Echoes of Eternity

by Y.D. La Mar

Noboru has spent lifetimes searching for her. All because he fell from grace for loving a human. But when they sacrificed his soulmate, they didn't realize she would be reborn again.

Or did they?

Now a tattoo artist in the bustling city, Mae has no memory of the fiery warrior who once loved her centuries ago.

But danger lurks across lifetimes, and Mae finds herself in the sights of a relentless Yakuza suitor.

Noboru must protect her, even if it means confronting the ghosts of his past and unleashing his deadly powers.

Their destinies are intertwined, but their path is fraught with peril. Can love truly conquer all, or will history repeat itself?

******

This book is part of the Mated to the Monster multi-author monster romance series. All books are standalone stories and can be read in any order.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

I'm a reader, first and foremost. Just like everyone else.

I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.

My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!

I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.

Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com

Reviews

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, this author always finds a way to surprise me. I don't think there is one style, one strength, to describe her work and "Echoes of Eternity" just added another layer to her abilities as an author. This is definitely not her darkest work so far, so if you're okay with other things she's written in the past I'm pretty sure you're safe reading this either way. If you came here through the rest of the "Mated to the Monster" series it might be wise to check the foreword furst, just to make sure.

I have to admit I mainly read this book because I like this author, and not because I'm a big fan of the monster romance genre. So, while I loved the story in itself, I struggled a little with the relationship building as a result of that. It makes it a little hard to write a good review for this book, because I believe the things I didn't like are a result of me not vibing with the genre, and that is a me-thing I shouldn't take out on the author or the book. What I did like, was the overall storyline and the concept of past lives / reïncarnation playing a big role in these characters stories. There is also a deeper layer of culture, and the expectations of women within, I truly enjoyed.

As a conclusion, I have to admit this wasn't the right book for me. Even though it's well written, holds an intriguing storyline and even has some deeper layers that were added perfectly, the monster romance genre just isn't for me. If you're a fan however, I'm pretty sure you're in for a treat!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!

This was a great book by YD La Mar. There are some trigger warnings within the book so be careful. It starts a long time ago with a woman, Matsui, so distraught over her life with her husband who frequently abused her, that she was willing to end her own life. Instead, she meets a bird-like deity who is a guardian of the realms and she begs him to end her life which he denies her. The deity, Norburu, instead asks her to share with him his life and walk his path since she has made him feel some human emotion for the first time. She refuses and ends up going back to her husband – only calling on him once more. When her husband accuses her of cheating on him, it gets really bad. Norburu is called to the human realm to fight off a dragon in the same city as his Matsui, but he fails to save her when her husband takes her life. Instead, he goes on a rampage and ends up being punished.

Part 2 is in current day and Mae is a tattoo artist who also has a past history of relationships gone wrong. She works hard and tries to help her aging parents. But when her ex starts showing up and trying to “win” her back, she gets scared. When she finds an antique pendant in her parents things, she starts researching it and discovers crazy information and crazy things start happening. During this book, you realize that second chance really can happen, and that love has no boundaries.

Fantastic monster romance read!

[Adrianell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, but it had a few issues.
Matsui was well written, her inner struggles felt real and were heartbreaking. I enjoyed her POV and Noboru's at the end of that part was good too.
Mae was relatable, she was trying to live her life, take care of her aging parents and live up to their expectations. With and awful ex, who was involved with Yakuza and didn't understand that she didn't want him anymore, her life was very stressful. Then the ancient deity came into her life, telling her that they were basically soulmates.
It was an interesting take on reincarnation and soulmates finding each other through time and space, but it would be much better with a few chapters from Noboru's POV. At the end of the book we still didn't know what his punishment really was or what he did throughout the ages looking for his soulmate. He didn't explain it to Mae, and really the two of them didn't really talk much. Their relationship felt a bit weird, they were just fucking all the time, he wasn't trying to get to know her new personality, learn about her interests or passions.
I think that encounter with Jason and the whole creepiness of Joel could be cut down (or out) and we could get more of Noboru. He should have more depth, because he was a fascinating concept that fell a bit flat.
The Yakuza issue was so over the top that I was a bit jerked out of the story, but I guess it had to be something huge or it would feel anticlimactic ;)

