My Dearest Monster

by Sean Fletcher

Discover a monstrous contemporary fantasy series filled with sinister magic and surprising twists!

Cursed. Unwillingly bonded to a Demon. They must work together to save humanity.
Kiara's boyfriend, James—childhood love and the one she was certain she’d spend forever with—is dead. The news shatters her life.

Except, now, he wants to talk to her.

Damian, the demon now possessing James’ body, and one of the many monsters prowling amongst mostly ignorant humans, couldn’t care less about Kiara. Until she tries to kill him and he’s forced to make a contract with her to stay alive.

Her first love is now her monstrous enemy.

With Kiara and Damian begrudgingly bonded to one another, both become part of a tenuous alliance with a secret organization of monster hunters; Damian to search for who—or what—is trying to bring a cataclysmic number of monsters to their world; Kiara to fulfill her end of the contract and free herself from him.

Damian’s demonic personality might be as sharp as his teeth, but beneath his monstrous façade he’s keeping secrets. And the closer he and Kiara grow, the more Kiara learns she might be able to get James back after all. If Damian hasn’t destroyed him for good.

And if they don’t become prey to the very things they’re hunting.

Legendborn meets The Luminaries in My Dearest Monster, a monstrous contemporary fantasy filled with sinister magic, surprising twists, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.

Genres: Fantasy

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Sean Fletcher was born in the broiling, arid state some people lovingly refer to as Texas. He is the Amazon bestselling author of YA fantasy, in addition to other forthcoming books whose characters will not give him a moment's peace until they get their turn in the spotlight. When not making things up and putting them on paper, he can be found hiking, biking, or traveling, sometimes all at the same time.

Get two free YA fantasy books from Sean's Heir of Dragons and Mage's Apprentice series when you sign up for his author newsletter ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/seanfle...

Visit Sean's website ➜ https://seanfletcherauthor.com

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Reviews

[Aaron Eichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet love story about a man who got into an unusual partnership where most of the world thinks he is dead. Only has girlfriend knows the truth. I hope there is more to this story.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiara's Contract . . .

Kiara Ullithorn's boyfriend, James Vincent, interrupted her cooking dinner to tell her he was going out. He forgot something. She wouldn't let him go until he admitted he forgot her birthday present. He had always warned her not to go out after dark. She told him she would love the gift just as much tomorrow, so he didn't need to go out tonight. The government promised safety from the monsters, but why chance it? Her father walked in and told both of them to go while he finished making dinner. She had a bad feeling about this. James had been gifting her on birthdays since the 3rd grade. He would not have forgotten. As he left, Willow arrived and also did not believe James could "forgot" anything.

It turns out that James dies and his body is taken over by the demon Damian. But Kiara knows a little part of James still exists and asks what she can give Damian so she can get James returned. Damian agreed that she meant a lot to James which made Damian curious about her. He says if she helps Damian break out and escape from the Dark Hunters, giving him some of her strength, he would try to get another body. As she turned to go, he leaped on her and held her down on the floor, whispering for her to help him escape and she will get James back. Will she eventually choose a partnership with Damian to save James? Or will she find herself growing closer to Damian as they fight together against monsters who put the neighborhood in danger? There was something Kiara didn't know. There was also something watching her. Would she find out the truth of what was going on?

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I found the title of the book very strange, because who would call a monster theirs and dearest however once I started reading this awesome first book in a new series I realised why it is called such. This is the story of Kiara, a young girl, who was very in love with her boyfriend James, so much so that when she was told he was dead, she would not accept this. She ventured into the nexus, the secret headquarters of the demon hunters, who hunted the monsters who attacked humans and demanded she see James. His body had been taken over by Damian, a demon and Kiara just would not let go. She believed that James was still in there somewhere, and in order to keep her eye on him, she made a contract with Damian. This gave her demonic strength, however it also meant that if either one of them died the other did too. Kiara kept fighting the battle side by side with Damian, against the various demonic monsters who threatened their neighbourhood, and every once in a while she would get glimpses of James. However soon Damian and she grew so close that she was not so sure who she wanted beside her. This enemies to lovers, slow burn romance is very powerful, and I could not put the book down as it is very exciting and brutal at times, and I look forward to book 2 as I am not sure who will surface again after the ending we were given, be this James or Damian.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Packed Urban Fantasy

