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Muses and Monsters
Dance is the only thing that keeps me from unraveling; pursuing it as a career is the dream I’ve always chased. When I’m accepted to Greywood University’s elite dance program, I think I’ve finally escaped my past and found a path to a brighter future.
But under the spotlight, the shadows stretch far.
Greywood’s stunning campus conceals twisted secrets. The Dance Company is more brutal than it appears—its instructors bend and contort dancers until they break. What’s more, a serial killer stalks the halls, preying on fine arts students like me. And then there are the two men who won’t leave me alone.
They’re danger wrapped in allure. Temptation laced with ruin. They say they want me. They say they’ll share me.
In a world where devotion is as sharp as a blade and obsession masquerades as love, I have to decide if I can survive their grasp and trust their passion… or if I should be running as fast as I can.
Muses and Monsters is a triple-POV dark college romance with an MFM/menage dynamic. It features a heroine whose strength lies in her fortitude, and two relentless antiheroes who will stop at nothing to have her.
Muses and Monster is book 1 in the Greywood Elites series, and it pulls you into a world of passion, danger, and obsession—where monsters dance among muses, and desire is both a promise and a trap.
But under the spotlight, the shadows stretch far.
Greywood’s stunning campus conceals twisted secrets. The Dance Company is more brutal than it appears—its instructors bend and contort dancers until they break. What’s more, a serial killer stalks the halls, preying on fine arts students like me. And then there are the two men who won’t leave me alone.
They’re danger wrapped in allure. Temptation laced with ruin. They say they want me. They say they’ll share me.
In a world where devotion is as sharp as a blade and obsession masquerades as love, I have to decide if I can survive their grasp and trust their passion… or if I should be running as fast as I can.
Muses and Monsters is a triple-POV dark college romance with an MFM/menage dynamic. It features a heroine whose strength lies in her fortitude, and two relentless antiheroes who will stop at nothing to have her.
Muses and Monster is book 1 in the Greywood Elites series, and it pulls you into a world of passion, danger, and obsession—where monsters dance among muses, and desire is both a promise and a trap.
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
592 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2024
111 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Rose Gravestone
9 books68 followersRose likes to write about complex, oftentimes twisted main characters who grow stronger together on whichever journey they take. Watch out for sexy morally grey heroes and sharp, intelligent heroines within settings ranging from fantasy to academia to the underworld of organized crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 19, 2024
I liked it
I did not love it
some things worked
many didn't
I liked how this book gave us the best of two words, Contemporary Romance and Dark romance
Each of Eliana's love interests represent one aspect
Add to that, an element of a thriller and this should have been a win-win
Two things did not work for me
1- The very limited POV for the men. When you have a RH or menage romance, giving the men little or not chapters takes away all the romance. It reduces them to tools or side characters.
2- It was very very very long. over 500 pages and most of them are telling and internal monologuing. While the main focus, the romance and the thriller, felt rushed.
however, I am looking forward to reading the other two books as they promise much stronger main female leads.
I did not love it
some things worked
many didn't
I liked how this book gave us the best of two words, Contemporary Romance and Dark romance
Each of Eliana's love interests represent one aspect
Add to that, an element of a thriller and this should have been a win-win
Two things did not work for me
1- The very limited POV for the men. When you have a RH or menage romance, giving the men little or not chapters takes away all the romance. It reduces them to tools or side characters.
2- It was very very very long. over 500 pages and most of them are telling and internal monologuing. While the main focus, the romance and the thriller, felt rushed.
however, I am looking forward to reading the other two books as they promise much stronger main female leads.
April 3, 2025
Is the "hear me out cake" still trending? Because if so... this is that.
I will admit there are some typos and grammatical errors in this. BUT I WAS STILL SO CAUGHT UP IN IT! The characters are messy, and have no idea what they're doing with their lives, but I loved them. All 3 of them.
I think that if you're going into this with the expectation of a serial killer romance, or the darkest thing you've ever read, you might be disappointed. But if you want Gossip Girl meets SVU and a fun smutty time with a bunch of artists... you'll also have a marvelous time.
