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Monster Security Agency #7
Guarded by the Phantom
She’s so pristine and innocent. I’ll drag her into obscenity. The senator’s daughter is being targeted by terrorists specializing in mind control. Considering the high-profile life she leads, filled with ballet performances, charity galas, and stifling political events, I am the worst possible fit for her. I don’t belong in polite society. Unfortunately, I am the only MSA bodyguard who can resist mind control.
It quickly turns out protecting her is much more thrilling than I suspected. My tightly buttoned-up principal is delightfully fun to tease. Her proper upbringing hasn’t prepared her for someone like lethal, uncouth, irreverent to the bone.
She can’t help being curious. And as her innocent, doe eyes trace the shape of my skull and linger on my mouth, mine are drawn to her genteel manners and tightly pinned hairstyle. I wonder what it will take to see her completely undone.
When I fantasize about tattooing my name on her skin, I know I’m in too deep for her good or mine. But it’s too late. This sweet princess dressed in pink will be mine, no matter how many brains I’ll have to splatter to have her.
Monster Security Agency is the most elite bodyguard service in the world. These monster bodyguards are lethal, powerful, and determined to protect their clients at all costs. They shouldn't fall in love with their principals, but if they do? Things are bound to explode.Here come spicy, romantic, and action-packed tales by your favorite paranormal and monster romance Cassie Alexander, Layla Fae, and Cara Wylde. Dive into the world of the Monster Security Agency.
It quickly turns out protecting her is much more thrilling than I suspected. My tightly buttoned-up principal is delightfully fun to tease. Her proper upbringing hasn’t prepared her for someone like lethal, uncouth, irreverent to the bone.
She can’t help being curious. And as her innocent, doe eyes trace the shape of my skull and linger on my mouth, mine are drawn to her genteel manners and tightly pinned hairstyle. I wonder what it will take to see her completely undone.
When I fantasize about tattooing my name on her skin, I know I’m in too deep for her good or mine. But it’s too late. This sweet princess dressed in pink will be mine, no matter how many brains I’ll have to splatter to have her.
Monster Security Agency is the most elite bodyguard service in the world. These monster bodyguards are lethal, powerful, and determined to protect their clients at all costs. They shouldn't fall in love with their principals, but if they do? Things are bound to explode.Here come spicy, romantic, and action-packed tales by your favorite paranormal and monster romance Cassie Alexander, Layla Fae, and Cara Wylde. Dive into the world of the Monster Security Agency.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2024
504 people are currently reading
1642 people want to read
About the author
Layla Fae
44 books2,127 followersSign up for my newsletter: here.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
October 30, 2024
• 
So, since the senator’s daughter is being targeted by terrorists specializing in mind control. Considering the high-profile life, that she leads, her parents hire someone from the Monster Security Agency
Most people think that Barbara Ashford-Kingsley lived the Perfect life, you know the fairytale life…….Lil did they know , that She was told what to say, what to wear, what to eat and how to even walk, She was supposed to be elegant. Silent. Always controlled, by her mother …. She has always uttered obedience. Playing a part someone else wrote for her
Yes, I get the fact that she is the senator’s daughter, I also understand that she had a reputation to uphold due to her parent’s position, But Lord have Mercy her mother went on over kill
My God, there are so many things I can tell you about Phantom, But the most important thing that I could tell you about this so-called abomination, is that he is Fiercely loyal and he is good at what he does……. Could he be violent, only if his charge is in danger.
•
What I love was that the author was able to get polar opposites to fall in love 😍
Now don’t get me started about how these two interact together their banner between them was just hilarious at times. But my heart did go out for both characters a few times throughout this book
Now as for Clarissa Ashford, she was selfish and cruel to her daughter, and bile would burn in my throat every time she opened her mouth
Would I recommend this book….. heck yeah
So, since the senator’s daughter is being targeted by terrorists specializing in mind control. Considering the high-profile life, that she leads, her parents hire someone from the Monster Security Agency
Most people think that Barbara Ashford-Kingsley lived the Perfect life, you know the fairytale life…….Lil did they know , that She was told what to say, what to wear, what to eat and how to even walk, She was supposed to be elegant. Silent. Always controlled, by her mother …. She has always uttered obedience. Playing a part someone else wrote for her
Yes, I get the fact that she is the senator’s daughter, I also understand that she had a reputation to uphold due to her parent’s position, But Lord have Mercy her mother went on over kill
My God, there are so many things I can tell you about Phantom, But the most important thing that I could tell you about this so-called abomination, is that he is Fiercely loyal and he is good at what he does……. Could he be violent, only if his charge is in danger.
