Cruel Angel

by Rebecca F. Kenney

There was a time I felt lost and alone…until I met them, and together our souls took My gentle Raoul and our deadly Angel of Music.

Haunted by the violent death of her parents, Christine Daaé longs to find solace in music, but debilitating stage fright keeps her firmly in the shadows. All she can hope for is a few stolen moments singing to herself in the mournful silence of the backstage stairwell…until one night, the shadows sing back.

In exchange for complete devotion, her mysterious Phantom promises to teach her everything he knows—and with his praise boosting her confidence, Christine is finally able to take center stage…catching the eye of her sweet childhood friend turned something more, Raoul.

But her mysterious mentor is as obsessive as he is demanding, and he will not share Christine with anyone—not unless he can have them both in a bargain that is as dangerous as it is seductive. Light and shadows, gentleness and raging passion, the three of them should not fit so perfectly together. Yet as a supernatural force looms, ready to tear them apart forever, Christine must decide if love can truly exist in the space between beauty and madness…and whether she's finally ready to fully embrace the music of the night.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Phantom of the Opera with a magical twist.

RICH BONUS FEATURES  

Gorgeous b&w interior artAdditional scenesAnd more!

Genres: Romance

ebook

Expected publication April 14, 2026

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Cruel Angel is a standalone spicy retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in modern day times.
Christine Daaè is alone. Orphaned after her parents and siblings were killed during their time in a cult fighting a war they believed in, Christine has lived her life since working for a friend of her family and longing to sing. Her only solace is when she let's herself go to the music but her crippling stage fright keeps her from pursuing a career. When the Angel speaks to her one evening and begins to teach and guide her to reach her full potential and gain her confidence to audition for the lead in the upcoming production by Raoul, Christine finds her emotions stirring for them both. As she gets closer to them both and they get closer not just to her but to each other, why should any of them choose when they could all have each other.
This book is very spicy and includes vampires, shifters, magic, darkness, and pain, as well as trigger warnings that I would advise you to check out before reading.
I loved the song titles dropped like Easter eggs within the book, which any phantom fan will delight in.

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Rebecca Kenneys retellings and im super into phantom of the opera at the moment. I love how the author gives the characters a modern unique twist to their characters that sets them aside from their original stories. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of retellings or the original plot

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom of the Opera retelling plus why choose with ⚔️?! What’s not to love!! This was such a smutty, enjoyable read!!

Christine lost her parents and left their cult and is now trying to survive on her own. Christine has a passion for singing and dancing but is too shy to share her singing passion with the world until an “Angel” hears her singing in the back stairwell of work one day. The Angel encourages Christine to perfect her voice and begins giving her vocal coaching, all without ever seeing one another. Christine tries out for a play as a singer and the Playwrite happens to be her childhood friend Raoul. Raoul begins pining but the dark, possessive angel must both protect Christine and help her flourish by slightly threatening Raoul to get her the lead role.

Raoul and the Angels chemistry is immediate and so delicious. The Angel aka the Phantom struggles with his jealousy and wanting to keep Christine all to himself. Neither knows that Christine is harboring a big secret. What other secrets are there?

This book kept me guessing constantly and some of those guesses were wrong 🤣 I was thoroughly entertained and I love a good, smutty standalone from Rebecca Kenney!

Read this if you like:

🎭 MMF why choose
🎭 Phantom of the Opera retelling
🎭 paranormal world with a multitude of creatures
🎭 mutual pining
🎭 spicy scenes
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you to Rebecca Kenney for the giveaway copy! Thank you for letting me participate in the giveaway and letting me read this one early!

Cruel Angel releases on April 14, 2026!!

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts are my own.

Cruel Angel is the fourth title of Rebecca Kenney’s Gilded Monsters series, is a Phantom of the Opera reimagining, and follows The Phantom, Raoul and Christine.

The Phantom, The Poet and The Blood Queen.

