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Men and Monsters #2
Unnatural
A new heart-pounding, suspenseful, and supremely romantic novel from New York Times bestseller Mia Sheridan.
She'd carried her boy made of moonlight in her heart all this time, the driving force that kept her searching, kept her looking for answers even when they seemed impossible to attain.
And he'd carried her with him as well.
Autumn Sterling knows more than she'd like to about pain and survival. As one of only a handful of children who made it to adulthood after being exposed to a horrific drug that swept impoverished communities decades earlier, Autumn is focused on living a full, rich life as a nurse.
And yet, she can't seem to let go of him: the boy she once called her moonlight monster. The boy they tried to convince her was merely a dream brought on by her medications. But how could he be anything but real when she touched him, felt him, made him laugh? When she woke with tangible signs of him still on her skin?
Years later, when Autumn spots that same moonlit hair on a busy city street, her new life turns upside down. The boy, now a man, has suffered on a level even Autumn can't imagine. And it is this anguished soul—Sam, her moonlight monster—who is the link to every question about her past that's ever haunted her.
As a murky picture of cruelty and corruption emerges, it's only Sam who can fully expose an evil too ghastly to comprehend…and it's only Autumn he'll let close enough to his dark and wounded heart to see the truth.
She'd carried her boy made of moonlight in her heart all this time, the driving force that kept her searching, kept her looking for answers even when they seemed impossible to attain.
And he'd carried her with him as well.
Autumn Sterling knows more than she'd like to about pain and survival. As one of only a handful of children who made it to adulthood after being exposed to a horrific drug that swept impoverished communities decades earlier, Autumn is focused on living a full, rich life as a nurse.
And yet, she can't seem to let go of him: the boy she once called her moonlight monster. The boy they tried to convince her was merely a dream brought on by her medications. But how could he be anything but real when she touched him, felt him, made him laugh? When she woke with tangible signs of him still on her skin?
Years later, when Autumn spots that same moonlit hair on a busy city street, her new life turns upside down. The boy, now a man, has suffered on a level even Autumn can't imagine. And it is this anguished soul—Sam, her moonlight monster—who is the link to every question about her past that's ever haunted her.
As a murky picture of cruelty and corruption emerges, it's only Sam who can fully expose an evil too ghastly to comprehend…and it's only Autumn he'll let close enough to his dark and wounded heart to see the truth.
432 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
1211 people are currently reading
6695 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
September 7, 2025
I gave the first book in this series 5 stars, so it’s possible my expectations were too high.
This story reads like a poem that is atmospheric and dreamy. I found the characters flat, and struggled to finish this story. Where was the emotional kick to the heart this author is so well known for?
This book is incredibly soft, considering the subject matter.
Abandoned by their parents, victimized, and horrendously abused by the state. They’d been used as science experiments to enrich others, their innocence exploited, their humanity disregarded.
I was disappointed by the ending. It gives a very solid HFN but the couple is separated until the very end. I wanted to see these two broken souls healing alongside each other. Especially considering the fact that she
This story reads like a poem that is atmospheric and dreamy. I found the characters flat, and struggled to finish this story. Where was the emotional kick to the heart this author is so well known for?
This book is incredibly soft, considering the subject matter.
Abandoned by their parents, victimized, and horrendously abused by the state. They’d been used as science experiments to enrich others, their innocence exploited, their humanity disregarded.
I was disappointed by the ending. It gives a very solid HFN but the couple is separated until the very end. I wanted to see these two broken souls healing alongside each other. Especially considering the fact that she
September 15, 2025
I did enjoy this book. It is the second book in a series, the first being Unwanted. I do believe this works as a stand alone, but reading the first book will bring better clarity. It is in the disturbing world of human experimentation, and the abuse of a marginalized society. Truly terrifying if you think about it.
August 26, 2025
Autumn + Sam
We meet Autumn as a 23 year old stealing some files from her former case worker.
She finally wants to know what happened to her and other kids.
Autumn spent the first 14 years of her life in a hospital. But it wasn't to help heal her.
What happened? Why? And what happened to the beautiful boy she saw at night? Was he real?
And what if she suddenly sees him on the street nine years later?
Can they both fight and win against the bad guys or was there never supposed to be a future for either of them?
══════════════════
Adorable!
And so heartbreaking and sad and ugh. Just beautiful.
Those poor kids. Autumn 'only' spent 14 years locked up in that hospital, but Sam never left. And he had to endure even worse things.
How can those two now live a normal life? And that is only if they survive the bad guys who are after them.
I loved reading this.
I loved the dad and we even see Harper and Jak again - from Unwanted! And FBI agent Mark too - he's still investigating all those cases of lost and abused children.
This was a beautiful and heartbreaking love story.
I loved it. (But Unwanted/Savaged is still my favorite!)
If you haven't read Unwanted yet - do it before reading this one. Both are standalones, but it's set in the same world of horrible 'stuff' and we see Harper and Jak (Lucas) and Mark here, so you might want to meet them in their own book first!