I will admit there are some typos and grammatical errors in this. BUT I WAS STILL SO CAUGHT UP IN IT! The characters are messy, and have no idea what they're doing with their lives, but I loved them. All 3 of them.
I think that if you're going into this with the expectation of a serial killer romance, or the darkest thing you've ever read, you might be disappointed. But if you want Gossip Girl meets SVU and a fun smutty time with a bunch of artists... you'll also have a marvelous time.
November 13, 2024
This was not a bad book, and clearly, it was entertaining enough for me to finish, which is quite uncommon for me nowadays, but it is nothing extraordinary.
The plot and characters were nice, and I did like the sex scenes and the romance. The mystery was not such a big part of the story, in my opinion, and it wasn't particularly difficult to guess who the murderer was. It wasn't too dark, and it was quite different from other books that Gravestone has written, which I quite enjoyed.
However, a lot of the parts needed some serious editing. There's just no reason for this book to be over 300 pages. It's not a fantasy, and it doesn't really have much outside romance, so it doesn't require so much writing.
A lot of the things were repeated so much that it was just annoying. There was too much inner monologue that said things that we had known already that it was just unnecessary. Sometimes, the characters came across as pretentious as well with the way they were presented as knowledgeable and "one of a kind." I'm not criticing the fact that they were smart but rather how the message was conveyed.
It's not a bad story, but it just needs a good editor.
The plot and characters were nice, and I did like the sex scenes and the romance. The mystery was not such a big part of the story, in my opinion, and it wasn't particularly difficult to guess who the murderer was. It wasn't too dark, and it was quite different from other books that Gravestone has written, which I quite enjoyed.
However, a lot of the parts needed some serious editing. There's just no reason for this book to be over 300 pages. It's not a fantasy, and it doesn't really have much outside romance, so it doesn't require so much writing.
A lot of the things were repeated so much that it was just annoying. There was too much inner monologue that said things that we had known already that it was just unnecessary. Sometimes, the characters came across as pretentious as well with the way they were presented as knowledgeable and "one of a kind." I'm not criticing the fact that they were smart but rather how the message was conveyed.
It's not a bad story, but it just needs a good editor.
June 7, 2025
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (Yes, they said MFM and meant it. This ain’t a love triangle, it’s a deliciously twisted trinity.)
Trigger Warnings: Eating disorders, graphic violence, serial killings, manipulation, power imbalances, coercion, psychological obsession, stalking, MFM relationship dynamic.
Oh honey, Muses and Monsters is what happens when you toss ballet, brilliance, and borderline psychopaths into a blender and hit “puree.” It’s messy, intense, and probably illegal in at least three countries—but in the best way possible.
We’ve got Eliana Pierce, a dancer with the kind of grace that could make angels sob and enemies combust. And then there’s not one, but two obsessive, morally bankrupt, walking red flags named Carson Ajax and Seth Balor. One is a golden-boy business major with more privilege than sense, the other is a tortured art-and-science prodigy who looks like he belongs in an asylum or an Armani ad—possibly both.
These two see Eliana on stage once and immediately go from “mildly curious” to “I will burn the world to own your shadow.” Their rivalry is the academic version of “Who can ruin her life better?” And guess what? She can choose both. And she does. Eventually. Frequently. In many positions.
This book is absolutely unhinged in the best, most aesthetically pleasing, most emotionally ruinous way. The prose is sharp, witty, and unafraid to be feral. Gravestone writes obsession with such delicious precision you’ll find yourself wondering why you’re rooting for the stalkers.
And let’s not even talk about the sexual tension—it’s not a slow burn, it’s a flamethrower. There are moments that will make you clutch your pearls, cross your legs, and check your morals at the door (don’t worry, you won’t need them).
Why You’ll Love It:
• The dialogue crackles with dark humor and filthy promises.
• The spice is unholy, artistic, and deeply depraved (yes, in the museum, yes, there).
