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Here There Be Monsters: A Gothic Monster Romance
Beware the forest - that way monsters lie.
In Republica Helvetorum, magic is dangerous. When Elsing Wylder is accused of murder by witchcraft, she’s sentenced to a fate worse than death: being sacrificed to the Mountain Gods, the brutal monsters who have terrorized Elsing’s home for centuries.
Every solstice, one human is sacrificed to the Mountain Gods and in exchange, the Gods leave the town of Interlaken alone, staying within the borders of their Mountain Realm. Expecting to die, Elsing is shocked when she instead wakes to the Mountain Gods; a giant Dragon, a fierce Griffin, and the enigmatic God of Death. She’s even more surprised when she learns that the only torture they have in mind is that of more pleasurable kind.
As Elsing grows closer to her four new companions, the mystery of the mountain begins to unravel and dark truths about Elsing’s sacrifice come to light—and what the Mountain Gods don’t know, might just kill them.
Not all monsters have sharp teeth and claws.
NOTE: This is a MMMFF why-choose gothic romance with dark themes, bloodplay, sharing, graphic sex scenes, graphic violence, LBGTQIA+ characters, genderfluid Gods, and both MM/FF romance. For a full list of triggers, please refer to my website.
In Republica Helvetorum, magic is dangerous. When Elsing Wylder is accused of murder by witchcraft, she’s sentenced to a fate worse than death: being sacrificed to the Mountain Gods, the brutal monsters who have terrorized Elsing’s home for centuries.
Every solstice, one human is sacrificed to the Mountain Gods and in exchange, the Gods leave the town of Interlaken alone, staying within the borders of their Mountain Realm. Expecting to die, Elsing is shocked when she instead wakes to the Mountain Gods; a giant Dragon, a fierce Griffin, and the enigmatic God of Death. She’s even more surprised when she learns that the only torture they have in mind is that of more pleasurable kind.
As Elsing grows closer to her four new companions, the mystery of the mountain begins to unravel and dark truths about Elsing’s sacrifice come to light—and what the Mountain Gods don’t know, might just kill them.
Not all monsters have sharp teeth and claws.
NOTE: This is a MMMFF why-choose gothic romance with dark themes, bloodplay, sharing, graphic sex scenes, graphic violence, LBGTQIA+ characters, genderfluid Gods, and both MM/FF romance. For a full list of triggers, please refer to my website.
451 pages, Hardcover
Published July 22, 2024
57 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
E.C. Garrett
10 books169 followersEC Garrett is an Alaskan transplant now living in Kansas City, MO. She writes fantasy/sci-fi and romantic speculative fiction.
She has her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Reno with a focus on Early Modern and Medieval Literature, and a minor in Medieval History with a focus on the Later Roman Empire.
In her spare time, she’s either reading or watching the latest fantasy releases, riding horses at the barn, spending time with her family, or playing with her very cute but extremely onrey dachshund mix, Frankie.
She dreams of becoming a dragon rider.
She has her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Reno with a focus on Early Modern and Medieval Literature, and a minor in Medieval History with a focus on the Later Roman Empire.
In her spare time, she’s either reading or watching the latest fantasy releases, riding horses at the barn, spending time with her family, or playing with her very cute but extremely onrey dachshund mix, Frankie.
She dreams of becoming a dragon rider.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 27, 2024
I'm already a HUGE EC fan after The Forgotten and the Feared and The Home for Wayward Creatures, so I will buy anything she writes, including her grocery list if she'd let me. I freaking love her. That said...
I received an ARC of HTBM and knew it is definitely not my genre but read every word anyway. I rounded up to 4 stars because it doesn't meet my personal tastes... but the parts that are, certainly didn't let me down! The characters are interesting and I loved the banter. The world building and plot had me excited and engaged. In typical EC fashion, the pace is punishing - grabs hold and doesn't let go.
If you are a fan of Why Choose that still has a real plot, you'll love this. I typically do not read trigger warnings, but this one has a very long list and you may want to make sure you are comfortable with the very explicit types of spice before proceeding.
And beware.... the epilogue. 😲
Happy reading!
I received an ARC of HTBM and knew it is definitely not my genre but read every word anyway. I rounded up to 4 stars because it doesn't meet my personal tastes... but the parts that are, certainly didn't let me down! The characters are interesting and I loved the banter. The world building and plot had me excited and engaged. In typical EC fashion, the pace is punishing - grabs hold and doesn't let go.
If you are a fan of Why Choose that still has a real plot, you'll love this. I typically do not read trigger warnings, but this one has a very long list and you may want to make sure you are comfortable with the very explicit types of spice before proceeding.
And beware.... the epilogue. 😲
Happy reading!
March 30, 2025
This was a crazy book club choice 💀 I mean the writing wasn’t completely terrible. There was approximately 25% plot and 75% outlandish smut. I had to look up a couple words on urban dictionary. A few times I was like how does this even work? What is going where??
