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Below the Shadow of the City
Sigrid is cursed. Well, at least she thinks she is. She thinks she has an uncanny ability to suck the life force out of every relationship she’s ever been in. That’s the only logical explanation as to why her girlfriend dumped her out of the blue nine months ago. And why every relationship she’s ever had has met a similar whimpering end.
She’s trapped herself in a stony castle of sorts. After all, it’s far easier to keep love out with an iron gate than it is to fall again.
But she meets a mysterious stranger one evening in an even stranger place, her apartment building’s laundry room. Though she didn’t see his face, or learn his name, something about him intrigues her.
She’ll stop at nothing to find him, even if his true identity puts her into quite the hairy situation.
Can this stranger claw his way into her heart and prove that he’s there to stay? Or will she send him back down to where he came from?
Below the Shadow of the City is a monster romcom novel with flawed characters just trying to find the magic in the mundane.
She’s trapped herself in a stony castle of sorts. After all, it’s far easier to keep love out with an iron gate than it is to fall again.
But she meets a mysterious stranger one evening in an even stranger place, her apartment building’s laundry room. Though she didn’t see his face, or learn his name, something about him intrigues her.
She’ll stop at nothing to find him, even if his true identity puts her into quite the hairy situation.
Can this stranger claw his way into her heart and prove that he’s there to stay? Or will she send him back down to where he came from?
Below the Shadow of the City is a monster romcom novel with flawed characters just trying to find the magic in the mundane.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2025
23 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Raen Tetra
4 books16 followersRaen Tetra is the pen name for a writer with a far less exciting real name who has the far less exciting day job of working in the tech industry.
She has a terrible tendency to listen to a song and create an entire scene around it. Her notes app is a mess of dialogue, her characters kissing, and grocery lists.
She lives in New Hampshire with her evil rat dog, and when she isn’t camping out writing in her local coffee shop she loves being in the woods and belting showtunes in the car.
You can visit her website at www.raentetra.com, follow her @raentetra_author on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok or email her (only if you’re nice) at raentetra@gmail.com.
She has a terrible tendency to listen to a song and create an entire scene around it. Her notes app is a mess of dialogue, her characters kissing, and grocery lists.
She lives in New Hampshire with her evil rat dog, and when she isn’t camping out writing in her local coffee shop she loves being in the woods and belting showtunes in the car.
You can visit her website at www.raentetra.com, follow her @raentetra_author on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok or email her (only if you’re nice) at raentetra@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 18, 2025
When I saw the author sharing tropes and interest points, I knew I needed to get in on the ARCs for this cute monster romcom. Yearning, chasing (less feral more cute), domestic fluff, banter as flirting, surprise fated mates, hidden identities, queer fmc, horn grabbing… I mean what’s not to love? And the story ended up being very cute! Maddox was an absolute doll, really, and the world building was very interesting. An underground metropolis right beneath NYC? Color me intrigued!
Sigrid is not the most likeable FMC, but she has good points and she does grow over the course of the book. I wouldn’t call her the typical “black cat” in a “black cat golden retriever” dynamic, but if you treat it as a play on her alleged curse, it works perfectly. Maddox isn’t a himbo or overly excitable like golden retriever characters typically are, but he IS very sweet, loyal, and never falters in his affection for Sigrid. Their banter was probably my favorite part of the book, I loved how playful they would get together.
I wish we had gotten more about their life together, introductions to family/friends, and other after they’ve gotten together stuff and maybe a little less of Sigrid’s avoidance, running and hurting Maddox unintentionally because she doesn’t think of his feelings in all of this until the final quarter of the 300 page book.
After the story had been dancing around her baking comeback, I was expecting to at least get the results of the cookbook anthology in the story somewhere. It feels unfinished without it, if I’m being completely honest.
There were some stylistic choices that took getting used to and some editing issues that could use a line editor vs word processor, but nothing that made me unable to continue reading. It’s a solid debut and I hope that the author keeps writing!
Sigrid is not the most likeable FMC, but she has good points and she does grow over the course of the book. I wouldn’t call her the typical “black cat” in a “black cat golden retriever” dynamic, but if you treat it as a play on her alleged curse, it works perfectly. Maddox isn’t a himbo or overly excitable like golden retriever characters typically are, but he IS very sweet, loyal, and never falters in his affection for Sigrid. Their banter was probably my favorite part of the book, I loved how playful they would get together.
I wish we had gotten more about their life together, introductions to family/friends, and other after they’ve gotten together stuff and maybe a little less of Sigrid’s avoidance, running and hurting Maddox unintentionally because she doesn’t think of his feelings in all of this until the final quarter of the 300 page book.
After the story had been dancing around her baking comeback, I was expecting to at least get the results of the cookbook anthology in the story somewhere. It feels unfinished without it, if I’m being completely honest.
There were some stylistic choices that took getting used to and some editing issues that could use a line editor vs word processor, but nothing that made me unable to continue reading. It’s a solid debut and I hope that the author keeps writing!
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars
I spent a large portion of this book annoyed with Sigrid and the repetitiveness of her inner turmoil. Trauma is real, but it felt like it defined so much of their relationship. She wasn’t as good of a partner to him, though that changed over time, but it did make it harder to invest in them as a couple. The world was interesting.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: parent hospitalization, biphobia from parents, past emotionally abusive partner, discussion of past parent death and grief, emotionally unavailable parents, mild attempted stalking behavior
I spent a large portion of this book annoyed with Sigrid and the repetitiveness of her inner turmoil. Trauma is real, but it felt like it defined so much of their relationship. She wasn’t as good of a partner to him, though that changed over time, but it did make it harder to invest in them as a couple. The world was interesting.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: parent hospitalization, biphobia from parents, past emotionally abusive partner, discussion of past parent death and grief, emotionally unavailable parents, mild attempted stalking behavior
February 27, 2025
Thank you Raen for allowing me to read an ARC of your incredible book!!!
