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MONOMANIAC: Hauntings. Vengeance. Devotion.
In this gothic, dark romance, Raphaella Carver weaves the tale of a love that transcends Life and Death.
A woman with a gothic soul consorting with the dead.
A man with an untamable spirit executing his revenge.
What will come into existence when his obsession meets her absolution?
Throughout the entirety of her life, Ophelia Grimes has been familiar with death. Be it suffered at the hands of her bloodline, an ill-fated victim forgotten in a dusty file, or even her own, before a spiritual awakening. But no haunting or omen could have prepared her for him - the mysterious man who will steal her blood, her nights, and ultimately the veil that keeps her hidden from the affairs of the living.
Life, as Dante Malfermo knows it, is grim and immoral; his existence, a mission to avenge the memory of a past that now lies buried six feet under. However, no pact with the basement of the being could have prepared him for meeting the same phantom eyes that haunted his nights for years, along with the marrow of his blackened soul, and ultimately those that gave him meaning when all was lost.
A love born in tragedy is about to mature in blood, and both are powerless to resist its maddening roots. Especially when death follows close behind.
A woman with a gothic soul consorting with the dead.
A man with an untamable spirit executing his revenge.
What will come into existence when his obsession meets her absolution?
Throughout the entirety of her life, Ophelia Grimes has been familiar with death. Be it suffered at the hands of her bloodline, an ill-fated victim forgotten in a dusty file, or even her own, before a spiritual awakening. But no haunting or omen could have prepared her for him - the mysterious man who will steal her blood, her nights, and ultimately the veil that keeps her hidden from the affairs of the living.
Life, as Dante Malfermo knows it, is grim and immoral; his existence, a mission to avenge the memory of a past that now lies buried six feet under. However, no pact with the basement of the being could have prepared him for meeting the same phantom eyes that haunted his nights for years, along with the marrow of his blackened soul, and ultimately those that gave him meaning when all was lost.
A love born in tragedy is about to mature in blood, and both are powerless to resist its maddening roots. Especially when death follows close behind.
475 pages, Paperback
Published September 11, 2024
68 people are currently reading
1284 people want to read
About the author
Raphaella Carver
2 books25 followersRaphaella Carver is a romance author and poet who revels in crafting stories where love knows no mortal limit, devotion defies the boundaries of life and death, and desire is as perilous as it is irresistible.
Her tales are rich with gothic undertones, steeped in haunting beauty and emotional depth. With a voice both poetic and unflinchingly raw, she draws readers into shadowed worlds where love transcends and endures beyond time and reason.
Her tales are rich with gothic undertones, steeped in haunting beauty and emotional depth. With a voice both poetic and unflinchingly raw, she draws readers into shadowed worlds where love transcends and endures beyond time and reason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 17, 2024
The first half was rlly good then it started to lose its shine, becoming quite repetitive. I had to put it down for a whole month before I forced myself to pick it back up. Still enjoyed it but wasn’t perfect.
I think the author tried to give off that soul shattering earth melting world tilting kinda soulmatery and in a sense it worked but marginally since I disconnected halfway. It just felt a little forced. At the start it was playing out like it was gna be some epic mate typa love but it was a bit average and didn’t rlly deliver what I was expecting. It was too obscure for my liking.
Not to say I didn’t like the characters, I did but I just couldn’t connect as deeply with their “soulmatery” as I would have preferred.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
I AM SO FCKING EXCITEDDDD THIS HAS BEEN MY MOST ANTICIPATED READ AND ITS FINALLY HERE AAHHHHH 🗣️🗣️
I think the author tried to give off that soul shattering earth melting world tilting kinda soulmatery and in a sense it worked but marginally since I disconnected halfway. It just felt a little forced. At the start it was playing out like it was gna be some epic mate typa love but it was a bit average and didn’t rlly deliver what I was expecting. It was too obscure for my liking.
Not to say I didn’t like the characters, I did but I just couldn’t connect as deeply with their “soulmatery” as I would have preferred.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
I AM SO FCKING EXCITEDDDD THIS HAS BEEN MY MOST ANTICIPATED READ AND ITS FINALLY HERE AAHHHHH 🗣️🗣️
August 30, 2024
~ ranting: 4 ☆
~ spice: 2 🌶
arc review
I really liked the premise of this book. The writing is so intrinsic and complex but also beautifully poetic, even tho it felt too much sometimes.
Dante and Ophelia were something else entirely. Their relationship was peculiar, but very interesting to read. I really liked that Ophelia had those occult powers that helped discovered the crimes, that was so cool lol. And Dante was a hOT mess morally gray man. The way they were super obsessed and would protect each other no matter what >>>>> soulmates.
This book is definitely perfect for spooky season, because if you're looking for something that's gothic, dark, mysterious and intriguing you're in for a ride. Also if you loved Gothikana by RuNyx, then you'll love this one. For a debut novel, Raphaella outdid herself!
“Give me your deathly shadows, I'll give you life.”
Tropes:
Dark gothic romance
Paranormal/gothic themes
Dual POV
Psychic FMC
Masked morally grey MMC
Murder mystery
He falls first
Obsession with lots of spice!
Fated lovers
Touch her and die
~ spice: 2 🌶
arc review
I really liked the premise of this book. The writing is so intrinsic and complex but also beautifully poetic, even tho it felt too much sometimes.