I devoured this book! And that cliff hanger, oh my gosh! I was so immersed in this. The world building is top notch. This one hooked me and didn’t let go. Kiara is our main female character and I love that we really get to watch her grow. She starts out as blissfully unaware but she quickly dives in head first when her boyfriend goes missing. She does find him, but not in a way you might guess. Things get complicated fast and Kiara has tons of choices to make. I don't want to give anything away but Kiara has to work with a demon. Enter, Damian. Immediately I was mad at what Damian did but honestly I'm not so sure I hate him anymore. He and Kiara have to work together and learn how to at least work together but they are quickly starting to build trust with one another. The end is shocking and I really hope Sean gets the next one to us soon because I need answers!

This book has:
*So much Action with fight scenes, so if unaliving a monster with all the gorey details is for you, definitely read this book
*Urban Fantasy
*Zero on the spice scale
*Romance (this one is going to be a slooowww burn and I am here for it)
*twists
*Family
*Secrets
*Dark Hunters (demon/creature killing team)
*forced proximity

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite a bit darker than my usual read, and definitely darker than most of Fletcher's other books I've read. However, it was done so well and the genre kind of requires a bit of a bloody mess. It's technically contemporary/portal fantasy but it has a good helping of post-apocalyptic/horror. I'd also consider this more 16+ upper YA/NA.

The characters are all done so well, and I hate that you never know which ones are coming back after each battle, but that's how the world works when you could run into a Hungry nest on your evening jog through the park. The ending was really well done and I'm super excited to see what Fletcher plans for the sequel.

[Miss E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew! This was a fast paced one for sure and it kept me hooked from page 1!

Just when you think you've figured out who is pulling what strings, you are thrown for another loop!

Kiara goes through a tremendous development arc, but so does the m0nster who possess James.

This was 380 pages of locked in attention and I flew through it in 2 sittings. Had to adult, but almost skipped sleep, cause I just couldn't put it down. It's that good!

I loved the end and can't wait to get my hands on book 2.
Perfect for those who love action, m0nsters and a bit of confusion when it comes to love - cause love definitely isn't straight forward.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I expected but OMG it is goooooood! Poor Kiara our fmc finds herself bonded to a demon that has inhabited her boyfriends body after he was killed ……… or was he. Kiara Believes that Damon the demon has not totally destroyed James and that there may be hope in getting him back! It’s an intriguing read that you find yourself totally drawn into and unable to stop reading as we follow this unlikely pair in this dark and sinister read! The world building is incredible and the storyline is addictive and full of magic, surprising twists and turns, a delicious slow burn romance and non stop action. And after that ending I cannot wait for the sequel!!

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this author has outdone himself - again! I usually avoid monsters, I'm the escapist kind of girl, but I picked up this book because Sean is one of my favorite authors in the paranormal genre, and his previous series was as different and intriguing as this one proves to be.

This start to a new series is an authentic cauldron of imagination, action, emotion, mystery and soul-searching. There are so many monsters with a human face in this world and so many monsters with a human heart, and you really get to realize it when a monster world tries to gobble up our human one. And when a monster and humans ally for their separate reasons in a common goal, they need to beware that getting mixed up might get them in the "give a finger and they take the whole hand" situation. Combining limbs got complicated with combining memories and then very complicated with combining feelings.

The plot is beautifully built to a crescendo of non-stop action, vivid imagination, poignant feelings and heart-stopping possibility on the edge of doom, and ends being suspended in a doozy of a cliffhanger which left me panting for the sequel.

Very well done!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had me engaged and trying to piece together what was really going on. It gives you just enough of a feeling to suspect something but you can’t really put your finger on it. I enjoyed Damien’s personality. The oscillating emotions and the intrigue of what that could actually mean was great. I truly can’t wait for the next one!