I really enjoyed this cozy and deliciously spicy monster romance. I absolutely LOVED Sigrid and all her eccentricities; she is the most real and genuine FMC I've ever read. I related a lot to her, especially when she was denying any help from Maddox and "refusing to be an inconvenience." That really resonated with me, and I felt for her.
It was so beautiful watching her fight to break down her own walls so she could accept the love she deserved and believe she was worthy of it. That is an incredibly difficult thing to do, but she pushed through her anxiety and past relationship trauma and came out the other side a stronger and more secure person.
And the MMC Maddox? Unbelievably hot, respectful, sweet, generous, and thoughtful king. I loved his golden retriever energy and how open he was with his feelings for Sigrid. He never held back, and I respected that so much.
Such a beautiful story with great character growth and some tender spice as well, highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this cozy and deliciously spicy monster romance. I absolutely LOVED Sigrid and all her eccentricities; she is the most real and genuine FMC I've ever read. I related a lot to her, especially when she was denying any help from Maddox and "refusing to be an inconvenience." That really resonated with me, and I felt for her.
It was so beautiful watching her fight to break down her own walls so she could accept the love she deserved and believe she was worthy of it. That is an incredibly difficult thing to do, but she pushed through her anxiety and past relationship trauma and came out the other side a stronger and more secure person.
And the MMC Maddox? Unbelievably hot, respectful, sweet, generous, and thoughtful king. I loved his golden retriever energy and how open he was with his feelings for Sigrid. He never held back, and I respected that so much.
Such a beautiful story with great character growth and some tender spice as well, highly recommend!
July 20, 2025
Oh, how do I begin this review? Maybe by saying this book deserves 5 BIG SHINING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our MMC, Maddox, is literally the sweetest and most patient beast you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Like truly. Name one bad quality of that man (beast? man-beast?) I dare you.
Our FMC, Sigrid? I loved her honestly. There were times I was only slightly frustrated with her self-sabotaging tendencies, but she was so well-written that like, you just knew WHY she acted the way she did and you couldn’t ever bear to hate her for it. I rooted for her to figure things out in her own time, and that she did.
I’ve heard some whispers that Sigrid could be considered an unlikable FMC, but really she’s just a woman who’s internalized years of criticism, until that commentary became her inner voice. I took it as more of a reminder that, ya know, we all have a lil monster just like that inside each of us which rears its head once in a while, and we can stand to be more compassionate with ourselves and others.
Oh. Also, if you’ve ever traversed the waters of Omega-verse. Boy. This is for you.
And if you haven’t sailed those seas yet, BOY THIS IS FOR YOU.
Anyway, I’m off to the town square now to yell about this book to anyone that will listen.
Our MMC, Maddox, is literally the sweetest and most patient beast you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Like truly. Name one bad quality of that man (beast? man-beast?) I dare you.
Our FMC, Sigrid? I loved her honestly. There were times I was only slightly frustrated with her self-sabotaging tendencies, but she was so well-written that like, you just knew WHY she acted the way she did and you couldn’t ever bear to hate her for it. I rooted for her to figure things out in her own time, and that she did.
I’ve heard some whispers that Sigrid could be considered an unlikable FMC, but really she’s just a woman who’s internalized years of criticism, until that commentary became her inner voice. I took it as more of a reminder that, ya know, we all have a lil monster just like that inside each of us which rears its head once in a while, and we can stand to be more compassionate with ourselves and others.
Oh. Also, if you’ve ever traversed the waters of Omega-verse. Boy. This is for you.
And if you haven’t sailed those seas yet, BOY THIS IS FOR YOU.
Anyway, I’m off to the town square now to yell about this book to anyone that will listen.
March 17, 2025
This book was the perfect mix of modern day troubles with a monster twist. Sigrid, who is still reeling with heart break and believing she is cursed when it comes to relationships, meets a mysterious man one day while doing laundry in her apartments old dingy laundry room. She can't see him, as he's hiding behind a door but she's convinced he was doing his laundry in the nude. This leads to them meeting up again, getting each other's numbers and a friendship (and more) blooming between them.
I related to Sigrid A LOT. In the past I also thought I may have been cursed when it came to relationships (until I met my husband), I'm an avid baker (I have a college degree in baking and pastry), and I could completely related with her hesitancy and frustration at Maddox being sneaky. And for good reason of course.
Maddox is the biggest and sweetest softie. A true cinnamon roll MMC. He was always had Sigrid on his mind, tried to boost her up and push her to follow her dreams. It was honestly adorable. There's also a scene where Sigrid is mad he's taking too long to pick out what chips he wants at the corner store and that reminded me of me and my husband so much. I just laughed like yup. I'd also be standing there tapping my foot like LETS GO MAN JUST PICK SOME DORITOS SEESH.
I related to Sigrid A LOT. In the past I also thought I may have been cursed when it came to relationships (until I met my husband), I'm an avid baker (I have a college degree in baking and pastry), and I could completely related with her hesitancy and frustration at Maddox being sneaky. And for good reason of course.