Dante and Ophelia were something else entirely. Their relationship was peculiar, but very interesting to read. I really liked that Ophelia had those occult powers that helped discovered the crimes, that was so cool lol. And Dante was a hOT mess morally gray man. The way they were super obsessed and would protect each other no matter what >>>>> soulmates.
This book is definitely perfect for spooky season, because if you're looking for something that's gothic, dark, mysterious and intriguing you're in for a ride. Also if you loved Gothikana by RuNyx, then you'll love this one. For a debut novel, Raphaella outdid herself!
“Give me your deathly shadows, I'll give you life.”
Tropes:
Dark gothic romance
Paranormal/gothic themes
Dual POV
Psychic FMC
Masked morally grey MMC
Murder mystery
He falls first
Obsession with lots of spice!
Fated lovers
Touch her and die
October 21, 2024
Despite the grandiloquent vocabulary, this book is still a tedious slog.
August 30, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book was dark. It was poetic. It was suspenseful. All of those elements intertwined with a seductive, tantalizing, and immersive romance made for a fantastic read.
If you love books with paranormal activity, murder investigations, broody possessive MMCs, an outcast introverted FMC, atmospheric writing, and whose stories have you questioning humanity and morality, this is a book for you.
Dante and Ophelia are perfection. Both with tragic pasts, both with a questionable moral compass and completely immersed in one another. I love their mutual pining and how their stories are intertwined.
While the story was slower-paced at times, I never felt like it dragged along because of its atmospheric prose. I enjoyed every part of my reading experience for this wonderful debut.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was dark. It was poetic. It was suspenseful. All of those elements intertwined with a seductive, tantalizing, and immersive romance made for a fantastic read.
If you love books with paranormal activity, murder investigations, broody possessive MMCs, an outcast introverted FMC, atmospheric writing, and whose stories have you questioning humanity and morality, this is a book for you.
Dante and Ophelia are perfection. Both with tragic pasts, both with a questionable moral compass and completely immersed in one another. I love their mutual pining and how their stories are intertwined.
While the story was slower-paced at times, I never felt like it dragged along because of its atmospheric prose. I enjoyed every part of my reading experience for this wonderful debut.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2024
Monomaniac by Raphaella Carver (ARC)
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes:
Morally Grey MMC
Psychic/Medium FMC
Gothic Dark Romance
Touch her & 💀
Mutual Obsession/Worshipping
“I will be her remedy, mend all that was undone, be the balm to her wounds, while ruining her in the most decadent and profound way.”
First, i wanna say thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! it was truly beautiful and i am obsessed.
I feel like there is only two words to describe this book: hauntingly beautiful. it was poetic and insanely detailed that at times, i felt like i was living the story instead of just reading it.
this is a story of two lost souls who finally find each other years after their first meeting. the love between ophelia and dante is unmatched. it is beautiful & unlike any i’ve read before. it is a story of two people who have been through absolute hell and finally find peace within each other.
have you ever read poetic spice?? cause i haven’t but thats exactly what this was. And i loved every second of it.
“I believe he is writing poetry on my skin”
i loved the gothic and dark vibes of the book. it was truly incredible and the amount of detail that was put into it is insane. I also really loved the addition of the Italian mixed in with the rest of the book. It made it even more beautiful, now i wanna be called “mia cara” 😩
the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, it was intense & suspenseful. overall, i really liked this book and am excited to read more from this author!
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes:
Morally Grey MMC
Psychic/Medium FMC
Gothic Dark Romance
Touch her & 💀
Mutual Obsession/Worshipping
“I will be her remedy, mend all that was undone, be the balm to her wounds, while ruining her in the most decadent and profound way.”
First, i wanna say thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! it was truly beautiful and i am obsessed.
I feel like there is only two words to describe this book: hauntingly beautiful. it was poetic and insanely detailed that at times, i felt like i was living the story instead of just reading it.
this is a story of two lost souls who finally find each other years after their first meeting. the love between ophelia and dante is unmatched. it is beautiful & unlike any i’ve read before. it is a story of two people who have been through absolute hell and finally find peace within each other.
have you ever read poetic spice?? cause i haven’t but thats exactly what this was. And i loved every second of it.
“I believe he is writing poetry on my skin”
i loved the gothic and dark vibes of the book. it was truly incredible and the amount of detail that was put into it is insane. I also really loved the addition of the Italian mixed in with the rest of the book. It made it even more beautiful, now i wanna be called “mia cara” 😩
the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, it was intense & suspenseful. overall, i really liked this book and am excited to read more from this author!
September 29, 2024
Oh. My. God. This is masterpiece. The fact that this is her debut novel is CRAZY. *Chefs kiss*
I will now be stalking Raphaella Carver's social media for any new book and content she puts out. It feels like she was born to write. As though she has been a writer through all of her lives and this book is just bearing witness to her talent.
The macabre, gothic atmosphere was amazing. The poetry woven into the words was absolute perfection.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"After all, I known in my bones that she is the wine to my bread, and I am famished to have her both in flesh and in dire need to possess her further than the soul"
"I would give her my blood right now This moment - every last drop of it, if she would let me live under her skin, until I become as vital a part of her as she became my oxygen."
"Should I pray for my soul for letting him possess me in such a way?"
"There's no hiding place secluded enough for me not to un-earth you and make you mine in every lifetime"
These two took soulmates to a whole new level and I am here for it.
I will now be stalking Raphaella Carver's social media for any new book and content she puts out. It feels like she was born to write. As though she has been a writer through all of her lives and this book is just bearing witness to her talent.