If you like paranormal romance and sassy demons then this book is worth checking out!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BeaC · Rating 5 out of 5]

​What an unexpected surprise! I'm giving "My Dearest Monster" by Sean Fletcher a full 5/5 stars without a second thought.

​This first book in the series is a gripping YA, coming-of-age, paranormal fantasy. The setting is a fantastic one where the evil walks the earth, policed by dedicated demon hunters. Honestly, it was totally giving me Shadowhunters vibes, but the story itself is incredibly original! The core plot revolves around a demon possessing a key character, and the entire narrative focuses on how this particular, high-profile possession brings unexpected and intense attention to everyone involved.

​Sean Fletcher has created such a great world here, populated with relatable characters you genuinely care about. Beyond the fantastic setting, the storyline was enjoyable from start to finish. I was hooked and couldn't wait to see what happened next!

​Just a warning: it ends on a massive cliffhanger that left me yelling for the next book! Consider yourself warned—you'll be desperate for book two.

​If you're looking for a book with an engaging plot and a truly memorable world, pick this up immediately. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Ricchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where people eating monsters are part of the crime rate or wildlife problem, life is precious and odd. Kiara's birthday takes a dive when her boyfriend James is killed-ish. A young adult (high-school) story of love, survival, secrets, and unlikely partnerships. I really enjoyed the story, action, and emotional depth. I really appreciated that it stayed appropriate for the age group with no spicy scenes. I would recommend this to my own teenager.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damian and Kiara were electric! I wasn't sure what to expect when Kiara's boyfriend James died and demon Damien took over his body. I was even more surprised when Kiara was able to almost kill him, but now bonded, things have taken a turn neither expected or planned for. With a mystery keeping them working together and growing feelings, especially with the hopes James could return, this duo may have been unexpected but they worked great together! Lots of tension and some attraction, this was the perfect Halloween read.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dearest Monster - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Rather naive initially, Kaira is deeply committed to her boyfriend, James...and is rocked to her core after receiving news of his tragic demise on her birthday.
But is he dead, or become something else - and what secret life was he hiding? Join Kaira on her walk on the dark side to discover that monsters lurk closer than you'd like to think.

Sean Fletcher is a past-master of supernatural relationships and derring-do, and My Dearest Monster proves he's on top form with this masterpiece of a suspense-thriller. Don't miss it, whatever you do!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a blast to read. Lots of drama, intrigue, twists, surprises and a cool world. Watching a demon and a human forced to work together as the story unfolds was fun. It had me laughing hard a few times with their interactions as they try to solve the mystery that Kiara did not even know existed. Lots of fun.

[Robert D Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should really be a 4.9 star review. I wasn't sure about the first couple of chapters, but I was glad that I kept reading. Kiara turned out to be a great heroine (little spoiler). At the end of the book, felt almost cheated that the story wasn't available to just keep going. I really got caught up and found it to be an entertaining read. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Barbara Emlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kiara is bonded to the demon Damian—inhabiting her dead boyfriend’s body—they must hunt monsters and protect humanity. Riveting, emotional, and darkly romantic, this story is perfect for fantasy fans craving twists, danger, and conflicted love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a darker book that’s got everything you could want and twists you never saw coming. Warning it ends on a cliffhanger!!! I loved Kiara and Damian! The characters are well written and the story sucks you in. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. Everything flowed together smoothly and there were lots of twists and turns. It had the perfect amount of humor, suspense and drama. It does end in a cliff hanger and I can’t wait for the second book to be released!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adams Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt fresh and dark in the best way. Damian is more than just a snarky demon—his secrets and moral grayness make every interaction with Kiara compelling. The idea that James might not be completely gone adds a haunting layer of hope and dread. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance is handled with restraint, letting the tension simmer rather than rushing it.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow roll for me but once it crested the hill I couldn’t put it down. Leaves on a great cliff hangar just so we can impatiently wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deana Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Dearest Monster

This is not my kind of book. I read it. I finished it.I will not be reading the next one.