Maddox is the biggest and sweetest softie. A true cinnamon roll MMC. He was always had Sigrid on his mind, tried to boost her up and push her to follow her dreams. It was honestly adorable. There's also a scene where Sigrid is mad he's taking too long to pick out what chips he wants at the corner store and that reminded me of me and my husband so much. I just laughed like yup. I'd also be standing there tapping my foot like LETS GO MAN JUST PICK SOME DORITOS SEESH.
March 5, 2025
Below the Shadow of the City is not your average monster romance. For one, it's a lot longer. It's not a cozy, and it's not a dark romance. It's more that like the topics it covers, it's a hybrid. If pressed, I would probably describe it as speculative/literary fiction with major romantic and comedic elements. The author goes to great lengths to develop a literary world and imperfect characters that allow us to turn a lens on ourselves, especially around the questions of identity for ourselves and in society, as well as family.
The main character, Sigrid, is dealing with A LOT. She has anxiety. She had an emotionally manipulative ex who chipped away at her self-esteem and self-awareness of her own identity. As a result, she's basically convinced herself that she'll never stay in a relationship and therefore, she might as well not date. Which, to each their own... but she's miserably unhappy, petulant, and self-sabotaging. Her bestie tries to help her, but Sigrid just doesn't want to be helped. She want to WALLOW. I know that doesn't make this sound fun, but she's REAL. Probably one of the realest characters I've ever read. And it doesn't magically resolve. She STRUGGLES. And she grows as she learns to trust herself. The male main character, on the other hand, while in a better place mentally, has his own vulnerabilities that would probably best be described as the result of trauma due to systemic inequality. They have to navigate their baggage, as well as society's. This novel surprised me in the BEST way, especially for a debut. It's creative, well-thought out, and well-written.
I read an ARC.
The main character, Sigrid, is dealing with A LOT. She has anxiety. She had an emotionally manipulative ex who chipped away at her self-esteem and self-awareness of her own identity. As a result, she's basically convinced herself that she'll never stay in a relationship and therefore, she might as well not date. Which, to each their own... but she's miserably unhappy, petulant, and self-sabotaging. Her bestie tries to help her, but Sigrid just doesn't want to be helped. She want to WALLOW. I know that doesn't make this sound fun, but she's REAL. Probably one of the realest characters I've ever read. And it doesn't magically resolve. She STRUGGLES. And she grows as she learns to trust herself. The male main character, on the other hand, while in a better place mentally, has his own vulnerabilities that would probably best be described as the result of trauma due to systemic inequality. They have to navigate their baggage, as well as society's. This novel surprised me in the BEST way, especially for a debut. It's creative, well-thought out, and well-written.
I read an ARC.
March 6, 2025
*** This is a review I wrote about a week ago for Instagram while I waited for Goodreads to have it available, and I have already reread it 2 times. I just can't get enough of Maddox***
I got to read this as an ARC reader and I'm going to be honest I forgot that I signed up to do this one. When I got it in my inbox this week I started it without even looking up what it was about. Boy was I surprised!
This book is spicy AND sweet. A good mix of plot and tumbles in the sheets, while being very aware of its romcom tropes. It hits the nail on the head in the best ways. If you want a cutesy engaging romcom you can gorge yourself on like your favorite homemade dessert then definitely go for this one!
My monster man Maddox is freaking adorable, and has ALL the green flags. His romantic interest is not my favorite character I've ever read but their story more than makes up for her flaws. Sigred has been burned so many times that she thinks she's cursed and pushes Maddox away to keep from getting burned again. As a result my mans poor heart gets stomped on so many times. Hence why he is my favorite, and she not so much. The plot revolves around the healing of Sigreds broken heart. Everyone needs a Maddox in their lives.
You know what I also need? Some character art! Raen, I'm stocking Instagram waiting for some good ones!
I got to read this as an ARC reader and I'm going to be honest I forgot that I signed up to do this one. When I got it in my inbox this week I started it without even looking up what it was about. Boy was I surprised!
This book is spicy AND sweet. A good mix of plot and tumbles in the sheets, while being very aware of its romcom tropes. It hits the nail on the head in the best ways. If you want a cutesy engaging romcom you can gorge yourself on like your favorite homemade dessert then definitely go for this one!
My monster man Maddox is freaking adorable, and has ALL the green flags. His romantic interest is not my favorite character I've ever read but their story more than makes up for her flaws. Sigred has been burned so many times that she thinks she's cursed and pushes Maddox away to keep from getting burned again. As a result my mans poor heart gets stomped on so many times. Hence why he is my favorite, and she not so much. The plot revolves around the healing of Sigreds broken heart. Everyone needs a Maddox in their lives.
You know what I also need? Some character art! Raen, I'm stocking Instagram waiting for some good ones!
September 1, 2025
This fell into my cart after seeing a rec from @tequilabookclub_ and she loved it, so I had to check it out. One caveat is that she loves monster romance lol. A genre I’ve dipped my toe into this year and haven’t hated it, but still warming up to it. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but for those that thought the Beast looked better as a beast and not the human version. I mean… Anyway, golden retriever Maddox and scared of commitment Sigrid meet without seeing each other and the journey is a fun one. Sigrid can be annoying and it’s literally in the Acknowledgment at the end that Raen knows she’s unlikable so it’s just supposed to be that way. All in, I didn’t hate this and will likely check out the next book! 4/5 ⭐️
February 27, 2025
This was a Beta Read!
And I absolutely loved every second of it.