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in reincarnation? Matsui Kenzan was in an abusive marriage. She tried to do her best to be an honorable wife. One day as she was so melancholy she saw a deity take the life of a man. She saw a way out of her life, she approached the deity and ask that he take her life. The deity was interested in the human women who would be so willing to ask for death. In the course of time, they come to love one another he told her they were be together forever. Then one day her husband took her life. The deity Norboru in rage over her death destroyed the town and the people. What was Mae going to do her ex wanted her back but she wanted no part of his gang affiliation. She was an extremely talented tattoo artist and she had tattoos on her that represented her steps through life. However, her traditional parents did not understand why she did not find a good man and get married.
One day in helping her parents clean out items they did not need, that they could sell to give them some money, Mae came across a unique necklace, as she was researching if it was worth anything strange things started to happen. What was going on? Oh, the twists and the culture references, the romance, the magic! Does love transcend centuries?

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Eternity by YD La Mar is a remarkable fantasy romance that transcends both space and time. The pacing may be slow, but it captivates with its depth and richness! The build-up creates an electrifying anticipation that keeps readers engaged throughout. We follow the compelling journey of Mae as she navigates the tension between her personal aspirations and her cultural obligations, especially the expectations of her parents.

YD La Mar masterfully weaves together cultural elements and ancient legends with modern-day struggles, evoking a powerful emotional resonance. This character-driven narrative allows readers to fall in love with Mae, whose strength, independence, loyalty, and caring nature shine through, even as she grapples with fulfilling her parents' traditional hopes for her future.

The story unfolds in two parts, exploring the main character's distinct lives—one set in a distant past and the other in the present. The action intensifies when Norotu makes his entrance, leading to unexpected twists and surprises. And let’s not forget the steamy scenes—they’re a perfect blend of sweetness and heat! If you relish slow-paced contemporary fantasy romances infused with deities, organized crime, spice, and rich myths, Echoes of Eternity is an absolute must-read!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Eternity by YD La Mar is part of the Mated to the Monster Series. This book is a part of a multi-author series but each are standalone books. This author is one of my favorite authors because there’s always an element of surprise in the story. Not to mention the plots are just addictive. But when I read the blurb for this book I knew I would be obsessed and was I ever. I devoured this to the point I didn’t leave my couch until I was finished. I was so entranced in the world and I loved the whole reincarnated aspect. The theme of would past events be repeated kept me going giving me the one more chapter syndrome. Noboru having to protect Mae was so well done and I loved them both as characters. This really made me stop and think to wonder what I would do in this position. I would have loved to have had a glimpse of how and what Norboru went through while waiting for her. This was very well written and you can’t help but get drawn into this world. It’s described well and it can give you an emotional reaction. I loved the storyline and would highly recommend this or any other book by this author.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matsui was born into a society where women have to obey, follow rules, and suffer through domestic abuse. Not even meeting the bird deity Noboru can save her life, and the forbidden feelings combined with Matsui's violent death lead into a destruction of the complete village and Noboru's punishment. Years later, with Matsui being reborn as Mae, a tattoo artist with a bit pushy parents and dangerous ex, Noboru meets his love again - but the danger they are both in cannot be underestimated.
This monster PNR is a fast and easy read with straightforward plot and focus on the fate of two lovers that cannot be more different. A human with gentle soul and strong sense of justice, and a valiant, protective deity exploring the depth of his own feelings. The suspense comes more in creepy form than outright violence, although there are dark scenes with explicit brutality, balanced with heat and romance. I really liked Mae's gentleness and quiet strength and am happy the strange couple got a HEA.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Mated to the Monster: Season 2 :
❌ Promised to the Satyr (October 2, 2024) by Andie Fenichel -
❌ Protected by the Wolven (October 4, 2024) by Alana Khan -
❌ Fated to the Gargoyle (October 9, 2024) by Lisa Carlisle -
❌ Bonded Beyond Regret (October 16, 2024) by Ember Davis -
❌ Incu-bliss: Mated to the Monster: Season 2 (October 21, 2024) by Matilda Martel -
❌ Fated to the Grizzly: A Brethren's Legacy Novella (October 23, 2024) by Debra Elise -
❌ Echoes of Eternity: Mated to the Monster: Season 2 (October 25, 2024) by YD La Mar -
❌ The Pixies' Chosen: Mated to the Monster: Season 2 (October 26, 2024) by SJ Sanders -
❌ Bidding on Her Orc Boss (October 27, 2024) by Evangeline Priest -
❌ Sasquatch's Claiming: Northern Realm (October 28, 2024) by AC Ruttan -
❌ The Goblin's Mine: A Haven's Hollow Story (October 30, 2024) by Vivienne Hart -

