Taken by Aries

by L.A. Monteiro

Every two hundred years, the monsters of the zodiac become flesh for one night to claim a virgin tribute.

Tamara

As a stripper, I know how trashy men can truly be, and since my ex ran off with my savings, I’ve sworn off the entire gender. So why not sell my virginity for enough money to set me up for life? It’s only one night, and I’m ready for anything… except a monster.

Taken by Aries is a spicy instalust monster romance featuring a cabin in the woods, an MMFM scene and a cheeky as hell, arrogant satyr. It is part of the zodiac monster romance series and can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Paranormal, Mythology

80 pages, ebook

Published August 10, 2024

About the author

L. A. Monteiro is an award-winning monster romance author.

She writes fast-paced, high-spice stories. As an Eurasian, second-generation Australian, her stories reflect her lived experience of navigating between worlds.

She won the Romance Writers Australia Spicy Bites short story competition in 2023 and came third in 2024.

Reviews

[ɢʀᴇʏッ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ 3 🌶
📖Pages: 29
🗓Release: 08.08.24

MCs: tamara sanders ♡ aries

woot woot 🙌🏽 im an aries. but would i sign a contract to sell my VCard to a zodiac monster for $5M if it meant i can go to college, get my dream home (& my mom's), start up my own fashion bzness, blindfolded & given 🖐🏼necklaces in a luxurious cabin in the woods, chased in the said woods by a ram head shmex god who can replicate himself to take up all my orifices who has some special novacaine-ish magical💦 effects all to help ease the 🍒poppin xprience? for 1 night only, safety guaranteed, with the only downside that he will ruin me for any other man aftr tonite? with an optional bonus perks if u "worship" enough in the end? why yes!! the answer is 💯𝙔𝙀𝙎🤭

✨𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 1 of the Zodiac Monster Romance series but can be read as a 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚

🐏 ᴍᴍᴍғ
💜 sᴀᴛʏʀ 𝐗 ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ
🐏 ıɴsᴛᴀʟᴜsᴛ
💜 ᴘʀıᴍᴀʟ/sᴇɴsᴀᴛıටɴ ᴘʟᴀʏ
🐏 ᴀ ටɴᴄᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ 200ʏʀs ටᴘᴘටʀᴛᴜɴıᴛʏ

[High Lady of Delulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected...
This book is cute in a surprising way. It had some clever twists to it and I like the concept and the possibilities it opens for 11 more books.
However, the writing felt a bit rough around the edges at times in my personal opinion. I almost got the feeling that the spice scenes were uncomfortable to write.

Taken by Aries is definitely more romance than erotica, which is perfectly fine. Except I personally would have hoped for a bit more romance with that appearing to be the focus. But that's just me.

It's a cute, short read either way and I might give the other books in the series a go when they're released. I feel like there is definitely potential and I'm sure - and hope - that others will love this book in way I couldn't.


I received a free ARC of Taken by Aries and this is my honest review

[Araya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 3 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes:
- Steamy Romance
- Monster Romance
- Insta Lust Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Novella

A short steamy monster novella. This isn’t a typical read for me but sometimes you have to switch it up to keep things interesting and this book was a sure thing for interesting. I’m an Aries aswell so that helped in my decision to read. Also tell me why the two main characters had so much chemistry. I think this book was written well just is not my style you could say.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aries Will Never Finish Their TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, too, would be a willing sacrifice!

Aries, the God and Zodiac sign, is able to become human once every two hundred years in order to find a sacrifice to please him and worship him, keeping his godhood alive as he exists through worship.

He offers his chosen Sacrifice $5mil to take her virginity- in all orifices.

Will she accept?

This spicy novella has it all- reverse harem, size training, a little D/s, etc. My only complaint is it's too short and the link for the bonus epilogue is broken. But even without the bonus epilogue, we are still treated to a happily ever after.

[prettysureannereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It was an honor to taste you.”

Now that is how you start a series! Got me asking, where the rest of the book is!! Lol. It’s short and spicy, but it’s also kind of sweet. Aries and Tamara hit it off real nice and that’s a twist I didn’t see coming.