The macabre, gothic atmosphere was amazing. The poetry woven into the words was absolute perfection.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"After all, I known in my bones that she is the wine to my bread, and I am famished to have her both in flesh and in dire need to possess her further than the soul"
"I would give her my blood right now This moment - every last drop of it, if she would let me live under her skin, until I become as vital a part of her as she became my oxygen."
"Should I pray for my soul for letting him possess me in such a way?"
"There's no hiding place secluded enough for me not to un-earth you and make you mine in every lifetime"
These two took soulmates to a whole new level and I am here for it.
September 1, 2024
this was an ARC and i had to DNF on the second or third chapter. book sounded amazing but the writing style is TOO poetic and lyrical for me. i wanted to read a book, not a 500-page poem. i just couldn’t stand it, it was insufferable 😅 i think i would’ve loved this if the writing style was toned down a bit.
September 17, 2024
DNF (I’m so so sorry to rate it this low but I really can’t with the writing style😭 The excessive focus on inner thoughts, forced dialogue, and overly poetic language make it difficult to understand. If this book belonged to a different genre that wasn't romance, I would believe it would suit just fine. The gothic mysterious vibe is cool, but I still can't stand the writing style.)
October 12, 2024
the writing was too much
November 3, 2024
Where do I even start.
This whole book is an inner monologue.
The WHOLE THING. Two different view points but both are literally the thought process of the two main characters.
The premise of this book is great but the storyline is weak as hell. The author spends so much time on unnecessary flowery descriptions that she misses whole chunks of detail that I personally feel would be much more relevant.
The scene on the ledge. How did they have so much room?
Why is the thrusting “into” her if he’s not?
How did we get from standing on the ledge to lying on it? How can it be so easily manoeuvred on if he’s afraid she’s gonna drop to death off it?
How the fuck is he licking her through a mask?!
It’s so unclear.
The register was unnatural especially when the author continually misspells words like “marrow” as “morrow”. At one point she says Dante “thick”s something off a list.
The whole book is contrived as shit.
The spelling errors are a complete put off
The storyline is buried under absolute bullshit declarations that make you forget where in hells name you are in the plot.
The ancilliary characters are pointless.
And if I read one more book where a kick to the stomach scars a woman’s womb to the point of infertility I will sue the author for inaccuracy.
The womb is inside the pelvis. It’s a pelvic organ.
Unless he battered her to death broke her pelvis and used the bone fragments to etch the tits off the inside of her womb a fucking kick to the guts won’t render you infertile.
Women authors. I expect this shit from men. Step the pussy up and read a goddamn A&P book before you talk shit about medical realities.
Side bar I cannot believe it took me four days to read this book.
I just read another book the same length in two days.
That is how difficult this shit was to read. It took me TWICE as long as normal to read it because the dialogue is just so completely and utterly tiresome.
This whole book is an inner monologue.
The WHOLE THING. Two different view points but both are literally the thought process of the two main characters.
The premise of this book is great but the storyline is weak as hell. The author spends so much time on unnecessary flowery descriptions that she misses whole chunks of detail that I personally feel would be much more relevant.
The scene on the ledge. How did they have so much room?
Why is the thrusting “into” her if he’s not?
How did we get from standing on the ledge to lying on it? How can it be so easily manoeuvred on if he’s afraid she’s gonna drop to death off it?
How the fuck is he licking her through a mask?!
It’s so unclear.
The register was unnatural especially when the author continually misspells words like “marrow” as “morrow”. At one point she says Dante “thick”s something off a list.
The whole book is contrived as shit.
The spelling errors are a complete put off
The storyline is buried under absolute bullshit declarations that make you forget where in hells name you are in the plot.
The ancilliary characters are pointless.
And if I read one more book where a kick to the stomach scars a woman’s womb to the point of infertility I will sue the author for inaccuracy.
The womb is inside the pelvis. It’s a pelvic organ.
Unless he battered her to death broke her pelvis and used the bone fragments to etch the tits off the inside of her womb a fucking kick to the guts won’t render you infertile.
Women authors. I expect this shit from men. Step the pussy up and read a goddamn A&P book before you talk shit about medical realities.
Side bar I cannot believe it took me four days to read this book.
I just read another book the same length in two days.
That is how difficult this shit was to read. It took me TWICE as long as normal to read it because the dialogue is just so completely and utterly tiresome.
August 26, 2024
This book healed my soul
Ophelia and Dante have my heart, not that they need it when they have each other.
The story, emotions, and pace are just perfection. I waited a long time for this book, and I knew it would be good, but now I'm devastated that it is over.
If my memory was ever erased, I would come back to experience this book again.
Thank you, Raphaella, for this masterpiece
Ophelia and Dante have my heart, not that they need it when they have each other.
The story, emotions, and pace are just perfection. I waited a long time for this book, and I knew it would be good, but now I'm devastated that it is over.
If my memory was ever erased, I would come back to experience this book again.
Thank you, Raphaella, for this masterpiece
August 28, 2024
Monomaniac is an meticulously crafted, emotionally driven story which makes you stop every minute so that you can admire the achingly beautiful writing.
Reading Monomaniac gave me a mundane feeling. It's so lonely, yet so chaos at the same time. The emotion takes so much of my energy and in a good way.
Dante and Ophelia. Their thrill, their intimacy, everything about them is so religious. Their is a sense of erotism in the book, in the way every sentence is written. So beautiful. I don't think I have any better word to describe this book but, Beautiful.
