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Monster Boyfriends #2
Hunt: A Small Town Vampire Romance
Aidan Ward is your typical moody vampire. He’s had 104 years to grow comfortable with being alone, but recently, that emptiness has become all-consuming. That is, until an outspoken and spunky human forces her way into his life. Joanna Nelson just won’t seem to go away. She’s everywhere he goes, but pretending she’s just an annoyance is getting harder the more time they spend together.
Joanna is also familiar with loneliness. She hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to dating, and as much as she tries to hide it with an overly confident exterior, inside she’s been hoping to find her soulmate.
One would think they’d be a match made in heaven. Too bad Aidan ages ten times slower than the average human, and he refuses to place such a burden on a partner. Guess that leaves only one friends with benefits.
But what if friendship is really just a distraction from their true feelings? Could a relationship like theirs actually work out?
HUNT is a companion story to HOWL and the second in a series of interconnected standalones set in the paranormal town of Shadow Hills. Perfect for fans of cozy but spicy small town romance!
Joanna is also familiar with loneliness. She hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to dating, and as much as she tries to hide it with an overly confident exterior, inside she’s been hoping to find her soulmate.
One would think they’d be a match made in heaven. Too bad Aidan ages ten times slower than the average human, and he refuses to place such a burden on a partner. Guess that leaves only one friends with benefits.
But what if friendship is really just a distraction from their true feelings? Could a relationship like theirs actually work out?
HUNT is a companion story to HOWL and the second in a series of interconnected standalones set in the paranormal town of Shadow Hills. Perfect for fans of cozy but spicy small town romance!
242 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2025
142 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Meg Alivien
4 books110 followersMeg Alivien is a writer, cat-mom, and wife.
Other than writing, you can find Meg listening to audiobooks, binging her favorite tv shows, learning new recipes, and fangirling over her favorite fictional characters.
Meg is the author of cozy and spicy paranormal romance. Her small town Monster Boyfriends series, described as Halloweentown meets Gilmore Girls, has over 2 million pages read on Amazon and can be found in indie bookstores nationwide!
Represented by Brittney Brunelle at The Seymour Agency.
Other than writing, you can find Meg listening to audiobooks, binging her favorite tv shows, learning new recipes, and fangirling over her favorite fictional characters.
Meg is the author of cozy and spicy paranormal romance. Her small town Monster Boyfriends series, described as Halloweentown meets Gilmore Girls, has over 2 million pages read on Amazon and can be found in indie bookstores nationwide!
Represented by Brittney Brunelle at The Seymour Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 31, 2025
this was a fun, low-stakes, cozy paranormal romance 🥰
Thank you Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
1️⃣ one night stand
🧛 vampire mmc
🐶 fmc (human) owns a dog rescue
💥 frenemies with benefits
💫 fated mates
🫶🏼 found family
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: 2.5 |
I loved the banter between Joanna & Aidan, and the instant pull between them.
“It reminds me just how lonely I’ve been, and I swear I feel that same loneliness creeping from him as well.”
They had far more in common than it would seem at first glance, and were exactly what the other needed.
Both feel somewhat like outcasts, even in a paranormal, more inclusive town.
As a vampire, Aidan is still feared. Joanna spends more time with animals than people, which has her a little on the outside as well.
Both are unsure they are deserving of love.
Once Aidan gives in and falls, he falls HARD 🥹
“I don’t know the true meaning of love, but for her, I will die trying.”
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I think both narrators fit their characters well, and I enjoyed the audio, however as a French speaker, the pronunciations were really not great and that was a struggle to listen to.
📖 Hunt by Meg Alivien
📚 book 2 • Monster Boyfriends series
🧛: paranormal romance
🎙 narrated by: Stephanie Rose & Tim Paige
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Thank you Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
1️⃣ one night stand
🧛 vampire mmc
🐶 fmc (human) owns a dog rescue
💥 frenemies with benefits
💫 fated mates
🫶🏼 found family
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4.25 | 🌶️: 2.5 |
I loved the banter between Joanna & Aidan, and the instant pull between them.
“It reminds me just how lonely I’ve been, and I swear I feel that same loneliness creeping from him as well.”
They had far more in common than it would seem at first glance, and were exactly what the other needed.
Both feel somewhat like outcasts, even in a paranormal, more inclusive town.
As a vampire, Aidan is still feared. Joanna spends more time with animals than people, which has her a little on the outside as well.
Both are unsure they are deserving of love.
Once Aidan gives in and falls, he falls HARD 🥹
“I don’t know the true meaning of love, but for her, I will die trying.”
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I think both narrators fit their characters well, and I enjoyed the audio, however as a French speaker, the pronunciations were really not great and that was a struggle to listen to.
📖 Hunt by Meg Alivien
📚 book 2 • Monster Boyfriends series
🧛: paranormal romance
🎙 narrated by: Stephanie Rose & Tim Paige
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
April 24, 2025
I was SO lucky to score this book as an ARC and it is my first Meg Alivien book. I devoured this book (get it, vampire pun) in one day. It was so so good, the plot was well versed, with cute subplots woven throughout that added to the story but didn’t feel overwhelming, and I loved the different take on vampires and mates and the bond! I did not read Howl prior to this, and I feel like I would obviously have more knowledge of Jamie and Reagan if I had, but I don’t feel like I missed anything either. This is a super cute standalone paranormal romance book!!
August 25, 2025
CUTE. I think I preferred this one to the 1st book!
April 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The second book in the monster boyfriend series by @authormegalivien really brings the heat!! This hate to friends with benefits to lovers story was so fun and sexy.
I loved Joanna and Aiden’s dynamic, packed with quips and sarcastic comments. A true match for each others personality both in their private and public facade. I enjoyed as they really peeled back the layers of their habits and learned to let each other in. If you enjoy a broody man who takes care of her, read this!! Because I loved seeing that side of Aiden, when he was normally so stand offish and kept to himself. Just took the right person 🤭
I really enjoyed getting to see their happily ever after and get a tease of what’s to come in book three, can’t wait! All the little hints throughout also had me very intrigued!