Although for a monster romance, with hints of BDSM, it felt a little lacking on that part. Nonetheless, great series starter, I was just looking for more spice. 🤭

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC from Book Sirens, for my honest feedback.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So i wasn't exactly sure what to expect since the description of the book doesn't give you much detail, but i have to admit i enjoyed the story and how it played out. The way Tamara and Aries meet is a way i haven't really read before, so it's definitely opened me up to a new way of characters meeting. The book is super short, so perfect if you want a short read with loads of spice when you don't have time. I kinda wished the book was longer, mainly because i wish we could have had more detail and interactions leading up to how Tamara and Aries met. It talks about a couple things in the story but it doesn't elaborate enough on those few topics. It would have been nice to learn how Tamara got the contract and her emotions at the time she got selected

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be careful to not make my review longer than the book itself. It's ve-ry short.

But it's also very interesting and filthy hot. Every 200 years, the zodiac gods are allowed 24 hours to spend with a human female. This year Aries is the lucky god, and Tamara is his "sacrifice."

Because of dire financial circumstances, Tamara has agreed to relinquish her virginity to a rich stranger. Although she had been assured that no harm would come to her, it's going to be a freeuse 24 hours. She has no idea of what he will look like. Would he be tall? Short? Fat? Thin? Everything about him is a mystery.

This little piece of erotica is well-written, and I enjoyed it immensely. I recommend it as a quick read before sleep. It may provoke some very interesting dreams.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into this book because of the cover and title because I knew it was going to have to do with the zodiac sign Aries, but boy did I not know what I was getting into. I absolutely loved this even though it was so dang short, it needed to be longer. But the little details that were used to describe Aries was just perfect that I could picture Aries in my head.

The selling of virginity was a new topic in reading but it wasn't overly disturbing sounding in this book, it was tastefully done. The MMMF troupe was interesting the way it was done in this book, you'll have to read to understand what I mean.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising, sweet, funny and deliciously steamy, easy reading story. The deal is five million dollars, one night and the sacrifice of Tamara’s virginity. One night will secure her future, from having nothing to hopefully a beautiful home and her dream of starting a fashion company. Fascinating zodiac God Aries comes every two hundred years for a sacrificial virgin, amazing, generous, gentle and fun loving. They have a beautiful, steamy and erotic night. This is a delightful, fun and enjoyable reading experience with a lovely happy ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I absolutely loved *Taken By Aries*! This short story strikes the perfect balance between romance and spice—it’s not overwhelmingly steamy, but just enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. The writing is top-notch, and I was pleasantly surprised by the portrayal of Aries. Just a few words describing him truly bring him to life.

And can we talk about the main scene? My mind was blown! It’s a standout moment that really elevates the story. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick yet captivating read!

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way to describe this story is efficient. No need for world building. No need for an overly complicated plot. One chapter to set the story, one chapter to establish and reaffirm consent, one chapter of smut, and then a wrap up. This is the closest thing I've read to an outline that is still good. Tamara was written really well in that I connected to her more in 30 pages than I did characters in a 1000 page novel. Tamara isn't the sterotype when it comes to virgin sacrifice, which was refreshing.

Thank you to BookSirens and L.A. Monteiro for the free ARC.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a strong opening to the Zodiac Monster Romance series, it had that monster element that I was wanting and enjoyed the overall spicy romance in this. The characters had that element and enjoyed how it was used in the Zodiac element. I enjoyed the way L.A. Monteiro wrote this and left me wanting to read more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Avis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and deliciously steamy. This is the first of the Zodiac stories.

I liked the MCh Tamara. We get just enough information about her life to sympathize with her predicament. Her commitment to the contract.

Aries was a surprise. Patient and gentle with her. Expectations are high for both.

Please read the triggers. If they offend you ,please do not read the book.

I liked the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Koukla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Slight spoilers!!

Ok I have mixed feelings. It was a great quick read but I’ve got some questions-

1- is he just gonna watch her get old??