Raen is an absolute sweetheart, and I loved getting to be a part of the process with her.
The book itself was funny. Relatable.
And we get just the right kind of spice
It had lots of good references that had me laughing out loud.
I think I listened to One Day More a few (okay more than a few) times 😅😅
Its such a good take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.
Sigrid is relatable, and I definitely saw bits of myself in her as I read.
Even all the stubborn bits, I tell myself I don't relate to 🫣🫣
I'm just happy Maddox had the patience of a Saint cause 😬😮💨
Sigrid really pulled in through the ringer 😅
And they got their happy ending, and it was cute and adorable, and you 10000% should read it if you like light angst monster romances with HEAs.
And I absolutely loved every second of it.
Raen is an absolute sweetheart, and I loved getting to be a part of the process with her.
The book itself was funny. Relatable.
And we get just the right kind of spice
It had lots of good references that had me laughing out loud.
I think I listened to One Day More a few (okay more than a few) times 😅😅
Its such a good take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.
Sigrid is relatable, and I definitely saw bits of myself in her as I read.
Even all the stubborn bits, I tell myself I don't relate to 🫣🫣
I'm just happy Maddox had the patience of a Saint cause 😬😮💨
Sigrid really pulled in through the ringer 😅
And they got their happy ending, and it was cute and adorable, and you 10000% should read it if you like light angst monster romances with HEAs.
March 3, 2025
Thank you so much Raen Tetra for sending me a copy of your debut novel! This was a fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling! It’s black cat and Golden retriever where he is a beast but she is the one with a curse! I loved Sigrid and Maddox so much! Their story is so beautiful and I love seeing them fall in love! Maddox has so much patience for Sigrid with her “curse” and as he earns her trust and breaks down her walls. Sigrid learns that she is worthy of and deserves love and not everyone will leave.
I also really love this world! A secret world with monsters underneath the city sounds really cool and I can’t want to see more!
I highly recommend this if you love Beauty and Beast and secret worlds! Check it out when it releases on March 16th!
I also really love this world! A secret world with monsters underneath the city sounds really cool and I can’t want to see more!
I highly recommend this if you love Beauty and Beast and secret worlds! Check it out when it releases on March 16th!
April 19, 2025
I devoured this book almost as fast as Maddox devours homemade cookies.
Cozy monster romcom with hot banter and real emotions, what’s not to love!?! I really enjoyed seeing how Sigrid worked through her “curse” and all of the complicated feelings attached to it. How she learned to show up for her future self despite her anxieties and how love can bring people (and monsters) together.
Cozy monster romcom with hot banter and real emotions, what’s not to love!?! I really enjoyed seeing how Sigrid worked through her “curse” and all of the complicated feelings attached to it. How she learned to show up for her future self despite her anxieties and how love can bring people (and monsters) together.
July 31, 2025
Oh my goodness I loved this freaking book!!! Raen did such an incredible job getting me to fall in love with these characters, and no I will not be saying their names you just need to go read it, IYKYK. I swooned, I squealed, I laughed out loud and even got teary eyed (shh i'm a baby I know), but the WAY these characters just felt like home was magical.
Additionally, I cannot thank Raen enough for sending me a copy of this book. It truly became one of my most favorite monster books and I am completely unworthy. You all need to absolutely sprint to KU to get it rn. Also a greaatttt starting point for my besties who have never attempted a story with kn*tting and want a great lil introooo 🙂↕️💋
March 16, 2025
Well going into this book I was a little bit worried because I was behind in my reading and I really didn't think I was in the mood for it but it just went ahead and slapped me in the face and said you'll take this book like a good girl. At just 10% into it I was already Team Sigrid and then once we "meet" our MMC I was invested, hook line and sinker.
Now this is a monster book that completely reads as a contemporary romance and because of that I felt like I connected with Sigrid in such a real way. I will be the first to say that as a FMC, I don't think she'll be for everybody. Much like Nesta from the ACOTAR series, Sigrid is one of those characters that can bring out a lot of feelings in the reader. She's prickly, guarded, and running from vulnerability like an olympic level track star. She believes she's cursed in love and is doing everything in her power to prove to herself that it's true.
And then we meet our MMC and he's amazing except for the fact that we don't even know who he is.
I loved getting to read how these two grow in love and really show that while neither is perfect that doesn't mean they can't be perfect for eachother. This is such a relatable story for the girls that have been hurt in the past and the only way they know how to survive is to make those emotional fortresses impenetrable and call it independence. It's a reminder that there's beauty and growth when you let people into those vulnerable and uncomfortable parts of you.
Congratulations to Rean Tetra for the release of your debut book! I am very much looking forward to what comes next
Now this is a monster book that completely reads as a contemporary romance and because of that I felt like I connected with Sigrid in such a real way. I will be the first to say that as a FMC, I don't think she'll be for everybody. Much like Nesta from the ACOTAR series, Sigrid is one of those characters that can bring out a lot of feelings in the reader. She's prickly, guarded, and running from vulnerability like an olympic level track star. She believes she's cursed in love and is doing everything in her power to prove to herself that it's true.
And then we meet our MMC and he's amazing except for the fact that we don't even know who he is.
I loved getting to read how these two grow in love and really show that while neither is perfect that doesn't mean they can't be perfect for eachother. This is such a relatable story for the girls that have been hurt in the past and the only way they know how to survive is to make those emotional fortresses impenetrable and call it independence. It's a reminder that there's beauty and growth when you let people into those vulnerable and uncomfortable parts of you.