🗓️ COMING 05.08.2025
Thanks Meg for this e-arc, loved it! 🫶🏻
The second book in the monster boyfriend series by @authormegalivien really brings the heat!! This hate to friends with benefits to lovers story was so fun and sexy.
I loved Joanna and Aiden’s dynamic, packed with quips and sarcastic comments. A true match for each others personality both in their private and public facade. I enjoyed as they really peeled back the layers of their habits and learned to let each other in. If you enjoy a broody man who takes care of her, read this!! Because I loved seeing that side of Aiden, when he was normally so stand offish and kept to himself. Just took the right person 🤭
I really enjoyed getting to see their happily ever after and get a tease of what’s to come in book three, can’t wait! All the little hints throughout also had me very intrigued!
🗓️ COMING 05.08.2025
Thanks Meg for this e-arc, loved it! 🫶🏻
April 24, 2025
5⭐️
“I don’t know the true meaning of love, but for her. I will die trying.”
Trigger warning are but aren’t limited to: consensual mild blood play, consensual/mutual biting, depictions of intoxication, mental health struggles with loneliness, and a character who has an unhealthy relationship with expressing emotions.
Starting this off with the fact that I was lucky enough to get a ARC of this book!!! Meg has done it again with this series. I loved Howl but… I think I LOVED Hunt more!! I am officially an Aidan girl…
The dynamic between our lovely main characters Aidan and Joanna is just *chefs kiss*. Frenemies (Love to Hate) that turns into secret hook ups (FWB) but they are fated mates…
What more could you ask for in this small town monster boyfriend romance!!
I have never read a vampire love story like this and it didn’t disappoint. From straight out the gates I was lost in the world this book is set in. You can see exactly what they are talking about because the detail is amazing. The way vampires are in this series is completely different than any other book i’ve read, but in the best ways possible. Obviously I don’t want to spoil anything so you will have to read to find out.
I simply am going to devour any book this amazing author writes.
Thank you again for the ARC Meg, seriously such an amazing book that I know I will come back and read over and over again!
“I don’t know the true meaning of love, but for her. I will die trying.”
Trigger warning are but aren’t limited to: consensual mild blood play, consensual/mutual biting, depictions of intoxication, mental health struggles with loneliness, and a character who has an unhealthy relationship with expressing emotions.
Starting this off with the fact that I was lucky enough to get a ARC of this book!!! Meg has done it again with this series. I loved Howl but… I think I LOVED Hunt more!! I am officially an Aidan girl…
The dynamic between our lovely main characters Aidan and Joanna is just *chefs kiss*. Frenemies (Love to Hate) that turns into secret hook ups (FWB) but they are fated mates…
What more could you ask for in this small town monster boyfriend romance!!
I have never read a vampire love story like this and it didn’t disappoint. From straight out the gates I was lost in the world this book is set in. You can see exactly what they are talking about because the detail is amazing. The way vampires are in this series is completely different than any other book i’ve read, but in the best ways possible. Obviously I don’t want to spoil anything so you will have to read to find out.
I simply am going to devour any book this amazing author writes.
Thank you again for the ARC Meg, seriously such an amazing book that I know I will come back and read over and over again!
May 8, 2025
Happy release day! 🥳
Thank you @authormegalivien for once again gifting me an ARC of this story.
And shes done it again!
From the very start I was sucked in and absolutely hooked on our 2 grumpy MCs.
I'm not always the biggest fan of friends with benefits but I think because we had two very relatable, dark and brooding characters to follow, it really hit the spot. Forget grumpy/sunshine, give me more grumpy/grumpy. It's a trope I didn't know I would love so much.
I absolutely love the cozy, lightly spooky, small town romance that Meg is providing with this series. The characters are well thought out and feel like they could be people in your life, even the monster boyfriends, and the atmosphere is so aesthetic that it almost feels nostalgic. You know what I mean? Im picturing Halloween town mashed with Forks Washington.
And again, we aren't over staying our welcome here. I can't stress how much I'm over a lot of these eXtra large romance that are being pumped out lately. No shade, I still read them lol, but sometimes you want something quick and sweet and that's what we've got here in Hunt.
5/5
Big, big love ❤️ Cannot wait for the next installment
Thank you @authormegalivien for once again gifting me an ARC of this story.
And shes done it again!
From the very start I was sucked in and absolutely hooked on our 2 grumpy MCs.
I'm not always the biggest fan of friends with benefits but I think because we had two very relatable, dark and brooding characters to follow, it really hit the spot. Forget grumpy/sunshine, give me more grumpy/grumpy. It's a trope I didn't know I would love so much.
I absolutely love the cozy, lightly spooky, small town romance that Meg is providing with this series. The characters are well thought out and feel like they could be people in your life, even the monster boyfriends, and the atmosphere is so aesthetic that it almost feels nostalgic. You know what I mean? Im picturing Halloween town mashed with Forks Washington.
And again, we aren't over staying our welcome here. I can't stress how much I'm over a lot of these eXtra large romance that are being pumped out lately. No shade, I still read them lol, but sometimes you want something quick and sweet and that's what we've got here in Hunt.
5/5
Big, big love ❤️ Cannot wait for the next installment
April 28, 2025
Hunt by Meg Alivian
I received an ARC🖤
I read the first monster boyfriends book, Howl, first. Howl and Hunt are both small-town spooky vibes with vampires, werewolves, witches and your other favorite haunts.
Hunt -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hunt is set in Shadow Hills, a paranormal town outside Nashville. Our FMC Joanna owns an animal rescue. The MMC is a recluse vampire, with a penchant for philanthropy. Our main characters have a habit of hiding from their feelings, while exploring a relationship.
I love how the author has incorporated mental health aspects to her characters, with engaging side characters as well.