2- are they in a relationship? I don’t think of myself as old fashioned but I like my smut with a healthy dose of feels

The smut wasn’t overly detailed but the whole thing was 80 pages so idk what I was expecting

Overall it was pretty decent

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken by Aries is a spicy instalust monster romance featuring a cabin in the woods, an MMFM scene and a cheeky as hell, arrogant satyr. It is part of the zodiac monster romance series. Short, sweet, spicy goodness. This combines all of my favorite things in a novella. Smutty monster goodness along with Zodiac calendar.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, astrology. It seems so hard to wait every 200 years to possibly find your mate. You come from the stars you choose and then you might have to go back up to the stars. This is a good series. Apparently there’s something exciting about hanging out with an Aries, sounds like Fun to be “held”. Short read. But packs a punch.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerrie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick fast spicy read, Aries the mmc comes down and has a night with Tamara the fmc. Tamara signed a contract to meet with Aries for a night they meet at a cabin room where he ends up with meeting her for the first time they end up chatting and talking about the reason he comes and visits, then the spice happens which then ends up being more which you will have to read this book to find out. If you enjoy the Zodiacs you will definitely enjoy this read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, spicy goodness. This combines all of my favorite things in a novella. Smutty monster goodness along with a zodiac them. I can’t wait to check out all the rest of them and I extra can’t wait to read Libras books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The God...
A quick little swxy jaunt down the mythology lane.
He gets to come to earth to enjoy its pleasures. Her takes one for the team so to speak. A contract that would make the rest of life significantly easier.
The contract. Spend the night with Him. Easy peasy right?
I mean the story was good even as short as it was. To the point sexy and funny in parts.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and steamy series opener that really took me on an unusual reading ride. Of course, that's not a new thing with this author and it keeps me coming back for more ;D Tamara and Aries come together and he's definitely looking for more than just a once every 200 yr 'release'. I love that this offering smut story quickly turned into a romance. Expect to feel all the heat when you dive into this well written shorty. I'm definitely looking forward the rest of the series - looking at 12 of them :D Good fun!

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the author's Orc series I was excited to read this new monster series and if book 1 is anything to go by will not be disappointed by the rest.

Short novella but filled with enjoyable steamy monster erotica, unusual setting, story and pure unadulterated pleasurable entertaining read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

You need a quick and fun read? You should pick this up.

It was short, spicy and fun.

It wasn`t the best writing ever but for such a short monster novella it had all the elements of an introduction to a much bigger world and stories and most importantly sets the questions for "what next?"

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Seta OcultaVida · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a quickie read that starts out in the intense scene of not know what the heck is going to, all you know is your about to sell your virginity then, this book is for you!
I won't give much detail but think about what is represented by the zodiac sign Aries...then think humanoid, except the best parts, then multiply that!
I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the line up!

[Christine]

This is part of a series. I already read Taken by Gemini. They are excellent reads.

As you know by the title, Aries comes to have his night of sacrifice with a virgin.

They have a spicy night, secluded in a wooded cabin. This is a definitely an excellent must read.

I received an advance copy for free and left this review voluntarily.

[Tammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monstrous romance, perfect for me as an Aries with the same name as the MC! It was exactly what I want from a romance like this, perfect.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very naughty monster novella.
Entertaining - juicy - kinky - well written.
Relaxing, under 1 hour reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Zdunczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC!
Quick little read. This book left me wanting more, and by that I mean wanting more of story, more scenes between Aries and the lead female because I enjoyed them. It really captivates you from the start.

[Morana Bylur · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it was a short story- god, I wish this was a novella or novel!! The relationship between the two characters is so good, and I can definitely see potential for more with them. Looking forward to when the Taurus story comes out!!

[Birgit Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read, well written and very 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, first time I read a novella from this genre, unusual in the best of ways, I wasn’t disappointed, shame it was so short, would have liked to read more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[zashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a hot hot hot short story, you dont need a lot of back story to get drawn in the setting. I wish it was a few pages longer, but other than that it was a fun read.

Will give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5