❌❓❗ Falling for the Yeti (2024) (The fourth book in the Fate's Falls series)
(A book in the Mated to the Monster: Season 2 series) A novel by Karla Doyle

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Y.D. in their short story in the Monster Court anthology, and I loved the imagery and characters. Echoes of Eternity is no different.

Mae is a tattoo artist trying to find what is missing in her life, while fighting against parental expectations and an ex who won't go away.

Noburu, a deity who has been searching for his reincarnated soul mate, ever since he was too late to save her 100's of year ago. It isn't until he feels Mae's soul calling to him, that he his pulled onto the earthly plane, racing against time to save her.

If you are looking for an escape in monster relationships, Female characters who are fighting against cultural expectations, while finding their footing and keeping heritage importance, YD La Mar is your person.

Spice: 2/5

Monster/Human relationship

Triggers: Spousal abu&e, SA, stalking, unaliving of written characters, etc

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined for one another, reincarnation brings them together once again! Echoes of Eternity is a standalone in the Mated to the Monster series. When Noboru loses his soulmate, he spends ages looking for her again. He discovers a tattoo artist names Mae is his long lost love. But with no memory of her past life, Mae is hesitant to trust Noboru. With danger around every corner, it will take all Noboru has to protect the human he fell for (literally and figuratively) and keep her from losing her life once again. I was enthralled by the storyline and mythos created by this author, and the characters were interesting and likable. I enjoyed the dips into the past and I loved reading how Mae falls for Noboru again. All in all, this was a wonderful monster romance with action, suspense, and tons of heat!

[Kendra Klapheke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love across the ages!

A love that transcends time! Echoes of Eternity was an intriguing read. With the cultural struggle being caught between two worlds. Matsui reborn as Mae the tattoo artist. I have a love for tattoos myself and really loved how they were described in this book. One line in particular, really stuck with me, “a tapestry of experiences etched into my being.” Really conveyed the passion Mae had for tattoos and love for her work. The romance with Noboru was as YD La Mar put it a divine intimacy. The struggle between her desire and duty to her family. Her parents meeting and talking with Noboru made me laugh at the end. Happy conclusion for Mae and Noboru. A love that will continue throughout time. An engaging book. An enjoyable read in the series. This book had me going back and reading the others in the series.

[Del Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unique story line, but make sure you’re familiar with the Monster Romance Genre if you’re going to read this. It’s very well written, and well edited. The characters could use a little more flushing out—but I think that is in part because this is a LOT to fit into one book. It could easily have been longer, or been a series.
The premise is really interesting, and Mae is a unique heroine. Her man is all in from the word go— and will do absolutely ANYTHING for her. It’s a timeless, ageless kind of love— and there is beauty in that.

This is my first Monster Romance. It’s also likely to be my last monster romance, as some aspects of it were just a bit too much for me. But, again, it’s a very well written book—and this author is clearly incredibly talented. I enjoyed it despite not really vibing with the genre at all!

[Kristin Lindes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true love story with a monstrous twist. Check your trigger warnings as although this is a second-chance love story, there are triggers. All monster romance lovers will absolutely adore this book and it's characters.

