a light hearted, easy, sexy book with some paranormal/fantasy aspects I would recommend this!

Imagine going on a beach vacation only to find an island full of attractive guys (guys meaning a vampire, elf, manticore, leprechaun & more). What could possibly happen?? 😉

Also congratulations to Elle on your debut novel! Thank you for sending me an ARC!

Profile Image for McKayla.
249 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2024
This cozy, sweet, spicy, hilarious monster romance has made its mark on me. I’m just so thoroughly obsessed with the world that has been set up. The characters are so loveable THAT I JUST WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM ALL. The flirting and banter and innuendos were truly some of my favorite parts
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,439 reviews115 followers
July 1, 2024
I didn't think I'd love every wink, smirk, blush and heated look these two exchanged but I was HERE FOR IT! Everett and Sadie are one of the cutest, most easy going couples I've read this year. The banter was off the charts, the teasing, the flirting! Not to mention the good natured humor and nicknames! #Zooms&Sparkles

Sadie and Everett don't follow the rules when it comes to love, relationships or mate bonds. They fall in love at their own pace and I loved that they both just went with the flow and had fun. They let the puzzle pieces fall into place on their own and just enjoyed each other. Their relationship was so fun! There was no unnecessary drama or miscommunication. These were just two interesting and wholesome characters that found their perfect other half thanks to meddling fates and opened their hearts and minds to true love. This was such a nice and stress free read, lol! 

The summer beach vibes hooked me in the beginning and the glitter of  Vegas clinched it for me. Loved this read and can't wait to see what else Ms. Sterling has in store for us and the rest of the monster gang! Especially shy Cece and her stickler for the rules elf! Which reminds me - shoutout to the beautiful and supportive bond between Sadie and Cece! I'm super close to my sister so I loved seeing these two sisters support and love each other so much!

Favorites Bits:
🖤 Shoutout to the beautiful and supportive bond between Sadie and Cece! I'm super close to my sister so I loved seeing these two sisters support and love each other so much!
🖤 This monster romance is the first in a series and I'm super stoked for the other characters!
🖤 The fun, stress free vibes of this read. It was comfy, sweet and just the right amount of OTT crazy, in the bet way!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
SAFETY INFO:
Profile Image for Milica.
1,122 reviews12 followers
November 20, 2024
I liked it in the beginning, but the heroine started to annoy me as the story went on. She was so confident and cool when the story started, then she became insecure all of a sudden. I mean, her insecurities really seemed to come out of nowhere. She was so confident and happy in her body and her style, then suddenly, she started talking how she was going to change her dressing style (she loves sequins and all that glamorous, girly stuff) because she wanted a partner and a family. The hero supported her, and never asked her to change, but I still hate it that that part was included, because it came out of nowhere and it didn't go with heroine's mindset from the beginning of the story.

There were also two things that I really, really dislike in books - having heroines lose their mind and ability to speak when seeing a dick and teasing about hero being a bit submissive and never delivering. The heroine was so confident and had some good banter with the hero, but she'd always act like a fool and lose her words when the hero's dick is involved. I really can't describe how much it annoys me. Also, the hero said a few times how he wouldn't mind if the heroine took control sometimes, and how much he loved it when she was confident and spoke her mind, but he was always in charge in the bedroom, and it was a missed opportunity for something a little bit different from every other book out there.

I also didn't really like the display of the hero's wealth. What I disliked was that there was so much time spent on these big moments where he bought her something expensive, or took her out somewhere exclusive or something like that. And there's nothing necessarily wrong with it, but I appreciate more small moments and small, thoughtful gestures. I mean, he did thoughtful things, but this was too much for my taste.

Overall, I did like the book, I liked how the hero acted with the heroine, how he was into her from the start and how he completely accepted her as she is. I also liked their connection and bond. I'm interested in heroine's sister's story, but I'm not sure if I'll read it, because it seems like she way more into him, than him into her, and it seems like she'll be the one going after him, and that's really not my thing, but maybe, I'll give it a try.
Profile Image for Spinster Pam.
180 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2025
This was an absolute delight! The characters and world were so unbelievably enjoyable. (and may or may not have me researching beach holidays)

Sadie is a human who has worked as a teacher because it was a safe & reliable job but it is slowly destroying her soul and dulling her sparkle.