Monomaniac is Painstakingly Beautiful. Beautiful in a way that it hurts you knowing you are never going to experience these emotions with anyone. Beautiful in a way that it makes you realise you are never going to find someone who will engrave themselves till the marrow of your bones. Beautiful in a way you know no one will touch your soul like they touch your body.
Reading Monomaniac gave me a mundane feeling. It's so lonely, yet so chaos at the same time. The emotion takes so much of my energy and in a good way.
Dante and Ophelia. Their thrill, their intimacy, everything about them is so religious. Their is a sense of erotism in the book, in the way every sentence is written. So beautiful. I don't think I have any better word to describe this book but, Beautiful.
Monomaniac is Painstakingly Beautiful. Beautiful in a way that it hurts you knowing you are never going to experience these emotions with anyone. Beautiful in a way that it makes you realise you are never going to find someone who will engrave themselves till the marrow of your bones. Beautiful in a way you know no one will touch your soul like they touch your body.
October 17, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 3.5/5
POV: 1st; dual
Tropes: Dark/Gothic CR Romance; Instalove; Forced Proximity; Alpha/Obsessed MMC; Paranormal - medium FMC; Strangers to Lovers; CR/Human Fated Mates; Stalking;
Heat Level: 5+/5
Kinks: Erotica Asphyxiation; biting; blood
Likes:
* Whew the whole suspense/mystery aspect of this book is so good! I felt like I was reading about a real serial killer. Super realistic and creepy
* I do like the FMC and the MMC but I could've liked them better if the writing style was a bit different
Dislikes:
* the writing style - literally every word out of the MC's mouth was poetry deep shit and it started getting really old.
Conclusion:
This book had a huge potential to be a 5 star read and it's the author debute!
However, the writing style... it's rough. Every single word and thought (so basically the whole damn plot) is some sort of poetic, big words, hard to follow, imagery. Even the sex scenes. It really started to get old. I just wanted them to think normally at least one time! The mmc did a few times but when he wasn't with the FMC. When he was with the her we were back to just a bunch of my soul is your soul and our soul is one lol. The FMC never left this poetic talk.
Outside of the writing style the plot points were really good. The FMC, Ophelia, is a physic/medium and the MMC, Dante, is a multi-generational art/museum type stuff thief. They both have tragic things that happen to them in their teens and Dante sees Ophelia at a certain place and it's immediately love at first site/human fated mates. He then has to leave from where he sees her and years go by with him never seeing her, doesn't know her name, etc. Then fate brings them back together and not in a good circumstance. From there he stalks her a bit and then it's basically instalove because after her allowing him to stalk her (she's very aware of it) for a week they get together. From there the book is half suspense as they try to get a serial killer and the other half poetic shit about their souls being one.
So because the suspense and gothic parts of the book were really good i'm giving this an average rating. If that part had lacked in the book this would not have been good at all. If she writes more books I'll give it a try, I just hope she makes some changes to her writing style.
3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5
POV: 1st; dual
Tropes: Dark/Gothic CR Romance; Instalove; Forced Proximity; Alpha/Obsessed MMC; Paranormal - medium FMC; Strangers to Lovers; CR/Human Fated Mates; Stalking;
Heat Level: 5+/5
Kinks: Erotica Asphyxiation; biting; blood
Likes:
* Whew the whole suspense/mystery aspect of this book is so good! I felt like I was reading about a real serial killer. Super realistic and creepy
* I do like the FMC and the MMC but I could've liked them better if the writing style was a bit different
Dislikes:
* the writing style - literally every word out of the MC's mouth was poetry deep shit and it started getting really old.
Conclusion:
This book had a huge potential to be a 5 star read and it's the author debute!
However, the writing style... it's rough. Every single word and thought (so basically the whole damn plot) is some sort of poetic, big words, hard to follow, imagery. Even the sex scenes. It really started to get old. I just wanted them to think normally at least one time! The mmc did a few times but when he wasn't with the FMC. When he was with the her we were back to just a bunch of my soul is your soul and our soul is one lol. The FMC never left this poetic talk.
Outside of the writing style the plot points were really good. The FMC, Ophelia, is a physic/medium and the MMC, Dante, is a multi-generational art/museum type stuff thief. They both have tragic things that happen to them in their teens and Dante sees Ophelia at a certain place and it's immediately love at first site/human fated mates. He then has to leave from where he sees her and years go by with him never seeing her, doesn't know her name, etc. Then fate brings them back together and not in a good circumstance. From there he stalks her a bit and then it's basically instalove because after her allowing him to stalk her (she's very aware of it) for a week they get together. From there the book is half suspense as they try to get a serial killer and the other half poetic shit about their souls being one.
So because the suspense and gothic parts of the book were really good i'm giving this an average rating. If that part had lacked in the book this would not have been good at all. If she writes more books I'll give it a try, I just hope she makes some changes to her writing style.
3.5/5
November 14, 2024
Esta historia me gustó bastante.