I received an ARC🖤
I read the first monster boyfriends book, Howl, first. Howl and Hunt are both small-town spooky vibes with vampires, werewolves, witches and your other favorite haunts.
Hunt -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hunt is set in Shadow Hills, a paranormal town outside Nashville. Our FMC Joanna owns an animal rescue. The MMC is a recluse vampire, with a penchant for philanthropy. Our main characters have a habit of hiding from their feelings, while exploring a relationship.
I love how the author has incorporated mental health aspects to her characters, with engaging side characters as well.
May 7, 2025
**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
This was was such a cute sequel to HOWL! I loved how Jo and Aiden grew closer together over the course of the book, and we also got to see more background characters fleshed out for future novels in the series!
If you like:
▪︎monster romance
▪︎cozy small towns
▪︎fated mates
▪︎vampires & biting
▪︎lots of spice 👀
▪︎sarcastic bantering
Then please give this a try!
4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
This was was such a cute sequel to HOWL! I loved how Jo and Aiden grew closer together over the course of the book, and we also got to see more background characters fleshed out for future novels in the series!
If you like:
▪︎monster romance
▪︎cozy small towns
▪︎fated mates
▪︎vampires & biting
▪︎lots of spice 👀
▪︎sarcastic bantering
Then please give this a try!
September 28, 2025
Hola! Hoy os traigo la reseña de "Hunt" de la autora Meg Alivien.
Me estan encantando los libros de esta saga.
Son super cozy, sobrenaturales y cortitos.
Ha sido una lectura ligera, divertida, con un puntito de spicy.
En este libro el protagonista es un vampiro y la mejor amiga de la protagonista del primer libro.
Y si no me equivoco, en el siguiente son fantasmas!
Me estan encantando los libros de esta saga.
Son super cozy, sobrenaturales y cortitos.
Ha sido una lectura ligera, divertida, con un puntito de spicy.
En este libro el protagonista es un vampiro y la mejor amiga de la protagonista del primer libro.
Y si no me equivoco, en el siguiente son fantasmas!
May 8, 2025
4.5⭐️ I loved Howl, but Aidan is now my favourite. Let’s be honest I was always team Edward so I knew I would love me a grumpy old vampire.
Aidan has been a loner for a long time but underneath his grumpy facade is a big softie.
Aidan is completely drawn to Joanna and at first he does not know what to do about it. Joanna comes off just as closed off at first too but one thing for sure is they are really compatible physically from the start. 🔥
And I am a sucker for his French nicknames for her. 🥰
“Does it not please you? What shall I call you then? Ma fraise? You’re as sweet as one.” 🍓
Like the previous book in the series I found myself wishing it was a little longer, I wanted to spend a little more time with them and I think some things could have been better developed. But I am having a lot of fun with the series, it is giving Gilmore Girls vibes, but with a paranormal angle.
Thank you to the author Meg Alivien for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
Aidan has been a loner for a long time but underneath his grumpy facade is a big softie.
Aidan is completely drawn to Joanna and at first he does not know what to do about it. Joanna comes off just as closed off at first too but one thing for sure is they are really compatible physically from the start. 🔥
And I am a sucker for his French nicknames for her. 🥰
“Does it not please you? What shall I call you then? Ma fraise? You’re as sweet as one.” 🍓
Like the previous book in the series I found myself wishing it was a little longer, I wanted to spend a little more time with them and I think some things could have been better developed. But I am having a lot of fun with the series, it is giving Gilmore Girls vibes, but with a paranormal angle.
Thank you to the author Meg Alivien for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
September 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for the first book and I was so excited to start this one too.
Needless to say, I so much loved Meg’s palpable growth as a writer! Loved the characters, the plot, the vibe and especially the writing. ❤️ Can’t wait to read more from her.
Needless to say, I so much loved Meg’s palpable growth as a writer! Loved the characters, the plot, the vibe and especially the writing. ❤️ Can’t wait to read more from her.
October 22, 2025
4.5⭐️ - super cute small town vampire romance, i loved this one a lot tbh but minus 1/2 a star for the main character taking a millennia to open up to her man and never really explaining why she was so closed off at all
April 21, 2025
I loved this book, hands down my fav in the Monster Boyfriends series.
Full RTC
Full RTC
September 18, 2025
Fun, sweet, short, and spicy.
June 13, 2025
Such a perfect paranormal small town romance - had me wondering until the end about what I thought was an unfinished plot line hunt thankfully it was resolved-ish 😂
November 30, 2025
This was lots of fun! It was giving a paranormal version of the dream harbour series. Small town romance where people have different businesses etc. I don’t enjoy reading spice these days but I really enjoyed this?? A nice easy read, and I’ll be reading the next one after seeing what it’s about!
October 20, 2025
*3.5
With how much I loved the first book, I was expecting to be obsessed with Hunt - especially considering my love for vampires. in reality, i found hunt not as gripping as howl had been. it took me a while to get through this book despite the fact that it’s only ~200 pages. if it’s a vampire romance, i really need it to fuck and i feel like hunt did not adequately fuck.
With how much I loved the first book, I was expecting to be obsessed with Hunt - especially considering my love for vampires. in reality, i found hunt not as gripping as howl had been. it took me a while to get through this book despite the fact that it’s only ~200 pages. if it’s a vampire romance, i really need it to fuck and i feel like hunt did not adequately fuck.
May 13, 2025
Do you love moody vampires?
Do you love a black cat FMC?
Do you like a casual hook up situation to “oh crap this means more”?
Then this book is for you! I have to admit I didn’t love the fmc at first but she grew on me for sure.
Do you love a black cat FMC?
Do you like a casual hook up situation to “oh crap this means more”?
Then this book is for you! I have to admit I didn’t love the fmc at first but she grew on me for sure.