Rebecca has such a way with words and reading this book reminded me of all the reasons I fell in love with her writing. I’ve always admired the way she can take a beloved classic and put her own fantastical spin upon it, sweeping me away into the story and stealing my heart time and again.

Book four of her Gilded Monsters series immerses readers within a lush world of artistry, where music bridges the gap between unlikely bedfellows, and there’s more to pretty much everyone than meets the eye.

Read this if you love:
New Adult paranormal romance
Multi POV
“Mine”
MFM / throuple vibes
Magic
Supernatural creatures
Complex family dynamics
LGBTQIA+ rep
Longing
Mental health rep
Morally gray characters
Secrets aplenty
Medium burn
Groveling

& honestly so much more— please go read this series.

Thank you to Rebecca F Kenney, SourceBooks Casablanca & NetGalley for the early digital ARC.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rebecca for the opportunity to read the ARC!

This was a really interesting, smutty fantasy take on The Phantom of the Opera. I only know the outline of the plot, so I did go into this fairly blind compared to fans of the musical and the book.

I definitely did not expect the revelation about Christine’s real nature, and I thought that was a great choice. As with a lot of Rebecca’s FMCs, it’s refreshing and different that she wasn’t an entirely innocent ingenue. She did a great job of writing her backstory (and all of the characters)

Angel is possessive in a way where I still found it exciting and darkly romantic, rather than tipping me over to a point where I felt put off. I think I enjoyed reading his POV the most, probably in part because that’s where you see the most character development, and there were some surprisingly beautiful lines in there.

Raoul’s POV was perhaps the least interesting for me to read, but he was very sweet and a perfect foil to Angel - kind of the glue that held the three MCs together. He and Christine share a similar background in some ways, but it shaped them very differently.

The dynamic between the three characters wasn’t what I expected but made complete sense to me. I thought Rebecca built the sexual tension between the characters really well, and the cute date chapter was a very pleasant surprise, such a nice change of pace from a book with fairly dark themes.

I’d anticipated the ending a bit earlier than it came, and I was surprised to realise I had 20% to go! That said, the ending did wrap up the story in a way that made you feel the characters could completely move on from their past.

[jade ⋆₊˚ ᰔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

• phantom of the opera inspired retelling
• dark paranormal romance
• mmf / why choose
• obsessive devotion
• gothic drama
• high spice
• morally gray everyone

cruel angel is basically phantom of the opera if it decided to get paranormal, emotionally messy, and very horny. it’s gothic, dramatic, and fully committed to the bit, with obsession, power plays, and supernatural chaos baked into the story from the start.

thank you to netgalley and rebecca kenney for the chance to read this as an arc.

overall, i had a really good time with cruel angel and i’ll be reading more from this series & author.
this book knows exactly what it wants to be and goes all in on vibes, spice, and drama. the phantom inspiration is obvious in the best way, but it still feels like its own thing instead of a copy & paste retelling.

the chemistry is where this book shines. the tension is intense, the dynamics are messy on purpose, and when the story slows down to let the characters actually interact, i was fully locked in. it’s theatrical, it’s indulgent, it’s a little unhinged at times, but in a way that works for the story and makes it fun to read.

the only thing is that there is just… a lot going on. i could tell a lot of the characters and plot threads were setting up future stories, but at times it still felt like too much all at once.

that said, i really enjoyed myself. the world is rich, the romance is compelling, and the book absolutely delivers on dark, dramatic, spicy chaos. even with a few moments of confusion, cruel angel was engaging from start to finish!!

[Cassie Schauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Spicy Retelling
Series: Gilded Monsters

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Cruel Angel, which the author does not frequently do, and it did not disappoint. She is phenomenal at world building gothic settings with a modern edge. The characters are alluring and their electric chemistry is addictive. If you enjoy retellings that explore shadows without losing sight of the humanity inside them, this Phantom of the Opera one is worth diving into.

[Rachel (Bookishxvampyre) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good spicy retelling of Phantom of the Opera!