I took a chance, because this is not quite my usual read and while I had some questioning moments, I'm so glad that I read it. Our main characters love spans lifetimes, with belief of reincarnation. The feeling of love and family, no matter what type of family, hit me in the feels. Kau and Nobu are my new goals in life. With a unique story that is so well-written that it flows seamlessly, pulling you in and making you experience everything the characters do - wink wink...aren't you lucky - I can't express how this story made me feel eloquently enough. If you're looking for a monster romance, this is it.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

YD gives us love across time in this fantastic book in the Mated to the Monster shared world! It begins in feudal Japan with Maysui in an abusive marriage and trying to escape when she meets Noburo, a divine warrior and bird-man, but he fails to save her and is punished for loving a mortal. Skip to modern day and meet Mae, a tattoo artist and first generation American. She's stalked by her yakuza ex. To find out how they get from here to Mae and Noburo's HEA, dive into this beautifully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout and wondering what will happen next! I loved reading this story and highly recommend it. Don't miss out on this book!!

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this multi-author event. Which this is part of the mated to the monster series.

I was excited to read this story, I loved the thought of reincarnation, plus a new author for me to read.

I was not disappointed. I thought several times I knew what was happening but nope, surprise. Those are the really good ones. That keep you on your toes. I just could not stop reading. The world building was spot on, I felt like I was there it was so vivid. The characters so dang interesting, along with the storyline.
I was so intrigued by the reincarnation, which I do not read much of. Mae, I could feel for her. It had me going what would I do in her situation. And honestly it was just an intriguing story. I would definitely recommend this story.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a good monster romance that asks the questions what happens with reincarnation and will past mistakes continue to be repeated. Mae who was once Matsui who was in an abusive relationship with her husband. She asked deity for death but instead they fell in love. Then she’s killed and her deity destroys the town in his rage. Now he tries to find her again and he’s been looking for so long. Then we have Mae a struggling tattoo artist who’s trying to balance her dreams and what she has to do. Though things don’t go as she thinks. She finds a strange necklace which causes very odd things to start happening. Will they get their HEA they’ve been searching for or will everything come crashing down?

[Katelyn Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone
Check the TW
Monster/Human
Reincarnation
Meant To Be

This story flowed really well and I couldn’t put it down. It definitely was a one of a kind read. I loved both of our main characters and their story.

Mae, our FMC, is a tattoo artist trying to find what is missing in her life. She fights against parental expectations and an ex who won't go away. She ends up meeting our MMC, Noburu, who is a deity who has been searching for his reincarnated soul mate, ever since he was too late to save her hundreds of years ago.
When Noburu feels Mae's soul calling to him he is pulled onto the Earthly plane literally racing against time to find her.

I highly recommend reading this if you haven’t! The only thing I wish it had was more spice, but the story itself was great!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another well written and intriguing addition to the series and, again, like the other's I've read, was a page turner for me. This story looks at reincarnation in a big way and that added a fascinating dimension to the story. Of course, there's still danger, action, crazy twists and hot romance for very interesting characters. I loved seeing monster, Noboru, find his lost love in Mae, human tattoo artist, but that he not only had to protect her from current dangers, he had to woo her, as well. She, sadly, didn't remember their past life together... This really is an epic love story and a fab read. Well done!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story of reincarnation and love winning against evil. When we first meet Norboru, a deity, is summoned by Matsui Kenzan. A woman in a terrible and abusive marriage, married to a man who treats her like a slave and punch bag. Matsui wants a way to escape the life she is living, but Norboru refuses and it all ends in tragedy. But it isn't the end for either of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and what happened to Matsui broke my heart but I was so happy that she and Norboru are given another chance. There are a few twists and turns along the way and things happened that I wasn't expecting.

A very enjoyable read that had me unable to stop turning the pages.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not crying, you’re crying… there were happy and sad tears from me in this book. This has been the most heart wrenching romance that I have read in a long while & not because the mmc is a jackhole that can’t pull his head out of his rear. Poor Noboru my heart just broke for him. My heart ached through so much of this book for both mcs. Never thought I would be into reincarnation romance but here we are. If I wasn’t a fan of YD before this book (I totally am & have been 😉 ) I’m obsessed now! I know this is a standalone but can I get an extended epilogue eventually?!? I’d love to see more of Mae’s parents interacting with a certain deity.