May 11, 2025
“I’m not wild with bloodlust. I’m merely wild for her.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What You’ll Find In This Book:
- Vampire Mates
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- Friends with Benefits
- You Came? You Called
- He’s Repenting For His Sins
- She Works On A Farm and Rescues Animals
- She Wants To Be His “Donor”
Ahhhh my heart hurts! This book was so emotionally powerful, for a story surrounding a no strings attached arrangement there sure is a lot of strings. I was excited to return to Shadow Hills, getting to return to characters we had already met and being able to explore them further. This book has continued a series which is a perfect blend of cozy small town vibes with spicy romance, there is a perfect balance between normal life in Shadow Hills alongside the blooming relationship of the two main characters. A perfect read for in between heavier books, it will pull at your heart strings but you’re just along for the ride as a vampire and human work through their differences and the sticky situations they have found themselves in, in a small town where nothing stays secret for long and everyone is all up in each others business, but in a cute way.
We start our story with Joanna, another human residing in the paranormal town of Shadow Hills, working all day at the animal sanctuary that Joanna runs with her mother leaves her little time to look after herself let alone find someone that she connects with, despite her deep rooted desire to find her soulmate. Fiery and fiesta Joanna pushes all of Aidan’s buttons, but despite this he can’t seem to get her out of his head. However, being a 104 year old vampire that doesn’t age and being attracted to a human whose life is fleeting is less than an ideal so he keeps his distance. Despite the fact that they irritate each other no end, after one night of failed speed dating and a rain storm leads them into somewhat forbidden territory, which results in a deal being struck. They connect well in the bedroom so why not have a physical relations with none of the strings attached. This initially seems like the best of both worlds for both for them, however, as time goes on this starts to become much more than physical to both of them, despite them keeping their feelings hidden from one another. When things start to become more complicated than Joanna can deal with she does what she always does and runs, little does she know her actions have triggered a cascade of events that can’t be undone. Will she realise what she has before it’s too late for them both?
The slow progression in the relationship between Joanna and Aidan from “enemies” to friends with benefits to something more had me hooked. I was so excited to explore more of both Joanna and Aidan as characters, as well as exploring Meg’s version of vampire lore and mate bonds which was wholely refreshing. Joanna is flighty and feisty, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring more of her personality, and what drives her as well as her personal life at the animal sanctuary. As much as she wants to be loved and find somewhere soft to lay her head when things get hard she works so hard to be independent that she can’t just seem to let go. This makes it hard for anyone to get through the impenetrable wall she erects around herself to stop herself from being hurt. Aidan is stubborn and set in his ways, however, underneath it all he’s really just a big softy, he falls first and hard for Joanna and watching him try to get through to her and love her had my heart aching. Having resided in Shadow Hills since it was built it was so interesting to get to see things from his perspective, and meet some amazing character and travel to some unique locations. I was rooting for these two throughout, and honestly Meg had me going at one point, genuinely concerned as to whether everything was going to work out.
This book is a fast read that was easy for me to practically inhale in almost one sitting. The book focuses very much around the characters and their relationship with a smaller percentage of the book being related to Shadow Hills and the goings on within the town. I didn’t mind in the slightest that this book felt for me like it was more relationship focused, as this series very much centres around the Shadow Hills residents. Like I’ve mentioned, I enjoyed exploring more locations within the small town and I’m excited to explore more in further books!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review.
Author: Meg Alivien
Series: Monster Boyfriends
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 8th, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What You’ll Find In This Book:
- Vampire Mates
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
- Friends with Benefits
- You Came? You Called
- He’s Repenting For His Sins
- She Works On A Farm and Rescues Animals
- She Wants To Be His “Donor”
Ahhhh my heart hurts! This book was so emotionally powerful, for a story surrounding a no strings attached arrangement there sure is a lot of strings. I was excited to return to Shadow Hills, getting to return to characters we had already met and being able to explore them further. This book has continued a series which is a perfect blend of cozy small town vibes with spicy romance, there is a perfect balance between normal life in Shadow Hills alongside the blooming relationship of the two main characters. A perfect read for in between heavier books, it will pull at your heart strings but you’re just along for the ride as a vampire and human work through their differences and the sticky situations they have found themselves in, in a small town where nothing stays secret for long and everyone is all up in each others business, but in a cute way.
We start our story with Joanna, another human residing in the paranormal town of Shadow Hills, working all day at the animal sanctuary that Joanna runs with her mother leaves her little time to look after herself let alone find someone that she connects with, despite her deep rooted desire to find her soulmate. Fiery and fiesta Joanna pushes all of Aidan’s buttons, but despite this he can’t seem to get her out of his head. However, being a 104 year old vampire that doesn’t age and being attracted to a human whose life is fleeting is less than an ideal so he keeps his distance. Despite the fact that they irritate each other no end, after one night of failed speed dating and a rain storm leads them into somewhat forbidden territory, which results in a deal being struck. They connect well in the bedroom so why not have a physical relations with none of the strings attached. This initially seems like the best of both worlds for both for them, however, as time goes on this starts to become much more than physical to both of them, despite them keeping their feelings hidden from one another. When things start to become more complicated than Joanna can deal with she does what she always does and runs, little does she know her actions have triggered a cascade of events that can’t be undone. Will she realise what she has before it’s too late for them both?
The slow progression in the relationship between Joanna and Aidan from “enemies” to friends with benefits to something more had me hooked. I was so excited to explore more of both Joanna and Aidan as characters, as well as exploring Meg’s version of vampire lore and mate bonds which was wholely refreshing. Joanna is flighty and feisty, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring more of her personality, and what drives her as well as her personal life at the animal sanctuary. As much as she wants to be loved and find somewhere soft to lay her head when things get hard she works so hard to be independent that she can’t just seem to let go. This makes it hard for anyone to get through the impenetrable wall she erects around herself to stop herself from being hurt. Aidan is stubborn and set in his ways, however, underneath it all he’s really just a big softy, he falls first and hard for Joanna and watching him try to get through to her and love her had my heart aching. Having resided in Shadow Hills since it was built it was so interesting to get to see things from his perspective, and meet some amazing character and travel to some unique locations. I was rooting for these two throughout, and honestly Meg had me going at one point, genuinely concerned as to whether everything was going to work out.