June 26, 2024
Thank you so much to EC Garrett for an advanced copy of Here There Be Monsters!
This book… WOW. SHE SPICY. And also made me cry?
I absolutely eat up a fantasy that completely takes me away from reality and wraps me around something new, and this book absolutely does this. The characters are saucy and fun, the shadow daddy is shadowing and daddying (not a word?) and our FMC is a BAD ASS. Uri for president.
This book… WOW. SHE SPICY. And also made me cry?
I absolutely eat up a fantasy that completely takes me away from reality and wraps me around something new, and this book absolutely does this. The characters are saucy and fun, the shadow daddy is shadowing and daddying (not a word?) and our FMC is a BAD ASS. Uri for president.
April 28, 2024
What an epic adventure!!!
Elsing is the strong FMC we all wish we could be! If you’re into witches, mystical beings, & Gods this is the book for you! This is a reverse harem, fated mate story I could not get enough of!! The banter between the characters was fantastic! And the spice is spicy 🥵
“Oh, pet, it’s your murderous side I trust the most.” 😈
Elsing is the strong FMC we all wish we could be! If you’re into witches, mystical beings, & Gods this is the book for you! This is a reverse harem, fated mate story I could not get enough of!! The banter between the characters was fantastic! And the spice is spicy 🥵
“Oh, pet, it’s your murderous side I trust the most.” 😈
dnf
August 3, 2024DNF at chapter 11/111 pages in.
So, uh, did we actually write a demisexual character? Did we? Cause I don't see it.
I only got 100 pages into it but those also already included 2 sex scenes and we are in Elsing's point of view, so she is pretty clear on how sexually into these two men she is. Nothing in the narrative points towards her being on the asexual spectrum, in fact, she acknowledges it herself (she doesn't usually look closely at men but was hyperaware of their presence i.e. it's faster than usual for her). Cause she was certainly into both her rescuers after, *checks watch* a few hours after first meeting them. There is no attempt to distinguish between her libido and her sexual attraction.
The problem isn't even how early it happens. Actually, it would have been very interesting to have our protagonist still decide that having sex with the Gods was the right move for her (I could come up with several plausable explanations) and see how that experience differs from when she is sexually interested in someone. You could play with that and use her demisexuality to further built on her character but that is not what the book does. It reads like the average hetero allosexual coupling.
Maybe my hopes were too high but I am disappointed. I am a big fan of dark romances and polyamorous dynamics, I am a fan of Godly characters and I can totally do kink, but what I cannot do is let asexuality be used as some kind of quirky accessory you can forgot about.
I did not get far enough into the book to properly meet the two graysexual characters Uri and Uriel but I am not confident that that aspect is treated any better.
As for the actual book content...
I liked that the author had clear inspirations and the Germanic word she uses (it's fun understanding the second language for once!) and the setup obviously piqued my interest since I picked this up.
But it slowly went downhill from there. I just don't understand so many of the choices the author made, it was driving me up the wall.
So, uh, did we actually write a demisexual character? Did we? Cause I don't see it.
I only got 100 pages into it but those also already included 2 sex scenes and we are in Elsing's point of view, so she is pretty clear on how sexually into these two men she is. Nothing in the narrative points towards her being on the asexual spectrum, in fact, she acknowledges it herself (she doesn't usually look closely at men but was hyperaware of their presence i.e. it's faster than usual for her). Cause she was certainly into both her rescuers after, *checks watch* a few hours after first meeting them. There is no attempt to distinguish between her libido and her sexual attraction.
The problem isn't even how early it happens. Actually, it would have been very interesting to have our protagonist still decide that having sex with the Gods was the right move for her (I could come up with several plausable explanations) and see how that experience differs from when she is sexually interested in someone. You could play with that and use her demisexuality to further built on her character but that is not what the book does. It reads like the average hetero allosexual coupling.
Maybe my hopes were too high but I am disappointed. I am a big fan of dark romances and polyamorous dynamics, I am a fan of Godly characters and I can totally do kink, but what I cannot do is let asexuality be used as some kind of quirky accessory you can forgot about.
I did not get far enough into the book to properly meet the two graysexual characters Uri and Uriel but I am not confident that that aspect is treated any better.
As for the actual book content...
I liked that the author had clear inspirations and the Germanic word she uses (it's fun understanding the second language for once!) and the setup obviously piqued my interest since I picked this up.
But it slowly went downhill from there. I just don't understand so many of the choices the author made, it was driving me up the wall.
July 23, 2024
**Received this book as an ARC for an honest review**
"I told you, witch. I would do anything to find you. There is nothing, God or human made, that can keep me away."