•
What I love was that the author was able to get polar opposites to fall in love 😍
Now don’t get me started about how these two interact together their banner between them was just hilarious at times. But my heart did go out for both characters a few times throughout this book
Now as for Clarissa Ashford, she was selfish and cruel to her daughter, and bile would burn in my throat every time she opened her mouth
Would I recommend this book….. heck yeah
Read
October 24, 2024This is my new favorite book.
November 8, 2024
✨4.25 (rounded to 4 for GR)
🌶️2.75
📖~260 pages (was more like ~360 on my phone screen)
📚Overall interconnected series with different main couples
🎬Monster romance
❓Would I Recommend? YES YES YES!
✏️Review:
I would say move over Guarded by the Snake there’s a new favorite in town, but ultimately, I think that and Guarded by the Phantom both deserve to share the top spot in my favorites list for the series. And surprise, surprise, it’s the two Layla Fae entries!
Monster Security Agency is the world’s best of the best for bodyguards, guarding their clients from all threats – for a price. Guarded by the Phantom by Layla Fae is the seventh entry of the series, which features the abomination Phantom as the MMC, who was introduced to us briefly in the last book, and new character Barbara as the FMC, a sheltered senator’s daughter looking to break free from her cage.
I must emphasize how FUN this installment to the series was. Phantom was a fabulously written character, so strong that he overshadowed Barbara at times, but he was a character that just grabbed your attention and ran with it. I was so impressed with how much dynamism Fae was able to input into the character. He felt alive on the pages. The scenes with him calling his psychiatrist were hysterical.
🧩 Human FMC x monster MMC
🧩 Senator’s daughter x monster bodyguard
🧩 He-falls-first-and-harder
🧩 MMC not afraid to show emotions
🧩 “Doll”, “Baby”, “Beautiful” pet names
🧩 “Who hurt you?”
🧩 One forced to break up with the other to save their life, without them knowing
🧩 Dual FMC and MMC POV
🧩 Can be read as a standalone
When it becomes clear that Barbara is being targeted by an unknown enemy, an enemy who knows mind control, Monster Security Agency is hired and they bring out one of their best; Phantom always gets the job done, and he’s also an abomination and the only one who can resist mind control.
What starts out as just a job quickly becomes much more for Phantom, and soon, even Barbara’s wall of resistance begins to crumble under the weight of Phantom’s irreverent charm. He pushes all her buttons; her carefully concealed pressure points she’d had to hide to maintain her perfect family image. But with Phantom, she lets it loose, and it feels… good. And for Phantom, the weirdest thing is, he loves it when she shatters her crafted veneer, but he seems to love her buttoned-up innocence and old-fashioned aura just as much. All the better to come undone with.
🔥Virgin FMC
🔥Dirty talk
🔥🍆with extra adornments for your pleasure
🔥More dominant MMC
🔥“Good girl” and BIG praise kink
🔥In front of a mirror
🔥🍑stuff/toy
🔥Monster tongue
🔥Teasing/edging
🔥I know I’m probably forgetting something cause this thing was spicy
Something that Phantom had experienced in the past was the abomination-fetish, or women who just wanted to have sex with him for the novelty, but in the morning light, they run screaming from his skull-like visage. He is deeply worried that Barbara will fall into the same category, especially with her sheltered upbringing. But even from the start, Barbara never views him as ugly, or something to turn away from. In fact, she, secretly at first, admires the sharp lines of his face, and the warm flesh beneath his retractable armor.
Speaking of Barbara’s upbringing, it’s a mix of a classic senator’s daughter lifestyle, always picture-ready, always smiling, always perfect. But the reality is much darker. Barbara’s father is practically nonexistent, and her mother is a vicious tyrant, controlling Barbara’s every move, every choice.
🚩 Barbara’s mother is a controlling, emotionally violent force throughout the book
🚩 General violence, fighting
🚩 Phantom had a hard, physically violent past
🚩 This isn’t OM drama, but Barbara’s mom tries to force her to marry someone else at the threat of Phantom’s life. Barbara doesn’t love this other man and is able to ultimately prevent the wedding
To end this review, I just wanted to point out the small quibble I had with the book that kept me from rating it higher; it probably would’ve been nearly five stars just for how fun, endearing, and readable it was.
⛔️ More refinement to the tone of Barbara’s character
It’s a small quibble in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes Barbara’s character felt a little flat, or rather I should say, felt a little one-noted, just because it felt like she had the same emotional level when delivering some of her dialogue. I think it was the excessive use of “!” for me. It just happened after too many lines of dialogue for her, that I sometimes pictured her just shouting. Barbara is an interesting character with a backstory that inherently sets up character development. And a big part of Barbara’s story arc, aside from her romance, was that character development of becoming independent from her mother. So, it would’ve been nice just to see a little more refinement to the vocal impact of Barbara’s dialogue.