Aunque tanto diálogo interno no fue mi top. 🤔
Aunque tanto diálogo interno no fue mi top. 🤔
August 28, 2024
thank you so much raphaella for giving me the opportunity to arc read your debut !! this was unlike anything i’ve ever read before and it will forever follow me. your writing style is elegant and so poetic. i’m so excited for more 🖤
this was so hauntingly beautiful. the gothic twist and poetic words throughout this book had me flipping the pages nonstop. this story is devastating, traumatic, dark, and heart wrenching. from the very beginning i was entranced by both ophelia and dante 💋 the way i basically have this whole book highlighted should already have you running to go read it besties !!
ophelia is such a strong and independent woman. she is a missing persons’ investigator who connects with the dead, a spiritual medium. with these gifts, she is able to find missing victims and hope to bring some closure to their families. she is so fascinating. how she sees the world and the people in it, is so different from any other fmc i’ve read. underneath her hard exterior, she is a sensitive and compassionate soul who finds peace in being alone, but feeling lonely is another type of hurt. she craves a deeper connection with one’s soul. i saw a lot of myself in her 🪽
dante is a man filled with rage and out for revenge. when his eyes lands on ophelia at an event, he suddenly felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. he felt like he could breathe again whenever he’s near her. and when he finds out the same man that he’s been hunting has just captured his obsession … all heII breaks loose !! this man would burn the world down for her. the things he said about her just had me CRUMBLING 🫠 he knew from that invisible line pulling them together all those years, that they are forever. and plus he’s masked so, you already know i went FERAL !!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
this was so hauntingly beautiful. the gothic twist and poetic words throughout this book had me flipping the pages nonstop. this story is devastating, traumatic, dark, and heart wrenching. from the very beginning i was entranced by both ophelia and dante 💋 the way i basically have this whole book highlighted should already have you running to go read it besties !!
ophelia is such a strong and independent woman. she is a missing persons’ investigator who connects with the dead, a spiritual medium. with these gifts, she is able to find missing victims and hope to bring some closure to their families. she is so fascinating. how she sees the world and the people in it, is so different from any other fmc i’ve read. underneath her hard exterior, she is a sensitive and compassionate soul who finds peace in being alone, but feeling lonely is another type of hurt. she craves a deeper connection with one’s soul. i saw a lot of myself in her 🪽
dante is a man filled with rage and out for revenge. when his eyes lands on ophelia at an event, he suddenly felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. he felt like he could breathe again whenever he’s near her. and when he finds out the same man that he’s been hunting has just captured his obsession … all heII breaks loose !! this man would burn the world down for her. the things he said about her just had me CRUMBLING 🫠 he knew from that invisible line pulling them together all those years, that they are forever. and plus he’s masked so, you already know i went FERAL !!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 28, 2024
Enigmatic, hauntingly-beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking, and passionate – this story has it all.
Raphaella, congratulations on an absolutely breathtaking debut novel.
I feel exhausted in the best way after reading the heart wrenching, soul -deep love story of Dante and Ophelia. Raphaella’s writing is reminiscent of when I used to pick up an Edgar Allen Poe story or something darker with a poetic and lyrical writing style. Her writing is so unique compared to most of the romance genre, and I loved that it was a break from my norm.
Ophelia and Dante’s love story is transcendent. It is unlike anything I’ve ever read, to be quite honest. Call me dramatic, but that’s how I feel. The trials and tribulations these two endured as children, young adults, and well into adulthood are unfathomable… But when they finally unite and find strength in each other’s arms – the moment is priceless.
Raphaella weaves a complex backstory for both our FMC and MMC, and I was so impressed with how their fates aligned and the webs of their lives became entangled.
Ophelia is our resilient recluse – solving some of the most difficult missing persons cases with her otherworldly abilities. And Dante- our brilliant, troubled soul of a man – he is without a doubt the missing puzzle piece to Ophelia’s life story. Dante is fierce, loyal, and haunted by his past for which he seeks revenge. The two together are a force to be reckoned with. And though their love story is wrought with turmoil and hardships, true love conquers all, doesn’t it?
Raphaella, congratulations on an absolutely breathtaking debut novel.
I feel exhausted in the best way after reading the heart wrenching, soul -deep love story of Dante and Ophelia. Raphaella’s writing is reminiscent of when I used to pick up an Edgar Allen Poe story or something darker with a poetic and lyrical writing style. Her writing is so unique compared to most of the romance genre, and I loved that it was a break from my norm.
Ophelia and Dante’s love story is transcendent. It is unlike anything I’ve ever read, to be quite honest. Call me dramatic, but that’s how I feel. The trials and tribulations these two endured as children, young adults, and well into adulthood are unfathomable… But when they finally unite and find strength in each other’s arms – the moment is priceless.
Raphaella weaves a complex backstory for both our FMC and MMC, and I was so impressed with how their fates aligned and the webs of their lives became entangled.
Ophelia is our resilient recluse – solving some of the most difficult missing persons cases with her otherworldly abilities. And Dante- our brilliant, troubled soul of a man – he is without a doubt the missing puzzle piece to Ophelia’s life story. Dante is fierce, loyal, and haunted by his past for which he seeks revenge. The two together are a force to be reckoned with. And though their love story is wrought with turmoil and hardships, true love conquers all, doesn’t it?
August 27, 2024
I want to start off by saying this was NOTHING like anything I've ever read before. It was so poetically written and beautiful.
First things first - it actually wasn't what I expected at all! I saw paranormal & Gothic themes and my brain immediately went to "oh paranormal beings" like vampires etc
And that is not what you get in this book, so that's on me. BUT in saying that I REALLY liked the FMC Ophelia, and as someone who has delved into mediumship and rituals myself and owns a crystal business I was shocked at how accurate some of the things in the book were! I think it showed a huge understanding of that world or some pretty amazing research!
It wasn't a book I was able to read quickly. I felt I needed to read slower and take my time with it and how poetic it is to fully appreciate all of it in all its glory.