• The writing balances emotional damage and poetic obsession like a sociopathic ballerina on pointe.
Why You Might Throw the Book:
• These men are not redeemable cinnamon rolls—they are feral wolves in designer clothing.
• The serial killer subplot is as graphic as it is gruesome.
• Consent is present but sometimes wrapped in manipulation and power dynamics, so tread carefully.
Final Verdict:
Muses and Monsters is for the reader who whispered “I can fix him” while making direct eye contact with the devil. If you like your romance dark, obsessive, and feral with a splash of blood and a ballet pirouette, this is your next unhinged read.
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (Yes, they said MFM and meant it. This ain’t a love triangle, it’s a deliciously twisted trinity.)
Trigger Warnings: Eating disorders, graphic violence, serial killings, manipulation, power imbalances, coercion, psychological obsession, stalking, MFM relationship dynamic.
Oh honey, Muses and Monsters is what happens when you toss ballet, brilliance, and borderline psychopaths into a blender and hit “puree.” It’s messy, intense, and probably illegal in at least three countries—but in the best way possible.
We’ve got Eliana Pierce, a dancer with the kind of grace that could make angels sob and enemies combust. And then there’s not one, but two obsessive, morally bankrupt, walking red flags named Carson Ajax and Seth Balor. One is a golden-boy business major with more privilege than sense, the other is a tortured art-and-science prodigy who looks like he belongs in an asylum or an Armani ad—possibly both.
These two see Eliana on stage once and immediately go from “mildly curious” to “I will burn the world to own your shadow.” Their rivalry is the academic version of “Who can ruin her life better?” And guess what? She can choose both. And she does. Eventually. Frequently. In many positions.
This book is absolutely unhinged in the best, most aesthetically pleasing, most emotionally ruinous way. The prose is sharp, witty, and unafraid to be feral. Gravestone writes obsession with such delicious precision you’ll find yourself wondering why you’re rooting for the stalkers.
And let’s not even talk about the sexual tension—it’s not a slow burn, it’s a flamethrower. There are moments that will make you clutch your pearls, cross your legs, and check your morals at the door (don’t worry, you won’t need them).
Why You’ll Love It:
• The dialogue crackles with dark humor and filthy promises.
• The spice is unholy, artistic, and deeply depraved (yes, in the museum, yes, there).
• The writing balances emotional damage and poetic obsession like a sociopathic ballerina on pointe.
Why You Might Throw the Book:
• These men are not redeemable cinnamon rolls—they are feral wolves in designer clothing.
• The serial killer subplot is as graphic as it is gruesome.
• Consent is present but sometimes wrapped in manipulation and power dynamics, so tread carefully.
Final Verdict:
Muses and Monsters is for the reader who whispered “I can fix him” while making direct eye contact with the devil. If you like your romance dark, obsessive, and feral with a splash of blood and a ballet pirouette, this is your next unhinged read.
May 14, 2025
TL/DR: Read when you’re in the mood to make some new fictional friends, not when you’re looking for heart-pounding adventure or suspense.
Review: All in all I enjoyed this book. The main characters are all very compelling, and will continue to live rent-free in my head for some time. Seth especially drew me in with his sociopath vibe and intense focus. If morally grey is your favorite color then he’s your man. Carson is infinitely lovable as the rich playboy turned Golden Retriever boyfriend. And Elia is a complicated FMC with a lot going on who isn’t at all afraid to stand up for herself. I was engaged with the story and am glad I read it.
However, I came into this book with certain expectations. My first introduction to Rose Gravestone and the world of Greywood was Luminaries and Legionnaires—a dark romance with filled with action and spice. I expected something similar with Muses and Monsters. What I got instead was something quieter and more internal, and possibly too long. The action and the spice (which is excellent) are largely contained to the last quarter and the middle feels over-explained and a little bit repetitive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review: All in all I enjoyed this book. The main characters are all very compelling, and will continue to live rent-free in my head for some time. Seth especially drew me in with his sociopath vibe and intense focus. If morally grey is your favorite color then he’s your man. Carson is infinitely lovable as the rich playboy turned Golden Retriever boyfriend. And Elia is a complicated FMC with a lot going on who isn’t at all afraid to stand up for herself. I was engaged with the story and am glad I read it.