I really related to the fmc Christine due to her stage fright. I really enjoyed the modern twist on all of the characters and story, it was super unique and the world building was so well done.
Also, the chemistry between the two mmc's and the fmc was undeniable, I loved Raoul, the angel and Christine so much. The why choose was so hot and watching her get coaching/help with singing and the stage fright was so beautiful.

Definitely pick this up if you enjoy a smutty, fun retelling of Phantom with a modern twist!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paranormal contemporary retelling of Phantom of the Opera, the blurb for this book ticked all my boxes. Each character had trauma to overcome and inner demons to conquer. I was immediately hooked. But as the story progressed, the chemistry between our main characters fell a bit flat, and some of the scenes and situations felt forced, making the energy and pacing feel uneven. Ruthless Devotion remains my favorite in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Sourcebook Casablanca, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!!

“When she sings, the chaos of my mind is quiet”

I love this author’s retellings and this was no exception !!! Phantom of the Opera? Gimme Gimme Gimme !!!
What if Christine wanted both of them? What if Roul wanted the Phantom too?
Vampire ghosts and shifters defines the intricacies of the complicated dynamic between three tortured and devastated people. Three humans who have been through hell and found themselves in the beauty and delicacy of music and each other. This book was spicy, addicting, possessive, intense and devastatingly beautiful. I loved every second of reading it. Each scenes filled with its own magic. Its own darkness. And light too. The plot below the scene lead to a grand finale that kinda surprised me but not really. But most of all, it lead me to a deeper love for a character I already could not love more: Erik. I loved loved loved this book !!! I need more from this author !!!

P.S. I’m such a sucker when Taylor Swift’s songs are mentioned in the story !!

“It’s the most naked, monstrous, indestructible kind of love”

[Bobbi Hasard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

omg. I was not prepared for this Rebecca 😫

this book got me hooked from the title but I stayed for those characters. phantom is literally perfect and a man who *grovels* yasss queen. please add this to your tbr asap

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a complete lover of Rebecca's books and with this newest one I couldn't wait to see what she did. Rebecca F Kenney took The Phantom of the Opera and turned it into something dark, juicy, intriguing, and my favorite description - ménage. 🥵 I mean, what's better than not only turning a tragic tale upside down with a happily ever after, but also giving everyone a happy ending 😏 in the process.

Each new twist added a new layer that fit seamlessly into this new rendition of an old classic and it was shockingly fantastic!! I never expected where this story would led me and I loved every new development that led to a twisted happy ending!💙❤️

The Phantom, who is notorious as a dark, wrath-like man, his face shrouded by a mask, spending his days haunting a theater and terribly in love with a soprano singer, Christine Daaè. He still embodies a lot of the classic Phantom attributes, but he also made me laugh. This morose character, that is known to be dark, moody, stalker-like and most definitely known for stealing away the singer within an opera house is still all that, but he’s also tender and awkward because he's new to being part human. He's funny in his brooding, along with being possessive and dominant when it comes to how he feels. I loved how chaotic he was at times and it was because of this duality that lived inside of him that I think this book worked so well. He can't help all these new feelings that continually overtake him and as much as he wants to enjoy his new human form, he is also morose over missing his god status. It makes him extremely likable and empathetic in a strange way. 

Christine is fierce, aside from her stage fright, she was the one between the three main characters that gave off the "don't mess with me" vibes. She wanted both men, but also she didn't want to give herself over to them emotionally. She'd already had a lot of loss in her life and she wasn't about to lose more. Her character had a lot of layers and she was quite fascinating to unwrap as the story went along.

Then there is the golden retriever, Raoul. He’s sweet, soft and a poet. He’s also hiding some secrets, but at his core he's the glue that helped hold the trio together, or also could potentially tear them apart with his secrets, it's fifty-fifty.😏 Truly Raoul, is the grounding wire and keeps both Christine and Phantom reigned in and I loved how his backstory fit into the entire book.