🔮
Symbol Key
✨= star level, 🌶️= spice level, 📖= total pages (usually on my iPhone screen), 📚= series or standalone, 🎬= genre, 🧩= tropes/elements, 🚩= potential safety/triggers, 🔥= spice/kink elements, ⛔️= quibbles/complaints, 🔮= ending
🌶️2.75
📖~260 pages (was more like ~360 on my phone screen)
📚Overall interconnected series with different main couples
🎬Monster romance
❓Would I Recommend? YES YES YES!
✏️Review:
I would say move over Guarded by the Snake there’s a new favorite in town, but ultimately, I think that and Guarded by the Phantom both deserve to share the top spot in my favorites list for the series. And surprise, surprise, it’s the two Layla Fae entries!
Monster Security Agency is the world’s best of the best for bodyguards, guarding their clients from all threats – for a price. Guarded by the Phantom by Layla Fae is the seventh entry of the series, which features the abomination Phantom as the MMC, who was introduced to us briefly in the last book, and new character Barbara as the FMC, a sheltered senator’s daughter looking to break free from her cage.
I must emphasize how FUN this installment to the series was. Phantom was a fabulously written character, so strong that he overshadowed Barbara at times, but he was a character that just grabbed your attention and ran with it. I was so impressed with how much dynamism Fae was able to input into the character. He felt alive on the pages. The scenes with him calling his psychiatrist were hysterical.
🧩 Human FMC x monster MMC
🧩 Senator’s daughter x monster bodyguard
🧩 He-falls-first-and-harder
🧩 MMC not afraid to show emotions
🧩 “Doll”, “Baby”, “Beautiful” pet names
🧩 “Who hurt you?”
🧩 One forced to break up with the other to save their life, without them knowing
🧩 Dual FMC and MMC POV
🧩 Can be read as a standalone
When it becomes clear that Barbara is being targeted by an unknown enemy, an enemy who knows mind control, Monster Security Agency is hired and they bring out one of their best; Phantom always gets the job done, and he’s also an abomination and the only one who can resist mind control.
What starts out as just a job quickly becomes much more for Phantom, and soon, even Barbara’s wall of resistance begins to crumble under the weight of Phantom’s irreverent charm. He pushes all her buttons; her carefully concealed pressure points she’d had to hide to maintain her perfect family image. But with Phantom, she lets it loose, and it feels… good. And for Phantom, the weirdest thing is, he loves it when she shatters her crafted veneer, but he seems to love her buttoned-up innocence and old-fashioned aura just as much. All the better to come undone with.
🔥Virgin FMC
🔥Dirty talk
🔥🍆with extra adornments for your pleasure
🔥More dominant MMC
🔥“Good girl” and BIG praise kink
🔥In front of a mirror
🔥🍑stuff/toy
🔥Monster tongue
🔥Teasing/edging
🔥I know I’m probably forgetting something cause this thing was spicy
Something that Phantom had experienced in the past was the abomination-fetish, or women who just wanted to have sex with him for the novelty, but in the morning light, they run screaming from his skull-like visage. He is deeply worried that Barbara will fall into the same category, especially with her sheltered upbringing. But even from the start, Barbara never views him as ugly, or something to turn away from. In fact, she, secretly at first, admires the sharp lines of his face, and the warm flesh beneath his retractable armor.
Speaking of Barbara’s upbringing, it’s a mix of a classic senator’s daughter lifestyle, always picture-ready, always smiling, always perfect. But the reality is much darker. Barbara’s father is practically nonexistent, and her mother is a vicious tyrant, controlling Barbara’s every move, every choice.
🚩 Barbara’s mother is a controlling, emotionally violent force throughout the book
🚩 General violence, fighting
🚩 Phantom had a hard, physically violent past
🚩 This isn’t OM drama, but Barbara’s mom tries to force her to marry someone else at the threat of Phantom’s life. Barbara doesn’t love this other man and is able to ultimately prevent the wedding
To end this review, I just wanted to point out the small quibble I had with the book that kept me from rating it higher; it probably would’ve been nearly five stars just for how fun, endearing, and readable it was.
⛔️ More refinement to the tone of Barbara’s character
It’s a small quibble in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes Barbara’s character felt a little flat, or rather I should say, felt a little one-noted, just because it felt like she had the same emotional level when delivering some of her dialogue. I think it was the excessive use of “!” for me. It just happened after too many lines of dialogue for her, that I sometimes pictured her just shouting. Barbara is an interesting character with a backstory that inherently sets up character development. And a big part of Barbara’s story arc, aside from her romance, was that character development of becoming independent from her mother. So, it would’ve been nice just to see a little more refinement to the vocal impact of Barbara’s dialogue.
