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Last Ride of the Umbra Fae
A Dark Western Fantasy Romance
Cowboy romantasy cover reveal Saturday December 14th
Synopsis: coming soon
Release Date: Early 2025
Official date tba
Cowboy romantasy cover reveal Saturday December 14th
Synopsis: coming soon
Release Date: Early 2025
Official date tba
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2025
23 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Monica Amore
2 books167 followersMONICA AMORE is an author who has west coast roots, born and raised in the City of Angels and the Mojave Desert. She now lives in a hidden forest with her husband, daughter and cats somewhere in the Midwest. When she was young, she wanted the hero, but now she wants the villains. When she’s not writing fantasy romance, she’s somewhere barefoot in the woods or tucked away in her haunted little library reading more books. She loves iced coffee, spending time with her family, and enjoys being outdoors.
Follow her on IG authormonicaamore
Follow her on IG authormonicaamore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 16, 2025
Cowboys and fae say no more !!
Vessa is the last of her kind and is on a journey to get a tonic to help keep her alive. Join her on her adventure with she hot cowboy guide Ryder , her father and her bonded “friend” Raven
Vessa is the last of her kind and is on a journey to get a tonic to help keep her alive. Join her on her adventure with she hot cowboy guide Ryder , her father and her bonded “friend” Raven
February 15, 2025
Take a fantasy romance and add a western elements to it, a tough father who’s known as Ends Wrath to travel with and a raven who gets mistaken as a blue jay. Mix in some banter, some delicious tension, a great plot and you have yourself this masterpiece.
Vessa is an absolute firecracker.
“And that’s how you leave a man.” Literally had me gasping for air, such an epic moment. I think I fell in love with her right then and there. She’s a fast witted woman, who knows what she likes and truly cares about those close to her. Suffering so much loss, she still portrayed beauty and a toughness about her.
Pa, ugh I love his character so much. He truly felt like the “home” feeling we all know and love. He was perfectly grumpy, and tough. It’s not often you see this type of duo travelling together in a fantasy romance and it was so refreshing. If he was an actual person I’d probably convince him to adopt me.
“You’ll walk away, expecting her to chase you down. Let me tell you right now, Vessa doesn’t chase. She hunts.
“A beauty like that will only burn you, boy. It’s best you keep your distance.”
Ryder this sneaky little shit, in a good way. The bounty hunter.
He had such a flirty vibe to him, which kept me wanting more of him . He developed into this bubble of goo for Vessa and it was everything I loved about him.
“You shouldn’t have opened that door,” he warned, “because I’m about to lose all manners and ravish you wholly. And when I’m done with you, you might consider being mine for a while longer. Or you might see me for the devil I truly am”
Raven… oh dear Raven the bodyguard
The shifter, bond Vessa has. A funny guy, obviously a little troubled. I felt for him at times, there’s a story there for sure. He was great comedic relief half the time, and a damn 🐓 block the other half of the time. I did love that she had a Raven that was mistaken as a blue jay that had me giggling.
Monica’s writing is poetic and gives off the right amount of descriptions without going overboard. The entire story was easy to understand, and the whole western Romantasy was such a vibe and carried throughout. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book this much, EVERY single chapter has at least 4, they just kept jumping out at me.
It’s no secret that this is reflecting on loss at times, it hits home in so many ways. My heart was hurting for these characters. It’s really resonates with you, so much so I just want to give Monica the biggest hug for putting her heart and soul on paper. It’s never easy, but she did the damn thing with this book, and I’m so proud of her.
I’m going to try to narrow down a few quotes I LOVED.
The dedication “ this is your villain era. Ride the fuck out of it.”
“She was a storm id gladly trek four or five times-fucking hells, for eternity, maybe. Gods-damn”
“I was a demon, and I would be her demise.”
“Next man I see holding an Apple pie, I’ll make sure I put a knife to his gut and take it”
“It takes one bullets to kill, two because I’m a spiteful bitch.”
“Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to you I have a thing for danger”
“ I was less of a villain with her, but I would become any monster for her.” I SCREAMED AT THIS ONE
Thank you Monica for the eARC copy, forever grateful for you 💜
Vessa is an absolute firecracker.
“And that’s how you leave a man.” Literally had me gasping for air, such an epic moment. I think I fell in love with her right then and there. She’s a fast witted woman, who knows what she likes and truly cares about those close to her. Suffering so much loss, she still portrayed beauty and a toughness about her.
Pa, ugh I love his character so much. He truly felt like the “home” feeling we all know and love. He was perfectly grumpy, and tough. It’s not often you see this type of duo travelling together in a fantasy romance and it was so refreshing. If he was an actual person I’d probably convince him to adopt me.
“You’ll walk away, expecting her to chase you down. Let me tell you right now, Vessa doesn’t chase. She hunts.
“A beauty like that will only burn you, boy. It’s best you keep your distance.”
Ryder this sneaky little shit, in a good way. The bounty hunter.
He had such a flirty vibe to him, which kept me wanting more of him . He developed into this bubble of goo for Vessa and it was everything I loved about him.
“You shouldn’t have opened that door,” he warned, “because I’m about to lose all manners and ravish you wholly. And when I’m done with you, you might consider being mine for a while longer. Or you might see me for the devil I truly am”
Raven… oh dear Raven the bodyguard
The shifter, bond Vessa has. A funny guy, obviously a little troubled. I felt for him at times, there’s a story there for sure. He was great comedic relief half the time, and a damn 🐓 block the other half of the time. I did love that she had a Raven that was mistaken as a blue jay that had me giggling.
Monica’s writing is poetic and gives off the right amount of descriptions without going overboard. The entire story was easy to understand, and the whole western Romantasy was such a vibe and carried throughout. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book this much, EVERY single chapter has at least 4, they just kept jumping out at me.
It’s no secret that this is reflecting on loss at times, it hits home in so many ways. My heart was hurting for these characters. It’s really resonates with you, so much so I just want to give Monica the biggest hug for putting her heart and soul on paper. It’s never easy, but she did the damn thing with this book, and I’m so proud of her.
I’m going to try to narrow down a few quotes I LOVED.
The dedication “ this is your villain era. Ride the fuck out of it.”
“She was a storm id gladly trek four or five times-fucking hells, for eternity, maybe. Gods-damn”
“I was a demon, and I would be her demise.”
“Next man I see holding an Apple pie, I’ll make sure I put a knife to his gut and take it”
“It takes one bullets to kill, two because I’m a spiteful bitch.”
“Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to you I have a thing for danger”
“ I was less of a villain with her, but I would become any monster for her.” I SCREAMED AT THIS ONE
Thank you Monica for the eARC copy, forever grateful for you 💜
March 22, 2025
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae by Monica Amore
ARC Review
This is a Dark Western Fantasy Romance. We need more of this genre, please.
🌵 Western Fantasy
🐎 Lasso Daddy
✨️ Elemental Fae
🖤 Bound and Fated
“Are you blushing, cowboy?”
“I cannot confirm nor deny such accusations,” he said, his voice a soothing calm. “But when I’m done with you, it will be you who’s blushing.”