Numerous times in my life have I read a book and wished I was the main character, whether they be wealthy, immortal, powerful or just lying on a beach drinking a fruity drink - BUT none of those times was the desire as needy as when this witch was willfully trapped between 4 powerful beings - IYKYK.
We start off with Elsing, a witch in the town of Interlaken, being set up for punishment after killing a man. With a trial that was nothing more than a witch hunt and with all the town hating her because of Willem Tell, the governor who's word is law - she didn't stand a chance.
So it's decided that she will be the next sacrifice to the Mountain Gods to keep them from killing the townsfolk.
With her familiar close by, she's strung up, poisoned and left at the border of the mountain God's territory, ready to be turned into nothing but bones...
Except she wakes up on a daybed in front of a crackling fire, feeling very much not dead. Finding herself in a mansion of a house high on a mountain, with a dragon, a griffin and Death himself, she knows she cannot trust them, they are brutal killers after all. But things are never that simple, especially when they want nothing more than to keep her sated and satisfied through the most primal way they know.
This is just the beginning of the story of the witch and powerful beings she is now surrounded with.
Whatever you think this story is about, it's not that, it might have some of that in there, but it's absolutely not that. It's better, so much better.
Without giving anything away, it's also a story of self love and accepting that you are allowed to love and allowed to be, with a somewhat uneven, rocky road to reach that understanding.
The plot and the plot twists is exceptional and unexpected and very much a big part of this book, making the balance of spice and plot perfect.
As for the spice level - it's intense - and vanilla does not exist in this book, so do make sure to read the TW's before diving in.
But know if you do decide to make the jump, the Gods will be waiting.
Thank you EC Garrett for giving me the chance to read this book before I'm forced to share these newly acquired, bloodthirsty, kinky as heck, powerful book boy-and girlfriends, with the world.
"I told you, witch. I would do anything to find you. There is nothing, God or human made, that can keep me away."
Numerous times in my life have I read a book and wished I was the main character, whether they be wealthy, immortal, powerful or just lying on a beach drinking a fruity drink - BUT none of those times was the desire as needy as when this witch was willfully trapped between 4 powerful beings - IYKYK.
We start off with Elsing, a witch in the town of Interlaken, being set up for punishment after killing a man. With a trial that was nothing more than a witch hunt and with all the town hating her because of Willem Tell, the governor who's word is law - she didn't stand a chance.
So it's decided that she will be the next sacrifice to the Mountain Gods to keep them from killing the townsfolk.
With her familiar close by, she's strung up, poisoned and left at the border of the mountain God's territory, ready to be turned into nothing but bones...
Except she wakes up on a daybed in front of a crackling fire, feeling very much not dead. Finding herself in a mansion of a house high on a mountain, with a dragon, a griffin and Death himself, she knows she cannot trust them, they are brutal killers after all. But things are never that simple, especially when they want nothing more than to keep her sated and satisfied through the most primal way they know.
This is just the beginning of the story of the witch and powerful beings she is now surrounded with.
Whatever you think this story is about, it's not that, it might have some of that in there, but it's absolutely not that. It's better, so much better.
Without giving anything away, it's also a story of self love and accepting that you are allowed to love and allowed to be, with a somewhat uneven, rocky road to reach that understanding.
The plot and the plot twists is exceptional and unexpected and very much a big part of this book, making the balance of spice and plot perfect.
As for the spice level - it's intense - and vanilla does not exist in this book, so do make sure to read the TW's before diving in.
But know if you do decide to make the jump, the Gods will be waiting.
Thank you EC Garrett for giving me the chance to read this book before I'm forced to share these newly acquired, bloodthirsty, kinky as heck, powerful book boy-and girlfriends, with the world.
July 23, 2024
Another deliciously dark and spicy book from the amazing E.C. Garrett. There is so much I loved about this book, from the laugh-out-loud humour, to the heartfelt moments, to the steamy spice (there is a lot of it and it is so good 🥵)
Elsing was easily my favourite character in this story. Strong, sassy, and a total bada$s. She had some of the best lines in the book.
“How embarrassing for you. The Great God of the Sky, a Griffin, outsmarted by a pea-brained mountain goat the size of a fat cat.”
I loved all the unique characters in this story. I loved how different each of the characters in the story was and how perfectly they all fit together. The banter in this story was amazing. From the fun and playful moments to the steamy ones courtesy of the filthy-mouthed gods, I loved every minute of it.
I loved the story and the gorgeous world-building. This one was hard to put down. EC creates beautiful places and the world-building flows effortlessly with her wonderful storytelling.
My favourite part of the story was the animal companions. I am a sucker for animal companions and this story had more than one 🖤
Thank you to EC for the ARC copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Happy Release Day to E.C. Garrett!!! I can't wait for the next book in this series 🖤
Here There Be Monsters is now available and can be read on Kindle Unlimited.