🔮
Symbol Key
✨= star level, 🌶️= spice level, 📖= total pages (usually on my iPhone screen), 📚= series or standalone, 🎬= genre, 🧩= tropes/elements, 🚩= potential safety/triggers, 🔥= spice/kink elements, ⛔️= quibbles/complaints, 🔮= ending
October 25, 2024
Holy cow. I never thought another monster book could take the place in my heart that Wed to the Lich had. But Layla Fae did it with this one. Phantom is hilarious, and has serious Deadpool vibes. Barbara is innocent (at first) but so badass and independent towards the end. It was so good!
November 12, 2024
4.5 stars.
December 17, 2024
Tropes:
~class difference
~bodyguard hero
~forced proximity
~taboo romance
~monster romance
~childfree by choice
~age gape
~semi-famous heroine
~praise kink
I saw another review say the hero gives Deadpool vibes, and that honestly describes him perfectly. No other words need to be said haha.
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
"Knew he was a killer first time that I saw him
Wonder how many girls he had loved and left haunted
But if he's a ghost, then I can be a phantom”
~class difference
~bodyguard hero
~forced proximity
~taboo romance
~monster romance
~childfree by choice
~age gape
~semi-famous heroine
~praise kink
I saw another review say the hero gives Deadpool vibes, and that honestly describes him perfectly. No other words need to be said haha.
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
"Knew he was a killer first time that I saw him
Wonder how many girls he had loved and left haunted
But if he's a ghost, then I can be a phantom”
November 5, 2024
*+:｡.｡ 4.5 stars ｡.｡:+*
Layla Fae has become a staple author for me. All of her books are insanely good.
I absolutely fell in love with Phantom and Barbara- this book was hilarious and the banter was off the charts. The way these characters complimented each other was perfect 🥹. I loved how girly Barbara was, and how Phantom literally didn't stand a chance against falling for her.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Also an honorary mention to the messages Phantom would send his therapist 😭 I couldn't stop laughing:
It's been so long since I've had this much fun reading from a character's POV. The way I'll be reading this again trust me 😭.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
"Princesses didn't marry monsters."∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Layla Fae has become a staple author for me. All of her books are insanely good.
I absolutely fell in love with Phantom and Barbara- this book was hilarious and the banter was off the charts. The way these characters complimented each other was perfect 🥹. I loved how girly Barbara was, and how Phantom literally didn't stand a chance against falling for her.
"I'll accompany you as my ordinary self."
"I wouldn't have you any other way,"
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Also an honorary mention to the messages Phantom would send his therapist 😭 I couldn't stop laughing:
"Nat. We almost kissed...How do I know for sure? Is there a questionnaire I could have her fill out?"
It's been so long since I've had this much fun reading from a character's POV. The way I'll be reading this again trust me 😭.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
October 27, 2024
Omg i absolutely loved this book!! It took the good girl bad boy trip to a whole new level! I loved how Phantom saw colors 😍 I also love how hard he fell for her!! He falls first 100% then the protectiveness made me melt! This book has all the tropes I love and a monster MMC! Barbara has always been the ‘perfect’ daughter but when something out of her control happens she realizes maybe she wants more! Phantom is hilarious, has no filter and doesn’t care about anyone other than himself…until he’s hired to protect ‘the princess’! You definitely don’t want to miss this bodyguard gets the girl hysterical monster romance! It’s a slow burn but the tension had me sweatin! I loved everything about this book! Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 29, 2024
The older I get the things that used to go creep in the night are now my favorite things. I am obsessed with all things monsters the more wicked the better. Layla can always keep me engaged no matter what type of book. Whether it is pure smut with over the top smexy scenes, super dark romance with a whole lotta witchcraft and demons or my favorite the Motha Flipping monsters.
This book gave me the feels of having the perfect Romantic comedy vibes but with just enough darkness to make me squeal. This was such a fun read and even though it took me a bit it was definitely worth it.
The MMC Phantom works for the Monster Security Agency and he’s been tasked with keeping Barbara safe. Barbara was dating a half way crook who beat her into a coma when she broke up with him. Phantom who is in fact a very lovable monster just wants to protect this woman who makes him feel things he’s never actually felt before.
The book has mental health rep, friends to lovers and protector vibes all over it. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Barbara talks about Phantom 😍🥰!
He was down on his knees at my feet, looking at me with a grin that was a bit less unhinged than his usual expression, his eyes glowing softly, and he looked… cute. Like a puppy. Okay, a murder puppy, but still.