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matsui is ready to end it all, to leave the world and life behind to escape the pain of her reality. But when she meets Norburu and begs him to end her life he denies her. He instead asks her to walk his path with him, but she denies him and goes back to her painful life. But not all ends well...
Jumping to current day and we meet Mae, a tattoo artist who doesn't have a great love life track record... But when one of her exes starts scaring her she goes down the rabbit hole of her past and the rest is history

Great monster romance and loved the reimaging of Noburu, but beware of the trigger warnings!

[Angela Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving a deity comes with a price. An eternity of longing, waiting, searching only to lose it. Over and over again. Punishment for the crime of love.

This was a fast read filled with exquisite detail. Epic love story that spans lifetimes. And where there is love, there is a way to overcome certain challenges. But what if that challenge is that your ex won’t let you go? And what if that ex is powerful?

This had some interesting twists that generated an expected outcome that produced a different outcome. Once you read it, you will understand.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story that spans lifetimes

Noboru lost his fated mate when they sacrificed her cause he fell for a human. He has spent lifetimes trying to find her again, but when he does she has no memory of him.


It was well written fast paced filled with detail and an intriguing storyline and the concept was great, the whole idea of past lives or reincarnation playing a big role in these characters stories was an interesting read on its self. The culture aspect in the story and the expectations of women within it added another interesting layer to the overall read.

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Eternity by YD La Mar is an addition to the 'Mated to the Monster' Series and just woah. This book spans centuries while our Male lead mourns the death of his fated mate. His mate is eventually reborn with no memory of him or their bond, but it doesn't take long for trouble to come calling. This installment has all the earmarks of a great addition to this series as it explores reincarnation and a deep love that defies time and outside interference. Absolutely loved it and look forward to the next addition.

[Jessica Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one threw me for a loop, definitely wasn't expecting the different parts in the book. And the time jump but it did a great job of keeping the story concise and to the point. Loved Mae as a character, wish that she was more well formed and less restricted by her cultural requirements. She feels tied to her family, that their survival is dependent on her survival and that's admirable. Noboru is a great "monster" who matches her feisty personality and the way she needs to be loved. Overall a great monster romance that definitely survives the ages.

[DMCechak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of Eternity

‘Noboru’s gaze softened, and for the first time, I felt a hint of warmth in his presence rather than his benevolence. “We will explore together the reasons behind your suffering and the potential that lies within you.‘


YD La Mar has written a complex and creative romance that has surprise twists and unique changes, helping to build the emotion attachment to the main characters.

Not a quick read, be prepared to be immersed in drama and trauma. At each unveiling of these characters, your heart will swell, anxiously awaiting the next turn in the story.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing, new story for me. My first bird deity, and it did not disappoint! It was a little hard to connect with Matsui, but once I did, I enjoyed the back and forth she had with Noboru, and the steamy bits! I definitely connected more with Mae. Loved the concept of reincarnation and past lives that was drawn into this story, as well as the Mafia tidbits. Loved the ending, just wanted a little more detail. But great read!

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stand-alone in the multi author series. I typically steer away from this author’s darker works but this one hit just right for me. I loved the cultural aspect and the way she addressed the roles and expectations of women. This had an intriguing reincarnation twist that I also enjoyed. This was a very good story, well written and definitely recommended.

[Tanya]

Noboru lost her once before but he will not lose her again now he has found her. She has no memories of their past love and she is being chased by another. He will do anything he can to regain her love and her. What will he do? How will he get on? Will he get her back? See where he will take you in this brilliant read of first and only love

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story and felt for Matsui, she really conveyed how tough life was for a woman in older times. Her pleas for some sort of merciful release from the life were heartbreaking and heartfelt.
The only reason I gave this a 4 star rating instead of 5 stars was because I would have liked to know more about what Noboru went through in the centuries as he waited for Matsui/Mae.