This book is a fast read that was easy for me to practically inhale in almost one sitting. The book focuses very much around the characters and their relationship with a smaller percentage of the book being related to Shadow Hills and the goings on within the town. I didn’t mind in the slightest that this book felt for me like it was more relationship focused, as this series very much centres around the Shadow Hills residents. Like I’ve mentioned, I enjoyed exploring more locations within the small town and I’m excited to explore more in further books!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review.
Author: Meg Alivien
Series: Monster Boyfriends
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 8th, 2025
May 9, 2025
Top notch cosy but spicy paranormal, small town, vampire romance. Perfect short PNR read.
Lucky enough to be selected as an ARC reader for this one and very much enjoyed reading it. There are content warnings for this book as it does touch on some deeper themes such as mental health and blood play, so please ensure you read them before reading the rest of the book.
Our MMC, Aidan Ward, is a 104 year old moody vampire that mostly keeps to himself but is starting to realise that the loneliness is becoming harder to live with until our outspoken, sarcastic, emotionally unavailable FMC, Joanna Nelson, who he calls an annoying fly buzzing around him constantly (to her face, I might add), makes him a very intriguing offer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters and the different take on their initial relationship and first "moment" together. It was nice to read something that wasn't solely enemies or friends to lovers (usually my go to tropes). That they were just 2 people who live in the same small town, who have mutual acquaintances and get roped into a Speed Dating event was a brilliant way to get them to interact.
Their initial dislike for each other is very relatable and realistic for a romance as they both judge the book by its cover and refuse to see it any other way... until they look a little closer. I think this made them more likeable and easy to connect with and also kept me interested on how their relationship might develop.
I also loved the different vampire lore than we are used to in Aidan's backstory and in response to Joanna's intrusive line of questioning during the get to know you process. It was a new and refreshing take on vampires and how fated mates work and also a nice learning process for the main characters to be going through with the reader.
Overall, a very charming and emotion filled short PNR read with plenty of spice, good representation of mental health, LGBTQIA+, the effects of being alone/loneliness with strong, memorable characters.
4.5 Stars from me and a 3 chilli rating as there are multiple spicy scenes.
Lucky enough to be selected as an ARC reader for this one and very much enjoyed reading it. There are content warnings for this book as it does touch on some deeper themes such as mental health and blood play, so please ensure you read them before reading the rest of the book.
Our MMC, Aidan Ward, is a 104 year old moody vampire that mostly keeps to himself but is starting to realise that the loneliness is becoming harder to live with until our outspoken, sarcastic, emotionally unavailable FMC, Joanna Nelson, who he calls an annoying fly buzzing around him constantly (to her face, I might add), makes him a very intriguing offer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters and the different take on their initial relationship and first "moment" together. It was nice to read something that wasn't solely enemies or friends to lovers (usually my go to tropes). That they were just 2 people who live in the same small town, who have mutual acquaintances and get roped into a Speed Dating event was a brilliant way to get them to interact.
Their initial dislike for each other is very relatable and realistic for a romance as they both judge the book by its cover and refuse to see it any other way... until they look a little closer. I think this made them more likeable and easy to connect with and also kept me interested on how their relationship might develop.
I also loved the different vampire lore than we are used to in Aidan's backstory and in response to Joanna's intrusive line of questioning during the get to know you process. It was a new and refreshing take on vampires and how fated mates work and also a nice learning process for the main characters to be going through with the reader.
Overall, a very charming and emotion filled short PNR read with plenty of spice, good representation of mental health, LGBTQIA+, the effects of being alone/loneliness with strong, memorable characters.
4.5 Stars from me and a 3 chilli rating as there are multiple spicy scenes.
June 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TROPES
🍓 Fated Mates
🍓 Hate to F*ck Buddies to Love
🍓 Found Family
🍓 Dual POV
I loved Howl, and I was hopeful, based on the vibes in the first book, that the second would follow Joanna and Aidan. They had such will they-won’t they energy, and I’m glad their story was next.
Both Joanna and Aidan’s personal journeys are so important to see on page. They have accepted for reasons that aren’t always valid that they do not deserve a romantic partner in life. For Aidan, that’s because of his concern that he would outlive them, and for Joanna, it’s rooted in her struggle to be emotionally vulnerable with other people. Reading them both share how lonely they are, but that they’ve just accepted that, made me root for them so much more. I think Aidan’s reasons in particular are noble, because I understand where he’s coming from. I won’t spoil anything, but it may not be the issue he thinks it is.
Watching them realize they don’t have to be alone because they have each other was a great time. It makes you wonder how long it might’ve taken them to come together otherwise if what was originally meant as a one night stand hadn’t happened. It’s clear that in this universe a vampire’s fated mate may only come to light after there’s a connection, and because of their previous dynamic, it might not have happened.
I love the vampire lore built in this book. We get funny nods to iconic things in the genre, but this story does something I haven’t seen before in the vampire books I’ve read, and that was a pleasant surprise. It’s an interesting premise that I want to know more about, and it gives fated mates a new meaning to me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TROPES
🍓 Fated Mates
🍓 Hate to F*ck Buddies to Love
🍓 Found Family
🍓 Dual POV
I loved Howl, and I was hopeful, based on the vibes in the first book, that the second would follow Joanna and Aidan. They had such will they-won’t they energy, and I’m glad their story was next.
Both Joanna and Aidan’s personal journeys are so important to see on page. They have accepted for reasons that aren’t always valid that they do not deserve a romantic partner in life. For Aidan, that’s because of his concern that he would outlive them, and for Joanna, it’s rooted in her struggle to be emotionally vulnerable with other people. Reading them both share how lonely they are, but that they’ve just accepted that, made me root for them so much more. I think Aidan’s reasons in particular are noble, because I understand where he’s coming from. I won’t spoil anything, but it may not be the issue he thinks it is.