A murder puppy sounds like a wonderful thing to be an it explains why this was his response to being “kicked while he’s down”
“I really want to kick you right now,” she said darkly, eyeing my crotch with a menacing frown. “Don’t,” I said at once, alarmed by the influx of pink that made the world look hideously cute in my eyes. “It will make me hard.” She looked up, eyebrows arched in disbelief. “What did you just say?”
This book made me giggle more than a few times and isn’t that the making of a wonderful read !! I would have loved to hear this in audio. My new favorite thing 🥰😍! If I could put some voices to these faces it would be chefs kiss 💋!!
This book gave me the feels of having the perfect Romantic comedy vibes but with just enough darkness to make me squeal. This was such a fun read and even though it took me a bit it was definitely worth it.
The MMC Phantom works for the Monster Security Agency and he’s been tasked with keeping Barbara safe. Barbara was dating a half way crook who beat her into a coma when she broke up with him. Phantom who is in fact a very lovable monster just wants to protect this woman who makes him feel things he’s never actually felt before.
The book has mental health rep, friends to lovers and protector vibes all over it. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Barbara talks about Phantom 😍🥰!
He was down on his knees at my feet, looking at me with a grin that was a bit less unhinged than his usual expression, his eyes glowing softly, and he looked… cute. Like a puppy. Okay, a murder puppy, but still.
A murder puppy sounds like a wonderful thing to be an it explains why this was his response to being “kicked while he’s down”
“I really want to kick you right now,” she said darkly, eyeing my crotch with a menacing frown. “Don’t,” I said at once, alarmed by the influx of pink that made the world look hideously cute in my eyes. “It will make me hard.” She looked up, eyebrows arched in disbelief. “What did you just say?”
This book made me giggle more than a few times and isn’t that the making of a wonderful read !! I would have loved to hear this in audio. My new favorite thing 🥰😍! If I could put some voices to these faces it would be chefs kiss 💋!!
November 12, 2025
This was a surprisingly sweet one. I thought it would be pretty dark as the MMC is an abomination, but Scarab was delightful. Absolutely unhinged, has zero filter when it comes to his thoughts and words and of course, is fiercely protective of his clients. Now, Barbara is the absolute opposite- raised in a world where her personality has been shredded as to mould her into someone her parents wanted to present to society. As she gets to know Scarab while searching for a way to resist the mind manipulator that has his sights on her, she slowly starts to come out of her shell.
I really enjoyed this installment in the Monster Security agency and hopefully others have a fun time with the Phantom as well.
I really enjoyed this installment in the Monster Security agency and hopefully others have a fun time with the Phantom as well.
January 22, 2025
”I wanted her to like me. She never would, of course. I was a black panther with a mental disorder and she was some sort of pedigree kitten wearing a diamond collar and a pink bow. We’d never fit.”
Phantom is my favorite MMC EVER! 💕 Imagine Deadpool and he’s pussy whipped by a pretty pink ballerina and he doesn’t know how to handle these feelings!!. This struck-stupid-by-love psycho was hilarious and also adorable and also hot af. Barbara describing him as a murder puppy was apt.
Phantom is my favorite MMC EVER! 💕 Imagine Deadpool and he’s pussy whipped by a pretty pink ballerina and he doesn’t know how to handle these feelings!!. This struck-stupid-by-love psycho was hilarious and also adorable and also hot af. Barbara describing him as a murder puppy was apt.
October 30, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🌶🌶🌶 (3/5)
Phantom may be my favorite bodyguard out of this whole series! His bad boy antics and sense of humor had me cackling 🤣 Barbara may be the epitome of a pink princess but she definitely comes into her own and when she sets her mind to seducing Phantom...🥵 Chapter 27 was torturous to read but the ending makes it worth it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🌶🌶🌶 (3/5)
Phantom may be my favorite bodyguard out of this whole series! His bad boy antics and sense of humor had me cackling 🤣 Barbara may be the epitome of a pink princess but she definitely comes into her own and when she sets her mind to seducing Phantom...🥵 Chapter 27 was torturous to read but the ending makes it worth it!
November 1, 2024
I wanted to love this book, because I LOVED Wed to the Lich by the same author, but… any time a book makes me skim through the third act break-up, I can’t give it more than 3 stars.
Do I think this book is worth reading anyway? Yes. It’s well-edited, the characters are interesting, and the plot moved quickly.
The fmc is YOUNG. (23). So you have to give a lot of leeway because she’s firmly ensconced under her mother’s thumb, and her mother reminded me of the mother in the 90’s movie Drop Dead Fred with Phoebe Cates. A real thundersnatch.
Which, brings me to the first issue I had, which was: the characters are interesting but a little 2 -dimensional. All black and white. Except for the mmc who is a sociopath.