Congratulations to Rean Tetra for the release of your debut book! I am very much looking forward to what comes next
March 16, 2025
Come for the blurb, stay for the banter.
Sigrid is like many of us, struggles with the concept of love and being loved. Especially after her last break up tears her heart out. But she believes she is cursed. And maybe she is.
This story is filled with magic and magical creatures all living in a secret side of New York City. A late night laundry night meet cute, a plate of cookies and a few teasing phone calls later and she finds herself in a brand new world.
the writing was superb and the characters gripped me. I was so excited to see Sigrid come out of her shell and accept that she is indeed lovable. And Maddox is a freaking wet dream. he has horns and a tail and a knot. Need more? He’s super supportive of Sigrid and does his best not to push her into more than she can handle. He’s rich. And he’s so kind.
But the yearning is what did me in.
Also her bestie Margo needs her own spotlight. That girl was freaking hilarious and i latched onto her as well.
I can’t wait for yall to meet these characters!
I got to read this early on and I’m so proud of Raen! Her characters are so well thought out and realistic. It’s impossible to not love them for all of their flaws. I am so happy for her and so ready to read everything she puts out!
Sigrid is like many of us, struggles with the concept of love and being loved. Especially after her last break up tears her heart out. But she believes she is cursed. And maybe she is.
This story is filled with magic and magical creatures all living in a secret side of New York City. A late night laundry night meet cute, a plate of cookies and a few teasing phone calls later and she finds herself in a brand new world.
the writing was superb and the characters gripped me. I was so excited to see Sigrid come out of her shell and accept that she is indeed lovable. And Maddox is a freaking wet dream. he has horns and a tail and a knot. Need more? He’s super supportive of Sigrid and does his best not to push her into more than she can handle. He’s rich. And he’s so kind.
But the yearning is what did me in.
Also her bestie Margo needs her own spotlight. That girl was freaking hilarious and i latched onto her as well.
I can’t wait for yall to meet these characters!
I got to read this early on and I’m so proud of Raen! Her characters are so well thought out and realistic. It’s impossible to not love them for all of their flaws. I am so happy for her and so ready to read everything she puts out!
July 2, 2025
i loved this.
the meet cute? amazing.
the world? i wish it was real. it's the good kind of urban/modern fantasy world.
the characters? loved them all. except the exes, they suck.
the ending? OMGGGGGGG. perfection.
the vibe? cozy, without being cutesy. realistic, but also, knots. and horns.
sigrid and maddox are just so good together, despite their issues/traumas/complications.
also, points for giving us a broad shouldered mmc in a contemporary setting, whose shirts are conveniently tight bc ✨muscles✨, but nary a henley in sight! this feat alone is worthy of praise 🙌
the meet cute? amazing.
the world? i wish it was real. it's the good kind of urban/modern fantasy world.
the characters? loved them all. except the exes, they suck.
the ending? OMGGGGGGG. perfection.
the vibe? cozy, without being cutesy. realistic, but also, knots. and horns.
sigrid and maddox are just so good together, despite their issues/traumas/complications.
also, points for giving us a broad shouldered mmc in a contemporary setting, whose shirts are conveniently tight bc ✨muscles✨, but nary a henley in sight! this feat alone is worthy of praise 🙌
March 11, 2025
Sigrid is a young professional in NYC. She has been spiraling since her ex walked out of whe life with no warning. She's certain she's cursed to have every relationship crash and burn, so when she "meets" a man through the door of her apartment laundry room, she swears she's not going to fall in love. Sh 's done with love and with getting her heart broken.
But Maddox is not your typical guy. He is, in fact, a monster, a fae beast and the biggest pile of green flags this side of the Atlantic. He slowly, carefully pries Sigrid out of the spiral of anxious thoughts and past relationship trauma that she has been drowning in as they navigate how to make their relationship work.
If you love monster romance give Below the Shadow of the City a chance. 💜
Thanks Raen Tetra for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
But Maddox is not your typical guy. He is, in fact, a monster, a fae beast and the biggest pile of green flags this side of the Atlantic. He slowly, carefully pries Sigrid out of the spiral of anxious thoughts and past relationship trauma that she has been drowning in as they navigate how to make their relationship work.
If you love monster romance give Below the Shadow of the City a chance. 💜
Thanks Raen Tetra for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
April 7, 2025
What a great book!
When Sigrid meets a stranger in the laundry room who keeps his identity hidden behind a door, they hit it off and are soon texting everyday. But can they get past his monstrous looks or her fear of relationships!?
This book was cute, funny and filled with angst. I really enjoyed the world building. A contemporary monster romance with a whole other world beneath our feet was interesting and something I hadn’t seen done before. Sigrid is a young woman filled with self doubt especially when it comes to relationships. Her character could’ve very easily become unlikeable but I think having Maddox and the cast of side characters really helped to balance her out.
Maddox is the perfect monster boyfriend, sweet, caring, and understanding.
They have great chemistry and while Sigrid’s doubts were a little bit drawn out it was still overall an enjoyable read.
Spice: 3/5
When Sigrid meets a stranger in the laundry room who keeps his identity hidden behind a door, they hit it off and are soon texting everyday. But can they get past his monstrous looks or her fear of relationships!?
This book was cute, funny and filled with angst. I really enjoyed the world building. A contemporary monster romance with a whole other world beneath our feet was interesting and something I hadn’t seen done before. Sigrid is a young woman filled with self doubt especially when it comes to relationships. Her character could’ve very easily become unlikeable but I think having Maddox and the cast of side characters really helped to balance her out.