🩸MMMFF Why Choose
🩸Gothic & Dark
🩸Enemies-to-Lovers
🩸Antiheroine
🩸Morally Gray Everyone
🩸Genderfluid Gods
🩸Medieval Alt Universe Swiss/German Alps
🩸K!nky & Super Spicy
🩸Bl00dplay & Pr!mal Play
🩸CNC & Power Dynamics
🩸Dragons & Monsters
🩸Witches & Magic
Elsing was easily my favourite character in this story. Strong, sassy, and a total bada$s. She had some of the best lines in the book.
“How embarrassing for you. The Great God of the Sky, a Griffin, outsmarted by a pea-brained mountain goat the size of a fat cat.”
I loved all the unique characters in this story. I loved how different each of the characters in the story was and how perfectly they all fit together. The banter in this story was amazing. From the fun and playful moments to the steamy ones courtesy of the filthy-mouthed gods, I loved every minute of it.
I loved the story and the gorgeous world-building. This one was hard to put down. EC creates beautiful places and the world-building flows effortlessly with her wonderful storytelling.
My favourite part of the story was the animal companions. I am a sucker for animal companions and this story had more than one 🖤
Thank you to EC for the ARC copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Happy Release Day to E.C. Garrett!!! I can't wait for the next book in this series 🖤
Here There Be Monsters is now available and can be read on Kindle Unlimited.
🩸MMMFF Why Choose
🩸Gothic & Dark
🩸Enemies-to-Lovers
🩸Antiheroine
🩸Morally Gray Everyone
🩸Genderfluid Gods
🩸Medieval Alt Universe Swiss/German Alps
🩸K!nky & Super Spicy
🩸Bl00dplay & Pr!mal Play
🩸CNC & Power Dynamics
🩸Dragons & Monsters
🩸Witches & Magic
July 8, 2024
A spicy must-read in fantastical realm where the line between human and myth blurs with intoxicating allure.
In Republica Helvetorum, where magic is perilous, Elsing Wylder faces a grim fate after being accused of witchcraft and sentenced as sacrifice to the Mountain Gods, ancient and feared creatures haunting her homeland. Yet, instead of death, she finds herself in the company of these monstrous beings—a Dragon, a Griffin, and the God of Death—whose intentions are unexpectedly more sensual than feared. As Elsing navigates this new alliance, secrets about her sacrifice and the mountain's mysteries unfold, revealing that not all monsters wield claws and fangs—and sometimes, the greatest dangers lie in the unseen truths.
Each Mountain God is vividly characterized with distinct appearances, scents, personalities, and unexpected desires. The narrative brims with spicy scenes, each meticulously crafted with a unique blend of Gods, acts, and kinks, leaving little to the imagination in its explicit detail of bodies, banter, pet names, and intimate play. Readers are swept into a voyeuristic journey through Elsing's encounters, immersing them in a world of pleasures beyond mortal reach.
Initially presumed to be solely a tale of erotic indulgence, the narrative pivots in its second part, unveiling intricate plots, clandestine schemes, and destinies intertwined to create a more fantastical appeal. As character backstories unfold, the motivations behind their actions and the complexities of the realms they govern come sharply into focus, enriching the narrative with depth and emotional resonance. The book balances this seriousness with humor, cleverly mocking the conventional lore of mythical creatures in banter and affectionate nicknames, like a Dragon hoarding its treasure.
Yet, despite the rich tapestry woven around the Gods and their world, the book tantalizingly hints at even greater depths waiting to be explored. With a wealth of historical context, rules governing magic, and the simmering tensions between the Republic and its mystical inhabitants, Here There Be Monsters lays a solid foundation for future installments in the series. It promises a continuation that will delve deeper into this captivating universe, leaving readers eager to discover what lies beyond the surface in the next chapters of this compelling saga.
In Republica Helvetorum, where magic is perilous, Elsing Wylder faces a grim fate after being accused of witchcraft and sentenced as sacrifice to the Mountain Gods, ancient and feared creatures haunting her homeland. Yet, instead of death, she finds herself in the company of these monstrous beings—a Dragon, a Griffin, and the God of Death—whose intentions are unexpectedly more sensual than feared. As Elsing navigates this new alliance, secrets about her sacrifice and the mountain's mysteries unfold, revealing that not all monsters wield claws and fangs—and sometimes, the greatest dangers lie in the unseen truths.
Each Mountain God is vividly characterized with distinct appearances, scents, personalities, and unexpected desires. The narrative brims with spicy scenes, each meticulously crafted with a unique blend of Gods, acts, and kinks, leaving little to the imagination in its explicit detail of bodies, banter, pet names, and intimate play. Readers are swept into a voyeuristic journey through Elsing's encounters, immersing them in a world of pleasures beyond mortal reach.