I love reading Rebecca's books to see how she breaks down a traditional tale, what elements she will add to twist everything up, and how everything works out by the end. If you're looking for a true classic rendition, then this book isn't for you, but if you want a parallel universe where happy endings occur, monsters live, and the impossible happens than Cruel Angel is that kind of book to jump in, read, and experience. 😍💖

[Kerbuhbuhbear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for providing this ARC copy in exchange for review.

I'm a fan of Rebecca F. Kenney and have read a good handful of her books. Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite stories, having been obsessed with the musical as a kid, and I was excited to read Kenney's spicy take on it.

Unfortunately, this is my least favorite out of all the books of hers I've read.

It felt immaturely written and like she was trying to shove all the fantasy lore into one book. The Phantom is a captured god, Christine is a vampire, and Raoul is a werewolf. She pulled a lot from Irish lore, which required me to Google a lot. I don't mind that so much because I enjoy learning new things, but it does take me out of the story when I have to do it a lot. It would have been better if she explained what everything was in the narrative or had a glossary.

The worst part about this, and the reason I said the writing felt immature, was the overuse of metaphors and adjectives. There were so many descriptors that the book was a SLOG to get through. Maybe Kenney added them trying to recreate the poetry and music that floats over the story of the Phantom of the Opera, but it fell flat and unnecessary in my opinion.

"I dream in cotton candy colors, but the reality is a sour gummy worm, dust coated and too hard to chew." This was the worst metaphor in my opinion. On its own, this sentence isn't too bad, but after reading things like this every other sentence, I was so fed up I wanted to quit reading.

The spicy parts were appropriately spicy, but there was a male on male spicy scene where she referenced body parts as "swords". "... 'It can shift into a different kind of hug. Maybe something called a sword fight.'... when I point out the swords in question..." I have never heard anyone seriously call it a sword fight. Again, the writing here felt immature. Maybe she wrote it that way on purpose since the characters are in their 20s, but it took me out of the world and made me think, " WHAT?! Who says that?!"

In conclusion, what made this book ok was that the spicy scenes were extra spicy and it was fun to hop out of the cishet romance tropes, but maybe skim the narrative and dive deeper into the spicy stuff if you read this book.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book completely in love.
I read a lot of romance, and because of that, many stories can start to feel familiar in terms of tropes and structure. Cruel Angel felt genuinely different. Rebecca F. Kenney takes a well known inspiration and spins it into something that feels entirely her own, with layered mythology, intentional worldbuilding, and characters that quickly became people I deeply cared about.
The lore in this book impressed me over and over again. The way shifters, vampires, gods, magic, and supernatural politics coexist felt cohesive and thoughtfully constructed, not thrown together. Even familiar creatures were given specific rules, history, and consequences. I never felt lost, even without prior familiarity with the classic story that inspired it ... the world stands completely on its own.
What really surprised me was how emotionally invested I became in all of the characters. The relationship dynamic evolves into something that feels inclusive, loving, and deeply earned. There is jealousy, tension, and danger, but it never undermines the bond, instead, it strengthens it. The tenderness between the characters, especially the way they speak to and name each other, gave me a literal toothache in the best way. I found myself rooting for everyone’s happiness.
The prose deserves special mention. Rebecca’s vocabulary is rich without being inaccessible, and there were multiple lines that stopped me in my tracks ... quietly profound statements that hit home. I genuinely learned new words while reading, which is something I don’t expect but always appreciate.
Yes, this book is very spicy, but the intimacy never overshadows the story. The balance between plot, emotion, and heat is excellent. The intimate scenes feel purposeful, grounded in character and connection, not gratuitous.
By the end, the HEA was everything I hoped for and more. It felt joyful, confident, and fully earned. The kind of ending that makes you close the book with a smile and immediately want to read more from this world.
This book made me a more of a genuine fan of Rebecca F. Kenney’s writing, and it left me eager to go back and read the rest of the series. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually my first read from this author and I was so glad I got an early copy to read!