UNNATURAL was such a beautiful + heartbreaking love story. Sweet and sad and adorable and ... just read it!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
August 19, 2025
Heartbreak, angst, mystery and romance with an element of Frankenstein 💔 ❤️
“I made a boy of moonlight, skin of dusk and starlit eyes.”
Autumn Sterling grew up at Mercy Hospital for Children where those that were born with ADHM were being treated. The drugs administered created many side effects of which nocturnal hallucinations were commonplace, particularly when it was a full moon. She created a moonlight monster, but had she imagined him?
Sam was her moonlight monster, and his childhood was nothing but horrific, also growing up at Mercy Hospital for Children.
Autumn is tenacious and unable to let the past lie as she feels questions remain answered. Years later, she spots Sam on the streets of New York and events quickly escalate.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. The story was a literal rollercoaster of emotion interspersed with romance, mystery and suspense. At times the story was quite dark, of which I liked. I enjoyed the uniqueness and complexity of the story and the characters; however, Mia Sheridan writes with a breath of fresh air and lightness that balances this brilliantly. There is so much angst and heartbreak, every reader wants to rush to try and administer first aid to the mental, physical and emotional scars that exist. Every page has you rushing to reach the end to see how events pan out.
Some of my favourite quotes from this novel are:
“I was caught by moonlight himself.”
“How did my mind come up with you?”
“How do you build a temple that takes a hundred years to build?
A:With others. Anything done in love is never finished. It goes on and on, handed from one generation to the next. So all we can do is put our whole heart into the small corner that is ours.”
“How do you conquer time?
A: By not wishing it forward or regretting what is already gone.”
“Hope for the best but expect the worst.”
“You’re standing here on a street corner in New York, twenty three years old and healthy. Nothing is impossible.”
“And loving him was a simple as drawing in air. Just a beautiful moment, as pure and shimmery as the snowflakes that fell. The future was theirs, anything they dared to dream. Anything at all.”
“Not beside her or down the street but somewhere. Somewhere. Still alive, still breathing, still holding her heart carefully in his large calloused hands.”
The story links with the first in the series, Unwanted, however you do not need to have read this first. I am glad I did however, as personally it added even more depth, context and connection between the characters. I really did enjoy the back storyline, interweaving both books in the series very well.
Mia Sheridan is a new author for me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading both ‘Men and Monsters’ books. I am really hoping for more in the series as they are quite unique and very cleverly written. Thank you, I couldn’t recommend it more. Prepare to be swept away!
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Mia Sheridan for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 26 August 2025.
“I made a boy of moonlight, skin of dusk and starlit eyes.”
Autumn Sterling grew up at Mercy Hospital for Children where those that were born with ADHM were being treated. The drugs administered created many side effects of which nocturnal hallucinations were commonplace, particularly when it was a full moon. She created a moonlight monster, but had she imagined him?
Sam was her moonlight monster, and his childhood was nothing but horrific, also growing up at Mercy Hospital for Children.
Autumn is tenacious and unable to let the past lie as she feels questions remain answered. Years later, she spots Sam on the streets of New York and events quickly escalate.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. The story was a literal rollercoaster of emotion interspersed with romance, mystery and suspense. At times the story was quite dark, of which I liked. I enjoyed the uniqueness and complexity of the story and the characters; however, Mia Sheridan writes with a breath of fresh air and lightness that balances this brilliantly. There is so much angst and heartbreak, every reader wants to rush to try and administer first aid to the mental, physical and emotional scars that exist. Every page has you rushing to reach the end to see how events pan out.
Some of my favourite quotes from this novel are:
“I was caught by moonlight himself.”
“How did my mind come up with you?”
“How do you build a temple that takes a hundred years to build?
A:With others. Anything done in love is never finished. It goes on and on, handed from one generation to the next. So all we can do is put our whole heart into the small corner that is ours.”
“How do you conquer time?
A: By not wishing it forward or regretting what is already gone.”
“Hope for the best but expect the worst.”
“You’re standing here on a street corner in New York, twenty three years old and healthy. Nothing is impossible.”
“And loving him was a simple as drawing in air. Just a beautiful moment, as pure and shimmery as the snowflakes that fell. The future was theirs, anything they dared to dream. Anything at all.”
“Not beside her or down the street but somewhere. Somewhere. Still alive, still breathing, still holding her heart carefully in his large calloused hands.”
The story links with the first in the series, Unwanted, however you do not need to have read this first. I am glad I did however, as personally it added even more depth, context and connection between the characters. I really did enjoy the back storyline, interweaving both books in the series very well.
Mia Sheridan is a new author for me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading both ‘Men and Monsters’ books. I am really hoping for more in the series as they are quite unique and very cleverly written. Thank you, I couldn’t recommend it more. Prepare to be swept away!
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Mia Sheridan for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 26 August 2025.
October 22, 2025
It never fails to read a Mia Sheridan book, it doesn’t have me sob. It’s like every time I read one of her books, someone is cutting onions around me while simultaneously stabbing me with the knife they used to cut them. Every. Single. Time. This series really is so different from any romance I have read and they both have such different stories that are on the darker side, but made me love both of their stories so much and makes you believe whole heartedly in string theory.