He was funny sometimes, but didn’t act his age (I think he is 32?) He comes off as a 16 year old for the first 60% of the book. Then they finally have sex and he changes into a grown up. But… when we learn his past and what he really went through, we can sort of understand the arrested development with him.
Both the mc’s in this book have extreme arrested development, actually. So it’s a huge stretch of the imagination that this would work out as a HEA and not a HFN, but… maybe they are the rare birds that can grow up together mentally while borkin their heads off?
The slow burn was well done. Then once the borkin ensues, we are off to the races. I did run into issues with the physics of their coupling. Too much going on in some of it because she’s flexible and he is who he is.
Also, her getting on her knees to blow him during a whole movie? While he made her wear a vibrating ass plug?
That’s at least an hour of her poor sphincters at both ends working overtime. (Ok maybe the mouth isnt a sphincter really but for this scenario it might as well be.) Again, this is what I mean about them doing too much.
Do I think this book is worth reading anyway? Yes. It’s well-edited, the characters are interesting, and the plot moved quickly.
The fmc is YOUNG. (23). So you have to give a lot of leeway because she’s firmly ensconced under her mother’s thumb, and her mother reminded me of the mother in the 90’s movie Drop Dead Fred with Phoebe Cates. A real thundersnatch.
Which, brings me to the first issue I had, which was: the characters are interesting but a little 2 -dimensional. All black and white. Except for the mmc who is a sociopath.
He was funny sometimes, but didn’t act his age (I think he is 32?) He comes off as a 16 year old for the first 60% of the book. Then they finally have sex and he changes into a grown up. But… when we learn his past and what he really went through, we can sort of understand the arrested development with him.
Both the mc’s in this book have extreme arrested development, actually. So it’s a huge stretch of the imagination that this would work out as a HEA and not a HFN, but… maybe they are the rare birds that can grow up together mentally while borkin their heads off?
The slow burn was well done. Then once the borkin ensues, we are off to the races. I did run into issues with the physics of their coupling. Too much going on in some of it because she’s flexible and he is who he is.
Also, her getting on her knees to blow him during a whole movie? While he made her wear a vibrating ass plug?
That’s at least an hour of her poor sphincters at both ends working overtime. (Ok maybe the mouth isnt a sphincter really but for this scenario it might as well be.) Again, this is what I mean about them doing too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
I was hooked straight away, if you love a book where he’s a total psycho but whipped for her then this is definitely for you!
January 6, 2025
4.8/5 (would’ve been 5+/5 except the breakup hurt me).
It was very good and I LOVE Layla Fae.
The characters are great and well fleshed out.
Scarab (the phantom) is essentially Deadpool. To a T. And Barbara is a traumatized perfect rich princess. They had a long road together until they got to be happy but it was worth it and so so so fun to read.
There was a breakup at around 80%. We all know I fucking DESPISE a breakup. But he even turned towards hating her and I can’t stand that. He called her a bitch and wished she would die. That was too much.
But he apologized and I guess I forgive him. It resolved at least. And he is UNHINGED. Real butcher and blackbird vibes. And I do love that.
Monster (skeleton man). Rich virginal “perfect princess” FMC. Bodyguard. He falls first. He falls harder. Age gap (23-34). Mutual pining. Both damaged. She seduces him. Deep red cock. Huge cock with a row of round protrusions along the top. Jacob’s ladder. Cums in his pants.
He worships her. He begs her. Please let me in. Her saying “I love you” made him cum. He cries the first time they fuck. He eats his cum out of her.
She breaks up with him to save his life without him knowing. Breakup. Rescue. Damsel in distress. somnophilia. Cock warming. Marriage. Praise kink. No OWD (he had past lovers. Non current). Slight OMD (one guy flirts with her. Another tries to force her to marry him). No cheating.
Her epilogue with edging and a butt plug.
His epilogue where he kills the mind manipulator. No children (by choice).
“”Such a good doll,” he praised me, nuzzling my face. “I want to live inside you. Breathe for me, love. Let me in.””
It was very good and I LOVE Layla Fae.
The characters are great and well fleshed out.
Scarab (the phantom) is essentially Deadpool. To a T. And Barbara is a traumatized perfect rich princess. They had a long road together until they got to be happy but it was worth it and so so so fun to read.
There was a breakup at around 80%. We all know I fucking DESPISE a breakup. But he even turned towards hating her and I can’t stand that. He called her a bitch and wished she would die. That was too much.
But he apologized and I guess I forgive him. It resolved at least. And he is UNHINGED. Real butcher and blackbird vibes. And I do love that.