A story of a father and his daughter Vessa on a search for a tonic in a world where the fae are almost extinct. Fae are in hiding or in slaved to humans. A wanted bounty is on their head in this lawless society. End's Wrath hires a bounty hunter as their guide through the terrain to find an abundance of tonic. Ryder is a temptation and a tease. Loyalty is tested, and betrayal is on the horizon.
"...for I knew, if our eyes ever met again, there would be the barrel of a gun between us."
This was a unique story that showcased classic western elements that just made my heart skip. The last 30% of this book turned into a wild ride. So hold on to your cowboy hats for this one! Yee haw!
"Her name was dark honey on my lips, a venom I wanted to taste."
ARC Review
This is a Dark Western Fantasy Romance. We need more of this genre, please.
🌵 Western Fantasy
🐎 Lasso Daddy
✨️ Elemental Fae
🖤 Bound and Fated
“Are you blushing, cowboy?”
“I cannot confirm nor deny such accusations,” he said, his voice a soothing calm. “But when I’m done with you, it will be you who’s blushing.”
A story of a father and his daughter Vessa on a search for a tonic in a world where the fae are almost extinct. Fae are in hiding or in slaved to humans. A wanted bounty is on their head in this lawless society. End's Wrath hires a bounty hunter as their guide through the terrain to find an abundance of tonic. Ryder is a temptation and a tease. Loyalty is tested, and betrayal is on the horizon.
"...for I knew, if our eyes ever met again, there would be the barrel of a gun between us."
This was a unique story that showcased classic western elements that just made my heart skip. The last 30% of this book turned into a wild ride. So hold on to your cowboy hats for this one! Yee haw!
"Her name was dark honey on my lips, a venom I wanted to taste."
February 28, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“I was less of a villain with her, but I would become any monster for her.“
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae was a delicious mix of dark fantasy and western. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. The secrets, unique world, morally grey characters, and adventure made this a page turner for me.
✨Vessa and Pa are the last of the Umbra Fae and they’re outlaws on a mission to find a special tonic that Vessa needs to survive. After losing everyone they loved from betrayal, they are happy to take their revenge on the way. They’re both morally grey characters. Vessa is full of feminine rage and rightfully so. Pa is known as “Ends Wrath” and it’s clear as to why. I adore their relationship so much.
“You will be my demise someday,”
“You have always been mine.”
✨Raven is Vessa’s shifter bodyguard. He is an important side character in this story and one I loved so much. Because of their bond, he can be quite possessive and protective. He doesn’t say much, but when he does I devoured every word. I was so eager for more of him.
✨ Ryder is the cowboy guide hired by Pa to lead them to the tonic. He knows they’re dangerous, but he can’t help but be pulled towards Vessa. There is a tension between them with every interaction that only helps the flirtatious banter grow.
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae has:
🌵 Western fantasy
🥃 Secrets & twists
🤎 Morally grey FMC
🐴 Elemental Magic
🔥 Spice
🥧 Bound & fated
🐦⬛ Shifter bodyguard
Ps, it’s available today and on KU!
Thank you @authormonicaamore for this ARC 🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“I was less of a villain with her, but I would become any monster for her.“
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae was a delicious mix of dark fantasy and western. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. The secrets, unique world, morally grey characters, and adventure made this a page turner for me.
✨Vessa and Pa are the last of the Umbra Fae and they’re outlaws on a mission to find a special tonic that Vessa needs to survive. After losing everyone they loved from betrayal, they are happy to take their revenge on the way. They’re both morally grey characters. Vessa is full of feminine rage and rightfully so. Pa is known as “Ends Wrath” and it’s clear as to why. I adore their relationship so much.
“You will be my demise someday,”
“You have always been mine.”
✨Raven is Vessa’s shifter bodyguard. He is an important side character in this story and one I loved so much. Because of their bond, he can be quite possessive and protective. He doesn’t say much, but when he does I devoured every word. I was so eager for more of him.
✨ Ryder is the cowboy guide hired by Pa to lead them to the tonic. He knows they’re dangerous, but he can’t help but be pulled towards Vessa. There is a tension between them with every interaction that only helps the flirtatious banter grow.
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae has:
🌵 Western fantasy
🥃 Secrets & twists
🤎 Morally grey FMC
🐴 Elemental Magic
🔥 Spice
🥧 Bound & fated
🐦⬛ Shifter bodyguard
Ps, it’s available today and on KU!
Thank you @authormonicaamore for this ARC 🫶🏼
February 16, 2025
Ahh let me say this… where do I sign up to be in this story? The combination of both dark fantasy and western might be my new sweet spot.
The way I couldn’t put this down and had no choice but to read this in a day it was that encapsulating of a story. Vessa is everything you want in an fmc who is just wanting to live and not be held back by a man because who needs them.
“You have been a disturbance in my mind, invading my every thought since I met you,”
I’m sorry but sir, raw, always no next question. If this is not preordered definitely go ahead and that today. I need more of this story and have it injected into me.
The way I couldn’t put this down and had no choice but to read this in a day it was that encapsulating of a story. Vessa is everything you want in an fmc who is just wanting to live and not be held back by a man because who needs them.
“You have been a disturbance in my mind, invading my every thought since I met you,”
I’m sorry but sir, raw, always no next question. If this is not preordered definitely go ahead and that today. I need more of this story and have it injected into me.
February 28, 2025
Vessa, her father, and her bodyguard Raven ride together from town to town leaving death in their wake and as such they are wanted for numerous murders. Unfortunately they’ve had to show their faces in more than one saloon in order to find more of this tonic that helps Vessa and her chronic illness. That’s when Ryder comes into the picture saying he can guide them to the City of Donia where this tonic is made but he’s hiding a secret. Ryder is, in reality, a bounty hunter and he’s been hired to bring Vessa to someone who wants her. Due to wanting as much coin as he can get in order to leave this place and start clean over, he agrees to this job. Ryder just didn’t expect to fall for her in the process. Can he actually hand her over to someone with vile and evil intentions or will he break his own rules and keep her for himself?
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae was gritty in the way you want a western setting to be and having it mixed with fantastical elements, fae, magic and a heated romance? It was a mash up I didn’t know I wanted or needed. The banter, the tension, the brutality of this world, and the betrayals?! I had such a fun time reading this.
All of that being said I did have a few issues with pacing. I expected their journey to this big city to feel more adventurous considering it takes up a decent portion of the book but it was actually a little boring and there’s multiple places where it’s even said that they don’t talk to one another for hours and hours. Also this world wasn’t as fleshed out as I would like it to be. There is a small amount of info given about the world and the magic within it but I was craving more. I didn’t need it to be this epic fantasy universe but just some more depth would’ve been nice. I also for some reason expected this to go in a poly relationship direction and it did not…at all. That wasn’t a factor in my overall rating considering it was an assumption on my part but just wanted to mention it in case anyone else had that expectation. While I understood the ending and the way it had to happen, I still wasn’t a fan of it. But I also don’t know how I wanted it to end really so take my opinion with a grain of salt here.
Those were all small things in the end and considering how much I enjoyed reading it, it’s a solid 4 stars for me. And I’d definitely read from this author again in the future.
4⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
Dark western fantasy romance
MF
Bounty Hunter who plays the guitar
Shifter Raven Bodyguard
Shadow Mommy
Shadow play
Female rage
Everyone is morally grey
Hidden identity
Chronic illness rep
Fated mates & bonds
Desert travels & saloons
TW/CW (taken from the author’s list in the book):
Dark themes, Grief and heavy loss, Sexually explicit, Consensual sex, Death of a loved one, Dystopian, Explicit language, Gore & torture, Murder, Trauma, Isolation, Extreme violence, Verbal Abuse (not between MCs), Assault (implied off page not between MCs)
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae was gritty in the way you want a western setting to be and having it mixed with fantastical elements, fae, magic and a heated romance? It was a mash up I didn’t know I wanted or needed. The banter, the tension, the brutality of this world, and the betrayals?! I had such a fun time reading this.
All of that being said I did have a few issues with pacing. I expected their journey to this big city to feel more adventurous considering it takes up a decent portion of the book but it was actually a little boring and there’s multiple places where it’s even said that they don’t talk to one another for hours and hours. Also this world wasn’t as fleshed out as I would like it to be. There is a small amount of info given about the world and the magic within it but I was craving more. I didn’t need it to be this epic fantasy universe but just some more depth would’ve been nice. I also for some reason expected this to go in a poly relationship direction and it did not…at all. That wasn’t a factor in my overall rating considering it was an assumption on my part but just wanted to mention it in case anyone else had that expectation. While I understood the ending and the way it had to happen, I still wasn’t a fan of it. But I also don’t know how I wanted it to end really so take my opinion with a grain of salt here.
Those were all small things in the end and considering how much I enjoyed reading it, it’s a solid 4 stars for me. And I’d definitely read from this author again in the future.
4⭐️
3.5🔥
What to expect:
Dark western fantasy romance
MF
Bounty Hunter who plays the guitar
Shifter Raven Bodyguard
Shadow Mommy
Shadow play
Female rage
Everyone is morally grey
Hidden identity
Chronic illness rep
Fated mates & bonds
Desert travels & saloons
TW/CW (taken from the author’s list in the book):
Dark themes, Grief and heavy loss, Sexually explicit, Consensual sex, Death of a loved one, Dystopian, Explicit language, Gore & torture, Murder, Trauma, Isolation, Extreme violence, Verbal Abuse (not between MCs), Assault (implied off page not between MCs)
February 19, 2025
“They might have taken everything from us, but they would never lay a hand on me again without choking on their final breath soon after. If their faith was the same as ours, they’d better hope their souls embarked upon the stars, because I’d be keeping their seat warm, right next to me in hell.”
Okay. It’s fine. Everything’s fine. Everything’s great besides the fact that my heart was just ripped out and left for the desert birds to leisurely pick at 🙂
Hold on to your reins baddies because this one was a wild ride 😅 We have a morally grey shadow FMC with an attitude, a lasso daddy cowboy (also morally grey), a raven shifter bodyguard who knows how to create ✨tension✨ 🥵, elemental magic, banter, betrayal, forced proximity and my favorite, FEMALE RAGE!!! There are so many more of our favorite tropes in this story, but these were some of my favorite (yes, I love a betrayal trope, I’m sick 😅).
I absolutely loved our FMC, Vessa. Monica has a way of writing such strong female characters who are relatable, and at the same time, everything I wish I could be. Vessa experiences betrayal and unimaginable heartbreak throughout this journey; her grief is heavy - it’s palpable, it’s real. Yet she still leaves space for trust, vulnerability and love at the end. Our MMC is perfectly spicy and I really enjoyed getting to know him, he’s quite mysterious at first 🧐 and of course the banter between all of the characters had me giggling and kicking my feet, I live for the attitude and death threats 🤭
If you love dark fantasy romance and cowboys (what a treat!!), you will loveee this one 🫶🏻 Last Ride of the Umbra Fae will be available on 2/28 - add to your tbr & pre order now ✨
Time to get emotional:
🌙 Monica, we know what telling this story meant for you. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing your readers to hold some of the heaviness through your storytelling. I think I can speak for all of the UTM Baddies and say we’re so proud of you and so happy for you as you approach your second book release. What an honor it is to come along on this journey! Your work is truly a gift and I can’t wait to see what else Vessa has in store for us (I love spiteful bitches 😏)
Okay. It’s fine. Everything’s fine. Everything’s great besides the fact that my heart was just ripped out and left for the desert birds to leisurely pick at 🙂
Hold on to your reins baddies because this one was a wild ride 😅 We have a morally grey shadow FMC with an attitude, a lasso daddy cowboy (also morally grey), a raven shifter bodyguard who knows how to create ✨tension✨ 🥵, elemental magic, banter, betrayal, forced proximity and my favorite, FEMALE RAGE!!! There are so many more of our favorite tropes in this story, but these were some of my favorite (yes, I love a betrayal trope, I’m sick 😅).
I absolutely loved our FMC, Vessa. Monica has a way of writing such strong female characters who are relatable, and at the same time, everything I wish I could be. Vessa experiences betrayal and unimaginable heartbreak throughout this journey; her grief is heavy - it’s palpable, it’s real. Yet she still leaves space for trust, vulnerability and love at the end. Our MMC is perfectly spicy and I really enjoyed getting to know him, he’s quite mysterious at first 🧐 and of course the banter between all of the characters had me giggling and kicking my feet, I live for the attitude and death threats 🤭
If you love dark fantasy romance and cowboys (what a treat!!), you will loveee this one 🫶🏻 Last Ride of the Umbra Fae will be available on 2/28 - add to your tbr & pre order now ✨
Time to get emotional:
🌙 Monica, we know what telling this story meant for you. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing your readers to hold some of the heaviness through your storytelling. I think I can speak for all of the UTM Baddies and say we’re so proud of you and so happy for you as you approach your second book release. What an honor it is to come along on this journey! Your work is truly a gift and I can’t wait to see what else Vessa has in store for us (I love spiteful bitches 😏)
March 28, 2025
"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝐡𝐞𝐫."
What a UNIQUE and FUN read! I never knew how badly I wanted to read a dark western romantasy with a badass cowgirl FMC until I read this one. I need more… MORE! Let me just say, the characters, incredible. I loved the sass, the banter, the spice, all of it!
"𝙄𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝."
"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲"
This was a fast paced, and incredibly unique read. You get the best of both worlds, not only is this set in a dark western setting, but we get some fun romantasy aspects with elemental magic and fae. Not to mention the love triangle between Raven, Ryder and Vessa. I have to say, Raven needs a break, this man is TIRED! And Ryder? Well… I can certainly say he is that man now. I loved the banter between our FMC and MMC, not to mention all the flirting just added to it. And Vessa, our FMC, what a woman!! I loved her sassiness and how tough she was regardless of the daily battles she’s enduring. I also loved her and Pa’s relationship. Their relationship really hit home for me, almost like the grumpy x sunshine, but as someone with a father who has that similar “toughness” to him, I just knew he was a softy despite his reputation.
"𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞."
Overall, I really did just have a blast reading this one, I did want to get to know the characters and their stories a bit more in-depth which I hope we get a chance to. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, easy and fun read. I promise, you will finish this one wanting more!