Maddox is the perfect monster boyfriend, sweet, caring, and understanding.
They have great chemistry and while Sigrid’s doubts were a little bit drawn out it was still overall an enjoyable read.
Spice: 3/5
May 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW!! I was glad to be given the opportunity to ARC read Below the Shadow of the City by Raen Tetra. The stubborn human FMC Sigrid believes she is cursed in relationships and does everything she can to avoid them. As she is doing laundry late one night, a stranger starts talking to her from behind a door, and she begins to talk with him more and more. This is our Furry and lovable MMC Maddox. Sigrid discovers a whole new world (literally) when she goes to his apartment and finds a whole city of monsters under her own city. Their relationship develops, had me feeling all the feelings, and is one of my favorite love stories! I absolutely recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
I had such a great time reading this, Tetra’s writing is so fun and witty! This was such a perfect A cozy, light-hearted, low-stakes contemporary monster romance 💖🥰
I love the characters so much—they were endearing, funny, and relatable! I 100% understood and related to Sigrid, so I will hazard a guess that I’m anxious avoidant too 😂 Letting yourself receive love is a struggle I resonated with and I loved seeing her journey—I was cheering her on the whole way 🙌 And MADDOX?? Wowie! I love him 🖤 he is the perfect blend of sweet, smart, and also a giant hot beast?? Incredible.
I love the characters so much—they were endearing, funny, and relatable! I 100% understood and related to Sigrid, so I will hazard a guess that I’m anxious avoidant too 😂 Letting yourself receive love is a struggle I resonated with and I loved seeing her journey—I was cheering her on the whole way 🙌 And MADDOX?? Wowie! I love him 🖤 he is the perfect blend of sweet, smart, and also a giant hot beast?? Incredible.
March 24, 2025
I loved this book so much! Such a cosy romcom monster romance. Sigrid is very relatable. She lets her anxiety get in the way of the good things in life. Thankfully Maddox will have none of that. He’s a walking green flag and we love him for it. Filled with yearning (openly), emotional security (from Maddox) and lots of gentle coaxing for a reluctant Sigrid—you will devour this read. So so cute!
November 2, 2025
"Maybe our romance isn’t quite a fairytale, but it certainly feels magical right now."
Sigrid met someone in her apartment's laundry room and they spent the entire dawn talking but did not see each other. She tried to look for him, and turned out he's a beast/creature named Maddox, and all the supernatural beings are real and lived below our world.
Funny story, I was preparing to sleep one night and I just want to read something new and the author posted on her IG account, and I immediately took it as a sign to read this book.
If I'm not mistaken, this is the author's debut novel and as a monster romance lover, obvs I am on the lookout for anything new in that genre.
Anyways, I digress ~
Started this as my night/before sleeping read and honestly, it took me awhile to get used to the character. We are in Sigrid's POV and quite frankly, I did not like her character. I found it hard to relate to her. I did appreciate the author's TWs at the beginning so I went into this book with an open mind but I was trying or forcing myself to relate to either of the characters for me to connect well with the book, but it didn't happen here.
It's basically a me-problem because I don't think this book was for me, or I am the intended audience for this. Objectively, it's a great book and people did enjoy this one but not me.
Back to the main plot, it's sounded so interesting and I did love that it's set in the modern world so it's easier to imagine what's happening. However, all/majority the FMC did to the MMC, rubbed me off wrong. She's hot and cold, she's there-not-there, she's sending a lot of mixed signals, the constant back and forth, and while I did know why she's built the way she was, it's nothing really ground breaking for her to be that way to the MMC. Idk.
On the otherhand, I love the MMC. Even though we did not get his POV, he showed that he cares, he's very communicated and mature in this relationship. Honestly, I did think he deserves better than the FMC. Yikes.
Overall, it's a great book but not for me.
I might read the next book in the series but I don't have it in me to read almost 400 pages monster romance book rn. But never say never.
Sigrid met someone in her apartment's laundry room and they spent the entire dawn talking but did not see each other. She tried to look for him, and turned out he's a beast/creature named Maddox, and all the supernatural beings are real and lived below our world.
Funny story, I was preparing to sleep one night and I just want to read something new and the author posted on her IG account, and I immediately took it as a sign to read this book.
If I'm not mistaken, this is the author's debut novel and as a monster romance lover, obvs I am on the lookout for anything new in that genre.
Anyways, I digress ~
Started this as my night/before sleeping read and honestly, it took me awhile to get used to the character. We are in Sigrid's POV and quite frankly, I did not like her character. I found it hard to relate to her. I did appreciate the author's TWs at the beginning so I went into this book with an open mind but I was trying or forcing myself to relate to either of the characters for me to connect well with the book, but it didn't happen here.
It's basically a me-problem because I don't think this book was for me, or I am the intended audience for this. Objectively, it's a great book and people did enjoy this one but not me.
Back to the main plot, it's sounded so interesting and I did love that it's set in the modern world so it's easier to imagine what's happening. However, all/majority the FMC did to the MMC, rubbed me off wrong. She's hot and cold, she's there-not-there, she's sending a lot of mixed signals, the constant back and forth, and while I did know why she's built the way she was, it's nothing really ground breaking for her to be that way to the MMC. Idk.
On the otherhand, I love the MMC. Even though we did not get his POV, he showed that he cares, he's very communicated and mature in this relationship. Honestly, I did think he deserves better than the FMC. Yikes.