When I say I went into this blind, I truly mean it. This was a Phantom of the Opera retelling with a modern spicy fantasy twist, but I know nothing about Phantom of the Opera. Even not knowing anything about it, I was truly surprised and really enjoyed this book.

Our main characters, Christine, Angel (The Phantom), and Raoul are all fantastic and have the perfect dynamic. I don't typically read MMF romances, but I thought this was written really well and I enjoyed it. Christine is attempting to survive after her parents have passed and she left the cult that they were a part of. She is living and working in the theatre world as she has a passion for singing and dancing, however, she is terrified to sing in front of others. When an "angel" hears her singing in one of the stairwells of the theatre (her safe space) and starts encouraging her and coaching her on her voice, Christine starts to become more confident. She is convinced that Angel (as she has named him) is a ghost sent by her parents.

With Angel's encouragement Christine finally tries out for a role in an upcoming musical when she discovers that the writer/director was actually one of her childhood friends, Raoul. The Angel doesn't like that Raoul immediately begins pining for Christine, and confronts him, but he cannot fight the chemistry between the two of them.

I was not surprised to learn what Christine truly is, but I was shocked about Raoul. I did not figure that one out! This book definitely kept me guessing and hooked in wanting to know what was going to happen next. The spicy was spicing too!

If you like fantasy, spice, Phantom of the Opera, retellings, MMF, all written in a very captivating way, I really think you will enjoy this story. Again, I know nothing about Phantom of the Opera, and was hooked in and really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for the pleasure of reviewing this amazing book!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Angel by Rebecca F. Kenney

Phantom of the Opera but darker, paranormal, and fully why choose.

This was indulgent in the best way.

Christine is isolated, grieving, and hiding behind debilitating stage fright when a voice answers her from the shadows. An Angel. A Phantom. A mentor who promises to give her everything she has ever wanted if she gives herself over completely. He builds her confidence, sharpens her talent, and pulls her into the spotlight. And when that spotlight catches the attention of Raoul, her childhood friend turned something more, the dynamic turns dangerous and intoxicating very fast.

This story lives in contrasts.
Softness and obsession.
Safety and hunger.
Light and shadow.

The chemistry between Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom is immediate and electric. Raoul is tender, devoted, and aching in a way that sneaks up on you. The Phantom is dark, possessive, and unapologetically obsessive. He does not want to share. He also cannot let Christine go. Watching them circle each other while Christine comes into her power was deliciously tense.

And this is a true why choose. Not a triangle where someone loses. A story where love stretches beyond what is safe or simple.

The paranormal world adds depth without overwhelming the romance. The pacing kept me hooked, the twists caught me off guard more than once, and the spice absolutely delivers. This is one of those books that knows exactly what it is and leans all the way in.

Sensual. Dramatic. A little unhinged. Completely entertaining.

If you love
🕯️ MMF why choose
🎶 Phantom of the Opera vibes
🔥 possessive and morally gray love interests
🖤 mutual pining and obsession
🌑 paranormal fantasy
💋 high spice with real emotional payoff

#CruelAngel #RebeccaKenney #WhyChooseRomance #PhantomRetelling #SourcebooksCasablanca

[Abe Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"... ever since I first heard his lovely voice. I wanted him to be someone beautiful, remote, and sacred—a paragon of artistic loveliness and moral rectitude. Maybe a bit of angelic weakness, just enough that I could tempt him. I never pictured a dark, lonely, exiled god with a tormented past and a storm of lust in his heart."

Thank you to the publisher through Netgalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for review!

Cruel Angel is a why-choose, MMF, vampire x shifter x god-made-man romance reimagining of Phantom of the Opera set in modern day Nashville amongst the backdrop of country music, an intergalactic space opera, and a very dominating shifter clan. And I LOVED it! 🎸🕯️📜🩸

Initially I was a little put off from the setting of Nashville. I'm used to classic Phantom of the Opera set in a dreamy Paris where the city itself leeches into the story with canals and catacombs, so you can imagine my hesitation. While I think Paris would be a better choice, I was really onboard with Nashville by the end! They call it The City of Music, so why not?

