Wednesday: A Dark Monster Romance

The Days of the Week #3

by Adrian Blue

When Carmen takes a night security job at Oakwood Cemetery, she's desperate enough to overlook the warnings about previous guards who left without notice. The position comes with housing—a small cottage on the grounds—and after weeks of living in her car, she can't afford to be picky. But on her first patrol, she discovers the cemetery harbors something ancient and hungry, something that feeds on the dead. Now Carmen faces an impossible flee and return to homelessness, or accept a dark bargain that will change her forever.

Please See Inside for Content Warnings

Genres: Dark Romance, Horror, Novella, Monsters, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Dark

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2025

Reviews

[Poetry Drive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sick. Depraved. Deeply fucked. I loved it.

[Arctic_Banshee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cript Keeper smut!!!!

This was.. disturbing, dark, haunting, gross, twisted. Fucked up. Allllllmost too much for me. But the mmc was fascinating.

Like having an affair with a barrow-wight. YEAH.

I felt for the fmc and her hardships before she arrived. She was already struggling just to exist. It explained why she didn’t initially fuck outta there. I like fmc backstories like that.

Adrian Blue is a subtly sophisticated writer. I think she deserves a lot more credit than she gets.

[Kaylene Remata · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍🤩😍🤩

I loved it! Loved all these Days of the Week books. They’re not long, but better in-depth stories than some of Adrian Blue’s short stories. I believe this is the strongest of the three and I can’t wait to read more.

While some may be put off on the idea of grave desecration, just know that there is a spin on this that makes it less morbid. In fact, it was honestly beautiful.

[Brooke Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sick n twisted n PERFECT. Lemme try think of more words. This is depraved and dark and fun and atmospheric and eerie and delicious and haunting and romantic and full of weird yearning meant for true freaks. Loved it. I adore anything Adrian Blue decides to bless us with and this was such a standout for me. Have not stopped thinking about it.

[Tommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, what did I just read? And more importantly, why did I love it? This book is bizarre, dark, and kind of gross, but in the best possible way. Our FMC Carmen takes a job as an overnight security guard at a cemetery, and on one of her rounds, she meets Morrow, a literal ghoul. Yes, a centuries-old, flesh-eating ghoul who survives by consuming the dead. Morrow promises not to hurt Carmen as long as she lets him be. She agrees and somehow, the two strike up a strange friendship. Then things take a turn for the seriously weird: Morrow reveals that by eating the dead, he absorbs their memories, which fascinates Carmen. And before long, he starts mixing their blood so she can experience those memories too. And yeah, it gets really spicy. And unsettling. And weird. I kept having to stop, go back a paragraph, and ask myself, “Wait, is this really happening?” Not in a bad way, more like, “this is crazy and I need to absorb every detail”. If you’re looking for a novella that’s weird, macabre, and spicy, this one’s for you. Seriously. Just trust the vibe.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

One of the rare longer stories by this author, who never humanizes the physical appearance of the creatures. The monsters are monsters, and this one was no different.

However, this monster gains (shows?) a very human longing for companionship and maybe even love, and the basis for that was expertly written into the story. The curiosity borne out of the way it sustains itself organically developed into that longing.

I suppose it was fate that brought Carmen to the cemetery because honestly I had to skip the gory descriptions in certain scenes because I am admittedly squeamish while she was just… THERE. Observing. Watching. Curious. Fascinated.

Those two are mates definitely.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this it's interesting, smutty and fun. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to bone the crypt keeper, now u know!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. this was disgusting, creepy and so gorgeous. i loved it

[Codi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually have a strict rule about not rating novellas any higher than a 4 ⭐️ but this one is an exception!! It’s just so macabre and beautifully done! 🪦💀

[⌞giselle⌝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes, 5 stars. this is a monster romance, if there ever was one… filthy, scary, disturbing, but still beautiful. so very intriguing & interesting. this story makes valid points even with the supernatural fantasy. I gasped in shock, my eyes widened in horror, & my body responded! Adrian Blue, I’m coming for more.