Everett is a dhampir who is very successful and owns a hotel in Vegas and is part of an amazing friend/found family group of monsters.

They meet when the Fates do some shenanigans and bring them (and a bunch of other humans & monsters) together on a magically protected island. There are some fated mate things at play which results in them having to spend time together and not be too far from each other. So, off to Vegas they go. For an adventure, a spicy wager and all the swoons.

Sadie is a brilliant, bright and sparkly woman who is used to being too much, too loud, too her. She is at a crossroads in her life because of unexpected changes to her employment status and feeling like she needs to be less to be successful.

Everett is so clever & witty and just wants to see Sadie shine & thrive. He sees and appreciates her. He is dealing with some complicated family relationships but he doesn't let that make him a creep. He is kind, supportive, a good friend, hot, and has quite a mouth on him. Swoon!

I adored these two! They made my heart happy & giddy and have definitely earned a spot on my comfort reads list!

Elle's writing is so fun and my brain loves the flow of her stories and the eay the characters interact. The worlds she creates bring my heart so much joy.

Highly, highly recommend!
Profile Image for spidermse.
314 reviews50 followers
June 27, 2024
"Strike me now, Cupid, I think I might have found the one."

This was such a silly, sweet book! I enjoyed every moment of it. The premise is sort of goofy and there were moments where I was thinking "omg...girls please don't do that!" but it's fiction so once you set that aside and just enjoy the story and the characters it's a great read. The banter was hilarious and the nicknames were so goofy. They had me cracking up constantly.

There is some drama and mystery but it's not very intense. I would describe it as a light-hearted romance but we still got some deeper insights into the MC's personalities and thoughts. Both Sadie and Everett are very confident and often even smug especially about their looks but they each have their own insecurities. They were the perfect match for each other! Everett loved Sadie's ability to be unapologetically herself and never wanted to dim her shine.

The tension was HOT and totally worth the build up to the spice. I loved that even with the fated mates situation and the obvious attraction they had for each other from the beginning, they didn't immediately rush to the spice. It made it feel more like they got to know each other outside of the bond.

There are lots of monsters that we sort of meet at the beginning of the book and lots of opportunities for more books! I can't wait to see who all the couples are and get their stories.
Profile Image for Mamie Diemer.
366 reviews
February 28, 2025
I can always count on Elle Sterling when I’m in a slump and in need of something sweet and spicy! This past week has TESTED me and I knew it was time to go back and read the first book in the Monsters of Alberad series and I am IN LOVE. I read book 3 back in December while I was focusing on holiday books and this is the first book in that series!

To recap- Sadie and her sister Florence are on vacation in the Caribbean when they charter a yacht with some friends to an uninhabited island and stumble upon some unsuspecting monsters. Each of the women forms a mysterious bond with one of the monsters finds that they cannot be more than 100 yards away from them physically. While they figure out what the heck is going on, they decide to pair up and go their separate ways with their “bonded”.

Sadie follows Everett to his home in Vegas where he owns a hotel and casino. The sparks have been flying from the very beginning but they make a bet to see who will be the first to break and cave in to their undeniable chemistry. The teasing and banter is PERFECTION. I was kicking my feet and squealing like a little girl the whole time. Everett knows how to make a girl SWOON.

This is a very cozy story, meaning there are low stakes and there was no third act breakup. This is perfect if you want a quick, sweet and spicy, romantic read!
Profile Image for Katherine Gisleson.
653 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2025
4 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️1/4 - slightly more than medium spice, many explicit scenes after a bit of a slow burn

LOVES:
- The island, the magic, the supernatural school, the monster men: all of it had me intrigued and interested in learning more throughout the rest of the series.
- The flirting between Sadie and Everett was very cute. Everett immediately loved everything about her, including Sadie’s boldness and I was about it. The temptation game they played only upped the stakes and made it more fun 😄
- Speaking of, I appreciated how openly they spoke to each other. Whether it was sexy or seriously getting to know each other, they didn’t hesitate to be truthful with their feelings 😍
- I love a side romance/hint at what’s coming in the next book 🥰 and the fact that it’s sort of a mass version of that was super fun. Looking forward to the next book!
- The relationship between Sadie and her sister was so sweet and their mantra of friendship got me 🥹

“I’m your big sister, let me help you fight your battles, even if they’re all in your head and with yourself.”