⭐️ 3.75/5
Definitely recommend reading if you enjoy the following:
✨ Western x Fantasy
✨ Morally Grey FMC
✨ Shadow Daddy
✨ Chronic Illness Rep
✨ Shifter Bodyguard
✨ Feminine Rage
✨ Elemental Magic
What a UNIQUE and FUN read! I never knew how badly I wanted to read a dark western romantasy with a badass cowgirl FMC until I read this one. I need more… MORE! Let me just say, the characters, incredible. I loved the sass, the banter, the spice, all of it!
"𝙄𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝."
"𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲"
This was a fast paced, and incredibly unique read. You get the best of both worlds, not only is this set in a dark western setting, but we get some fun romantasy aspects with elemental magic and fae. Not to mention the love triangle between Raven, Ryder and Vessa. I have to say, Raven needs a break, this man is TIRED! And Ryder? Well… I can certainly say he is that man now. I loved the banter between our FMC and MMC, not to mention all the flirting just added to it. And Vessa, our FMC, what a woman!! I loved her sassiness and how tough she was regardless of the daily battles she’s enduring. I also loved her and Pa’s relationship. Their relationship really hit home for me, almost like the grumpy x sunshine, but as someone with a father who has that similar “toughness” to him, I just knew he was a softy despite his reputation.
"𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞."
Overall, I really did just have a blast reading this one, I did want to get to know the characters and their stories a bit more in-depth which I hope we get a chance to. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, easy and fun read. I promise, you will finish this one wanting more!
⭐️ 3.75/5
Definitely recommend reading if you enjoy the following:
✨ Western x Fantasy
✨ Morally Grey FMC
✨ Shadow Daddy
✨ Chronic Illness Rep
✨ Shifter Bodyguard
✨ Feminine Rage
✨ Elemental Magic
February 28, 2025
I have no words for my feelings after reading Last Ride of the Umbra Fae as you are taken on a rollercoaster of emotion throughout the story. I had the absolute honor of beta reading this book and it was just so good!
If you are a fan of a dark cowboy romance but make it fae with elemental magic, shadow mommy, lasso daddy, shifter raven, touch him/her and 💀, banter, fated mates, shadow play, secret identity, betrayal and so much more this book is for you!
Monica takes you on a ride weaving through Vessa’s grief along side her Pa and their path for revenge with her Raven by her side when they stumble into a new town and meet Ryder, little does Vessa know her life is going to change.
Ryder, this fae man, as much as he knows he shouldn’t want her he can’t help but be a moth to her flame the moment he sets eyes on her. What starts as a job quickly has his 🐓 leading the way but as he gets to know Vessa he begins to question if he really wants to go through with it.
Raven is so protective over Vessa and cares for her beyond words but Vessa finds him to be a bit of a ball and chain tied to him but he still keeps showing up for her.
Pa, a man of few words, will do anything for Vessa, he will stop at nothing to make sure she has everything she deserves as he grieves as well.
While this is a longer novella it feels like a full length story, there is just so much emotion Monica packs into this story, the relationships between Vessa, Ryder, Raven and Pa and I was left not wanting their story to end.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a fan of a dark cowboy romance but make it fae with elemental magic, shadow mommy, lasso daddy, shifter raven, touch him/her and 💀, banter, fated mates, shadow play, secret identity, betrayal and so much more this book is for you!
Monica takes you on a ride weaving through Vessa’s grief along side her Pa and their path for revenge with her Raven by her side when they stumble into a new town and meet Ryder, little does Vessa know her life is going to change.
Ryder, this fae man, as much as he knows he shouldn’t want her he can’t help but be a moth to her flame the moment he sets eyes on her. What starts as a job quickly has his 🐓 leading the way but as he gets to know Vessa he begins to question if he really wants to go through with it.
Raven is so protective over Vessa and cares for her beyond words but Vessa finds him to be a bit of a ball and chain tied to him but he still keeps showing up for her.
Pa, a man of few words, will do anything for Vessa, he will stop at nothing to make sure she has everything she deserves as he grieves as well.
While this is a longer novella it feels like a full length story, there is just so much emotion Monica packs into this story, the relationships between Vessa, Ryder, Raven and Pa and I was left not wanting their story to end.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 1, 2025
Ms. MONICA did her THANG with this book, yall!
I don't read Western anything, but when you add fantasy and Monica's writing style, I knew I had to give it a try. I never knew that I would fall in love with a badazz woman in a cowboy hat and a holster!
Vessa, being one of the last Umbra Fae and suffering from so much grief, takes to the street for revenge for those who hunt and kill her kind. She does not care who you are, any and everyone will pay. She travels with two others who have her back at all times, until she meets Ryder, who has something she needs.
Vessa doesn't trust Ryder, but he is intrigued by her, even though he has a job to do and made a few deals. He watches her, saves her, craves her, and doesn't particularly like her shifter bird friend that hangs around too close to her.
This story has so many secrets, twists, and jaw-dropping moments! The secrets alone left me STUCK! I had to read it several times because there is No way! I had to have missed Something! 😂 I laughed, I screamed, I cried...it was such an entertaining and gripping book that kept me wanting more, even when it was over! The ending was well done, but could be expanded, which I always appreciate.
I never knew that a Western fantasy was something I needed in my life! Thank you, Monica, for allowing me to be a part of this AMAZING journey! I can't wait to see what you write next!!
I don't read Western anything, but when you add fantasy and Monica's writing style, I knew I had to give it a try. I never knew that I would fall in love with a badazz woman in a cowboy hat and a holster!
Vessa, being one of the last Umbra Fae and suffering from so much grief, takes to the street for revenge for those who hunt and kill her kind. She does not care who you are, any and everyone will pay. She travels with two others who have her back at all times, until she meets Ryder, who has something she needs.
Vessa doesn't trust Ryder, but he is intrigued by her, even though he has a job to do and made a few deals. He watches her, saves her, craves her, and doesn't particularly like her shifter bird friend that hangs around too close to her.
This story has so many secrets, twists, and jaw-dropping moments! The secrets alone left me STUCK! I had to read it several times because there is No way! I had to have missed Something! 😂 I laughed, I screamed, I cried...it was such an entertaining and gripping book that kept me wanting more, even when it was over! The ending was well done, but could be expanded, which I always appreciate.
I never knew that a Western fantasy was something I needed in my life! Thank you, Monica, for allowing me to be a part of this AMAZING journey! I can't wait to see what you write next!!
February 27, 2025
“This is your villain era. Ride the f_ck out of it.”
I will dream deeper now, knowing Vessa’s story is out into the world. Last Ride of the Umbra Fae holds an extraordinary place in my heart. It was a ride into the storm without looking back to see who would follow me into the dark.
Vessa, Ryder, Raven, and Pa “End’s Wrath,” I will fight for you every single day until the world knows who you all are. Your story has been worth all the sacrifices I made to have you come alive. Your story holds truth, a message.
“They said you had to forget who you were in order to survive these lands.
To hells with that.
I made my own f_cking destiny.” - Vessa
And that we will, Desert Rose. This isn’t the end.