Watching them realize they don’t have to be alone because they have each other was a great time. It makes you wonder how long it might’ve taken them to come together otherwise if what was originally meant as a one night stand hadn’t happened. It’s clear that in this universe a vampire’s fated mate may only come to light after there’s a connection, and because of their previous dynamic, it might not have happened.
I love the vampire lore built in this book. We get funny nods to iconic things in the genre, but this story does something I haven’t seen before in the vampire books I’ve read, and that was a pleasant surprise. It’s an interesting premise that I want to know more about, and it gives fated mates a new meaning to me.
May 11, 2025
Though not afflicted with rotting or glittering (depending on your favorite vampire lore), Aidan still has his own problems as the town's resident 104-year-old vampire. Though not everlasting, he ages about ten times slower than the average human, which makes most relationships with them dead on arrival in the long run. Too bad he can't get Joanna, the town's resident workaholic and rescue farm owner, out of his mind. imagine his surprise when he inadvertently ends up with her in his home, dripping wet and dressed to impress. And while Joanna finds Aiden incredibly annoying and constantly in her way, the loneliness of being a 30-something in a small is killing (pun intended) her, and getting it out of her system once in a while may just be what she needs. Too bad their mutual feelings for each other aren't the only thing getting the blood pumping in this paranormal small town romance!
Another slam-dunk come-for-the-spice, stay-for-the-vibes cozy paranormal romance from Meg Alivien, though it was very rude to leave us on a cliffhanger in this one! If you enjoyed "Howl", you'll be feral for the follow-up, which brings mutual friends into a very sneaky, sultry FWB situation which quickly gets out of hand as they're forced to confront their flaws as they confront each other (in the dead of night or forbidden closets). I like that though, like "Howl", this books is definitely here as a sweet treat, we get a little more lore about the town in this installment, including some pathways by which we may run into more monsters in the future, which I love. Thank you Meg for another fun romp, and I will be rolling around in my grave waiting for the next installment!
Another slam-dunk come-for-the-spice, stay-for-the-vibes cozy paranormal romance from Meg Alivien, though it was very rude to leave us on a cliffhanger in this one! If you enjoyed "Howl", you'll be feral for the follow-up, which brings mutual friends into a very sneaky, sultry FWB situation which quickly gets out of hand as they're forced to confront their flaws as they confront each other (in the dead of night or forbidden closets). I like that though, like "Howl", this books is definitely here as a sweet treat, we get a little more lore about the town in this installment, including some pathways by which we may run into more monsters in the future, which I love. Thank you Meg for another fun romp, and I will be rolling around in my grave waiting for the next installment!
May 7, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Hunt (Monster Boyfriends, Book 2)
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪ē 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨.
Hunt in the second standalone in the Monster Boyfriends series and centers around two lonely souls we meet in Howl. Joanna and Aidan aren’t looking for love. So instead, they settle on a no strings attached/friends with benefits agreement. But soon enough, both realize they might be getting more than they bargained for.
Tropes:
👀dual POV
🧛🏻vampire x human
💖hate to Love
🤝you came? You called
🤫secret hookups
🫂found family
🏡small town romance
🌶️: open door
I hereby crown Meg the queen of cozy spicy small town PNR 👑! It was so much fun to return to Shadow Hills and I ate this story up! I loved the twist on vampire lore and the exploration of these characters and their insecurities.
Joanna throws herself into her work at the farm and Aidan has resigned to living a solitary existence as a vampire. Their best friends may be in love, but that doesn’t mean they have to enjoy each other’s company. In fact, they can’t help but antagonize each other. But who knew their heated encounters would turn… heated 😏. But can this arrangement turn into something more?
Hunt is an angsty, sweet, and spicy small town paranormal romance! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Shadow Hills.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: Hunt (Monster Boyfriends, Book 2)
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪ē 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨.
Hunt in the second standalone in the Monster Boyfriends series and centers around two lonely souls we meet in Howl. Joanna and Aidan aren’t looking for love. So instead, they settle on a no strings attached/friends with benefits agreement. But soon enough, both realize they might be getting more than they bargained for.
Tropes:
👀dual POV
🧛🏻vampire x human
💖hate to Love
🤝you came? You called
🤫secret hookups
🫂found family
🏡small town romance
🌶️: open door
I hereby crown Meg the queen of cozy spicy small town PNR 👑! It was so much fun to return to Shadow Hills and I ate this story up! I loved the twist on vampire lore and the exploration of these characters and their insecurities.
Joanna throws herself into her work at the farm and Aidan has resigned to living a solitary existence as a vampire. Their best friends may be in love, but that doesn’t mean they have to enjoy each other’s company. In fact, they can’t help but antagonize each other. But who knew their heated encounters would turn… heated 😏. But can this arrangement turn into something more?
Hunt is an angsty, sweet, and spicy small town paranormal romance! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Shadow Hills.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 30, 2025
Meg is back again with another light and fun story!
Hunt takes place after the events of Howl, and while some of these characters are seen again, no important info from Howl comes into play in Hunt. (but you should still read Howl because its great!) I absolutely LOVED meeting Aidan in Howl and I was so excited for his story. He is a century-old vampire who resorts to spending most of his time alone. Joanna runs a local non-profit farm and animal rescue who also spends a lot of her time alone and struggles to express her emotions in a healthy way. Jo and Aidan don't know each other very well, but that doesn't stop them from verbally sparring whenever they are around each other. When they decide to enter a no-strings-attached relationship to alleviate some of the loneliness they both feel, they quickly realize there's more at play.
The character growth for both Aidan and Jo is so great, and I could see a lot of my old self in both of them. The vampire lore was so fun and not quite what I'm used to reading. It was a nice switch up from the norm! The spice was SPICING-this one has more spicy scenes than Howl, but they did not miss! I was also not expecting a slight cliffhanger at the end?! I can't wait to see what Meg is up to next with this mystery character!
If you're looking for a very quick, no stakes, spicy paranormal romance, Hunt is definitely the book for you! And go ahead and pick up Howl while you're at it! :)
Hunt takes place after the events of Howl, and while some of these characters are seen again, no important info from Howl comes into play in Hunt. (but you should still read Howl because its great!) I absolutely LOVED meeting Aidan in Howl and I was so excited for his story. He is a century-old vampire who resorts to spending most of his time alone. Joanna runs a local non-profit farm and animal rescue who also spends a lot of her time alone and struggles to express her emotions in a healthy way. Jo and Aidan don't know each other very well, but that doesn't stop them from verbally sparring whenever they are around each other. When they decide to enter a no-strings-attached relationship to alleviate some of the loneliness they both feel, they quickly realize there's more at play.
The character growth for both Aidan and Jo is so great, and I could see a lot of my old self in both of them. The vampire lore was so fun and not quite what I'm used to reading. It was a nice switch up from the norm! The spice was SPICING-this one has more spicy scenes than Howl, but they did not miss! I was also not expecting a slight cliffhanger at the end?! I can't wait to see what Meg is up to next with this mystery character!
If you're looking for a very quick, no stakes, spicy paranormal romance, Hunt is definitely the book for you! And go ahead and pick up Howl while you're at it! :)
May 8, 2025
HUNT
By Meg Alivien
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Were you team Edward in your Twilight Era? Did you cheer when you read that he and Bella were ‘meant for each other’… fated mates even? Well! If you devoured that but still wanted more spice and less pining, teenage angst, and no glittering… and she doesn’t have to be turned to stay with him? Then read HUNT.
As the sequel to Howl and the second installment in the Monster Boyfriend series, this novel was full of banter, frenemies with benefits, and some truly delicious spice thrown into a cozy paranormal fantasy world. And while this was not a slow-burn romance, I enjoyed this quick paced twist on what a vampire and his mate could be.
There were so many times where I was laughing over the internal dialogue from our two main characters, groaning right along with Joanna over some moment of personal embarrassment, or rallying with Aiden when he finally realizes the truth staring him in the mirror. I really enjoyed the dual POV narrative of Hunt, as well as all of the supporting characters that help make up their world.
I even know who I hope the next book is about but then Author Meg Alivien went and threw a curve ball right at the end and now I need more than one book for all the intertwined stories! Werewolves, witches, vampires and ghosts… where the next book will take us, I don’t know but I am sooo ready for it.
By Meg Alivien
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Were you team Edward in your Twilight Era? Did you cheer when you read that he and Bella were ‘meant for each other’… fated mates even? Well! If you devoured that but still wanted more spice and less pining, teenage angst, and no glittering… and she doesn’t have to be turned to stay with him? Then read HUNT.
As the sequel to Howl and the second installment in the Monster Boyfriend series, this novel was full of banter, frenemies with benefits, and some truly delicious spice thrown into a cozy paranormal fantasy world. And while this was not a slow-burn romance, I enjoyed this quick paced twist on what a vampire and his mate could be.
There were so many times where I was laughing over the internal dialogue from our two main characters, groaning right along with Joanna over some moment of personal embarrassment, or rallying with Aiden when he finally realizes the truth staring him in the mirror. I really enjoyed the dual POV narrative of Hunt, as well as all of the supporting characters that help make up their world.
I even know who I hope the next book is about but then Author Meg Alivien went and threw a curve ball right at the end and now I need more than one book for all the intertwined stories! Werewolves, witches, vampires and ghosts… where the next book will take us, I don’t know but I am sooo ready for it.
April 22, 2025
Okay, where to start with this one.
I first found out about Alivien's work because she will be at Book Harvest 2025 in Chicago this year, and I will be attending. She posted about an ARC signup for this book as I was eyeballing book 1, so obviously I applied.
This entire series is a big, warm hug.
I love the character development from the flawed characters, to the super cute small town, and the animals as well. It's just super cute.
Joanna is such a relatable character to me. She's someone who loves to be there for her friends, but has a hard time opening up about her own issues, and her hyper-independence prevents her from feeling like she needs anything else. SUPER relatable.
Aidan is a vampire. He's a reclusive vampire who quietly does good things because of internalized guilt over his past. SO GOOD. He also reminds me a lot of myself in a lot of ways, and I often try not to self-insert in books, but it was so easy to do with this one for me personally.
This is a perfect read for anyone who wants
Grump/Grump
Friends-with-Benefits
Mental Health rep
Can't-keep-my-hands-off-you
Protective MMC/FMC
all the best microtropes.
Thank you so much to Meg Alivien for the ARC! I absolutely adored this one.
I first found out about Alivien's work because she will be at Book Harvest 2025 in Chicago this year, and I will be attending. She posted about an ARC signup for this book as I was eyeballing book 1, so obviously I applied.
This entire series is a big, warm hug.
I love the character development from the flawed characters, to the super cute small town, and the animals as well. It's just super cute.
Joanna is such a relatable character to me. She's someone who loves to be there for her friends, but has a hard time opening up about her own issues, and her hyper-independence prevents her from feeling like she needs anything else. SUPER relatable.
Aidan is a vampire. He's a reclusive vampire who quietly does good things because of internalized guilt over his past. SO GOOD. He also reminds me a lot of myself in a lot of ways, and I often try not to self-insert in books, but it was so easy to do with this one for me personally.
This is a perfect read for anyone who wants
Grump/Grump
Friends-with-Benefits
Mental Health rep
Can't-keep-my-hands-off-you
Protective MMC/FMC
all the best microtropes.
Thank you so much to Meg Alivien for the ARC! I absolutely adored this one.
May 4, 2025
Small town monster romances continue with this hate to love relationship.