Mixed in among all of that is a great character driven plot with a beautiful love story. I also found the paranormal aspects really interesting and would have loved to of seen more of those interactions!
First things first - it actually wasn't what I expected at all! I saw paranormal & Gothic themes and my brain immediately went to "oh paranormal beings" like vampires etc
And that is not what you get in this book, so that's on me. BUT in saying that I REALLY liked the FMC Ophelia, and as someone who has delved into mediumship and rituals myself and owns a crystal business I was shocked at how accurate some of the things in the book were! I think it showed a huge understanding of that world or some pretty amazing research!
It wasn't a book I was able to read quickly. I felt I needed to read slower and take my time with it and how poetic it is to fully appreciate all of it in all its glory.
Mixed in among all of that is a great character driven plot with a beautiful love story. I also found the paranormal aspects really interesting and would have loved to of seen more of those interactions!
August 28, 2024
I honestly don’t have words to describe how haunting beautiful this book is. It’s poetic, dark, and just overall soul consuming.
Monomaniac is a gothic, revenge, murder mystery with a gothic soul who communicates with the dead and an unstoppable man. Both Ophelia and Dante have such a unique and tragic histories but their obsession and love for each other is beautiful and haunting.
When I tell you that I highlighted this whole book, I am not lying. I was giggling and kicking my feet but within the next chapter I was absolutely sobbing or shocked to my core. It was gripping right from the beginning and had me in a chokehold the whole time. I seriously cannot wait for others to experience this.
Thank you so much @authoraphaellacarver for the ARC. It was truly an experience
Monomaniac is a gothic, revenge, murder mystery with a gothic soul who communicates with the dead and an unstoppable man. Both Ophelia and Dante have such a unique and tragic histories but their obsession and love for each other is beautiful and haunting.
When I tell you that I highlighted this whole book, I am not lying. I was giggling and kicking my feet but within the next chapter I was absolutely sobbing or shocked to my core. It was gripping right from the beginning and had me in a chokehold the whole time. I seriously cannot wait for others to experience this.
Thank you so much @authoraphaellacarver for the ARC. It was truly an experience
November 6, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 but the more I think about it the more I want to change it..
Monomaniac was a gothic romance journey. A long, unnecessarily difficult but eventually enjoyable journey.
While I did enjoy the book, my main complaint is the way it was written. The over-the-top and excessive writing style hindered the reading experience. Within the first chapter I found myself already lost and confused. That pretty much remained the theme for the duration of the book due to the overwhelming use of verbose language weighing down the story.
In the authors attempt to make the story feel as profound as possible the result just ended up feeling repetitive and forced. Paragraphs were often annoyingly elaborate and sentences were frequently overloaded with unnecessary details making it difficult to follow and grasp the main plot points.
Overall, the plot and characters were enjoyable. It was the constant over-poeticness and dramatic musings that made the book tedious to read.
Monomaniac was a gothic romance journey. A long, unnecessarily difficult but eventually enjoyable journey.
While I did enjoy the book, my main complaint is the way it was written. The over-the-top and excessive writing style hindered the reading experience. Within the first chapter I found myself already lost and confused. That pretty much remained the theme for the duration of the book due to the overwhelming use of verbose language weighing down the story.
In the authors attempt to make the story feel as profound as possible the result just ended up feeling repetitive and forced. Paragraphs were often annoyingly elaborate and sentences were frequently overloaded with unnecessary details making it difficult to follow and grasp the main plot points.
Overall, the plot and characters were enjoyable. It was the constant over-poeticness and dramatic musings that made the book tedious to read.
April 12, 2025
loved the vibes of this book🖤 it was gothic, poetic, and sexy. yearning x 1000. the flowery writing was a bit much at times but aside from that, it was really good. ophelia is definitely one of my soul characters. i loved her & dante’s love for each other.
September 9, 2024
The poetry and beauty in this writing... wow. It was raw and emotional and, to put it in simpler terms, a masterpiece.
Read
September 9, 2025Need to be in a different mood for this.
DNF.
DNF.
September 4, 2024
This book 😮💨🥀
This gothic, dark romance sucked me into the world of words and obsession.
They both have odd pasts that linked them together & the way they find one another and take care of each others brokenness and the depth of these characters and their love for one another was SO good. 😭
October 10, 2024
2.5 stars
This is why I don’t give premature ratings.
Maybe I’m the problem. I’m very optimistic about anything I find even slightly interesting and that’s why I have so many low rated reads 😀
Quick rapid fire points:
- book should’ve been 300 pages MAX
- the premise was good but the book spends too much time having the characters wax poetic about their feelings and it gets old very fast
- doesn’t really have a gothic or fantasy vibe despite Ophelia’s gift. felt more like a crime thriller
- Dante was cool. Ophelia was cool. I just couldn’t anymore with their conversations.
- definitely needed about 2 rounds of edits. so many mistakes that would take me out of the story
Overall, I enjoyed the first third of the book a lot but then the things I liked about it started to work against the book because it felt like the author didn’t know when to switch gears for certain situations. The whole thing felt like one long winded poem.
This is why I don’t give premature ratings.
Maybe I’m the problem. I’m very optimistic about anything I find even slightly interesting and that’s why I have so many low rated reads 😀
Quick rapid fire points:
- book should’ve been 300 pages MAX
- the premise was good but the book spends too much time having the characters wax poetic about their feelings and it gets old very fast
- doesn’t really have a gothic or fantasy vibe despite Ophelia’s gift. felt more like a crime thriller
- Dante was cool. Ophelia was cool. I just couldn’t anymore with their conversations.