This was a quick, fun ride that I’m looking forward to continuing!

Thanks to the author for this copy and all the other goodies she sent me from her giveaway 💝
Profile Image for Kara McCrea.
130 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2024
5/5 ⭐ 3/5🌶️

My review of Temptating the Dhampir by Elle Sterling 🩷

From the begining Sadie & Everett had instant chemistry and seemed like a perfect match. The one thing I loved specifically about Everett was how perseptive he was when it came to Sadie. He was so desperate to win her over that he was ready to spoil her rotten, even if she may give him an earful about it. I LOVED Sadie. She's pink and sparkles and glam and so open about it. Watching her think she has to tone herself down for others made me want to cry for her. She's the perfect sparkle queen in my book. I pretty much adored every part of this book. Also...tbe spice it was SPICING. That computer scene was probably my favorite IYKYK. Now I was a bad girl and read this book AFTER I read book 2, although I feel like even though I wasn't supposed to do that, it actually made me appreciate this book even more. This book has very different pacing than book 2 and that went perfectly with the relationship dynamic of the 2 leads. Overall I really enjoyed this book and it's one I will absolutely go back to in the future to read again. 🩷


"A woman like Sadie needs to be appreciated and allowed to shine however brightly she fucking wants to. Most men aren’t okay with being a supporting act, but for her, I’m enticed to be just that."
Profile Image for Micheala.
102 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2024
Thank you to the author for the early copy of the book! All thoughts are my own.

If I’m being completely honest, my first feelings on this were annoyance over the constant clothing descriptions. However, as I got to know the FMC, I grew to understand that her notice of clothing stemmed from her love of fashion. I like that those descriptions allowed us a deeper perspective on Sadie and added to her character development rather than being included just for the sake of it.

I was expecting to jump right into the spice, but the buildup and teasing of what was to come was fantastic. The banter, flirting, and chemistry was off the charts! If you are looking for a book that brings the paranormal/fantasy without the more stressful we’re-going-to-war-and-everyone’s-going-to-die element, this is it! It’s lighthearted and fun and the perfect summer read.

There were a few little sneak peaks of the other couples and I am excited to see what the next books bring.
Profile Image for Ruby Dalegendaryreader.
707 reviews17 followers
October 13, 2024
Brb, Imma hop on a boat and find a deserted island to find me some monsters.

Sadie and her sister, Florence, went on a vacation and they were invited by another girls to join them in a yacht cruising around. They docked in a deserted island and found male monsters in it. Unfortunately, a matching tattoos formed between one male and one female and they cannot be apart physically.

This book follows Sadie and Emmett, a dhampir (half-human, half-vampire) as they went on Vegas where Emmett’s hotel located as they wait to solve this mystery while juggling their attraction.
I love Sadie, she’s just a girl.

I love seeing them together and how their relationship unfolds. Emmett’s been spoiling Sadie as he should, and was super open and communicative with her. She deserves it.

The one thing I did struggle was their instant attraction, it felt very physical but that’s just me.

I love following their story and I will def read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Bookfairymel .
178 reviews13 followers
July 1, 2024
I absolutely love a man obsessed and Everett was Devoted. He really loved Sadie for who she was from the very beginning. I love interconnected standalones that focus on a big group of girls getting paired off. This was a super strong start the series and the vibes of the Caribbean and Vegas were so vivid and clear. From the start, the relationship was electric and when the spice kicked in, it was SO GOOD! I loved all the vampire aspects that Everett had, and I loved how Sadie went toe to toe with him. I love a strong FMC who still loves sparkles and pink.

This really had me smiling and giggling while reading it. The sister relationship had me tearing up at times too. I loved every minute of it, low angst, high spice, and a dedicated obsessed main determined to spoil her. This checked all my boxes and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
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