Autumn and Sam weren’t perfect, and neither was their story, but they were still so perfect for one another. This story was such a roller coaster of emotions with how dark it would be at times, but it would always come back to Sam and Autumn against the world. Mia wrote with such angst and heartbreak for this one that I was literally on the edge of my seat until the very end with this one, because you never know which direction she is going to go with her endings. She is a crafty one like that.
While you don’t necessarily don’t have to read the first book in the series to know what is going on, I highly suggest you do. You will see some familiar faces from the first book and will have more of an understanding what is going on and who the characters are. I honestly just hope more people read these two books and fall in love with them the way I did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Autumn and Sam weren’t perfect, and neither was their story, but they were still so perfect for one another. This story was such a roller coaster of emotions with how dark it would be at times, but it would always come back to Sam and Autumn against the world. Mia wrote with such angst and heartbreak for this one that I was literally on the edge of my seat until the very end with this one, because you never know which direction she is going to go with her endings. She is a crafty one like that.
While you don’t necessarily don’t have to read the first book in the series to know what is going on, I highly suggest you do. You will see some familiar faces from the first book and will have more of an understanding what is going on and who the characters are. I honestly just hope more people read these two books and fall in love with them the way I did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 27, 2025
Headlines:
Frankenstein-esque
Romantic suspense
A life of secrets
Unnatural was a highly unusual plot line but really intriguing. Super soldiers, abuse, torture, the care system, small town life and secrets all crafted a story loosely based around Frankenstein. Sheridan made this belieavable, suspenseful and romantic.
The first quarter of the story took a past (childhood) present (adulthood) approach but the other three quarters were told firmly in the present. The past was horrendously awful with some on-page torture but not too much to make it unreadable. The present was an unravelling of the truth.
Sam, the MMC was the 'unnatural' one of the piece and he was a complex puzzle of brain-washing, programming and assassin. Autumn was equally a survivor but she'd had time to heal and process. The universe had connected them in the past and their story in the present brought a loveliness to the darkness of their lives.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, there was a heap of tension with some predictability towards the end. The final twist of the pages was a welcome one.
Thank you to Piatkus for the review copy.
Frankenstein-esque
Romantic suspense
A life of secrets
Unnatural was a highly unusual plot line but really intriguing. Super soldiers, abuse, torture, the care system, small town life and secrets all crafted a story loosely based around Frankenstein. Sheridan made this belieavable, suspenseful and romantic.
The first quarter of the story took a past (childhood) present (adulthood) approach but the other three quarters were told firmly in the present. The past was horrendously awful with some on-page torture but not too much to make it unreadable. The present was an unravelling of the truth.
Sam, the MMC was the 'unnatural' one of the piece and he was a complex puzzle of brain-washing, programming and assassin. Autumn was equally a survivor but she'd had time to heal and process. The universe had connected them in the past and their story in the present brought a loveliness to the darkness of their lives.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, there was a heap of tension with some predictability towards the end. The final twist of the pages was a welcome one.
Thank you to Piatkus for the review copy.
August 22, 2025
3.5⭐️😩 let me just start off by saying..Mia’s storytelling is so incredibly unique and beautiful. There is nothing wrong with this book, it was simply just MY preference in storyline. I don’t favor when girls “save” men and I just couldn’t get over that aspect. The idea of the story was so cool, but it wasn’t for me. This person she thought wasn’t real, and then was and she had to save him because he was so damaged, etc I couldn’t do it. Others may love this & I wish I did but it wasn’t for me unfortunately.
September 1, 2025
disappointed
This does not even compare to the first book, which was so incredibly good. I tried so hard to get into this and I just couldn’t. I really wish she’d go back to writing more contemporary romance because her older books were so good.
This does not even compare to the first book, which was so incredibly good. I tried so hard to get into this and I just couldn’t. I really wish she’d go back to writing more contemporary romance because her older books were so good.
October 1, 2025
mia sheridan, your brain is a wild place. 😳🤯
these men & monsters books (unwanted is book #1, this is #2) are DARK and intense and quite honestly very effed up, but also so tender and human, with so much resilience and redemption. they sucked me in and had me completely engrossed, and made me so sad for how horrible people can be, but also so hopeful for how no story is beyond saving and healing and restoration.
truly some of the most unique books i’ve ever read, and ones that will linger with me for a LONG time. thank you for sending me this one, @read_bloom!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— really liked it. #radfourstarreads
🌶️🌶️🌶️— open door. #radthreepepperreads
these men & monsters books (unwanted is book #1, this is #2) are DARK and intense and quite honestly very effed up, but also so tender and human, with so much resilience and redemption. they sucked me in and had me completely engrossed, and made me so sad for how horrible people can be, but also so hopeful for how no story is beyond saving and healing and restoration.
truly some of the most unique books i’ve ever read, and ones that will linger with me for a LONG time. thank you for sending me this one, @read_bloom!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— really liked it. #radfourstarreads
🌶️🌶️🌶️— open door. #radthreepepperreads
Want to read
April 1, 2025I absolutely loved Savaged (now titled Unwanted) and didn’t realize there would be another. Frankenstein you say 👀
dnf
September 29, 2025this is good. however I am depressed and it is depressing so I’m gonna try and read something else.