Initially presumed to be solely a tale of erotic indulgence, the narrative pivots in its second part, unveiling intricate plots, clandestine schemes, and destinies intertwined to create a more fantastical appeal. As character backstories unfold, the motivations behind their actions and the complexities of the realms they govern come sharply into focus, enriching the narrative with depth and emotional resonance. The book balances this seriousness with humor, cleverly mocking the conventional lore of mythical creatures in banter and affectionate nicknames, like a Dragon hoarding its treasure.
Yet, despite the rich tapestry woven around the Gods and their world, the book tantalizingly hints at even greater depths waiting to be explored. With a wealth of historical context, rules governing magic, and the simmering tensions between the Republic and its mystical inhabitants, Here There Be Monsters lays a solid foundation for future installments in the series. It promises a continuation that will delve deeper into this captivating universe, leaving readers eager to discover what lies beyond the surface in the next chapters of this compelling saga.
July 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book is soooo damn good, if you’re looking for a book full of smutty spice and plot that is full of twists and turns, all packed in with a plethora of banter and snark then look no further. Once I started this book, I struggle to put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it I had the constant itch to do so.
There is a marvellous amount of progression within the story, where we start and end are two very different extremes and it all works incredibly well. You can clearly see the stages that the story goes through and the character development. I didn’t see the twists coming and it did have me wondering where the story was going in the beginning, but I was all the more hooked when it become apparent.
Elsie is an incredibly well written character and an absolute badass, I respect that she knows she wants and she takes it, whether that is in pleasure or blood. The why choose aspect of the story was naturally one of my favourites and the spice scenes were *chefs kiss. The dynamic between the whole group is well thought out and incredibly executed.
That ending was such a wonderful little tease and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two, if this book is anything to go by it is going to be a wild ride.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book is soooo damn good, if you’re looking for a book full of smutty spice and plot that is full of twists and turns, all packed in with a plethora of banter and snark then look no further. Once I started this book, I struggle to put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it I had the constant itch to do so.
There is a marvellous amount of progression within the story, where we start and end are two very different extremes and it all works incredibly well. You can clearly see the stages that the story goes through and the character development. I didn’t see the twists coming and it did have me wondering where the story was going in the beginning, but I was all the more hooked when it become apparent.
Elsie is an incredibly well written character and an absolute badass, I respect that she knows she wants and she takes it, whether that is in pleasure or blood. The why choose aspect of the story was naturally one of my favourites and the spice scenes were *chefs kiss. The dynamic between the whole group is well thought out and incredibly executed.
That ending was such a wonderful little tease and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two, if this book is anything to go by it is going to be a wild ride.
October 30, 2024
4.5 stars
This was a lot of fun and even better than I expected from reading the tropes list. I needed a palate cleanser after reading a lot of back to back high fantasy and cozy fantasy, and this was the perfect book to balance it out. This was a dark, spicy, monstrous (light monster romance elements), why choose romance. It features three gods and the witch who gets sacrificed to them and ends up stuck on their mountain. I especially loved the relationships between the gods that were already established before the main character meets them. As someone who is always hesitant about reading existing relationships, this was done very well and I loved them all immediately. I also loved the way their relationships changed and evolved to include the main character. She’s a fearless and violent anti-hero main character that stands up to these immortal beings that can kill her without blinking. I absolutely loved the different personalities of each love interest, which is something that has to be done right in a why choose romance with so many characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and I already added the author’s other books to my TBR.
This was a lot of fun and even better than I expected from reading the tropes list. I needed a palate cleanser after reading a lot of back to back high fantasy and cozy fantasy, and this was the perfect book to balance it out. This was a dark, spicy, monstrous (light monster romance elements), why choose romance. It features three gods and the witch who gets sacrificed to them and ends up stuck on their mountain. I especially loved the relationships between the gods that were already established before the main character meets them. As someone who is always hesitant about reading existing relationships, this was done very well and I loved them all immediately. I also loved the way their relationships changed and evolved to include the main character. She’s a fearless and violent anti-hero main character that stands up to these immortal beings that can kill her without blinking. I absolutely loved the different personalities of each love interest, which is something that has to be done right in a why choose romance with so many characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and I already added the author’s other books to my TBR.
July 15, 2024
This one is SPICY
I’m not exactly sure what I thought this book was going to be like when I went in mostly blind , but I can say that it was everything and better. You have magic, gods of the mountain, human sacrifice, fated mates and more. Oh and it’s SPICY, so so very spicy. If you like your books to be mostly smut then this is the one for you. It has a plot unlike any others I have read. There are triggers and a kink or two that aren’t particularly my jam but I couldn’t put it down and wasn’t turned off( hahaha) by it. I’m gunna give this one 4.5 stars for the plot and 1000000 stars for the spice. I am no stranger to reverse harems with mm but it is my first book that has ff aside from some heavy petting and intense make out sessions. This one is full of twists and unexpected turns of events. I was please surprised at how everything plays out and the cliff hanger left me excited for more.