Christine, Raoul, and Erik share a romance for the ages as each of them have to face their own traumatic backstories to come together as the ultimate power-thruple, and damn their romance is heated! The stolen glances through two way mirrors in the beginning, hold out for mystical love-making in Phantom's candle-lit lair by the end.

"believing that pain and fear were the key to unlocking my second form and getting me to shift for the first time, when in actuality, all it took was a threesome with a god and a vampire."

Overall BIG fan of this book! Rebecca F Kenney is one of my favorite authors of all time and this didn't disappoint! I'm looking forward to reading Ruthless Devotion from the Gilded Monsters series next!

[Elly Christmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is part of the Gilded Mosters book. I have not read the previous books. Even though it is said that it could be read as a standalone. I think you should read the other books just to understand what is going on and the world-building.

It was smutty, yes. But some of the scenes just didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect to any of the characters. They all come from sad backgrounds. The build-up to their sexual attraction just wasn't there for me. The book dragged at times for me. I think maybe it would have been better to start at the beginning to get a better picture of the characters. Some parts of other books in the series were referenced, and I would have better understood the meaning behind those references, such as the part that goes down in a cemetery that the Phantom alludes to. I think I would have understood the bargain and what that meant if I had read that book.

That, along with some other references. For example, the ones to Taylor Swift and her music did nothing for me. Since I don't listen to her music. When authors put new slang or reference certain songs or artists. It does nothing for those who don't use the slang or listen to the artist. I feel it also dates the book. In 5 to 10 years, will these songs or words be known as well?

I'm not old, I am a millinial but I just don't listen to mainstream music or have social media, so I miss 99% of anything new coming out. It's a me thing, not a you thing.

Overall, it was an okay book. I just couldn't resonate with any of the characters and felt nothing for them or their situations. The smut was okay. Not all of it was to my taste. Even though this one didn't knock my socks off. It doesn't mean that these characters and scenes aren't for someone else.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Honestly deserves 10 stars!)

I wish I could give this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera 10 stars—it was absolutely magnificent! Rebecca F. Kenney is a phenomenal writer, and what she has done with this classic tale is something I won’t soon forget.

The Phantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorite classic novels. I’ve read many twisted retellings over the years, but this one felt completely fresh and original with its MMF why-choose spin. Deliciously dark, steamy, and primal, the chemistry crackles—from the intense one-on-one encounters to the full trio dynamic.

Here, the Phantom masterfully orchestrates a sensual love triangle between a werewolf Raoul and a vampire Christine, and together they create beautiful music—both in and out of the bedroom. The pacing is steady, the storytelling is excellent, and the atmosphere is rich and immersive. Kenney does an amazing job bringing the old theater to life, along with a compelling cast of characters, including the eerie ghosts bound to the god of death—the Phantom himself.

I don’t want to give too much away since the book doesn’t go live until April 2026, but I will say this:
If you’ve ever had a thing for the Phantom and the handsome Raoul and wondered why you couldn’t have both… this book answers that question. If the classic made your heart race and your toes curl, this version will absolutely set your panties on fire.

When people ask me from now on if I’ve read any good twisted classics lately, Cruel Angel will be one of my first recommendations. It’s an unforgettable story with complex main characters and some truly fantastic secondary ones as well. 😉❤️

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for the pleasure of reviewing this amazing book! 💋

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Angel is dark paranormal romance at its finest. Rebecca Kenney delivers a captivating twist on the Phantom of the Opera that plunges readers into a twisted steamy world of monsters set in Nashville’s music and theatre scene. The writing is captivating and draws you into the depths of its morally gray characters and their intricate relationships. As a Nashville native, the setting adds an enchanting and familiar atmosphere to the story which I really enjoy. Despite being a retelling of a classic story, it still feels fresh and new in a way that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next.