September 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
This book was so unique. I was hooked from page one. Such a bittersweet love story. Heartbreaking and sweet moments. The hero who is convinced he's a villain. Redemption. Mia Sheridan has another hit!
This book was so unique. I was hooked from page one. Such a bittersweet love story. Heartbreaking and sweet moments. The hero who is convinced he's a villain. Redemption. Mia Sheridan has another hit!
September 30, 2025
This is book 2 of Mia Sheridan’s Men and Monsters series. I wouldn’t consider it to be a stand alone. The characters from book one are in this one and I think I would’ve been a little confused about Jak’s background and who Agent Mark Gallagher was. Those details are skint at best.
I found it really hard to set this book aside to do IRL things. The story was intriguing and I was completely invested in Autumn and Sam. Their strength really shines through on every page after what they were each put through as children. My heart ached for Autumn, but it bled for Sam. I was sad that we never got to witness
This was a great read for this time of year. It had some elements of Frankenstein here and there. I don’t want to give anything away, but some things just reminded me of that story.
I wasn’t completely thrilled with the ending. The final few chapters felt rushed after the rest of the book had such steady pacing. I’m curious where the author will take the overarching story in the next book. Autumn and Sam may have their HEA, but there’s definitely more to come.
I found it really hard to set this book aside to do IRL things. The story was intriguing and I was completely invested in Autumn and Sam. Their strength really shines through on every page after what they were each put through as children. My heart ached for Autumn, but it bled for Sam. I was sad that we never got to witness
This was a great read for this time of year. It had some elements of Frankenstein here and there. I don’t want to give anything away, but some things just reminded me of that story.
I wasn’t completely thrilled with the ending. The final few chapters felt rushed after the rest of the book had such steady pacing. I’m curious where the author will take the overarching story in the next book. Autumn and Sam may have their HEA, but there’s definitely more to come.
September 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and wow—I was not prepared for the ride Mia Sheridan took me on!
Darker than her usual stories, this book leans heavily into mystery and suspense, and honestly…it works. The tension and intrigue were so gripping that I didn’t feel it needed more romance. I could have easily devoured the entire thing in one sitting.
Autumn has spent her entire childhood in a hospital after being exposed—along with other children—to a devastating street drug while in the womb. The hospital keeps them on a cocktail of medications, which leads to vivid, almost too-real dreams.
In one dream, Autumn is chased by her “moonlight monster.” But was it really just a dream?
Years later, Autumn is grown and working as a nurse when she comes face-to-face with her “moonlight boy” walking down the street. How is that even possible?
Sam, like Autumn, carries scars from a harrowing past—but he may hold the answers she’s been searching for her whole life.
This story is filled with suffering, abuse, connection, healing, suspense, and yes, a touch of romance. While the mystery takes center stage, I loved every moment and found myself fully invested in both the characters and the series.
Fingers crossed we get another installment in the Men and Monsters series!
“The girl saw him as…human? Sam lifted his hand slowly, waving it in the air in front of him, bending his fingers. Was he? Sometimes he didn’t feel that way. He felt created, yes, but not by moonlight or miracles. He felt made of nuts and bolts and steel and things that invaded his mind whether he gave them permission to or not.”
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and wow—I was not prepared for the ride Mia Sheridan took me on!
Darker than her usual stories, this book leans heavily into mystery and suspense, and honestly…it works. The tension and intrigue were so gripping that I didn’t feel it needed more romance. I could have easily devoured the entire thing in one sitting.
Autumn has spent her entire childhood in a hospital after being exposed—along with other children—to a devastating street drug while in the womb. The hospital keeps them on a cocktail of medications, which leads to vivid, almost too-real dreams.
In one dream, Autumn is chased by her “moonlight monster.” But was it really just a dream?
Years later, Autumn is grown and working as a nurse when she comes face-to-face with her “moonlight boy” walking down the street. How is that even possible?
Sam, like Autumn, carries scars from a harrowing past—but he may hold the answers she’s been searching for her whole life.
This story is filled with suffering, abuse, connection, healing, suspense, and yes, a touch of romance. While the mystery takes center stage, I loved every moment and found myself fully invested in both the characters and the series.
Fingers crossed we get another installment in the Men and Monsters series!
“The girl saw him as…human? Sam lifted his hand slowly, waving it in the air in front of him, bending his fingers. Was he? Sometimes he didn’t feel that way. He felt created, yes, but not by moonlight or miracles. He felt made of nuts and bolts and steel and things that invaded his mind whether he gave them permission to or not.”
July 28, 2025
After reading and loving Unwanted (it was my first book of yhe year!), I was very eager to read this book! I was fortunate to get an ARC!
I have to say it was difficult to start the book. It was extremely difficult to read the horrific scenes happening to innocent children.
The book was a perfect blend of being dark, romantic, and a Frankstein inspired twist. It is a story of heartbreak, hopelessness, hope, and heartfelt.
My heart broke for Sam and Autumn. They suffered sooooooo much. Their chemistry was so touching. They are complicated, but their connection was deep-rooted and raw. They are perfect for each other.