Monster (skeleton man). Rich virginal “perfect princess” FMC. Bodyguard. He falls first. He falls harder. Age gap (23-34). Mutual pining. Both damaged. She seduces him. Deep red cock. Huge cock with a row of round protrusions along the top. Jacob’s ladder. Cums in his pants.
He worships her. He begs her. Please let me in. Her saying “I love you” made him cum. He cries the first time they fuck. He eats his cum out of her.
She breaks up with him to save his life without him knowing. Breakup. Rescue. Damsel in distress. somnophilia. Cock warming. Marriage. Praise kink. No OWD (he had past lovers. Non current). Slight OMD (one guy flirts with her. Another tries to force her to marry him). No cheating.
Her epilogue with edging and a butt plug.
His epilogue where he kills the mind manipulator. No children (by choice).
“”Such a good doll,” he praised me, nuzzling my face. “I want to live inside you. Breathe for me, love. Let me in.””
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2024
I always greatly anticipate and enjoy any new book that Layla Fae writes and publishes and this book is no exception. In fact, I believe it’s even broken into my top favorites of hers. I was so lucky to be included in Layla Fae’s ARC team and to receive an ARC.
From the summary and the sneak peeks and the art, this story already had me hooked. And to read it fully? It was fantastic! The characters-the main characters and the secondary characters all felt incredibly real and had their own distinct personalities. And the characters of Barbara and Phantom were so easy to love and to feel invested in. It was an utter joy to read their interactions with each other- to see them grow and change and challenge each other.
The pacing was, in my mind, perfect. The time slipped away from me as I read their story and immersed myself in their world. The tension between Phantom and Barbara was top tier and it was such a good back and forth as the characters tried to push towards each other but also had to contend with their past traumas. And all the smut was top tier and landed in the best places for the characters and the story. Also the end smut? Love that for the couple!
I felt my heart break and mend alongside these characters. And my heart race as the final pages counted down. I have no doubt I’ll be back to read this story again. And I’ll definitely be buying the paperback the moment it drops for purchase and I’m conscious. This story made my heart feel full and I am so thankful I was able to read it early and sit with it and enjoy it. I recommend this book heartily and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I do want to say that this does say 4 stars but that should NOT be a mark against it-I have specific reasons why books reach 5 stars and if you look through my history, many don’t land there but that does NOT mean I didn’t love those books or that something was wrong with them. This is a really good book and it is definitely one of my favorite Layla Fae books and it deserves to be read and enjoyed as it is and I hope you give it the chance it deserves.
From the summary and the sneak peeks and the art, this story already had me hooked. And to read it fully? It was fantastic! The characters-the main characters and the secondary characters all felt incredibly real and had their own distinct personalities. And the characters of Barbara and Phantom were so easy to love and to feel invested in. It was an utter joy to read their interactions with each other- to see them grow and change and challenge each other.
The pacing was, in my mind, perfect. The time slipped away from me as I read their story and immersed myself in their world. The tension between Phantom and Barbara was top tier and it was such a good back and forth as the characters tried to push towards each other but also had to contend with their past traumas. And all the smut was top tier and landed in the best places for the characters and the story. Also the end smut? Love that for the couple!
I felt my heart break and mend alongside these characters. And my heart race as the final pages counted down. I have no doubt I’ll be back to read this story again. And I’ll definitely be buying the paperback the moment it drops for purchase and I’m conscious. This story made my heart feel full and I am so thankful I was able to read it early and sit with it and enjoy it. I recommend this book heartily and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I do want to say that this does say 4 stars but that should NOT be a mark against it-I have specific reasons why books reach 5 stars and if you look through my history, many don’t land there but that does NOT mean I didn’t love those books or that something was wrong with them. This is a really good book and it is definitely one of my favorite Layla Fae books and it deserves to be read and enjoyed as it is and I hope you give it the chance it deserves.
January 3, 2025
"You make everything make sense"
I was not expecting to have such a blast with this one! Who would have guessed that the Phantom was such a sweet thing?!
For you if you like
🏍 Monster romance
🏍 Sheltered princess FMC and Bodyguards without filter MMC
🏍 insta lust/love
🏍 She is THE One
I was not expecting to have such a blast with this one! Who would have guessed that the Phantom was such a sweet thing?!
For you if you like
🏍 Monster romance
🏍 Sheltered princess FMC and Bodyguards without filter MMC
🏍 insta lust/love
🏍 She is THE One
May 1, 2025
Such a fun and simple read! The banter in this book was top tier, possibly the best banter I’ve ever read. And most importantly, Phantom is a total simp. Which we LOVE 😍
Overall, nothing ground breaking but a damn good time with a dream MMC 💕
Overall, nothing ground breaking but a damn good time with a dream MMC 💕
August 10, 2025
I Loved It
I’m only giving this four stars because towards the end it got a little bit boring. But overall, this was a really good book. It was very slow burn, but it was full of witty banter, explosive action, and lots of fun. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend.