However, I came into this book with certain expectations. My first introduction to Rose Gravestone and the world of Greywood was Luminaries and Legionnaires—a dark romance with filled with action and spice. I expected something similar with Muses and Monsters. What I got instead was something quieter and more internal, and possibly too long. The action and the spice (which is excellent) are largely contained to the last quarter and the middle feels over-explained and a little bit repetitive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
This book was spectacular and a must-read for anyone who loves the dark romance genre. It’s deeply emotional, slightly scary, and unbelievably addictive. Each character is so fully developed that I felt like I knew them personally, yet the writing never felt dense or overly descriptive. Gravestone does an incredible job creating backstories and really letting readers into each character’s mind, never shying away from exploring their neurodivergence or traumas.
The tension builds not just through the romance, but also through the mystery of a serial killer on campus, something that kept me on edge until the very end. (And for someone who usually sees plot twists coming, that’s saying something.)
Overall, this was one of my favorite reads in a long time- a 10/10 MFM romance where the story leaps off the page and straight into your heart and soul. GO READ THIS BOOK (and the next ones too!!)
The tension builds not just through the romance, but also through the mystery of a serial killer on campus, something that kept me on edge until the very end. (And for someone who usually sees plot twists coming, that’s saying something.)
Overall, this was one of my favorite reads in a long time- a 10/10 MFM romance where the story leaps off the page and straight into your heart and soul. GO READ THIS BOOK (and the next ones too!!)
January 12, 2025
Muses and Monsters had its moments, but it fell short of being a standout read for me. The dark academia vibe was present but didn’t quite deliver the intensity I was hoping for. The story lagged in the middle, missing the suspense and thrills I expected, especially with the intriguing serial killer on campus premise. I was hoping for more of a dark romance atmosphere, especially considering both MMCs had such compelling, mysterious backstories. There was definitely potential for more conflict, particularly with the introduction of new characters, but it didn’t fully tap into that. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and while it didn’t hit all the right notes for me, I’m still curious to see where April and Ian’s story goes next!
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.
April 25, 2025
I found this book very well written and attention grabbing in the prologue. At the start, I completely thought Seth was the golden boy while Carson was the dark and twisted choice until the story progressed and more was revealed.
The whole story was entertaining, and I enjoyed getting all points of view, especially the inner workings of Eliana's mind with each boy. I had a difficult time deciding who I would've been more pleased with her choosing, and for a while, I thought she should take the cat.
The reveal of the killer had me so beyond shocked that I had to hold in screams, as I finished the book at 1 a.m.
The dialect, plot, and characters seem so well thought out, and I could connect to at least one trait, if not more, of the main characters, admittedly more than I should. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
The whole story was entertaining, and I enjoyed getting all points of view, especially the inner workings of Eliana's mind with each boy. I had a difficult time deciding who I would've been more pleased with her choosing, and for a while, I thought she should take the cat.
The reveal of the killer had me so beyond shocked that I had to hold in screams, as I finished the book at 1 a.m.
The dialect, plot, and characters seem so well thought out, and I could connect to at least one trait, if not more, of the main characters, admittedly more than I should. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Muses and Monsters is the first book of the Greywood Elites series and it was pretty decent. I really liked Eliana, Carson, and Seth and I enjoyed how Rose wrote these characters. I found myself fascinated by each of them. The story was okay, the pacing could have been a bit better though. There were times the story was really dragging on and I wished the thriller aspect was more prominent. I also wanted more chapters from Seth's and Carson's POV's but I did enjoy what we got. I loved how both guys were so dedicated to her and that each one fulfilled something she needed. There were some distracting grammatical issues but nothing too bad and the epilogue I think could have been better but I get that this is just book one so she probably didn't want to go too far into the future.