I had to stop reading many times as it was hard to continue with the pain that was inflicted on them. Much like Lucas and Harper (Unwanted), they both suffered so much in different ways, and when they found each other (again), their kindred souls united.
It was a story that broke my heart and then mended it back!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say it was difficult to start the book. It was extremely difficult to read the horrific scenes happening to innocent children.
The book was a perfect blend of being dark, romantic, and a Frankstein inspired twist. It is a story of heartbreak, hopelessness, hope, and heartfelt.
My heart broke for Sam and Autumn. They suffered sooooooo much. Their chemistry was so touching. They are complicated, but their connection was deep-rooted and raw. They are perfect for each other.
I had to stop reading many times as it was hard to continue with the pain that was inflicted on them. Much like Lucas and Harper (Unwanted), they both suffered so much in different ways, and when they found each other (again), their kindred souls united.
It was a story that broke my heart and then mended it back!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
Absolutely LOVED!!!! 😭
September 4, 2025
I really like this author. Archer’s Voice is one of my favs but I felt like something was really missing in this book. I couldn’t connect. It had me thinking of this analogy. You know when someone has gone to therapy & they use a lot of therapy speak? They think they are connecting but really they are just using technical words devoid of emotion. That’s what this book felt like to me. It was speaking about emotional things that didn’t connect on a deeper level with me. And the detective chapters were boring and took me out of the story.
August 30, 2025
Honestly—I love this style of romance. It just speaks to me. Suspenseful romance, thriller romance, whatever you call it…with a pinch of broken man (who needs fixing?): sign me the f*ck up. And I love the way she writes her sec scene. Classy. Never over the top. Well done, once again.
August 29, 2025
I LOVE A TORTURED HERO
November 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Let me start off by saying the book wasn’t bad by any means. However, the first book in the series was 5 ⭐️ for me. I devoured it and couldn’t get enough. I was hoping they’d play more of a role throughout the series. There is cross over here but to me it felt a bit underwhelming. I didn’t feel that emotional intensity that book one provided.
The characters were likable enough but their bond was a bit too insta-love-ish for me. For me the characters lacked the depth that the characters from the first book had. Unwanted was one of my absolute favorite reads from last year and I was very excited for this one to come out. I can’t quite explain it, but it seemed to drag on at times while also feeling rushed and all at once.
Also, some of the more intimate scenes were a little cringy, given what the MMC had gone through. Even though he was consenting, it just seemed like the FMC wanted to love the trauma out of him asap bc it made her feel bad he had been treated so poorly and it was hard for her to watch. So it just kind of gave me the ick at times that she was pushing his physical touch boundaries so quickly. She could tell he was conflicted. Of course he wanted her, but it just seemed like he also wasn’t ready and she was just kind of like let’s just get on with it, you need to experience love and joy immediately. It didn’t feel the most respectful to what he’d endured.
Would I recommend it? Still, yes. Just don’t go in expecting the same intensity and chemistry and depth as Unwanted. As always check your triggers 🫶🏼
Let me start off by saying the book wasn’t bad by any means. However, the first book in the series was 5 ⭐️ for me. I devoured it and couldn’t get enough. I was hoping they’d play more of a role throughout the series. There is cross over here but to me it felt a bit underwhelming. I didn’t feel that emotional intensity that book one provided.
The characters were likable enough but their bond was a bit too insta-love-ish for me. For me the characters lacked the depth that the characters from the first book had. Unwanted was one of my absolute favorite reads from last year and I was very excited for this one to come out. I can’t quite explain it, but it seemed to drag on at times while also feeling rushed and all at once.
Also, some of the more intimate scenes were a little cringy, given what the MMC had gone through. Even though he was consenting, it just seemed like the FMC wanted to love the trauma out of him asap bc it made her feel bad he had been treated so poorly and it was hard for her to watch. So it just kind of gave me the ick at times that she was pushing his physical touch boundaries so quickly. She could tell he was conflicted. Of course he wanted her, but it just seemed like he also wasn’t ready and she was just kind of like let’s just get on with it, you need to experience love and joy immediately. It didn’t feel the most respectful to what he’d endured.
Would I recommend it? Still, yes. Just don’t go in expecting the same intensity and chemistry and depth as Unwanted. As always check your triggers 🫶🏼
September 3, 2025
DNF. I wanted to like this so badly but I did not
October 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️. 4
This story needed more movement or action. It was just a little too stagnant. Too much was told and not shown. And the ending… I …. I have no words. 😒
Genres & Tropes:
Mystery Thriller
Found Family
Slow Burn
Romance
Crime
Summary:
She'd carried her boy made of moonlight in her heart all this time, the driving force that kept her looking for answers. And he'd carried her with him as well. Autumn knows more than she'd like to about pain and survival. As one of only a handful of children who made it to adulthood after being exposed to a horrific drug that swept impoverished communities decades earlier, Autumn is focused on living a full, rich life as a nurse. And yet, she can't seem to let go of him: the boy she once called her moonlight monster. The boy they tried to convince her was merely a dream brought on by her medications-who is the link to every question about her past that's ever haunted her.