I’m only giving this four stars because towards the end it got a little bit boring. But overall, this was a really good book. It was very slow burn, but it was full of witty banter, explosive action, and lots of fun. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend.
May 3, 2025
Phantom is officially one of my top 5 book MANS of all time. He is absolutely hilarious.
October 13, 2025
Had the feel of a Deadpool fanfic. Not a fan.
October 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ If you liked the Deadpool movies and wondered what a romance novel with him as the MMC would be like, this book is for you.
October 27, 2024
This was my favourite I’ve read so far of the Monster Secrurity Agency series. I’m not gonna lie but a lot of that has to do with Phantom. I love MMCs that are absolutely obsessed with the FMC but despise that they have these positive feelings because it makes for such a fun dynamic. Of the books I’ve read from this series so far this was the strongest in regard to the plot flowing in a way that didn’t feel like there was important steps missing. I also really enjoyed seeing how Barbara was battling with her own values and the things she had been conditioned into thinking.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2024
My praise to Layla Fae for how she weaved this story, blending perfecly romance,humor and dark themes!
Phantom is absolutely delicious, lethal,crass,the finest sense of humor but also sweet and insecure.
Barbara is the princess he's sent to protect ,throw them a evil mother and a mind controller and the troubles start....
The story touches dark themes but not really triggers because in the overall the story is very sweet .
Special mention to the excelent world building and development of the characters.
An absolute MUST READ!
Phantom is absolutely delicious, lethal,crass,the finest sense of humor but also sweet and insecure.
Barbara is the princess he's sent to protect ,throw them a evil mother and a mind controller and the troubles start....
The story touches dark themes but not really triggers because in the overall the story is very sweet .
Special mention to the excelent world building and development of the characters.
An absolute MUST READ!
October 25, 2024
What can I say, except that Layla Fae freaking delivers with this book! Hooked from the start with an MMC so complete: quirky, thoughtful and willing to slay everything and everyone for the FMC. The chemistry and banter between these two: off the charts. Chef kiss and 100% recommend! Phantom is on the top list of book boyfriends.
Disclaimer: I did receive an ARC, but my opinion is 99% honest and 1% biased because I’ve loved every single book by this author.
Disclaimer: I did receive an ARC, but my opinion is 99% honest and 1% biased because I’ve loved every single book by this author.
October 26, 2024
Hardcore love this author and everything she writes and this was no exception. I’m so loving all of these standalones in this shared world. I adored these characters. The Mc was so psychotic and lovable. He cracked me up with his insanity. I liked the fmc and how she was. This was just a great read.
October 26, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
I wish I had a phantom in my life too! This will get on my top 3 of laylas books.
It was funny, emotional, sexy and just super cute 🫠🩸
A real rollercoaster and the bad guy? He was just hilarious and murderous how I like them 🙂↕️
I wish I had a phantom in my life too! This will get on my top 3 of laylas books.
It was funny, emotional, sexy and just super cute 🫠🩸
A real rollercoaster and the bad guy? He was just hilarious and murderous how I like them 🙂↕️
July 21, 2025
sarcastic murderous cinnamon roll monster who uses self deprecating humor as a coping mechanism and reads smut for emotional support??? you got me layla YOU GOT ME. this is a man who yearns and serves and stress texts his psychiatrist because he’s so pathetically down bad for her. i had the bestest time reading this! would rate even higher if not for good old third act
December 20, 2024
Five stars for the MSA
I think Guarded by the Phantom is one of the most unique books I've read lately. Along with the other MSA books in this series I have never read a paranormal romance quite like it.
I love everything about phantom. I enjoy his determination, I love his strength, I really love once his heart starts showing. I love the new Pink. Laughs a plenty with all the pink going around.
I think Guarded by the Phantom is one of the most unique books I've read lately. Along with the other MSA books in this series I have never read a paranormal romance quite like it.
I love everything about phantom. I enjoy his determination, I love his strength, I really love once his heart starts showing. I love the new Pink. Laughs a plenty with all the pink going around.
December 2, 2024
i didn’t enjoy this as much as the last monster bodyguard book i read, but it was still fun! i really liked scarab; i don’t know the last time i read about a hero as sassy as him. and i like that he falls for her first.
something about the way their relationship developed wasn’t as satisfying as the other couple (the snake book). it took a long time to get going and then next thing you know they’re professing their love. real 1 to 1000 type deal.
something about the way their relationship developed wasn’t as satisfying as the other couple (the snake book). it took a long time to get going and then next thing you know they’re professing their love. real 1 to 1000 type deal.
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