I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2025
I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. It came across my tiktok and I am so glad I took the plunge. The way that Rose writes makes each character feel heard and not just there for show. And to tackle the MFM relationship, it was done so well. The way the men each complement a side of Eliana and acknowledge that they each are necessary in her life.
The plot! Oh my goodness. With dark romance, I feel like sometimes the plot is left out in favor of exploring the characters, but in this, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. And not to mention that the 'big bad' had me wanting to go back and read it immediately with what I know now.
Plus the cat. The cat stole the whole book for me.
The plot! Oh my goodness. With dark romance, I feel like sometimes the plot is left out in favor of exploring the characters, but in this, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. And not to mention that the 'big bad' had me wanting to go back and read it immediately with what I know now.
Plus the cat. The cat stole the whole book for me.
May 31, 2025
I really loved how Carlson and Seth completed each other in order to give Eliana everything she needs. It was my first dark romance and my first MFM book and it definitely awakened a new reading need in me.
The writing was fine but not extraordinary, I loved a lot of the tropes with the main characters. What was lacking for me was in the story around the crimes, it didn't feel complete enough to me and to me personally, the culprit came a little bit out of nowhere after a first reading. That's not why we came to these books in the first place, though, is it? So, I think we can forgive the author for that part.
The writing was fine but not extraordinary, I loved a lot of the tropes with the main characters. What was lacking for me was in the story around the crimes, it didn't feel complete enough to me and to me personally, the culprit came a little bit out of nowhere after a first reading. That's not why we came to these books in the first place, though, is it? So, I think we can forgive the author for that part.
July 5, 2025
Drama, darkness, and a bit too much… which means I liked it.
This book was exactly what I needed. Dark, dramatic, full of secrets, chaos, and morally gray characters. Not perfect, but honestly, who is? I got hooked right away by the relationships and that creeping feeling that something awful-but-hot was always just around the corner.
Some scenes could’ve gone deeper, and the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, but still, I was glued. Give me a girl who’s not sweet and innocent, and a bunch of guys with more power than morals… yeah, I’m in.
Four stars because I know this is just the beginning. I’m waiting for it to spiral even further in the next book and I’m so ready.
This book was exactly what I needed. Dark, dramatic, full of secrets, chaos, and morally gray characters. Not perfect, but honestly, who is? I got hooked right away by the relationships and that creeping feeling that something awful-but-hot was always just around the corner.
Some scenes could’ve gone deeper, and the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, but still, I was glued. Give me a girl who’s not sweet and innocent, and a bunch of guys with more power than morals… yeah, I’m in.
Four stars because I know this is just the beginning. I’m waiting for it to spiral even further in the next book and I’m so ready.
March 22, 2025
Amusing monsters! The writing in this is superb. It's smart, witty and original. Even though the trope of two friends vying for the same girl is tried and true, there's never been two best friends like these. And the plot thickens with the danger of a killer on campus, one who may have his sights set on their love interest.
What drives this plot is the budding relationships, with the danger a very low key presence in the background. Where I normally go for more thrilling plots, the writing in this is so clever and engaging, I couldn't put it down!
What drives this plot is the budding relationships, with the danger a very low key presence in the background. Where I normally go for more thrilling plots, the writing in this is so clever and engaging, I couldn't put it down!
May 1, 2025
This book is well written and the characters are flawed yet loveable because of those flaws. While I do wish there was more POV from the boys, especially in scenes with Elia as most of the scenes from the boys POV were scenes where Elia was not around, the internal monologue of Elia is compelling. This was my second time reading the book and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time around!
June 10, 2025
This book starts off with a hook to keep you interested.
Every single character in the book has flaws which makes it all more interesting.
It is a Male-female-male relationship so if that is something that would bother you this book is not for you.
You can actually relate to the characters in the book.
Yes it is a love triangle that she thinks she has to pick between the boys but why not have both. Whew so good. ready for the next book.
Every single character in the book has flaws which makes it all more interesting.
It is a Male-female-male relationship so if that is something that would bother you this book is not for you.