Characters:
Autumn- fmc, ADHM baby, terminally ill
Sam- a boy of moonlight
Bill- foster parent
Mark Gallagher- agent, detective on case
Comparable Stories:
Jason Bourne
Total Recall
Quotes From Book:
“I made a boy of Moonlight
Skin of dust and starlit eyes.
Waxing, waning, or in between,
A wish, a miracle, or just a dream?”
“She was fiercely loyal and passionately dedicated to truth. She always did the right thing, regardless of whether it made others like her and whether or not it was popular… or safe.”
“I figure we’re both out of our element here. And we’re both searching for solid footing. In that search, we tell each other how we feel, because neither of us is a mind reader.”
“The truth is good. Even when it hurts.”
“If life were an apple, I’d sink my teeth into it and take a big bite. I’d let the juice drip down my chin and grin as the sweetness burst across my tongue. And then I’d find someone and give them the other half.“
“only things that are true satisfy the human soul.”
This story needed more movement or action. It was just a little too stagnant. Too much was told and not shown. And the ending… I …. I have no words. 😒
Genres & Tropes:
Mystery Thriller
Found Family
Slow Burn
Romance
Crime
Summary:
She'd carried her boy made of moonlight in her heart all this time, the driving force that kept her looking for answers. And he'd carried her with him as well. Autumn knows more than she'd like to about pain and survival. As one of only a handful of children who made it to adulthood after being exposed to a horrific drug that swept impoverished communities decades earlier, Autumn is focused on living a full, rich life as a nurse. And yet, she can't seem to let go of him: the boy she once called her moonlight monster. The boy they tried to convince her was merely a dream brought on by her medications-who is the link to every question about her past that's ever haunted her.
Characters:
Autumn- fmc, ADHM baby, terminally ill
Sam- a boy of moonlight
Bill- foster parent
Mark Gallagher- agent, detective on case
Comparable Stories:
Jason Bourne
Total Recall
Quotes From Book:
“I made a boy of Moonlight
Skin of dust and starlit eyes.
Waxing, waning, or in between,
A wish, a miracle, or just a dream?”
“She was fiercely loyal and passionately dedicated to truth. She always did the right thing, regardless of whether it made others like her and whether or not it was popular… or safe.”
“I figure we’re both out of our element here. And we’re both searching for solid footing. In that search, we tell each other how we feel, because neither of us is a mind reader.”
“The truth is good. Even when it hurts.”
“If life were an apple, I’d sink my teeth into it and take a big bite. I’d let the juice drip down my chin and grin as the sweetness burst across my tongue. And then I’d find someone and give them the other half.“
“only things that are true satisfy the human soul.”
August 24, 2025
Firstly, I strongly recommend reading the first book in the series, Unwanted, before picking up Unnatural otherwise you will be spoilt. I think it is also important for setting up the wider world, as well as introducing you to 3 very important characters (Agent Mark Gallagher is the GOAT <3).
Unnatural is heartfelt, romantic, suspenseful, and at times quite gritty. I found the prose beautiful and emotional, and it captivated me. I didn’t want to put the book down, and found myself rushing to read it in just over 24 hours.
You can’t help but feel for Autumn and Sam - both for what they went through as children in the hospital and for how they are trying to live as adults in the wider world. Despite only meeting a couple of times as children, you believed the strong connection they had as adults and how Autumn’s words helped ground Sam as he was growing up.
The book ended a bit abruptly and the loose ends were tied together conveniently but overall I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a darker, more thriller style of romance. The Men and Monsters series are my first books by Mia Sheridan and they have made me want to read more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unnatural is heartfelt, romantic, suspenseful, and at times quite gritty. I found the prose beautiful and emotional, and it captivated me. I didn’t want to put the book down, and found myself rushing to read it in just over 24 hours.
You can’t help but feel for Autumn and Sam - both for what they went through as children in the hospital and for how they are trying to live as adults in the wider world. Despite only meeting a couple of times as children, you believed the strong connection they had as adults and how Autumn’s words helped ground Sam as he was growing up.
The book ended a bit abruptly and the loose ends were tied together conveniently but overall I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a darker, more thriller style of romance. The Men and Monsters series are my first books by Mia Sheridan and they have made me want to read more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
✨ A raw and moving story that explores the tragic power of corruption, ghosts of the past, and healing through love.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Autumn has only know hospitals, having spent her entire life confined to a ward dedicated to looking after children born with ADHM. Wary of vivid dreams where she encounters boy made of moonlight, she is torn between dreams and reality. Years later, her path crosses with the moonlight boy, leading to uncovering the horrific truth surrounding the medical mystery that plagued her and others for so long.
“A momentary light. A small taste of what beauty meant.”
I loved the suspense and tension, particularly as Mia explored the world of Men and Monsters, having been slightly introduced in the first book, Unwanted. Autumn and Sam are both plagued by the ghosts of their past, but then as they cross paths years later, there is this underlying element of questioning who we can trust. This is very much a romantic suspense, and I found myself so invested in both Autumn and Sam’s budding romance, but also as they look to uncover the truth of their childhood. Mia’s prose still captivates me. Sam is our moonlight monster. For having been forced to experience such dark things, he brings this bright light to Autumn and her life.