Overall, it's a great book but not for me.
I might read the next book in the series but I don't have it in me to read almost 400 pages monster romance book rn. But never say never.
February 26, 2025
If you were one of those people (like me) who was savagely disappointed when the beast transformed back into a human, well GREAT NEWS this is the perfect book for you.
Omg I adore this story. Sigrid thinks she is romantically cursed because #abadonmentissues (so real), and has really just bottled herself and her entire life into a tidy package that feels safe.
A chance encounter with a (potentially naked) stranger in the laundry room of her building in the middle of the night leads to anonymous phone calls, some light stalking, and an entire world of new adventure and hot emotionally available men.
I saw Raen mention that Sigrid might come across unlikeable or hard - actually I found her to be one of those characters that force you to think about WHY her choices and feelings bother you. My opinion is that women are always being seen as “unlikeable” if they struggle with emotions, with opening up themselves to hurt, for being sex forward but love slow. The balance of Sigrid and Maddox was not only fun and interesting to watch play out, but a refreshing take on emotional intimacy.
It has it all:
🌃 Queer representation
🌃 Black cat FMC/golden retriever MMC
🌃 DESPERATE YEARNING
🌃 Hidden identities
🌃 Monsters, they’re just like us!!!
🌃 Chasing (in more ways than one)
It also includes an iconic and very relevant to me line:
“I’ve read enough omegaverse fan fiction in my lifetime to know EXACTLY what I’m looking at” 😏
Raen gave me an arc and I love her for it but I am paying actual literal dollars to buy this for my shelf, that’s how much fun I had. Let’s GO monster romance romcom!!!!
Omg I adore this story. Sigrid thinks she is romantically cursed because #abadonmentissues (so real), and has really just bottled herself and her entire life into a tidy package that feels safe.
A chance encounter with a (potentially naked) stranger in the laundry room of her building in the middle of the night leads to anonymous phone calls, some light stalking, and an entire world of new adventure and hot emotionally available men.
I saw Raen mention that Sigrid might come across unlikeable or hard - actually I found her to be one of those characters that force you to think about WHY her choices and feelings bother you. My opinion is that women are always being seen as “unlikeable” if they struggle with emotions, with opening up themselves to hurt, for being sex forward but love slow. The balance of Sigrid and Maddox was not only fun and interesting to watch play out, but a refreshing take on emotional intimacy.
It has it all:
🌃 Queer representation
🌃 Black cat FMC/golden retriever MMC
🌃 DESPERATE YEARNING
🌃 Hidden identities
🌃 Monsters, they’re just like us!!!
🌃 Chasing (in more ways than one)
It also includes an iconic and very relevant to me line:
“I’ve read enough omegaverse fan fiction in my lifetime to know EXACTLY what I’m looking at” 😏
Raen gave me an arc and I love her for it but I am paying actual literal dollars to buy this for my shelf, that’s how much fun I had. Let’s GO monster romance romcom!!!!
March 16, 2025
For all the people that think the beast should never have to change into a man!
Maddox, our beastly MMC here, is a right sweetie. Yes, he has some more primal instincts, but mostly he has the patience of a saint and some good shampoo. Sigrid, our prickly human FMC, is, quite frankly, hard work. Living in her head was at times tough. She's painfully avoidant, and on one level I loved the commitment to depicting someone with the degree of trauma she has, but on another it did make parts of the story rough to get through. Sigrid was very in her head, which meant we were very in her head, and that wasn't always a pleasant place to be. I feel like this story is either going to really resonated with people or drive them round the bend.
I do wish there had been more of a wrap up on the recipe plot line - it was the only part of the story that felt a bit left hanging. There were also a few scenes where I struggled to follow the order in which things were happening. These felt like new author wiggles that I'm sure will iron out in the next books - and I hope there's are books plural! I'm so intrigued by the world Tetra is making here - the underground city below the city, the different creatures found there. I adored how normal they all were, especially Maddox’ insistence that no magic is involved. It leaves a whole lot more to explore and I'm interested to see where Tetra takes it next.
A grand addition to the horned monster romance canon!
I read an advance copy of this book. My thoughts are very much my own.
Maddox, our beastly MMC here, is a right sweetie. Yes, he has some more primal instincts, but mostly he has the patience of a saint and some good shampoo. Sigrid, our prickly human FMC, is, quite frankly, hard work. Living in her head was at times tough. She's painfully avoidant, and on one level I loved the commitment to depicting someone with the degree of trauma she has, but on another it did make parts of the story rough to get through. Sigrid was very in her head, which meant we were very in her head, and that wasn't always a pleasant place to be. I feel like this story is either going to really resonated with people or drive them round the bend.
I do wish there had been more of a wrap up on the recipe plot line - it was the only part of the story that felt a bit left hanging. There were also a few scenes where I struggled to follow the order in which things were happening. These felt like new author wiggles that I'm sure will iron out in the next books - and I hope there's are books plural! I'm so intrigued by the world Tetra is making here - the underground city below the city, the different creatures found there. I adored how normal they all were, especially Maddox’ insistence that no magic is involved. It leaves a whole lot more to explore and I'm interested to see where Tetra takes it next.
A grand addition to the horned monster romance canon!
I read an advance copy of this book. My thoughts are very much my own.
June 12, 2025
As soon as I started reading this book I wanted to beat myself up for waiting so long to start it. I enjoyed it so much. Mysterious laundry room meet-cute, underground monster world, lots of baking, queer normative world, Beauty and the Beast but he stays the beast vibes....so much to love!