I will dream deeper now, knowing Vessa’s story is out into the world. Last Ride of the Umbra Fae holds an extraordinary place in my heart. It was a ride into the storm without looking back to see who would follow me into the dark.
Vessa, Ryder, Raven, and Pa “End’s Wrath,” I will fight for you every single day until the world knows who you all are. Your story has been worth all the sacrifices I made to have you come alive. Your story holds truth, a message.
“They said you had to forget who you were in order to survive these lands.
To hells with that.
I made my own f_cking destiny.” - Vessa
And that we will, Desert Rose. This isn’t the end.
February 28, 2025
The Wild West converges with fantasy in this thrilling story following fae outlaws through the untamed desert! In their overwhelming grief over the slaughter of their people, Vessa and her pa, End’s Wrath, wreak havoc on their quest for revenge and a special healing tonic for the chronic pain that ails her. With the abilities to lay waste to entire towns, a hefty price is placed on Vessa’s head as she captures the attention AND heart of a sexy bounty hunter. 👀
This story is fast-paced and full of endless banter! It was unlike anything I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed Monica’s writing style and elaborate prose. It was an emotional read and I felt myself torn over the choices made by a certain character. 🤐 🐦⬛
I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a unique story that weaves cowboy romance and the brutal Wild West with shadow magic and an exploration of grief. You’ll feel the whole rage of emotions in the short amount of time that it takes to devour this book!
This story is fast-paced and full of endless banter! It was unlike anything I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed Monica’s writing style and elaborate prose. It was an emotional read and I felt myself torn over the choices made by a certain character. 🤐 🐦⬛
I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a unique story that weaves cowboy romance and the brutal Wild West with shadow magic and an exploration of grief. You’ll feel the whole rage of emotions in the short amount of time that it takes to devour this book!
March 2, 2025
ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This little novella packs quite a punch, capturing your attention immediately. From Vessa's fierceness, Ryder's humor, Raven's mysterious nature, and Pa's silent badassary, there is so much to love about this book! The push and pull and banter between Vessa and Ryder also make it even more fun😉
It was an honor not only arc-reading LROTUF but also alpha-read it. It was amazing watching Vessa's story come to life! I also absolutely loved that it was different from most fantasies I typically read.
If you're looking for something different in fantasy, I highly recommend LROTUF💙💜
This little novella packs quite a punch, capturing your attention immediately. From Vessa's fierceness, Ryder's humor, Raven's mysterious nature, and Pa's silent badassary, there is so much to love about this book! The push and pull and banter between Vessa and Ryder also make it even more fun😉
It was an honor not only arc-reading LROTUF but also alpha-read it. It was amazing watching Vessa's story come to life! I also absolutely loved that it was different from most fantasies I typically read.
If you're looking for something different in fantasy, I highly recommend LROTUF💙💜
February 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5 Stars
Did I cry over an apple pie and a letter while reading this book!? Sure did 🫠😭
There are multiple POV’s in this book from Vessa, Ryder, and Raven. Vessa is a powerful Umbra fae who’s looking for vengeance around every corner. Raven is a shapeshifter body guard who was bound to Vessa at a young age and Ryder is a cowboy who’s been tasked with leading them to a city of tears and blood. There are so many difficult topics covered in this book like loss and grief, but they’re covered in a beautiful hauntingly true way.
This was an emotional slow burn that had me in my feels so hard by the end. Gahhhh the ending I still can’t believe it. The gasp I gasped 😂🫠😭
Did I cry over an apple pie and a letter while reading this book!? Sure did 🫠😭
There are multiple POV’s in this book from Vessa, Ryder, and Raven. Vessa is a powerful Umbra fae who’s looking for vengeance around every corner. Raven is a shapeshifter body guard who was bound to Vessa at a young age and Ryder is a cowboy who’s been tasked with leading them to a city of tears and blood. There are so many difficult topics covered in this book like loss and grief, but they’re covered in a beautiful hauntingly true way.
This was an emotional slow burn that had me in my feels so hard by the end. Gahhhh the ending I still can’t believe it. The gasp I gasped 😂🫠😭
March 1, 2025
I really just loved everything about this book. It had everything anyone could want. It’s got banter and unique magic systems and cowboys and raven shifters and elemental fae magic and a badass FMC with chronic illness representation who has shadow magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
Will update review when I have time to commit to writing it.
Have been ghastly sick for the last few weeks 😅
Have been ghastly sick for the last few weeks 😅
July 10, 2025
Dark Fae western. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
December 10, 2025
I wish I knew what to say.
First, I knew Pa was going to die. I just knew it. I don’t know why, but it made the most sense, so I wasn’t too sad when he eventually died.
The plot twist with Raven was interesting! However, their back and forth really confused me. This book felt like I had just started watching a movie that was halfway done. Their relationship (Raven and Vessa) felt that way also. I was confused more often than not if they had had a thing in the past or if they were going to. It wasn’t clear to me at all.
The ending felt lackluster, especially with Fang just dying like that. We didn’t get to see it, which I can understand because it wasn’t Vessa’s fight, but for his body to just flop over in the road and for the SHERIFF to kill him just didn’t feel warranted. I wanted more for sure.
First, I knew Pa was going to die. I just knew it. I don’t know why, but it made the most sense, so I wasn’t too sad when he eventually died.
The plot twist with Raven was interesting! However, their back and forth really confused me. This book felt like I had just started watching a movie that was halfway done. Their relationship (Raven and Vessa) felt that way also. I was confused more often than not if they had had a thing in the past or if they were going to. It wasn’t clear to me at all.
The ending felt lackluster, especially with Fang just dying like that. We didn’t get to see it, which I can understand because it wasn’t Vessa’s fight, but for his body to just flop over in the road and for the SHERIFF to kill him just didn’t feel warranted. I wanted more for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
Honestly, it was written well… I just couldn’t get into the story line!
April 8, 2025
Oh my gosh, this book! I was lucky to be part of the sensitivity read team and was still completely blown away during my second time through. Last Ride of the Umbra Fae is a perfect, fast-paced dark western romantasy that has rich world building and a unique take on elemental magic. From the dedication alone, Monica had me hooked. Her writing is so immersive and makes it easy for readers to vividly visualize every scene.
The story follows Vessa, a powerful, shadow-wielding fae; her Pa known as Ends Wrath; and Raven, a fae shifter she has a forced bond with. They're on the hunt to track down tonic Vessa needs for her chronic illness that has become hard to find. Pa hires bounty hunter Ryder to guide them to the City of Donia to find the tonic and Eternal Stone that was stolen from the fae.
I enjoyed the gritty and dystopian feel, and of course having a full cast of morally grey characters. I was obsessed with the tension and banter between Ryder and Vessa. Ryder’s cocky and brash personality had me cracking up the entire book. But Raven also stole my heart with his quiet intensity and layered connection with Vessa. I was torn between the two and even hoped at some point we’d get a surprise why choose. I was flustered right alongside Vessa. Pa was also the sweetest and added so much heart to the story. He was a man of few words, but the way he loved and watched over Vessa was so pure.