Despite the darkness that clouds their childhood, light pierces through. They’re a type of soulmates, but right person, wrong time, and I loved that because they were meant to find each other later exactly at the time they did.
Unnatural left me feeling so completely heartbroken for Sam and Autumn, but this sense of hope that they’d found each other.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
Autumn has only know hospitals, having spent her entire life confined to a ward dedicated to looking after children born with ADHM. Wary of vivid dreams where she encounters boy made of moonlight, she is torn between dreams and reality. Years later, her path crosses with the moonlight boy, leading to uncovering the horrific truth surrounding the medical mystery that plagued her and others for so long.
“A momentary light. A small taste of what beauty meant.”
I loved the suspense and tension, particularly as Mia explored the world of Men and Monsters, having been slightly introduced in the first book, Unwanted. Autumn and Sam are both plagued by the ghosts of their past, but then as they cross paths years later, there is this underlying element of questioning who we can trust. This is very much a romantic suspense, and I found myself so invested in both Autumn and Sam’s budding romance, but also as they look to uncover the truth of their childhood. Mia’s prose still captivates me. Sam is our moonlight monster. For having been forced to experience such dark things, he brings this bright light to Autumn and her life.
Despite the darkness that clouds their childhood, light pierces through. They’re a type of soulmates, but right person, wrong time, and I loved that because they were meant to find each other later exactly at the time they did.
Unnatural left me feeling so completely heartbroken for Sam and Autumn, but this sense of hope that they’d found each other.
September 2, 2025
Unnatural was one of my most anticipated releases this year. Mia Sheridan is an auto-read author for me, and when I saw this was a Frankenstein-inspired story with a premise that even gave me The Institute vibes (Stephen King), I was so ready to dive in.
The world-building is dark and cruel; even if it is not entirely new, it was done well. I also liked that it connects to Unwanted, so if you have read that one, you will spot some familiar details. The romance is definitely a slow burn, and I loved that this love story about survival starts when they are teenagers, and without realizing it, they become each other's beacon of home. I felt more connected with the characters when they were younger.
The problem is that it took me forever to get into the story. Maybe it is because I have been feeling down lately and my mood needed a slap in the face, but normally Mia's books feel like that, so I do not know what happened here. What I usually love about Mia’s books is the emotional punch and depth in her romances, and this time I felt like that part was missing. As the characters grew older, I started losing the connection I had felt initially, making it harder to stay invested.
Even so, this story's idea is very compelling, and readers who enjoy slow burn and layered world-building will probably have a better time than I did. For me, it just lacked that spark that usually makes Mia’s books unforgettable.
The world-building is dark and cruel; even if it is not entirely new, it was done well. I also liked that it connects to Unwanted, so if you have read that one, you will spot some familiar details. The romance is definitely a slow burn, and I loved that this love story about survival starts when they are teenagers, and without realizing it, they become each other's beacon of home. I felt more connected with the characters when they were younger.
The problem is that it took me forever to get into the story. Maybe it is because I have been feeling down lately and my mood needed a slap in the face, but normally Mia's books feel like that, so I do not know what happened here. What I usually love about Mia’s books is the emotional punch and depth in her romances, and this time I felt like that part was missing. As the characters grew older, I started losing the connection I had felt initially, making it harder to stay invested.
Even so, this story's idea is very compelling, and readers who enjoy slow burn and layered world-building will probably have a better time than I did. For me, it just lacked that spark that usually makes Mia’s books unforgettable.
August 27, 2025
This is book 2 in the Men and Monsters series and I really enjoyed this, even more so than Book 1! There’s a strong link between these books so it’s definitely worth reading book 1 first!
This is labelled as Frankenstein inspired, which had me so intrigued. In classic Mia Sheridan style, I was hooked into the storyline from the start. Autumn was born with exposure to a deadly drug, which had affected lots of impoverished communities and meant that most exposed children weren’t surviving to adulthood. But somehow, Autumn survived. Her time in hospital is vague but one thing she’s always remembered is the Moonlight Boy, who tried to protect her. But was he even real?
I immediately wanted to know what was happening to Autumn and who this boy, with the scars and the white hair, could possibly be. I loved the interconnected storyline with Book 1, and having the same characters, especially Agent Gallagher, also involved.
The romance felt like the secondary story in this, which I didn’t mind (the plot was strong enough without it), but saying that, I think it would have bought their connection in present day more with a bit more of it. I also wasn’t a big fan of the ending, it felt like it was unnecessary, which is why it lost a star for me.
This is labelled as Frankenstein inspired, which had me so intrigued. In classic Mia Sheridan style, I was hooked into the storyline from the start. Autumn was born with exposure to a deadly drug, which had affected lots of impoverished communities and meant that most exposed children weren’t surviving to adulthood. But somehow, Autumn survived. Her time in hospital is vague but one thing she’s always remembered is the Moonlight Boy, who tried to protect her. But was he even real?