I’m not exactly sure what I thought this book was going to be like when I went in mostly blind , but I can say that it was everything and better. You have magic, gods of the mountain, human sacrifice, fated mates and more. Oh and it’s SPICY, so so very spicy. If you like your books to be mostly smut then this is the one for you. It has a plot unlike any others I have read. There are triggers and a kink or two that aren’t particularly my jam but I couldn’t put it down and wasn’t turned off( hahaha) by it. I’m gunna give this one 4.5 stars for the plot and 1000000 stars for the spice. I am no stranger to reverse harems with mm but it is my first book that has ff aside from some heavy petting and intense make out sessions. This one is full of twists and unexpected turns of events. I was please surprised at how everything plays out and the cliff hanger left me excited for more.
July 17, 2024
Here there be Monsters is why chose gothic romance. THIS BOOK WAS SO SPICY. I had to start by saying that because spice makes up a huge part of this book and it is goooooood. (100% check for triggers bc it’s taboo) While it was spicyyyy, it still managed to keep a really good plot (which I appreciate) with an intricate magic system and plenty of action. There’s witches, mythical creatures, and lots of funny banter between the MC’s. I loved this book!!
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒, 𝐸𝓁𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒾𝓉—𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉, 𝐸𝓁𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑒.”
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒, 𝐸𝓁𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒾𝓉—𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉, 𝐸𝓁𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑒.”
July 24, 2024
This read took me out!! I was so excited for Here There Be Monsters and what I was prepared for…I was not prepared for 🤣. This dark gothic monster romance was one spiccyyyy read but I loved it. I really appreciated the level of plot that was still intertwined with the spice. There’s some research I gotta do after finishing up this read.
If you love why choose, gothic atmosphere, unique magic system, fantasy elements, and dark romance then this is a read for you, but do check the TW/CW, seriously do.
If you love why choose, gothic atmosphere, unique magic system, fantasy elements, and dark romance then this is a read for you, but do check the TW/CW, seriously do.
October 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐦⬛Enemies to Lovers
✨Why Choose
🐦⬛Witchcraft and Gods
✨Very Spicy
🐦⬛Check Tws
✨Paranormal/ Gothic
🐦⬛Antiheroine
Wowza! The spice in this book is on another level! All the Fs and all the Ms. I love paranormal/gothic romance books, this was that vibe completely. I was laughing throughout the entirety of the book. The banter is some of the best I have read in a while. I loved the magic and the mythology! I highly recommend this book!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐦⬛Enemies to Lovers
✨Why Choose
🐦⬛Witchcraft and Gods
✨Very Spicy
🐦⬛Check Tws
✨Paranormal/ Gothic
🐦⬛Antiheroine
Wowza! The spice in this book is on another level! All the Fs and all the Ms. I love paranormal/gothic romance books, this was that vibe completely. I was laughing throughout the entirety of the book. The banter is some of the best I have read in a while. I loved the magic and the mythology! I highly recommend this book!
October 22, 2024
This book was so much fun! It got me out of a reading slump! It’s a why-choose and I loved every character. The FMC was such a badass too! If you like dark fantasy romance & enemies to lovers, then this one might be for you! It’s super spicy and the smut scenes are so good! There were times when it was a silly monster romance time that had me laughing like crazy and then there were times when it was the sweetest story that had me crying g my eyes out. I’d recommend, it’s a goodie! 👍🏻
August 18, 2025
Decent, with a very interesting magic system and world building. I was, however, quite disappointed that Uri, the sapphic love interest was often sidelined in favour of the male love interests. This happens every single time I read one of these why choose books that have mostly male love interests and (1) sapphic one. Beyond frustrating.
July 26, 2024
!!!!! I could not put this book down!!!
I was hooked from the very start with Elsing's ferocity and sass. And of course by her familiar, Uri, who has a sweet tooth for eyeballs and a fun wickedness that I instantly loved. But then...the plot thickens as she is saved from certain death and brought into the Mountain Gods lair. This is when things get SPICY. And let me tell you, it was one of the hottest books I have ever read. 100% this is going to be my top recommendation for RH, spicy, kinks with top notch plot and writing. This book has it all. A complete masterpiece, NO NOTES! Now to impatiently wait for the next book because I need more!!
I was hooked from the very start with Elsing's ferocity and sass. And of course by her familiar, Uri, who has a sweet tooth for eyeballs and a fun wickedness that I instantly loved. But then...the plot thickens as she is saved from certain death and brought into the Mountain Gods lair. This is when things get SPICY. And let me tell you, it was one of the hottest books I have ever read. 100% this is going to be my top recommendation for RH, spicy, kinks with top notch plot and writing. This book has it all. A complete masterpiece, NO NOTES! Now to impatiently wait for the next book because I need more!!