- definitely needed about 2 rounds of edits. so many mistakes that would take me out of the story
Overall, I enjoyed the first third of the book a lot but then the things I liked about it started to work against the book because it felt like the author didn’t know when to switch gears for certain situations. The whole thing felt like one long winded poem.
August 29, 2024
Ohhh, the way I’ve been altered by my experience reading Monomaniac. I’m a lover of dark, moody, gothic, and macabre reads and this is a true GOTHIC ROMANCE read. From the first page you are immediately captivated and sucked into the world and atmosphere Raphaella Carver has created. The writing was phenomenal, beautiful, and soul crushing (in the good way). This is a top read ever for me and I know I won’t get an experience like this again. If you are looking for a true gothic romance, with an odd fmc that is full of emotions and depth, and MMC who would give everything to protect and cherish the fmc, and intense, altering writing…Monomaniac is your read.
December 23, 2024
Magnificent. Splendid. Achingly beautiful.
This book touched me like very few other books did. I haven’t felt a story as deeply as this one in a very long time. It shattered my heart, and put all the fragments back together.
The writing was purely beautiful. Truth be told, I know this style won’t be for everyone, but it made my own experience with this book vastly more profound. It somehow pushed me to take my time, to appreciate each emotion, instead of merely consuming it. I wasn’t just reading words, but instead feeling them, living this story with my heart, and it was incredible.
These characters were majestic. Ophelia is peculiar, and fascinating. Her gift as a medium, and her closeness to the dead rather than living world, gave her this unique vision. How she perceived the world, the people in it and their emotions, was captivating. She is a complex character, with a lot of depth and layers, yet underneath it all, lay a sensitive soul, compassionate, but very lonely. She craves a true connection with another soul, something beyond the superficial ones she has been given.
This is when enter Dante. The soul that complete hers. The man who would burn the world for her. He is a work of art, definitely in his appearance, but more importantly in the way he cherished, loved and protected her. The passion between them was exquisite. Their love was something beyond words, transcending the depth of human spirit. A connection only the soul can comprehend. Absolutely splendid.
But Monomaniac isn’t only a fabulous romance. It also has a wonderful gothic/dark academia atmosphere, a bit macabre, with an intriguing plot. Knowing Ophelia field of work and methods, it gives an interesting paranormal twist.
My experience with this book isn’t something I will, or simply can, forget anytime soon, if not ever. It engraved its mark in my heart, and I can only hope that everyone will appreciate this story as much as I did.
This book touched me like very few other books did. I haven’t felt a story as deeply as this one in a very long time. It shattered my heart, and put all the fragments back together.
The writing was purely beautiful. Truth be told, I know this style won’t be for everyone, but it made my own experience with this book vastly more profound. It somehow pushed me to take my time, to appreciate each emotion, instead of merely consuming it. I wasn’t just reading words, but instead feeling them, living this story with my heart, and it was incredible.
These characters were majestic. Ophelia is peculiar, and fascinating. Her gift as a medium, and her closeness to the dead rather than living world, gave her this unique vision. How she perceived the world, the people in it and their emotions, was captivating. She is a complex character, with a lot of depth and layers, yet underneath it all, lay a sensitive soul, compassionate, but very lonely. She craves a true connection with another soul, something beyond the superficial ones she has been given.
This is when enter Dante. The soul that complete hers. The man who would burn the world for her. He is a work of art, definitely in his appearance, but more importantly in the way he cherished, loved and protected her. The passion between them was exquisite. Their love was something beyond words, transcending the depth of human spirit. A connection only the soul can comprehend. Absolutely splendid.
But Monomaniac isn’t only a fabulous romance. It also has a wonderful gothic/dark academia atmosphere, a bit macabre, with an intriguing plot. Knowing Ophelia field of work and methods, it gives an interesting paranormal twist.
My experience with this book isn’t something I will, or simply can, forget anytime soon, if not ever. It engraved its mark in my heart, and I can only hope that everyone will appreciate this story as much as I did.
August 28, 2024
rate: ★★★★.☆
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Honestly, even though I could’ve easily gobbled up that book all at once, I made myself take my time with it because I didn’t want to finish it too soon. Just from checking out the beautiful design by Raphaella, I knew I’d love this book, and I was right on the money.
"Monomaniac" is super intense and thrilling, with a writing style that’s just captivating and has this poetic vibe. It’s a slow burn that really digs into that deep longing. It feels like a stronger connection to the dead than to the living at times. This book is incredible; it resonates on a whole different level. The plot is engaging, the writing is gorgeous, and the characters are complex — everything just comes together so beautifully. Every line feels like it deserves to be highlighted, and each moment sinks deep into your soul and doesn’t let go. I’m literally left speechless by its sheer beauty. And this is just a debut novel? I can barely express how impressed I am.
The story of Dante and Ophelia is totally consuming and reflective. Their passion has that haunting pain yet also that soothing quality. Their intense love and longing for each other go beyond anything earthly. It’s "inevitable, incessant, irreversible." She’s like a mystic goddess, and he’s a determined, tattooed guy on a quest. They’re tangled up in each other in so many profound ways.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Honestly, even though I could’ve easily gobbled up that book all at once, I made myself take my time with it because I didn’t want to finish it too soon. Just from checking out the beautiful design by Raphaella, I knew I’d love this book, and I was right on the money.