Vessa was special to me because it is dear to my heart to see more Latina FMCs. I love seeing strong, resilient characters and female rage. She’s fierce, independent, and carries both her power and her vulnerability with pride. I loved how deeply she cares for Pa, how unrelenting she is in the face of adversity, and how unapologetically she owns her strength. I also enjoyed Monica’s fresh take on Pa’s and Vessa’s elemental magic.
The last 15% of the book had me in shambles. I was a sobbing mess and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. My heart shattered for each character and I’m desperate to see where Monica takes them next. One thing is for sure, I need more of Raven’s POV soon! LROTUF is dark, emotional, and unforgettable. Monica crafted something truly special and I cannot wait for more.
“𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭.”
⭐️5
🌶️1.5
What to expect:
🖤Dark Western Romantasy
🖤Morally Grey Characters
🖤Fae and Elemental Magic
🖤Shadow Mommy
The story follows Vessa, a powerful, shadow-wielding fae; her Pa known as Ends Wrath; and Raven, a fae shifter she has a forced bond with. They're on the hunt to track down tonic Vessa needs for her chronic illness that has become hard to find. Pa hires bounty hunter Ryder to guide them to the City of Donia to find the tonic and Eternal Stone that was stolen from the fae.
I enjoyed the gritty and dystopian feel, and of course having a full cast of morally grey characters. I was obsessed with the tension and banter between Ryder and Vessa. Ryder’s cocky and brash personality had me cracking up the entire book. But Raven also stole my heart with his quiet intensity and layered connection with Vessa. I was torn between the two and even hoped at some point we’d get a surprise why choose. I was flustered right alongside Vessa. Pa was also the sweetest and added so much heart to the story. He was a man of few words, but the way he loved and watched over Vessa was so pure.
Vessa was special to me because it is dear to my heart to see more Latina FMCs. I love seeing strong, resilient characters and female rage. She’s fierce, independent, and carries both her power and her vulnerability with pride. I loved how deeply she cares for Pa, how unrelenting she is in the face of adversity, and how unapologetically she owns her strength. I also enjoyed Monica’s fresh take on Pa’s and Vessa’s elemental magic.
The last 15% of the book had me in shambles. I was a sobbing mess and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. My heart shattered for each character and I’m desperate to see where Monica takes them next. One thing is for sure, I need more of Raven’s POV soon! LROTUF is dark, emotional, and unforgettable. Monica crafted something truly special and I cannot wait for more.
“𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭.”
⭐️5
🌶️1.5
What to expect:
🖤Dark Western Romantasy
🖤Morally Grey Characters
🖤Fae and Elemental Magic
🖤Shadow Mommy
February 27, 2025
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae by @authormonicaamore
🖤 ARC Review 🖤
Wow. Just…wow.
I’ve known I’d love this book from the first moment Monica told me about it. There was never a doubt in my mind, but the amount of love I have has simply exceeded all expectations!
This is a story about a woman (fae) who has lost so much that she no longer believes any good exists in life. She’s not only a great example of how loss irrevocably changes someone, but also the unending exhaustion of chronic illness. She has to fight every day, and you can feel the toll it has taken on her. More than that, she’s angry, and she deserves to be. There are other characters who are so well developed and important to the story, but Vessa really is the star and I think it’s so important to highlight that. You can sense how much of herself Monica poured into this character. She is easily one of my new favorites and an FMC that I think so many will see themselves in.
The romance is so delicious in this book! Monica is the queen of insta lust paired with slow burns. She does so well with balancing the two in both of her books, but this one is somehow even better than AFUTM! The tension starts immediately, and in true Amore fashion, we have a sexy af man that PINES and OBSESSES. I LOVEEEE. And in this book you have this *almost* love triangle that will have your heart racing and your mind swirling. Because even though you know one of the men is the obvious answer, something in you calls to the other, too—just like Vessa. It’s hard to explain, but amazing to read!
One of my favorite parts of this book was the relationship Vessa and Pa had. You don’t often see good fathers in fantasy, and this one was just so well done. He loves her so much and will do anything for her. It’s beautiful and so heartwarming.
The ending made me scream, that’s all I’ll say about that here (I screamed in Monica’s DMs though).
Overall, you can see Monica’s growth as an author. Her writing, storytelling, and ability to convey human emotion has evolved from amazing to extraordinary. She truly has such a gift.
Anyways, read this book PLEASE 🖤
🖤 ARC Review 🖤
Wow. Just…wow.
I’ve known I’d love this book from the first moment Monica told me about it. There was never a doubt in my mind, but the amount of love I have has simply exceeded all expectations!
This is a story about a woman (fae) who has lost so much that she no longer believes any good exists in life. She’s not only a great example of how loss irrevocably changes someone, but also the unending exhaustion of chronic illness. She has to fight every day, and you can feel the toll it has taken on her. More than that, she’s angry, and she deserves to be. There are other characters who are so well developed and important to the story, but Vessa really is the star and I think it’s so important to highlight that. You can sense how much of herself Monica poured into this character. She is easily one of my new favorites and an FMC that I think so many will see themselves in.
The romance is so delicious in this book! Monica is the queen of insta lust paired with slow burns. She does so well with balancing the two in both of her books, but this one is somehow even better than AFUTM! The tension starts immediately, and in true Amore fashion, we have a sexy af man that PINES and OBSESSES. I LOVEEEE. And in this book you have this *almost* love triangle that will have your heart racing and your mind swirling. Because even though you know one of the men is the obvious answer, something in you calls to the other, too—just like Vessa. It’s hard to explain, but amazing to read!
One of my favorite parts of this book was the relationship Vessa and Pa had. You don’t often see good fathers in fantasy, and this one was just so well done. He loves her so much and will do anything for her. It’s beautiful and so heartwarming.
The ending made me scream, that’s all I’ll say about that here (I screamed in Monica’s DMs though).
Overall, you can see Monica’s growth as an author. Her writing, storytelling, and ability to convey human emotion has evolved from amazing to extraordinary. She truly has such a gift.
Anyways, read this book PLEASE 🖤
March 1, 2025
COWBOYS + ROMANTASY!! DO I NEED TO SAY MORE?!?!?!?
5/5 ⭐
Umbra fae are nothing more than legends, rarely seen. Vessa our FMC is in need of a coveted tonic, but for that she'll have to risk exposure and with it, a lot of enemies at her tail. As an umbra fae with a lot of warrants for arrest, she'll need to stay focused and alert at every turn.
But enter Ryder, their hired guide, who is secretly a bounty hunter and willing to do everything and anything for coin. But when they're faced with challenges they'll need to either trust each other or be willing to paint the streets red.
Vessa, THIS IS WHAT I LOVE, a well done morally grey FMC, AND SHE IS INCREDIBLE. She has faults, but that only makes her more real to me. She is strong, she is fierce, and most of all she loves carefully, but when she gives in they have her complete loyalty.
Ryder, my future husband, what an incredible man you are. I loooooooved his character, he was there always making me smile and swoon.
Raven, I have SO many feelings, SO MANY. I won't say everything here but AAAAHHHHH. Love you but at the same time, ehm, IYKYK.
DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a daddy lasso here and AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I AM FERAL. YES, FERAL. F.E.R.A.L. End’s Wrath, I love you and you made me cry.
A hauntingly beautiful book that will leave you with your jaw on the floor. You seriously need to read this one, like FOR REAL, COWBOYS?!?!?! WITH POWERS?!??!!??! YES, YES, YES. AND VESSA, OUR DARK QUEEN AND GLORIOUS UMBRA FAE?!?!? Just run and get this book.
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
5/5 ⭐
Umbra fae are nothing more than legends, rarely seen. Vessa our FMC is in need of a coveted tonic, but for that she'll have to risk exposure and with it, a lot of enemies at her tail. As an umbra fae with a lot of warrants for arrest, she'll need to stay focused and alert at every turn.
But enter Ryder, their hired guide, who is secretly a bounty hunter and willing to do everything and anything for coin. But when they're faced with challenges they'll need to either trust each other or be willing to paint the streets red.
Vessa, THIS IS WHAT I LOVE, a well done morally grey FMC, AND SHE IS INCREDIBLE. She has faults, but that only makes her more real to me. She is strong, she is fierce, and most of all she loves carefully, but when she gives in they have her complete loyalty.
Ryder, my future husband, what an incredible man you are. I loooooooved his character, he was there always making me smile and swoon.
Raven, I have SO many feelings, SO MANY. I won't say everything here but AAAAHHHHH. Love you but at the same time, ehm, IYKYK.
DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a daddy lasso here and AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I AM FERAL. YES, FERAL. F.E.R.A.L. End’s Wrath, I love you and you made me cry.
A hauntingly beautiful book that will leave you with your jaw on the floor. You seriously need to read this one, like FOR REAL, COWBOYS?!?!?! WITH POWERS?!??!!??! YES, YES, YES. AND VESSA, OUR DARK QUEEN AND GLORIOUS UMBRA FAE?!?!? Just run and get this book.
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
March 1, 2025
I fell in love with his author when I read her debut, A Flame Under The Moon, last year. I knew that any of her future works would become instant favorites, and she just proved me right with this incredible dark western fantasy, that blew me away.
The cowboy Romantasy genre is my new drug of choice- I simply cannot get enough of these vibes. And this one was immaculate. It was broody, mysterious, and deeply atmospheric. There was action, adventure, betrayal, and angst. The story was addictive, and the MCs were so flawed and complex- I found them all to be endearing in their own unique ways.
I LOVED the chemistry between Vessa, our Fae shadow mommy FMC, and Ryder, the bounty hunter MMC. Their banter was TOP TIER, and I could’ve listened to these two goad each other for days. The romance and spice were just… 🤌🏻🫠
The dynamic between Vessa and her cantankerous Pa (who is absolutely iconic) as they traveled together, was heartwarmingly perfect. And her raven shifter bodyguard was charming and hilarious- adding the perfect pinch of levity to this dark tale.
And as with the author’s debut, the writing was beautiful and spellbinding. It was dark at times, and perfectly poignant, tackling themes of loss and grief. I experienced a range of emotions while reading, and for me, that’s the sign of a truly gifted storyteller. Please do yourself a favor and snag this immediately! 10/10 recommend. 👏🏻👏🏻
The cowboy Romantasy genre is my new drug of choice- I simply cannot get enough of these vibes. And this one was immaculate. It was broody, mysterious, and deeply atmospheric. There was action, adventure, betrayal, and angst. The story was addictive, and the MCs were so flawed and complex- I found them all to be endearing in their own unique ways.
I LOVED the chemistry between Vessa, our Fae shadow mommy FMC, and Ryder, the bounty hunter MMC. Their banter was TOP TIER, and I could’ve listened to these two goad each other for days. The romance and spice were just… 🤌🏻🫠
The dynamic between Vessa and her cantankerous Pa (who is absolutely iconic) as they traveled together, was heartwarmingly perfect. And her raven shifter bodyguard was charming and hilarious- adding the perfect pinch of levity to this dark tale.
And as with the author’s debut, the writing was beautiful and spellbinding. It was dark at times, and perfectly poignant, tackling themes of loss and grief. I experienced a range of emotions while reading, and for me, that’s the sign of a truly gifted storyteller. Please do yourself a favor and snag this immediately! 10/10 recommend. 👏🏻👏🏻
March 5, 2025
Last Ride of the Umbra Fae by Monica Amore is a beautifully written adventure full of morally grey characters that keep you on the edge of your seat with each shadow wielding page.
In this action packed book we are given something we Book Dragons never knew we needed - A Western Romantasy with a raven shifter and lasso wielding cowboy. The pages of this book are filled with a strong and extremely fierce female that has no problem holding her own and a smart mouthed cowboy that easily charms you within the first few chapters of this adventure.
Need I say more to convince you to add this magical book to your reading list or better yet your bookshelf?
Just in case I do let me just say that Monica has created absolute magic with this book and the Umbra Fae - combining such different vibes such as western, fantasy, and romance seems like quite the task for any author but she did it flawlessly. The realm and characters brought to life within the pages of Last Ride of the Umbra Fae keep you hooked from the beginning of Vessa and Ryders adventure and refuses to let go until you’ve reached those final dramatic pages.
If you are a reader looking for one heck of an adventure with ruthless cowboys fae, banter, spice, and female rage then saddle up because this book is definitively for you.
In this action packed book we are given something we Book Dragons never knew we needed - A Western Romantasy with a raven shifter and lasso wielding cowboy. The pages of this book are filled with a strong and extremely fierce female that has no problem holding her own and a smart mouthed cowboy that easily charms you within the first few chapters of this adventure.
Need I say more to convince you to add this magical book to your reading list or better yet your bookshelf?
Just in case I do let me just say that Monica has created absolute magic with this book and the Umbra Fae - combining such different vibes such as western, fantasy, and romance seems like quite the task for any author but she did it flawlessly. The realm and characters brought to life within the pages of Last Ride of the Umbra Fae keep you hooked from the beginning of Vessa and Ryders adventure and refuses to let go until you’ve reached those final dramatic pages.
If you are a reader looking for one heck of an adventure with ruthless cowboys fae, banter, spice, and female rage then saddle up because this book is definitively for you.
March 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(Rounded up)
Gritty, fast-paced, and refreshingly unique—this book blends western grit with fantasy in a way that feels both unexpected and compelling! I’ll admit, cowboy tropes aren’t usually my thing, but I went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly the rugged, dust-coated world was woven into the story.
Vessa is one of the last Umbra Fae, but her survival comes at a cost—without her tonic, she faces excruciating pain and unknown consequences. With her father at her side, she sets off on a journey to find the elusive tonic maker, but their path takes an intriguing turn when Ryder joins them as a guide. His true motives? Shrouded in mystery, adding a layer of suspense that keeps you hooked.
And if the dusty trails and danger weren’t enough, there’s a simmering love triangle between Vessa, Ryder, and Raven—filled with tension and just the right amount of uncertainty to keep you flipping the pages.
At under 300 pages, this is a fast and engaging read, but I found myself craving more—more world-building, more depth, more time to truly connect with the characters. With a little extra development, this could have been an absolute knockout. Still, if you’re looking for a unique fantasy with a western twist, this one is definitely worth the ride!