July 13, 2024
This is the dirtiest of the dirty smutty books I have ever read and I I LOVED IT !!!!! EC Garrett does it again!!!
January 2, 2026
This was some of the BEST monster smut! You get why choose, plot, monsters, what more could a girl ask for? Can’t wait for book 2!
July 18, 2024
This was my first book by E. C. Garrett and it's definitely a spicy one! Check the TW if needed, but this book is full of unexpected twists and I loved it! This is a perfect mix of dark romance, fantasy, and also some horror! Add in some good banter and I couldn't resist!
Thank you so much to E.C. Garrett for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own!
Thank you so much to E.C. Garrett for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own!
July 15, 2024
Here There Be Monsters is my first read by this author, and I can safely say this will not be my last.
I appreciated Garrett's storytelling and their ability to snag my attention from the beginning. I have found that certain books containing similar themes feel bogged down or repetitive. I did not think that while reading this book.
Each of the main characters had their own unique personality and a pivotal part in the plot, making it feel complete. A bonus was the genuine use of lgbtqia+ representation.
Also, I normally don't mention spice in my reviews since everyone enjoys it differently, but this book is deliciously spicy in every way. * chefs kiss *
I will definitely be looking for the next book when it is released and in the meantime, I will be seeking out other stories by this author.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
I appreciated Garrett's storytelling and their ability to snag my attention from the beginning. I have found that certain books containing similar themes feel bogged down or repetitive. I did not think that while reading this book.
Each of the main characters had their own unique personality and a pivotal part in the plot, making it feel complete. A bonus was the genuine use of lgbtqia+ representation.
Also, I normally don't mention spice in my reviews since everyone enjoys it differently, but this book is deliciously spicy in every way. * chefs kiss *
I will definitely be looking for the next book when it is released and in the meantime, I will be seeking out other stories by this author.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
July 16, 2024
Dark, mysterious, and violent but super spicy our heroine and her monsters are a match made in ...well, not heaven but definitely not hell either. If you enjoy Nikki St. Crowe's The Viscous Lost Boys series you'll like Here The Be Monsters.
We're all monsters on the inside 😘
We're all monsters on the inside 😘
June 21, 2024
E.C. Garrett can do it ALL! Here There Be Monsters is instantly one of my favorite why choose reads of all time. This dark romantasy is perfect for fans of Aiden Pierce, Dakota Wilde, and Karlee Berrios.
I loved everything about this! There's a lot of genres being infused together to develop this storyline. You have horror, fantasy, and dark romance. There are nods to medieval history and religion through the concept of the Mountain Gods and the alternative reality that is Republica Helvetorum. The distribution of plot to spice and the development of the overall storyline is just the right amount! There are so many elements at play in HTBM and it is all written out beautifully.
HTBM is S.P.I.C.Y. This is an MMMFF romance that includes blood play, shadow-like tendrils, voyeurism, d/s dynamics, exhibitionism, and lots of sharing! Each person in this relationship is supernatural and jaw-dropping gorgeous. I love all of the characters and how they are introduced to our FMC Elsing. There is also a healthy dose of banter! Elsing refuses to go down without a fight and gives these gods a run for their money.
Here There Be Monsters is an instant hit! You will want to read this the second it releases. Thank you so so much to E.C. Garrett for gifting me an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
I loved everything about this! There's a lot of genres being infused together to develop this storyline. You have horror, fantasy, and dark romance. There are nods to medieval history and religion through the concept of the Mountain Gods and the alternative reality that is Republica Helvetorum. The distribution of plot to spice and the development of the overall storyline is just the right amount! There are so many elements at play in HTBM and it is all written out beautifully.
HTBM is S.P.I.C.Y. This is an MMMFF romance that includes blood play, shadow-like tendrils, voyeurism, d/s dynamics, exhibitionism, and lots of sharing! Each person in this relationship is supernatural and jaw-dropping gorgeous. I love all of the characters and how they are introduced to our FMC Elsing. There is also a healthy dose of banter! Elsing refuses to go down without a fight and gives these gods a run for their money.
Here There Be Monsters is an instant hit! You will want to read this the second it releases. Thank you so so much to E.C. Garrett for gifting me an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2024
Here There Be Monsters is dark and smutty and surprisingly heartfelt. I adore all the characters in this dark and beautiful RH tale.
Elsing is a snarky, strong beautifully flawed protagonist. Nerethus is equal parts sweet and possessive. Trystan is a loveable goofball. Urial is delightful. Aleksander is beautifully broody.
In the midst of all the banter, sexy times and bickering, E C. Garrett drops one of the best descriptions of grief I have read when Elsing discusses a lost love with Aleksander. "It never gets any easier, does it?" I ask...."No. It doesn't. But life goes on. The world continues to spin. The pain never leaves. It never grows smaller, but over time, we grow around it. The sharpness of grief will dull as the years pass. Never gone, but softer, somehow."