"Monomaniac" is super intense and thrilling, with a writing style that’s just captivating and has this poetic vibe. It’s a slow burn that really digs into that deep longing. It feels like a stronger connection to the dead than to the living at times. This book is incredible; it resonates on a whole different level. The plot is engaging, the writing is gorgeous, and the characters are complex — everything just comes together so beautifully. Every line feels like it deserves to be highlighted, and each moment sinks deep into your soul and doesn’t let go. I’m literally left speechless by its sheer beauty. And this is just a debut novel? I can barely express how impressed I am.
The story of Dante and Ophelia is totally consuming and reflective. Their passion has that haunting pain yet also that soothing quality. Their intense love and longing for each other go beyond anything earthly. It’s "inevitable, incessant, irreversible." She’s like a mystic goddess, and he’s a determined, tattooed guy on a quest. They’re tangled up in each other in so many profound ways.
October 16, 2024
I really wanted to love this, but there were so many spelling/grammatical errors that it constantly drew me out of the story, I DNF’d at 63%
The writing was enjoyable to read at first, but it did feel a bit much at times, I feel like some paragraphs could’ve been shortened or cut altogether and it wouldn’t have changed the overall feel of the story.
I’d definitely give this book another go if it was edited better 🖤
The writing was enjoyable to read at first, but it did feel a bit much at times, I feel like some paragraphs could’ve been shortened or cut altogether and it wouldn’t have changed the overall feel of the story.
I’d definitely give this book another go if it was edited better 🖤
September 5, 2025
Described getting into her apartment for more than two pages.
August 27, 2024
Haunting. Devastating. Mysterious. Tragic. Heavy. Otherworldly. All-Consuming.
Just a few of the words I’d use to describe my experience reading Monomaniac. It’s very rare for me to dive into a dark romance world and be so blown away by the magnitude of its essence… so dark and devastating at times I felt it in my bones. The prose so hauntingly elegant and lyrical that the writing entrenches your soul in between reality and fiction. It reminds me of those dark moments late in the night when deep in thought - lost to the past, the future, the what ifs… where our mind wanders the in between and the weight claws into our chest and keeps us suspended in time.
Monomaniac reaches that level of poetic as it weaves a dark and devastating tale of two people, with traumatic pasts, and the inevitability of their lives becoming one. Ophelia is a spiritual medium whose talents are used to help solve unsolvable mysteries surrounding cold cases and missing girls. Dante is a man doomed to a grim existence having spent the last 13 years enacting a plan of revenge on a man who took everything from him. Outwardly, these two are seemingly opposite sides of the same coin but internally, their darkness was molded for one another and when fate brings their paths together… their entire axis shifts.
Dante and Ophelia have such intriguing voices, their darkness walking hand in hand and awakening the lost parts of themselves they didn’t realize were still there. The connection between them and the way the two fed off of one another sent me into space. The levels of devotion and mutual obsession that these two have for another bleeds from the page and it was hard not to feel that charge coating my skin. I was held in rapture and found myself needing a breather to just stare at the wall, it’s sooo good!
And in the midst of their growing love story, a sinister plot unravels that threatens to shatter their very foundations. And let me tell you, I was holding my breath! If you’re looking for a dark romance with gothic and paranormal tones, murder, mystery, two hurt mc’s with devastating pasts who are utterly obsessed over one another, and writing that transcends the medium… then Monomaniac is a must read!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 3-4/5
⟡ + 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: standalone, dark romance, revenge, trauma, masked + tattooed mc, occult themes, mutual obsession, spice, + more.
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: kidnapping, torture, violence, murder, + more. Please be mindful.
Just a few of the words I’d use to describe my experience reading Monomaniac. It’s very rare for me to dive into a dark romance world and be so blown away by the magnitude of its essence… so dark and devastating at times I felt it in my bones. The prose so hauntingly elegant and lyrical that the writing entrenches your soul in between reality and fiction. It reminds me of those dark moments late in the night when deep in thought - lost to the past, the future, the what ifs… where our mind wanders the in between and the weight claws into our chest and keeps us suspended in time.
Monomaniac reaches that level of poetic as it weaves a dark and devastating tale of two people, with traumatic pasts, and the inevitability of their lives becoming one. Ophelia is a spiritual medium whose talents are used to help solve unsolvable mysteries surrounding cold cases and missing girls. Dante is a man doomed to a grim existence having spent the last 13 years enacting a plan of revenge on a man who took everything from him. Outwardly, these two are seemingly opposite sides of the same coin but internally, their darkness was molded for one another and when fate brings their paths together… their entire axis shifts.
Dante and Ophelia have such intriguing voices, their darkness walking hand in hand and awakening the lost parts of themselves they didn’t realize were still there. The connection between them and the way the two fed off of one another sent me into space. The levels of devotion and mutual obsession that these two have for another bleeds from the page and it was hard not to feel that charge coating my skin. I was held in rapture and found myself needing a breather to just stare at the wall, it’s sooo good!
And in the midst of their growing love story, a sinister plot unravels that threatens to shatter their very foundations. And let me tell you, I was holding my breath! If you’re looking for a dark romance with gothic and paranormal tones, murder, mystery, two hurt mc’s with devastating pasts who are utterly obsessed over one another, and writing that transcends the medium… then Monomaniac is a must read!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 3-4/5
⟡ + 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: standalone, dark romance, revenge, trauma, masked + tattooed mc, occult themes, mutual obsession, spice, + more.
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: kidnapping, torture, violence, murder, + more. Please be mindful.
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