(Rounded up)
Gritty, fast-paced, and refreshingly unique—this book blends western grit with fantasy in a way that feels both unexpected and compelling! I’ll admit, cowboy tropes aren’t usually my thing, but I went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly the rugged, dust-coated world was woven into the story.
Vessa is one of the last Umbra Fae, but her survival comes at a cost—without her tonic, she faces excruciating pain and unknown consequences. With her father at her side, she sets off on a journey to find the elusive tonic maker, but their path takes an intriguing turn when Ryder joins them as a guide. His true motives? Shrouded in mystery, adding a layer of suspense that keeps you hooked.
And if the dusty trails and danger weren’t enough, there’s a simmering love triangle between Vessa, Ryder, and Raven—filled with tension and just the right amount of uncertainty to keep you flipping the pages.
At under 300 pages, this is a fast and engaging read, but I found myself craving more—more world-building, more depth, more time to truly connect with the characters. With a little extra development, this could have been an absolute knockout. Still, if you’re looking for a unique fantasy with a western twist, this one is definitely worth the ride!
March 1, 2025
This might be my new favorite genre twist.
Cowboys
Shadow lasso play
Chronic Pain/Autoimmune Rep
Shadow Mommy
Elemental fae
Monica is excellent at writing powerful women. Vessa is a storm, full of emotion, but with a tough exterior. She feels love and connection to others on a deep level, finding reminders of those she loves in the little things. She never wants to put her loved ones in danger, but they will do anything to help her.
As someone with several autoimmune issues, I feel like Vessa is a great representation of how chronic health issues impact relationships and mental health. The descriptions of her feelings and thought processes mirror my own in some ways and I appreciate that Monica incorporated this into the book in a way that didn't take away from the main plot, but still brought awareness to Vessa's pain.
Ryder..... oh Ryder. I do love a cowboy. He is a mystery of his own for most of the story. A man with an attitude strong enough to rival Vessa's, and a mind that can keep up with hers. The banter and chemistry between them is top notch, despite the third wheel, Raven.
Speaking of him.... I still love him, Monica. You can't make a Raven shifter and have me not love him.
Cowboys
Shadow lasso play
Chronic Pain/Autoimmune Rep
Shadow Mommy
Elemental fae
Monica is excellent at writing powerful women. Vessa is a storm, full of emotion, but with a tough exterior. She feels love and connection to others on a deep level, finding reminders of those she loves in the little things. She never wants to put her loved ones in danger, but they will do anything to help her.
As someone with several autoimmune issues, I feel like Vessa is a great representation of how chronic health issues impact relationships and mental health. The descriptions of her feelings and thought processes mirror my own in some ways and I appreciate that Monica incorporated this into the book in a way that didn't take away from the main plot, but still brought awareness to Vessa's pain.
Ryder..... oh Ryder. I do love a cowboy. He is a mystery of his own for most of the story. A man with an attitude strong enough to rival Vessa's, and a mind that can keep up with hers. The banter and chemistry between them is top notch, despite the third wheel, Raven.
Speaking of him.... I still love him, Monica. You can't make a Raven shifter and have me not love him.
February 21, 2025
This book was such a fun time! It’s not often you have Fae in an old western world and I loved how unique it was.
I love that the FMC is 75 years old and morally grey. I did also like the MMC and their banter. They definitely both fall pretty fast in this book so if you’re looking for a slow burn this is not it, but it was still spicy nonetheless and the scenes were don’t well. I also enjoyed the side characters but I wish I would’ve gotten a little more background on them to get to know them a little better.
I did enjoy the overall plot and the world building was easy to follow. She did a great job with imagery and explaining what the world looked like. There was also a guide at the beginning to help you understand the different names for the powers, however I was a little confused by who could wield what sorts of powers and how they connected to one another.
There was one plot twist in this book that I was not expecting and it hurt 😭 I was bamboozled and it was not fun lol. The way the book ended I am not sure if there is going to be another one or not, but I wouldn’t mind reading a spin-off of one of the side characters or whatever she decided to write in this world later!
I love that the FMC is 75 years old and morally grey. I did also like the MMC and their banter. They definitely both fall pretty fast in this book so if you’re looking for a slow burn this is not it, but it was still spicy nonetheless and the scenes were don’t well. I also enjoyed the side characters but I wish I would’ve gotten a little more background on them to get to know them a little better.
I did enjoy the overall plot and the world building was easy to follow. She did a great job with imagery and explaining what the world looked like. There was also a guide at the beginning to help you understand the different names for the powers, however I was a little confused by who could wield what sorts of powers and how they connected to one another.
There was one plot twist in this book that I was not expecting and it hurt 😭 I was bamboozled and it was not fun lol. The way the book ended I am not sure if there is going to be another one or not, but I wouldn’t mind reading a spin-off of one of the side characters or whatever she decided to write in this world later!
February 27, 2025
I never thought I’d be drawn into a Western fantasy, but Last Ride of the Umbra Fae completely changed my perspective. Vessa, one of the last Umbra Fae, is an absolute badass—strong, determined, and ready to take down anyone who stands in her way. What makes her even more compelling is the grief she carries with her. It shapes her decisions, her actions, and her entire journey for revenge. She’s not just a fierce warrior; she’s a woman broken by loss, and that mix of strength and vulnerability had me fully invested in her story. The dynamic between her and Ryder adds a layer of complexity I wasn’t expecting. At first, Vessa doesn’t trust him, and honestly, I wasn’t sure about him either. But the chemistry between them kept me hooked, and the tension had me eagerly turning the pages. The story is packed with secrets, twists, and jaw-dropping moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. By the end, I was craving more of Vessa’s journey and what comes next for her and Ryder. Monica’s writing keeps you hooked from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes. If you haven’t preordered yet, do it now—you won’t want to miss this wild ride.
February 27, 2025
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙, “𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮.”
The art and tropes for Last Ride of the Umbra Fae had me running to read this and Monica, you absolutely DELIVERED! 👏🏼
𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤—𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.
I loved these characters so much! Vessa was an easy add to the badass FMC list 🔥, Ryder was full of sexy cowboy charm 🫠, Raven had me completely flustered 😉, and End's Wrath definitely lived up to his name🩸
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙪𝙨.”
Banter, magic, betrayal, revenge, tension, the steamy scenes we love to read, and that gorgeous interior art - this book had it all. Oh, and that twist?! 😱 I went back and read that part a couple times because I just couldn't believe it. Really enjoyed this one!
The art and tropes for Last Ride of the Umbra Fae had me running to read this and Monica, you absolutely DELIVERED! 👏🏼
𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤—𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.
I loved these characters so much! Vessa was an easy add to the badass FMC list 🔥, Ryder was full of sexy cowboy charm 🫠, Raven had me completely flustered 😉, and End's Wrath definitely lived up to his name🩸
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙪𝙨.”
Banter, magic, betrayal, revenge, tension, the steamy scenes we love to read, and that gorgeous interior art - this book had it all. Oh, and that twist?! 😱 I went back and read that part a couple times because I just couldn't believe it. Really enjoyed this one!
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