I immediately wanted to know what was happening to Autumn and who this boy, with the scars and the white hair, could possibly be. I loved the interconnected storyline with Book 1, and having the same characters, especially Agent Gallagher, also involved.
The romance felt like the secondary story in this, which I didn’t mind (the plot was strong enough without it), but saying that, I think it would have bought their connection in present day more with a bit more of it. I also wasn’t a big fan of the ending, it felt like it was unnecessary, which is why it lost a star for me.
October 9, 2025
4.5 stars!
I went into this one completely blind and I think that is honestly the best way to read it, because it is quite a unique story! The fall, mysterious vibes are definitely there from the start as you try to make sense of Autumn's life thus far and as the story progresses, it mutates into almost a thriller. I will say that it took me quite a while to feel any kind of way about the romance, I feel like the thriller/mystery plot definitely took the front seat for me. But overall, I was very invested in where the journey took me and would definitely be interested in reading more stories like this!
I went into this one completely blind and I think that is honestly the best way to read it, because it is quite a unique story! The fall, mysterious vibes are definitely there from the start as you try to make sense of Autumn's life thus far and as the story progresses, it mutates into almost a thriller. I will say that it took me quite a while to feel any kind of way about the romance, I feel like the thriller/mystery plot definitely took the front seat for me. But overall, I was very invested in where the journey took me and would definitely be interested in reading more stories like this!
November 21, 2025
Rounded up to 4☆
The opening chapters of this book just weren't my vibe. they seemed really corny. Like sparkly vampire Edward Cullen corny.
However, as the book went along and we got to know the characters I began to enjoy it more. The concept of the book was fairly interesting; felt a little bit like an ode to the classic story of Frankenstein's Monster.
I was happy once it got towards the end and connected to Book 1 in the series because I really enjoyed that story.
Tropes:
▪︎ who hurt you
▪︎ slow burn
▪︎ lost and found childhood crush
▪︎ tortured hero
▪︎ healing together
▪︎ trauma bonded
The opening chapters of this book just weren't my vibe. they seemed really corny. Like sparkly vampire Edward Cullen corny.
However, as the book went along and we got to know the characters I began to enjoy it more. The concept of the book was fairly interesting; felt a little bit like an ode to the classic story of Frankenstein's Monster.
I was happy once it got towards the end and connected to Book 1 in the series because I really enjoyed that story.
Tropes:
▪︎ who hurt you
▪︎ slow burn
▪︎ lost and found childhood crush
▪︎ tortured hero
▪︎ healing together
▪︎ trauma bonded
November 21, 2025
Cuando leí que este libro tendría las vibes de Frankenstein, no me imaginé que iba a querer y entender tanto a su “creación” Mi bebé Sam no era un monstruo 🥺 lo quiero mucho
Me duele todo lo que les hicieron o tuvieron que pasar tanto Autumn como Sam no merecían esto 🥺 igual soy feliz que ella halla encontrado a su chico de luz de luna 🥹💖 les quiero mucho mucho.
Amo como escribe Mia y como ya la había leído sentí algunas acciones un poquito predecibles pero igual lo valió cada segundo
Me duele todo lo que les hicieron o tuvieron que pasar tanto Autumn como Sam no merecían esto 🥺 igual soy feliz que ella halla encontrado a su chico de luz de luna 🥹💖 les quiero mucho mucho.
Amo como escribe Mia y como ya la había leído sentí algunas acciones un poquito predecibles pero igual lo valió cada segundo
August 29, 2025
This one goes between a 3 star and 4 star.
While the plot was interesting, not quite as suspenseful as advertised, it still really good. The romance was lacking a bit. I wanted to see more between Autumn and Sam. The relationship was very slow building and then they loved each other and then 3rd act conflict. I think we spent too much time with Autumn at the beginning of the story. Both Autumn and Sam had a really difficult (to put it lightly) childhood. I did love Autumn's found family, including her foster father. I did like both characters and thought the 'Frankenstein' elements of the story were interesting.
I would recommend that Unwanted is read before Unnatural. There is an overarching plot that is set up really well in Unwanted. But it can be read as a standalone.
I loved seeing some familiar faces in this story. There was such a sweet scene with Jak that made me want to read his story again.
Overall, there were a few plot points that I guessed and a couple that I didn't see coming. The ending was so sweet and hit me in the feels. I can't wait to see what else gets added to this series.
While the plot was interesting, not quite as suspenseful as advertised, it still really good. The romance was lacking a bit. I wanted to see more between Autumn and Sam. The relationship was very slow building and then they loved each other and then 3rd act conflict. I think we spent too much time with Autumn at the beginning of the story. Both Autumn and Sam had a really difficult (to put it lightly) childhood. I did love Autumn's found family, including her foster father. I did like both characters and thought the 'Frankenstein' elements of the story were interesting.
I would recommend that Unwanted is read before Unnatural. There is an overarching plot that is set up really well in Unwanted. But it can be read as a standalone.
I loved seeing some familiar faces in this story. There was such a sweet scene with Jak that made me want to read his story again.
Overall, there were a few plot points that I guessed and a couple that I didn't see coming. The ending was so sweet and hit me in the feels. I can't wait to see what else gets added to this series.
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