[TruthBTold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Day of Week

OMG. I typed this immediately after finishing book. This book is so unlike her other 2 books in series(imo). This is definitely my favorite so far. Heck, I think this is my favorite story of hers so far. A.D is definitely one of my favorite authors period. In my head I definitely have an image on how I think Morrow looks(def not like the cover-for me). I look forward to reading everything Adrian Blue. Love her work. May her imagination/creativity never cease.

[Orion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVING this

I would highly suggest that anyone who wants to read checks the triggering warnings first! A few sentences got me but still, I finished the book because I just love the stories that Adrian blue tells. The relationship between Carmen and Morrow was so not heard of that I HAD to finish it all. I’d do anything for a part two to this if it was possible. But we need signed copies!🫶 I’d love to be able to display as many of these books on my shelf as I could.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly depraved

Another awesome short story from a talented author! I love the way the tension builds and the passion slowly ignites! Even though it’s a relatively quick read, still have a neat little plot line and build up to the spicy scenes. - One of my fave authors when I want a quick read of the monster romance/smut variety. She doesn’t disappoint!

[Caitlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Macabre

Adrian Blue has a way of making some real gross scenarios into something erotic. This was dark, grim, gross, but I couldn’t put it down because the characters were so sweet and there was hope in their connection. I absolutely love and adore this author. Don’t stop writing!

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool new take

Really appreciated the way the main character owned her curiosity. It felt like a new type of erotisism with a zombie. Also, on a deeper note, I couldn't help but assess my own life for a moment to think of what my core memories are.

Another book well written, thank you 💗

[Shelia Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I have read and like all of this authors books, but this one was riveting. I couldn't put it down, even to relieve myself. Short and to the point with such feelings and the sex was hot damn. Yes, yes, yes. MS Blue never disappoints me.

[Angela Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story!

This dark romance is just my kind of bizarre! This is a great read and would be perfect for Halloween!

[Alex Silver · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.4/5

That’s it. I finally found the line. I cannot get into a corpse desecrating cannibalistic monster. Sigh. I guess my depravity does know bounds. Lame.

[LizKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely compelling- and rather gross.
Would highly recommend ;)

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pray for me, I actually liked this

[Savarona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen!

Were my formative years influenced by Nicholas Hoult in Warm Bodies????? Maybe! Don’t judge me, lol.

It was short, gross, sweet, weird. Everything you want in a palate cleanser 😅

[RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure that this is the book that tipped me over the edge and into a straight up quandry about my own mental health. WTF? Am I really turned on by a MMC who is an actual legendary ghoul, who consumes dead human flesh, and fresh live human flesh? Yes. Yes I am. I'm really questioning myself about that. Monsters as a turn-on? Sure. THIS kind of creature, who is literally rotting, and doesn't even wipe his face afterwards, before rubbjng all over the FMC? Wow. I'm beginning to wonder how much shit this would stir up with a therapist.

It was disturbing enough that I immediately started reading a military suspense romance as a palette cleanser. I followed that with a Regency romance to try and still the need for a reread. I mentioned in an earlier monster romance review that I felt I'd pitched over into a black hole. This may be what's at the bottom. I have no idea who this Adrian Blue person is, but maybe we both need some help.

As for this story, aside from the MMC and the attraction felt by the FMC, the plot was fascinating if bizarre. And like most Adrian Blue books, the writing is good. The pace worked well. And the ending was like most of these books, pretty open ended. Read this one at your own risk. It's smoking hot and you'll probably hate yourself for feeling that way. I can't help you.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up this book I didn't expect a sexy ghoul, but here we are. Morrow is kinda sexy. In a super intense, feeding on the dead sort of way. Which fits with the whole monster thing I've been reading lately and I'm here for it.

So. Carmen is desperate and takes a job as night security at a cemetery. Mostly because it comes with housing and, as mentioned, she's desperate and sick of living out of her car. Sure, she's a little leery of how the previous guards leaving unexpectedly, but she needs the house and she needs the job and she'll do whatever she has to do to keep from being homeless again.

As it turns out, she has to come to terms with Morrow using the cemetery as his feeding ground. Morrow is terrifying and captivating and she's drawn to him despite how her head keeps telling her she should probably run in the opposite direction. One meeting turns into two and two turn into a nightly thing. She is fascinated by him and helps him in his hunt for food and he shares some of perks feeding on the dead gives him. And she is HOOKED.

It isn't long before Carmen is all in and Morrow has realized he might have found a living human who he wouldn't mind spending eternity with. Like I said, I wasn't expecting a sexy ghoul, but HERE WE ARE!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[DARYLLE MHAE SORIANO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been a sucker for dark, gothic romantasy—but I never expected to actually enjoy a love story involving a literal undead. The delivery was surprisingly well done. This is definitely one of those books where you just need to turn off your brain, let go of logic, and enjoy the ride. Sure, it might seem a bit unrealistic (and, let’s be honest, not exactly hygienic), but the lack of overly detailed descriptions of the MC definitely helped make it easier to immerse myself.

That said, I really liked how the story flowed and how the communication between the main characters developed over time. It was weirdly sweet and compelling in its own twisted, gothic way—and I genuinely enjoyed it.

[Nisha-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.9 stars because of two odd typos but otherwise, this might be the most perfect blend of horror and eroticism that I have ever read. Right from the utter gorgeousness of that cover image, oh my god. (The typography could be better, tho.) And then such a careful journey of deepening characterisation and genuine creepiness. I loved how these two talked -- their fascination, their intelligence, their tenderness, their heat. It was deliciously Gothic and I could have happily read a full-length novel of this calibre and romance.

Adrian Blue really is knocking it out of the park this year, we are so lucky to have their writing.

[gnouella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I understand woe isn't only what I thought," I said finally. "It's not all misfortune and misery. It's finding beauty in decay. Life in death."

Wednesday's child," he murmured, "full of such beautiful woe."

Hmm, nakakatakot iyong premise kasi eerie feels. Sa sementeryo ba naman tapos grave robber pa iyong mmc, I mean, corpse eater pa 😭. Gets ko iyong loneliness nilang dalawa. Tapos parang nag seek nga sila ng comfort sa isa't isa.

Parang now, I an craving for more horror romance dahil kay Carmen and kay Morrow. He would literally unalive those who touch her haha. Walang masyadong secondary characters and ito lang talaga mismo iyong plot. Pero i enjoyed talaga the dark solitude

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and a little grotesque, but I enjoyed it!!
The idea of fucking a monster that eats dead human flesh is rather macabre, but setting that aside, the intrigue between the MCs, no matter how vague was an interesting idea that reeled me in.

If you're no stranger to Adrian Blue's works like me, you'll know it's often short but hits with a punch. It's just monster erotica...so seriously, turn your brain off.

[Natalie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, creepy, lovely and sweet novella

I love the author’s writing style! I absolutely devoured this book. I could not put it down, and found myself continuing to think about it (obsessively!) when I was forced to step away. (Much like the FMC couldn’t stop thinking about our scary yet endearing MMC!)

This was a fairly slow burn, but the spice when it shows up is both hot and sweet. Just wish the whole story was longer. I wasn’t ready to part with these characters.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just wasn’t for me. I don’t know why I even read it. I should have read the description. That’s my fault.

If you are into zombies and rotting flesh then by all means, this book is for you. I personally was reading this while making a face of disgust the whole time. Eventually just skimmed it until the end.

But I do enjoy Adrian Blue’s writing so I will be checking out what else they’ve written.

[Kaely Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honestly surprised at how much I liked this. Good read for Halloween but there are some gruesome aspects to the story that might turn some people off. I really enjoy Adrian Blue writing style and stories so it was pretty on theme.

Check trigger warnings before reading and if you like Adrian then check this one out!!