Elsing is a snarky, strong beautifully flawed protagonist. Nerethus is equal parts sweet and possessive. Trystan is a loveable goofball. Urial is delightful. Aleksander is beautifully broody.
In the midst of all the banter, sexy times and bickering, E C. Garrett drops one of the best descriptions of grief I have read when Elsing discusses a lost love with Aleksander. "It never gets any easier, does it?" I ask...."No. It doesn't. But life goes on. The world continues to spin. The pain never leaves. It never grows smaller, but over time, we grow around it. The sharpness of grief will dull as the years pass. Never gone, but softer, somehow."
June 28, 2024
Here There be Monsters by EC Garrett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read! Elsing Wylder and all of the monster gods were so much fun to read! The chemistry between characters was off the charts and I really enjoyed the dynamics of it all!
I also really loved the creatures we met throughout the story, especially Uri and Noctis! 😍
Special thank you to the author for allowing me to read an arc of Here There be Monsters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read! Elsing Wylder and all of the monster gods were so much fun to read! The chemistry between characters was off the charts and I really enjoyed the dynamics of it all!
I also really loved the creatures we met throughout the story, especially Uri and Noctis! 😍
Special thank you to the author for allowing me to read an arc of Here There be Monsters!
July 16, 2024
As always please read all content warnings before you read.
This book. This book was freaking amazing!
Here There Be Monsters is a gothic, monster romance that was dark, spooky, but also had moments where I was laughing so much. (Looking at you Trystan.)
Elsing was such a kickbutt, sassy, ,but beautifully broken FMC that had me just rooting for her through the whole book. Reading her pov and finally seeing what made her who she is, made me just want the best for her and made her such a complex character.
I loved our monster men. Not going to say too much cause I want you to experience meeting the men yourself. But I will say the Dragon and Death are tied as my favorites, but I still loved the Griffin. He made me laugh out loud so much.
The plot and what was going on behind the scenes had me on the edge of my seat and just gasping! This truly was just a riveting, gothic story that had me in its chokehold.
Go check out Here There Be Monsters by EC Garrett! You will not regret it! And thank you to EC Garrett for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book.
This book. This book was freaking amazing!
Here There Be Monsters is a gothic, monster romance that was dark, spooky, but also had moments where I was laughing so much. (Looking at you Trystan.)
Elsing was such a kickbutt, sassy, ,but beautifully broken FMC that had me just rooting for her through the whole book. Reading her pov and finally seeing what made her who she is, made me just want the best for her and made her such a complex character.
I loved our monster men. Not going to say too much cause I want you to experience meeting the men yourself. But I will say the Dragon and Death are tied as my favorites, but I still loved the Griffin. He made me laugh out loud so much.
The plot and what was going on behind the scenes had me on the edge of my seat and just gasping! This truly was just a riveting, gothic story that had me in its chokehold.
Go check out Here There Be Monsters by EC Garrett! You will not regret it! And thank you to EC Garrett for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book.
July 24, 2024
Whooo!!! This was SPICY spicy! I was so caught up in the smut I kinda forgot what the plot was until the plot twist that totally threw me off! The banter between Uriel and Trystan was my fav! I couldn’t get enough of Death’s constant brooding and dominance! Dom shadow daddy for sure! The gentle giant Nerethus was so sweet! I was swooning for all the men! But boy can this author write smut! Some of the best smexy scenes I have read in a long time! So super excited for the next book since it left off in the biggest cliffhanger ever!
July 3, 2024
The spice? Spicin. The female rage? Ragin. Did I mention the spice? Cause 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 20, 2024
Wow. This book was an adventure! It is funny, nerve-wracking, emotional, surprising, and an overall really good time.
The FMC, Elsing, is a total badass. She's feisty, sarcastic, and mean-in the best way. The MMC's are sexy, funny, brutal but also gentle. I genuinely loved every main character. The way they are written really makes them come to life while you read. You find yourself rooting for them all, even when they're in the wrong.
The world is well built and feels very real. The entire plot moves incredibly well, fast paced enough to keep you on your toes but not do fast you miss important details.
And the spice. The SPICE. Oh my gods, was it spicing. It's hotttt.
Looking for a spice-heavy fantasy story about monsters and magic? Look no further. This is it.
The FMC, Elsing, is a total badass. She's feisty, sarcastic, and mean-in the best way. The MMC's are sexy, funny, brutal but also gentle. I genuinely loved every main character. The way they are written really makes them come to life while you read. You find yourself rooting for them all, even when they're in the wrong.
The world is well built and feels very real. The entire plot moves incredibly well, fast paced enough to keep you on your toes but not do fast you miss important details.
And the spice. The SPICE. Oh my gods, was it spicing. It's hotttt.
Looking for a spice-heavy fantasy story about monsters and magic? Look no further. This is it.
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