You can actually relate to the characters in the book.
Yes it is a love triangle that she thinks she has to pick between the boys but why not have both. Whew so good. ready for the next book.
August 1, 2025
Eliana just wants to dance, her dream to make professional and when she gets i to the elite school her dreams are in reach, but the campus hides secrets, a serial k*ller, and two obssesed men, Seth and Carson are drawn to Eliana at first sight and what starts as a single obsession for them turns up when they discover they both have the same obsession. Well written, engaging, suspense, steamy a long book but worth the read!
December 8, 2024
Over all I loved the main story. It wasn't as dark as some of the other authors I read however I still enjoyed the book. As said in other reviews there could have been a lot reviewed and slimmed down as about 100 pages are fillers.
Give the book a chance tho. May keep your interest as it did mine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Give the book a chance tho. May keep your interest as it did mine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2025
Muses and Monsters took me on such a wild ride. Eliana is the sweetest girl with a backbone of steel who is not afraid to tell it like it is!!! Seth and Carson are like yin and yang - both perfect for her in there own way!!!
I fell in love with both of them so quickly and was so torn between them!
An amazing book and i wait to read more in the series now!!!
I fell in love with both of them so quickly and was so torn between them!
An amazing book and i wait to read more in the series now!!!
May 10, 2025
This book was thrilling and kept me on my toes! It was steamy, morally grey and kept me very enticed throughout the entire thing. I absolutely loved the poly dynamic!
Overall, this story kept me on my toes and I fell in love. Absolutely look forward to telling my friends (and partner) about this book and to read more of Rose's work
Overall, this story kept me on my toes and I fell in love. Absolutely look forward to telling my friends (and partner) about this book and to read more of Rose's work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
A good read if you're into dark romances involving two men and a woman. Lots of smut scenes but not any character development or much plot. It's mostly long conversations between characters about picking food and past trauma and sex scenes. The murder mystery part of the plot covered maybe a couple chapters in total. It was not a large part. But an interesting read nonetheless.
September 7, 2024
Way too much filler
Nice story, but there were too many times where the tale stalled with unnecessary thoughts, info, background. I skipped quite a few pages to get back to the story. This needs a good editor to keep this moving forward.
Nice story, but there were too many times where the tale stalled with unnecessary thoughts, info, background. I skipped quite a few pages to get back to the story. This needs a good editor to keep this moving forward.
November 25, 2024
*fans self*
This book was so good! The story and characters had me captivated the whole time. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was definitely thinking about it. I can not WAIT to read the next book!
This book was so good! The story and characters had me captivated the whole time. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was definitely thinking about it. I can not WAIT to read the next book!
January 15, 2025
This was a good read with a good level of spice. I liked the interaction between Elia, Carson and Seth. I did feel that the book was a little too long and the odd thing did repeat, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment in the book.
I am interested what direction book 2 in the series will take.
I am interested what direction book 2 in the series will take.
April 23, 2025
Beautiful writing
Rose has a gorgeous way of being able to describe scenarios with eloquence, realism, and humor. There wasn’t a second of reading that brought me out of the world that was being created before me. 10/10 would absolutely recommend reading. Now onto book 2!
Rose has a gorgeous way of being able to describe scenarios with eloquence, realism, and humor. There wasn’t a second of reading that brought me out of the world that was being created before me. 10/10 would absolutely recommend reading. Now onto book 2!
May 20, 2025
the way rose writes her characters is astonishing. every word on the page flows together like butter and is so captivating. i was on the edge of my seat the whole time! absolutely love her books and i can’t wait to read more of them
September 16, 2024
Dragged on for a little bit. But not bad overall
May 9, 2025
while I really enjoyed the sensual moments in this book, I felt a lot of information got repeated over and over especially about Elianas life before college
May 10, 2025
This book was amazing. You’re immediately pulled in Chapter one. I couldn’t help it down I finished it in maybe 4 hours. The writing is amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
May 10, 2025
I absolutely love the book. It’s so wonderfully written and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews