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The Widow's Monster
The Gerstoff Woods are no place for a proper woman to live, but Ailénor Deniaud has not been proper or right for some time.
Stripped of nearly everything after the death of her husband, Lord Renaldeen Trauston, Ailénor starts a new life for herself on the edge of the dark forest and away from the judging eyes of Krágen's citizens. Winter approaches, and Ailénor struggles everyday against the elements and her own sorrow, while those who helped put her in her new life still walk the city streets with heads held high.
But when a dark beast of the woods arrives in her clearing and sets its sight on her, Ailénor may just find the chance for survival and love...
And revenge on those who hurt her the most.
Stripped of nearly everything after the death of her husband, Lord Renaldeen Trauston, Ailénor starts a new life for herself on the edge of the dark forest and away from the judging eyes of Krágen's citizens. Winter approaches, and Ailénor struggles everyday against the elements and her own sorrow, while those who helped put her in her new life still walk the city streets with heads held high.
But when a dark beast of the woods arrives in her clearing and sets its sight on her, Ailénor may just find the chance for survival and love...
And revenge on those who hurt her the most.
333 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2025
34 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 4, 2025
How does this book have so few ratings? It was so good! 4.5 monster loving stars!! 😍
This book is perfect for Spooky Season!! 🐺🐺
This book is perfect for Spooky Season!! 🐺🐺
September 30, 2025
I devoured this book; it was dark, gritty, and delicious giving me all the feels I wanted for the season we are in. The atmosphere was dark and gothic set in a mysterious and creepy forest off the edge of town.
Our FMC, Alienor, is a 45-year-old widow who was betrayed by her late husband and shunned out by the town. Seen as "unsavory" she barely steps foot into town. One night on a full moon she encounters a deadly dread wolf and barely escapes. After a few more encounters Alienor starts realizing that the dread wolf is drawn to her for some reason and decides to do some research on how she could tame or control it for her own personal uses....REVENGE!
What to Expect
🖤Monster Romance
🖤Curses
🖤Love Triangle (kinda)
🖤Revenge Story
🖤Reverse Age Gap
This book was a pleasant surprise. I went in completely blind and just loved the vibes that it gave me. Perfect for this time of the year! The author does an amazing job at focusing deeper into the trauma Alienor went through and how it affected her so deeply that it left a permanent darkness inside of her. You start questioning whether or not Alienor is a heroine or a villian. Are her actions justified or is she becoming just like the people she wants revenge on? Highly recommend this book!
Our FMC, Alienor, is a 45-year-old widow who was betrayed by her late husband and shunned out by the town. Seen as "unsavory" she barely steps foot into town. One night on a full moon she encounters a deadly dread wolf and barely escapes. After a few more encounters Alienor starts realizing that the dread wolf is drawn to her for some reason and decides to do some research on how she could tame or control it for her own personal uses....REVENGE!
What to Expect
🖤Monster Romance
🖤Curses
🖤Love Triangle (kinda)
🖤Revenge Story
🖤Reverse Age Gap
This book was a pleasant surprise. I went in completely blind and just loved the vibes that it gave me. Perfect for this time of the year! The author does an amazing job at focusing deeper into the trauma Alienor went through and how it affected her so deeply that it left a permanent darkness inside of her. You start questioning whether or not Alienor is a heroine or a villian. Are her actions justified or is she becoming just like the people she wants revenge on? Highly recommend this book!
July 16, 2025
A splendid balance of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Exactly as advertised.
November 7, 2025
I would say this is a dark Gothic monster romance even though it is not said it is a monster romance.
It’s definitely a wild ride !! I really enjoyed it
It’s definitely a wild ride !! I really enjoyed it
June 25, 2025
With a dark, moody atmosphere, a tragic FMC and a shapeshifter this novel leans into the gothic with zeal. It's an intriguing love story with revenge and questions surrounding control. It has a different feel from the typical shapeshifter romance, which is refreshing. Of course there's a HEA, but it's not entirely what you might expect (in a good way).
June 21, 2025
No notes. Also, if you see two versions of the book here, review this one
June 13, 2025
Paranormal romance with a twist. Love, loss, loss of fortune and name. And werewolves. What else do you need in a good story? Run and get it, it's good.
July 13, 2025
This was decadently unsettling and dark and luscious. I was immediately drawn in by the atmosphere (a small town on the edge of a dreary forest that’s reminiscent of Anathema by Keri Lake).
Our fmc Ailénor is a 45 year old widow living alone in the forest, just barely getting by after she was unfairly shunned by her late husband and society. One night on a full moon, she survives a terrifying encounter with a ‘dreadwolf’ (I loved this scene as the horror was so vivid). After having a couple intriguing encounters with this beast, Ailénor concludes that it is not only aware but seems drawn to her, and she finds herself curious about the lore and possibilities surrounding such a creature. Ailénor is hell bent on revenge, and makes some questionable decisions as she’s blinded by her purpose. The love triangle that ensues with Ailénor, Ral (the wolf), and Hernód (a local constable who is enamored with Ailénor) is delicious and complicated by dynamics of lust, control, and morality.
—“You cannot escape the law”
—“You did. You became the law and twisted it to your will. Those of us without that favor must turn to something else.”
I had a great time reading this unique dark tale, and I’m thankful to the author S. M. Campbell for a digital ARC!
Our fmc Ailénor is a 45 year old widow living alone in the forest, just barely getting by after she was unfairly shunned by her late husband and society. One night on a full moon, she survives a terrifying encounter with a ‘dreadwolf’ (I loved this scene as the horror was so vivid). After having a couple intriguing encounters with this beast, Ailénor concludes that it is not only aware but seems drawn to her, and she finds herself curious about the lore and possibilities surrounding such a creature. Ailénor is hell bent on revenge, and makes some questionable decisions as she’s blinded by her purpose. The love triangle that ensues with Ailénor, Ral (the wolf), and Hernód (a local constable who is enamored with Ailénor) is delicious and complicated by dynamics of lust, control, and morality.
—“You cannot escape the law”
—“You did. You became the law and twisted it to your will. Those of us without that favor must turn to something else.”
I had a great time reading this unique dark tale, and I’m thankful to the author S. M. Campbell for a digital ARC!
June 28, 2025
I'm grateful for the opportunity to provide my first ARC review:
At surface level, this book is a paranormal romance with a revenge arc. Looking deeper, it speaks of an ostracized woman's fortitude. Struggling to come to terms with the traumas she has faced and the darkness they left inside of her. Ailénor juggles mere survival while facing her demons both metaphorically and literally. Is Ailénor justified in seeking vengeance if the only way to do so is by utilizing the same means of those that wronged her? It is up to the reader to determine who the "monster" truly is in this book.
Also worth mentioning, I found it refreshing that the FMC isn't in her early 20's. She was raw, she was real, she wasn't naive. Despite the author being male, the FMC wasn't written through the stereotypical "male gaze." She had more to offer than nubile beauty and the "pick me" qualities that can be expected in this genre.
At surface level, this book is a paranormal romance with a revenge arc. Looking deeper, it speaks of an ostracized woman's fortitude. Struggling to come to terms with the traumas she has faced and the darkness they left inside of her. Ailénor juggles mere survival while facing her demons both metaphorically and literally. Is Ailénor justified in seeking vengeance if the only way to do so is by utilizing the same means of those that wronged her? It is up to the reader to determine who the "monster" truly is in this book.
Also worth mentioning, I found it refreshing that the FMC isn't in her early 20's. She was raw, she was real, she wasn't naive. Despite the author being male, the FMC wasn't written through the stereotypical "male gaze." She had more to offer than nubile beauty and the "pick me" qualities that can be expected in this genre.
July 4, 2025
This was a book that surprised me for once. It was unpredictable, moving, and heart wrenching. It was a slow to medium build speed but worth it. The twists and tension was placed beautifully! I licking up every crumb of this book.
September 26, 2025
A woman scorned is a dangerous thing
I love the way this world takes shape across the page. It's fantasy that feels familiar & old-world, yet new and different in equal measure. It is a story about loss and reclaiming your life. It's a love story... and it isn't. It reminds you there is a monster inside us all, just waiting for its moment to pounce.
A betrayed widow forced to live a hardscrabble life on the outskirts of society, Ailénor is a woman too stubborn and independent to let her circumstances get the better of her. So when a terrifying beast appears one full moon night, she overcomes her fear and sees the creature for what he truly is; not a man, but an opportunity.
There is, of course, the mystery of who the man behind the monster truly is. One possibility is the nearby city's new Chief Inspector, Hernód Fraust. He is clearly interested in more than a mere friendship with Ailénor and seems willing to pursue her with "dogged" determination.
While she is intrigued and tempted by Hernód, another man seems to dominate her thoughts: the bloodthirsty monster who keeps returning to Ailénor's doorstep every full moon. And considering the trio of moons gracing her night sky... it is a very frequent occurence. She becomes determined to communicate with the creature, to tame & domesticate him. But if you think she plans to help the poor man, think again.
I am so conflicted with how I feel about Ailénor and the choices she makes! On one hand, I love that she is a woman who is unashamed of her sexual desires. We learn about her past and the way she was betrayed and ruined by her husband in a slow trickle, but one thing we learn fairly early was that she was never ashamed of sex and sought pleasure with her husband freely. You go girl! But when she finally learns the true identity of the man behind the moon-bound beast, I was not prepared for the way she uses sex to bend and shape events to her whims. Usually when dubious consent makes its way upon the page it's the female character being taken advantage of. But not this widow! Ailénor shamelessly takes control (and advantage) of the man. She wants revenge against those who have wronged her and will use every weapon in her arsenal to achieve it.
I can't say much more without venturing into spoiler territory, so just let me leave with this: The Widow's Monster is an immersive, addicting read. It's satisfying in the same way revenge is. You want to rush headlong into it, and in the end it leaves you feeling vindicated & hollow, satisfied yet hungry, and always wanting more.
I love the way this world takes shape across the page. It's fantasy that feels familiar & old-world, yet new and different in equal measure. It is a story about loss and reclaiming your life. It's a love story... and it isn't. It reminds you there is a monster inside us all, just waiting for its moment to pounce.
A betrayed widow forced to live a hardscrabble life on the outskirts of society, Ailénor is a woman too stubborn and independent to let her circumstances get the better of her. So when a terrifying beast appears one full moon night, she overcomes her fear and sees the creature for what he truly is; not a man, but an opportunity.
There is, of course, the mystery of who the man behind the monster truly is. One possibility is the nearby city's new Chief Inspector, Hernód Fraust. He is clearly interested in more than a mere friendship with Ailénor and seems willing to pursue her with "dogged" determination.
While she is intrigued and tempted by Hernód, another man seems to dominate her thoughts: the bloodthirsty monster who keeps returning to Ailénor's doorstep every full moon. And considering the trio of moons gracing her night sky... it is a very frequent occurence. She becomes determined to communicate with the creature, to tame & domesticate him. But if you think she plans to help the poor man, think again.
I am so conflicted with how I feel about Ailénor and the choices she makes! On one hand, I love that she is a woman who is unashamed of her sexual desires. We learn about her past and the way she was betrayed and ruined by her husband in a slow trickle, but one thing we learn fairly early was that she was never ashamed of sex and sought pleasure with her husband freely. You go girl! But when she finally learns the true identity of the man behind the moon-bound beast, I was not prepared for the way she uses sex to bend and shape events to her whims. Usually when dubious consent makes its way upon the page it's the female character being taken advantage of. But not this widow! Ailénor shamelessly takes control (and advantage) of the man. She wants revenge against those who have wronged her and will use every weapon in her arsenal to achieve it.
I can't say much more without venturing into spoiler territory, so just let me leave with this: The Widow's Monster is an immersive, addicting read. It's satisfying in the same way revenge is. You want to rush headlong into it, and in the end it leaves you feeling vindicated & hollow, satisfied yet hungry, and always wanting more.
October 24, 2025
A 45 year old widow, outcast from her community, is stalked by a creature living in the creepy woods surrounding her home. Some would cower in fear, but she recognizes an opportunity for revenge on those who turned on her.
But she's not the only one interested in the shifter who haunts the forest - the new chief inspector also has his eye on the monster... and on her.
The widow finds herself in a love triangle, caught between the kindness of the inspector and the passion of the shifter.
Features: age gap (she's older), shifter, gothic dark romance, revenge, monster (ish) romance, broken characters, morally grey FMC
I loved seeing a FMC in her 40s who's also morally grey and oh so creative in exacting revenge on those who were cruel to her. It's dark; it's gothic; it's spicy.
But she's not the only one interested in the shifter who haunts the forest - the new chief inspector also has his eye on the monster... and on her.
The widow finds herself in a love triangle, caught between the kindness of the inspector and the passion of the shifter.
Features: age gap (she's older), shifter, gothic dark romance, revenge, monster (ish) romance, broken characters, morally grey FMC
I loved seeing a FMC in her 40s who's also morally grey and oh so creative in exacting revenge on those who were cruel to her. It's dark; it's gothic; it's spicy.
July 3, 2025
This book destroyed me — and I say that with the highest praise.
It’s been a long time since I cried over a character. But this FMC? She crawled under my skin. Her story isn’t a fairytale. It’s full of vengeance, grief, regret, and brutal self-destruction. After losing everything — her marriage, her wealth, her dignity — she retreats into isolation. But peace isn’t what she finds.
Instead, she meets him — a cursed shapeshifter. A man? Sure. A monster? Maybe. Their chemistry? Unmatched. Their story? Not easy. Not clean. But so achingly real. Her choices are selfish, often cruel, and yet… you want to understand her. You want to ache with her. You want to rage with her. Does that make her a monster too?
And when her obsession with revenge nearly costs his life? I couldn’t breathe. But the ending — a quiet, desperate HEA — is so earned, so raw, it left me in awe.
The worldbuilding is rich, the writing is beautiful, and the characters? Absolutely unforgettable. You’ll finish it and just sit there with your heart in pieces — but in the best possible way.
If you love broken characters, tragic tension, and worldbuilding that feels like a spell, read this. It’s not a comfort book. It’s a catharsis.
This book deserves all the hype.
Thank you for the ARC experience 🙏.
It’s been a long time since I cried over a character. But this FMC? She crawled under my skin. Her story isn’t a fairytale. It’s full of vengeance, grief, regret, and brutal self-destruction. After losing everything — her marriage, her wealth, her dignity — she retreats into isolation. But peace isn’t what she finds.
Instead, she meets him — a cursed shapeshifter. A man? Sure. A monster? Maybe. Their chemistry? Unmatched. Their story? Not easy. Not clean. But so achingly real. Her choices are selfish, often cruel, and yet… you want to understand her. You want to ache with her. You want to rage with her. Does that make her a monster too?
And when her obsession with revenge nearly costs his life? I couldn’t breathe. But the ending — a quiet, desperate HEA — is so earned, so raw, it left me in awe.
The worldbuilding is rich, the writing is beautiful, and the characters? Absolutely unforgettable. You’ll finish it and just sit there with your heart in pieces — but in the best possible way.
If you love broken characters, tragic tension, and worldbuilding that feels like a spell, read this. It’s not a comfort book. It’s a catharsis.
This book deserves all the hype.
Thank you for the ARC experience 🙏.
December 1, 2025
Was not expecting that
The start of this was a bit arduous for me. But I kept on and boy am I glad I did. The MMC's were both so well written in their different personality types. And I really liked how the monster thought/perceived the world. I truly like this take on this type of monster (I'm hesitant to say what as I went in blind and don't want to spoil it for anyone). Mr. Campbell did a great job with the flow of his story and I'm really looking forward to reading more by him.
The start of this was a bit arduous for me. But I kept on and boy am I glad I did. The MMC's were both so well written in their different personality types. And I really liked how the monster thought/perceived the world. I truly like this take on this type of monster (I'm hesitant to say what as I went in blind and don't want to spoil it for anyone). Mr. Campbell did a great job with the flow of his story and I'm really looking forward to reading more by him.
October 17, 2025
3.75 stars and damn, well done! This was a TALE to be told of grit, blood and bone and was superbly written. I was enthralled and I embraced her revenge and love of the monster...
Con: the only thing that kind of stuck out to me as "off" was the fact that the wolf when in "man" form....told her that she reminded him of his mother. Kind of like he wasn't attracted to her in "man form" but was forced to want her because of the wolf....this didn't sit quite right with me. Also I wish the inspector had better things going on for him. He was an interesting character.
BUT overall, just well done here all the way around. Kudos to the author! 🙏🏻
🌶️🌶️🌶️ -mmm...maybe sort a casual? but also hell yeah werewolf kink-kind of spicy.
Con: the only thing that kind of stuck out to me as "off" was the fact that the wolf when in "man" form....told her that she reminded him of his mother. Kind of like he wasn't attracted to her in "man form" but was forced to want her because of the wolf....this didn't sit quite right with me. Also I wish the inspector had better things going on for him. He was an interesting character.
BUT overall, just well done here all the way around. Kudos to the author! 🙏🏻
🌶️🌶️🌶️ -mmm...maybe sort a casual? but also hell yeah werewolf kink-kind of spicy.
October 17, 2025
This book is an atmospheric dark monster romance absolutely dripping with classic Gothic vibes. It’s written in a voice that echoes traditional Gothic literature, stylistically and with haunting dark environments, long eerie nights, brooding men, and a main character with hidden motives. This has the energy of a grown and dark beauty and the beast. Bonus points if you like your heroines older, wiser, and hornier than society expects.
Full review on my blog, ashwrenwrites.substack.com
Full review on my blog, ashwrenwrites.substack.com
January 8, 2026
What did I just read. One you can clearly tell this was written by a man. The misogyny knows no bounds. The FMC sounds like what men think a woman scorned sounds like. And wolf-like creature spicy scene was no expected. I figured in human form he would get freaky. But was not expecting in wolfish form. The idea of this story is great. Just not executed well for me. This book was like a train wreck for me. Not pleasant but you can't look away.
October 8, 2025
A dark romance that delivers on the “dark.” Complicated FMC, and I appreciated the challenge to readers to have her be deeply flawed, even borderline unlikable. Nice to see that outside of the realm of male characters.
January 12, 2026
I just wanna say that it was HELLA refreshing to read a book where the FMC is in her 40’s.
If you’re considering this book…be ready for dark romance and monster romance themes.
All in all a fun read!
If you’re considering this book…be ready for dark romance and monster romance themes.
All in all a fun read!
August 23, 2025
I honestly loved this book. The older female MC and the two very different and dark love interests made this a fun read that kept me turning pages!
July 1, 2025
A solid 4.5 stars! Campbell sure knows how to write a morally grey FMC, as evidenced by this story and his debut novel, Corrupted Tides.
The gothic vibes? NAILED IT. Love triangle? I usually hate them, but... NAILED IT. Unique world building? Again... NAILED IT. (Am I using that term as an oblique reference to a special item in the book? YUP. You'll have to read it to figure it out.)
All in all an intriguing read about, I would argue, TWO monsters rediscovering their humanity together. I found it difficult to put down and stayed up way too late to finish it. There was even a sweet animal companion (❤️sweet Berta❤️)!
The gothic vibes? NAILED IT. Love triangle? I usually hate them, but... NAILED IT. Unique world building? Again... NAILED IT. (Am I using that term as an oblique reference to a special item in the book? YUP. You'll have to read it to figure it out.)
All in all an intriguing read about, I would argue, TWO monsters rediscovering their humanity together. I found it difficult to put down and stayed up way too late to finish it. There was even a sweet animal companion (❤️sweet Berta❤️)!
June 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
🌶🌶
Shunned Widow in the Woods
Cursed Beast
Love Triangle-ish
Monster Romance
Revenge
Reverse Age Gap (30 mmc, 45 fmc)
This has romance elements but it's very much about a woman's loss of freedom, having been used, abused, tampered down in spirit by wicked men. The question becomes, if her control of Ral and his Beast misplaced? Is she simply using and controlling him as a way to heal and empower herself?
They are both victims. But in a twisted way she does care for him but she also needs a form of control so that she doesn't fall victim again... not that kindly Ral would take advantage of her. Its simply how she is coping in her own way. Ral is a good hearted man, quiet, broody, and resolute in his self-imposed isolation so as not to hurt anyone.
It's a rather intimate story of revenge, a monster, and a wronged woman. I did of course question whether she truly cared for Ral or if she only wanted his Beast for her revenge. That is part of the question of the tale. But I felt bad for him being used by her when, for much of it, I didn't get the impression she had deeper feelings for him other than him serving a purpose to enact her revenge. I didn't quite get a handle on why he fell for her either and I'd have loved to learn more about him. This has a brisk monster romance movie feel to it, and it was still a fun read with some solid dark moments.
🌶🌶
Shunned Widow in the Woods
Cursed Beast
Love Triangle-ish
Monster Romance
Revenge
Reverse Age Gap (30 mmc, 45 fmc)
This has romance elements but it's very much about a woman's loss of freedom, having been used, abused, tampered down in spirit by wicked men. The question becomes, if her control of Ral and his Beast misplaced? Is she simply using and controlling him as a way to heal and empower herself?
They are both victims. But in a twisted way she does care for him but she also needs a form of control so that she doesn't fall victim again... not that kindly Ral would take advantage of her. Its simply how she is coping in her own way. Ral is a good hearted man, quiet, broody, and resolute in his self-imposed isolation so as not to hurt anyone.
It's a rather intimate story of revenge, a monster, and a wronged woman. I did of course question whether she truly cared for Ral or if she only wanted his Beast for her revenge. That is part of the question of the tale. But I felt bad for him being used by her when, for much of it, I didn't get the impression she had deeper feelings for him other than him serving a purpose to enact her revenge. I didn't quite get a handle on why he fell for her either and I'd have loved to learn more about him. This has a brisk monster romance movie feel to it, and it was still a fun read with some solid dark moments.
October 15, 2025
A dark Gothic love story with a a love triangle and twists and turns? Erm yes please.
[I both Beta and ARC read this book]
This book turned out to be so much more than I expected. The Widows Monster was the gothic dark romance I didn't know I needed! From start to finish it had me enthralled.
I absolutely adored the world building - in fact I wouldnt mind more of it! (Fingers crossed for a sequeal) The fantasy/paranormal elements blended beautifully with the victorian gothic aesthetic, add a splash of societal regency drama of a spurned widow, and that is the where the story begins.
My one and only complaint is that i loved Inspector Fraust so much I need another book about him and soon!
Highly recommend! Oh, did I mention the widow uses her *scent* to train her monster to do her bidden?
[I both Beta and ARC read this book]
This book turned out to be so much more than I expected. The Widows Monster was the gothic dark romance I didn't know I needed! From start to finish it had me enthralled.
I absolutely adored the world building - in fact I wouldnt mind more of it! (Fingers crossed for a sequeal) The fantasy/paranormal elements blended beautifully with the victorian gothic aesthetic, add a splash of societal regency drama of a spurned widow, and that is the where the story begins.
My one and only complaint is that i loved Inspector Fraust so much I need another book about him and soon!
Highly recommend! Oh, did I mention the widow uses her *scent* to train her monster to do her bidden?
August 7, 2025
I came to Campbell’s work through his Eldritch Depths Series and I found his debut, Corrupted Tides, such ripping good fun and so delightfully imagined and skillfully executed that I’ve been enjoying his books ever since. His female protagonists are never 2-dimensional baubles but powerful, conflicted, and striving individuals in their own right. Going from his world on “the Swell” in the Eldritch Depths series, I was keen to see what he would do with the gothic dark romance genre and I loved this standalone novel. It reads a lot like an old Russian or German fairytale…before the Brothers Grimm cleaned them up for Victorian consumption! LOL! That means it’s dark, gritty, violent, sexy, trauma-laden…. But with wintry woods and curses on noble bloodlines, village outcasts, and animal friends, sparks of romance that might lead to either redemption or perdition. Throughly enjoyable read!
July 20, 2025
*I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review*
4/5 ⭐️ and 3/5 🌶
I enjoyed this read! I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading this, but it was well worth the read. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something unexpected would happen. I loved the FMCs emotional support animal!
This does have some darker elements to it, so some readers may need to check the trigger warnings.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants: a beauty and the beast vibe, likes shifter stories, an FMC that is in her mid-40s, a love triangle, and wants some spice (but not overboard).
- Beauty and the Beast Vibes
- Older FMC (mid-40s)
- Love Triangle
- Shifter Curse
- Revenge
- Fantasy
- Emotional Support Animal
4/5 ⭐️ and 3/5 🌶
I enjoyed this read! I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading this, but it was well worth the read. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something unexpected would happen. I loved the FMCs emotional support animal!
This does have some darker elements to it, so some readers may need to check the trigger warnings.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants: a beauty and the beast vibe, likes shifter stories, an FMC that is in her mid-40s, a love triangle, and wants some spice (but not overboard).
- Beauty and the Beast Vibes
- Older FMC (mid-40s)
- Love Triangle
- Shifter Curse
- Revenge
- Fantasy
- Emotional Support Animal
June 23, 2025
This book was scary, sexy, and very suspenseful. I think if you're a fan of Slewfoot by Brom, you're going to adore this book. I love the character development, the relationships were interesting, the lore was fascinating. Overall, this was a fantastic read.
A widow disgraced by scandal and screwed out of her inheritance lives on her own in the wilds with her goat. A dark creature lurks around her home at night though and for some reason it listens to her, so she starts trying to learn everything she can about it. Meanwhile, the town's constable has taken a liking to the widow despite the rumors and starts trying to spoil her, but she wonders what he expects in return
A widow disgraced by scandal and screwed out of her inheritance lives on her own in the wilds with her goat. A dark creature lurks around her home at night though and for some reason it listens to her, so she starts trying to learn everything she can about it. Meanwhile, the town's constable has taken a liking to the widow despite the rumors and starts trying to spoil her, but she wonders what he expects in return
July 8, 2025
Wow. simply put, WOW! This is an amazing story from an author I wouldn't have expected.
I won't hold back and say that for **my own personal speed of spice** the beginning was a tad slower than I would have preferred. However, the pace is absolutely necessary for character and story building.
Trust me, when you get to the 50% read point (approximately ch. 15), the spice starts at a 2/5 🌶️, but ends in a 4.5/5 🌶️ (if you discover that you mayyyy be into something new if you're typically not a dominant type).
Overall, I LOVED this. It reminded me a lot of Slewfoot at the beginning and then it developed into its own thing.
I won't hold back and say that for **my own personal speed of spice** the beginning was a tad slower than I would have preferred. However, the pace is absolutely necessary for character and story building.
Trust me, when you get to the 50% read point (approximately ch. 15), the spice starts at a 2/5 🌶️, but ends in a 4.5/5 🌶️ (if you discover that you mayyyy be into something new if you're typically not a dominant type).
Overall, I LOVED this. It reminded me a lot of Slewfoot at the beginning and then it developed into its own thing.
September 28, 2025
This brilliantly crafted dark romance is a roller-coaster of amazing. It blurs the lines between heroine and villian and leaves you wondering about your own darkness.
I went into this expecting a surface level love triangle with a gothic backdrop. I never expected the range of emotional trauma the female main character had to deal with.
This book is masterfully written, pulling you through the ups and downs with the characters instead of just watching the show. Subtle nuances lend heavily to the background without Campbell being overly wordy, while still engulfing you in his world.
Amazing novel.
I went into this expecting a surface level love triangle with a gothic backdrop. I never expected the range of emotional trauma the female main character had to deal with.
This book is masterfully written, pulling you through the ups and downs with the characters instead of just watching the show. Subtle nuances lend heavily to the background without Campbell being overly wordy, while still engulfing you in his world.
Amazing novel.
July 1, 2025
I absolutely devoured this story
When i thought i knew he was the monster i was shocked to find out it was untrue!
There were little eggs of how the story would go if you knew were to look.
I love that berta still made it back home and they all got an ending deserving of them!
I highly recommend it! Read it youll love it!
It will make you feel the adult feelings and probably stay up to late reading it! Cause i know it did me writing a review at 00:51 and crying was not on the bingo sheet but it happenes!
When i thought i knew he was the monster i was shocked to find out it was untrue!
There were little eggs of how the story would go if you knew were to look.
I love that berta still made it back home and they all got an ending deserving of them!
I highly recommend it! Read it youll love it!
It will make you feel the adult feelings and probably stay up to late reading it! Cause i know it did me writing a review at 00:51 and crying was not on the bingo sheet but it happenes!
July 4, 2025
This gothic dark romance gives new meaning to revenge, showing that surprises come in many forms and there’s always a chance for a comeback if you don’t let vengeance consume you. A woman shunned by society finds herself drawn to a monster who bends to her will, while a powerful admirer lurks in the shadows. I loved how her loneliness, rage, and unexpected love twist together into a story where darkness can be her downfall or her freedom.
Take a chance and read this book … you never know what path it will take you down!
Take a chance and read this book … you never know what path it will take you down!
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