Sigrid was such a relatable character. I loved her so much. "I'm superficially perfectly coordinated and scheduled while I'm mentally barely hanging on by a thread. It's an art form." Yeah same girl.
Her relationship history sucked, and I don't blame her at all for shutting herself off from dating and catching feels for people. Thankfully she met Maddox, golden retriever monster in gray sweatpants, and was able to break herself out of that mental tower she had locked herself in. He was so patient, thoughtful, and supportive. And their banter was hilarious. I was giggling and kicking my feet anytime I was reading the parts where they were texting or meeting up in the laundry room.
Can't wait to jump back into this world!
Sigrid was such a relatable character. I loved her so much. "I'm superficially perfectly coordinated and scheduled while I'm mentally barely hanging on by a thread. It's an art form." Yeah same girl.
Her relationship history sucked, and I don't blame her at all for shutting herself off from dating and catching feels for people. Thankfully she met Maddox, golden retriever monster in gray sweatpants, and was able to break herself out of that mental tower she had locked herself in. He was so patient, thoughtful, and supportive. And their banter was hilarious. I was giggling and kicking my feet anytime I was reading the parts where they were texting or meeting up in the laundry room.
Can't wait to jump back into this world!
July 20, 2025
I wish goodreads had a six star option specifically for this book. Raen Tetra's writing is smart, funny, and so relatable. Seeing Sigrid and Maddox's relationship develop throughout the book is so sweet and tender, but Sigrid herself?? Watching her grow and flourish throughout the plot is really something special. This book was written for all the anxious avoidant folks who need to be convinced that they're worthy of love. I loved every single part of this book, and I will sing its praises forever.
And if you're a Beauty and the Beast fan who liked the Beast better before he transformed back into a human? You should have read this book, like, yesterday!
And if you're a Beauty and the Beast fan who liked the Beast better before he transformed back into a human? You should have read this book, like, yesterday!
January 13, 2026
4.5 stars ✨
Angry at myself for waiting so long to read this book, I loved it so much!!
I saw so much of myself in Sigrid (I too am very anxious/avoidant when it comes to relationships) which made this reading experience more raw than I was expecting (like hey, this is a monster rom com, why am I being called out)! But being able to see her learn to trust her connection to Maddox and let her walls down was really heartwarming.
Maddox, oh the monster you are, I need him! He was so patient with Sigrid while still maintaining boundaries to protect his own heart and I appreciated him so much for this. and also hello hot, need a man with horns I guess.
Angry at myself for waiting so long to read this book, I loved it so much!!
I saw so much of myself in Sigrid (I too am very anxious/avoidant when it comes to relationships) which made this reading experience more raw than I was expecting (like hey, this is a monster rom com, why am I being called out)! But being able to see her learn to trust her connection to Maddox and let her walls down was really heartwarming.
Maddox, oh the monster you are, I need him! He was so patient with Sigrid while still maintaining boundaries to protect his own heart and I appreciated him so much for this. and also hello hot, need a man with horns I guess.
November 5, 2025
Wow! That book pulled at my heart and hit home in a way that is all too unfair. The characters chemistry is unforgettable and there is no miscommunication here (WHICH I ADORE). I loved how much the two mains discussed how they were feeling with one another. Even if it meant hurting one another. In the end though it all works out for the best.
Maddox is such a sweet bean and I’d do anything for him. I hope to everyone who thinks that they are “cursed” in love to find their very own Maddox one day.
Maddox is such a sweet bean and I’d do anything for him. I hope to everyone who thinks that they are “cursed” in love to find their very own Maddox one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was cute! Is the beast from Beauty and the Beast on your “hear me out” list? If so, give this a go.
Our FMC is definitely giving black cat “unlikable” energy, which can be refreshing. Not every woman is likable and perfect (duh)! And our MMC is a beast but make it sweet golden retriever. The spice was spicing and I found this world building super interesting and unique!
Overall my only complaint is I found multiple spelling errors / grammar errors throughout. Not a big deal if it doesn’t bother you!
I would definitely read more from this author!!
This was cute! Is the beast from Beauty and the Beast on your “hear me out” list? If so, give this a go.
Our FMC is definitely giving black cat “unlikable” energy, which can be refreshing. Not every woman is likable and perfect (duh)! And our MMC is a beast but make it sweet golden retriever. The spice was spicing and I found this world building super interesting and unique!
Overall my only complaint is I found multiple spelling errors / grammar errors throughout. Not a big deal if it doesn’t bother you!
I would definitely read more from this author!!
February 5, 2026
THIS RATING IS VIBES ONLY
While there are aspects and typo's I'd love to edit for the author, the vibes here are everything. Sigrid's inner monologue definitely got long and dramatic at times, but Maddox more than made up for it for me. And I don't really care that Maddox has no flaws outside the 'monster' of it all.
While there are aspects and typo's I'd love to edit for the author, the vibes here are everything. Sigrid's inner monologue definitely got long and dramatic at times, but Maddox more than made up for it for me. And I don't really care that Maddox has no flaws outside the 'monster' of it all.
February 10, 2026
cute stand alone
This book is a really cute read. It’s not my usual type of story but I seen a lot of people recommending it online! If you are looking for a short cozy monster romance it’s cute!
This book is a really cute read. It’s not my usual type of story but I seen a lot of people recommending it online! If you are looking for a short cozy monster romance it’s cute!
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