Aiden and Joanna aren't enemies but they aren't friends either. They are two people with each having best friends that are mated to each other so they are forced to be around each other.
They banter and trade snarky comments whenever they're together they decide to start a "not friends" with benefits situation to scratch the itch but our vampire Aiden realizes there might be a problem. Jo might just be his human mate.
How do you even begin to have that conversation when youre both stubborn, independent, and would rather spend time alone than with anyone else?
Hate to love
You came? You called?
Secret hookups
Mild blood play
Vampire and human mate
Dramoine coded
This was a cozy small town quick read that it's easy to connect with the characters.
I loved Howl (Book 1) and I LOVE Hunt (Book 2).
I am so excited for book 3.
The banter between Aiden and Joanna was one of my favorite things about them because even after they start their secret fwb relationship, they must keep up appearances in front of their friends.
Add this to your TBR now because you won't want to miss this story.
Aiden and Joanna aren't enemies but they aren't friends either. They are two people with each having best friends that are mated to each other so they are forced to be around each other.
They banter and trade snarky comments whenever they're together they decide to start a "not friends" with benefits situation to scratch the itch but our vampire Aiden realizes there might be a problem. Jo might just be his human mate.
How do you even begin to have that conversation when youre both stubborn, independent, and would rather spend time alone than with anyone else?
Hate to love
You came? You called?
Secret hookups
Mild blood play
Vampire and human mate
Dramoine coded
This was a cozy small town quick read that it's easy to connect with the characters.
I loved Howl (Book 1) and I LOVE Hunt (Book 2).
I am so excited for book 3.
The banter between Aiden and Joanna was one of my favorite things about them because even after they start their secret fwb relationship, they must keep up appearances in front of their friends.
Add this to your TBR now because you won't want to miss this story.
May 12, 2025
If you love witty banter, sizzling tension, and a protective yet brooding love interest, this paranormal romance will sweep you off your feet. The story follows a fierce, independent human, Joanna, who finds herself entangled with a vampire who is equal parts infuriating and irresistible.
Their dynamic starts with sharp retorts and mutual annoyance, the classic enemies-to-lovers start. However as they spend more time together, Aiden steps up in ways she never expected. His cold exterior gradually cracks, revealing a depth of devotion that makes the romance all the more compelling. And as they begin to truly understand each other, the heat between them explodes. What starts as reluctant chemistry transforms into undeniable passion - leaving you with top notch spice!
Hunt is a perfect blend of humor, tension, and heart. If you’re drawn to stories where love emerges from fiery exchanges and protective instincts turn into something deeper, this book is an absolute must-read.
A huge thank you to Meg for the early copy! I am absolutely loving the paranormal MMC’s of the Monster Boyfriends series, they just keep getting better!
Their dynamic starts with sharp retorts and mutual annoyance, the classic enemies-to-lovers start. However as they spend more time together, Aiden steps up in ways she never expected. His cold exterior gradually cracks, revealing a depth of devotion that makes the romance all the more compelling. And as they begin to truly understand each other, the heat between them explodes. What starts as reluctant chemistry transforms into undeniable passion - leaving you with top notch spice!
Hunt is a perfect blend of humor, tension, and heart. If you’re drawn to stories where love emerges from fiery exchanges and protective instincts turn into something deeper, this book is an absolute must-read.
A huge thank you to Meg for the early copy! I am absolutely loving the paranormal MMC’s of the Monster Boyfriends series, they just keep getting better!
April 28, 2025
I was super excited when I got the ARC of this book! This is my first read by Meg Alivien, I've had Howl on my TBR but just haven't gotten the chance to read it yet. The characters from the first book are mentioned in this book, but the second book can be read as a stand alone. This book was 🥵🥵. This is a hate to friends with benefits to lovers/fated mates. At the beginning tons of sarcasm and banter👌. They quickly both discover this is not just friends with benefits and how well they seem to fit one another. I love this unique take on fated mates, and I can honestly say I was not expecting it! It was such a cute way to bring it full circle with Aiden and Joanna. I also found it so endearing on how patient Aiden was with Joanna and how he was willing to show her that he'd be there no matter what 🥹 Overall I really enjoyed this one ❤️ Definitely check it out!
I'm also definitely interested in that little Easter egg at the very end and want to know what is going to happen to our red-headed ghost
I'm also definitely interested in that little Easter egg at the very end and want to know what is going to happen to our red-headed ghost
January 18, 2026
This was a fun, contemporary vampire romance to start the year. It was a cozy read during the rainy, windy days in Los Angeles. The small-town vibes of Hunt make the story so charming and idyllic. The risqué themes make the story arc of the human love interest relatable.
The vampire romance I finished just before Hunt (Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley) lacked satisfying steamy scenes. Hunt made up for that quickly with many hot scenes between a woman who can hardly admit she is deeply in love with a vampire, and the vampire who will discover who his true life mate will be. Hunt explores the "friends-with-benefits" relationship dynamic between a vampire and a human, which is most likely why the intimate, sexy scenes get introduced right away.
For those who have ever been in a friends-with benefits situation, the relationship dynamic will inevitably get weird at some point. The vampire/human relationship gets weird eventually, but it also culminates into something more legitimate. This situationship will leave lovers of the vampire romance genre satisfied.
The vampire romance I finished just before Hunt (Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley) lacked satisfying steamy scenes. Hunt made up for that quickly with many hot scenes between a woman who can hardly admit she is deeply in love with a vampire, and the vampire who will discover who his true life mate will be. Hunt explores the "friends-with-benefits" relationship dynamic between a vampire and a human, which is most likely why the intimate, sexy scenes get introduced right away.
For those who have ever been in a friends-with benefits situation, the relationship dynamic will inevitably get weird at some point. The vampire/human relationship gets weird eventually, but it also culminates into something more legitimate. This situationship will leave lovers of the vampire romance genre satisfied.
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