The familiar characters of Raoul, Christine, and the enigmatic Phantom are layered and complex making it easy to become emotionally invested. Instead of having a clear hero and villain, each character has their own moral battles and backstory that adds weight to their choices. I particularly appreciate the multiple viewpoints, which provides deeper insight into their motivations and struggles and helps to make the ending far more meaningful.

The spice in this book is off the charts. The trio are electric together and the love scenes are just the right level of naughty but also have emotional depth making it feel like a true love story. This is definitely an adult story and I would enjoy it away from the prying eyes of anyone under 18.

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours because it is such a page-turner. Kenney has created a sexy haunting tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. For me, this book hit all the marks that I want from a dark spicy paranormal romance and earns it an easy 5 stars. Cruel Angel is an absolute must-read for fans of the genre.

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I went into Cruel Angel mostly blind! I knew it was a why choose, paranormal retelling of Phantom of the Opera, and that was essentially it! For me personally, I am a sucker for retellings and why choose stories!

I personally love the setting for the story and bringing the aspects of paranormal into modern day. The style of writing Rebecca Kenney has kept me wanting to learn more about this world and check out the other stories in this series!

The main characters each bring a unique backstory, and their relationships with each other are quite wholesome. The chemistry and spice really fit the style here so I was quite happy with that!

Angel, (aka Erik) is quite the brooding and morally grey character. His character growth really captured me and I felt his tortured mind from his fractured past really set him up for big realizations.

Christine, she is running from her tragic past, looking for freedom. I loved this FMC's fine line between strength and vulnerability. I did feel extreme frustration with her at times, but trauma breeds all sorts of qualities that don't necessarily make for easy love.

And Raoul, the shy director who knew Christine when they were younger. Though he has his insecurities, he has this magnetism to him that I kept being sucked into.

I really wish I knew this was book 4 in a series because I would have loved to read the others first! It is considered a standalone, but I noticed a lot of easter eggs to past book characters and now I need to check them out!

This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Phantom of the Opera fan, I really loved the whole idea of telling a story where the Phantom gets a happy ending.

Christine has run from her past and hides a dark secret. The Phantom - aka, Angel, aka, Erik - is the fallen god of death from Irish folklore. Raoul is a soft, sweet tortured poet with his own secrets (and the torture is literal).

The three of them come together in a way that is simultaneously messy and terrifying for three broken souls as it is healing for all of them. It does turn the story on its head in a few ways and honestly, makes it even better than the original.

And on another note? The Phantom learning how to do modern things like purchase things on eBay, order DoorDash and complaining about having to learn how to use ridesharing apps was one of the most adorably endearing things I've read in awhile. I felt like I was reading a kindred spirit when he explained how he learned to build and remodel things by watching online tutorials. My man, I do the same thing! Honestly, if there was bonus material just of him getting on the internet and learning how to live in a modern world, I'd eat it right up.

Ultimately, this was a fun, spicy retelling/reimagining of a story I've enjoyed for years. I definitely recommend it!

And for full disclosure, I don't normally read throuple/MMF books as I've never been a 'Why Choose' girlie for my own reasons. However, this combo might change my mind at least on the MMF grouping. I loved how it wasn't two men focused on the woman only (which I've seen other places and is a real turn off for me). Instead they were all in it for each other not just for the smexy times, but also with genuine love shared between all three. Being all in together really made the dynamic hit just right.

That said, this book is definitely spicy! It easily gets: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Bekah Jackson (lit.spo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who don't already know this about me, I've absolutely adored Phantom of the Opera since high school. When I heard the queen, Rebecca F. Kenney, was doing a retelling of this I almost lost my mind. This was honestly even better than I could've imagined. In the original work, I was never a huge fan of Raoul. In this, though, he is my sweet, precious, bisexual cinnamon roll. I loved him so much. It was fun that our characters are paranormal. This is totally for the lovers of vampires, shifters, and gods. Of course, if you've read anything by this author, you know it's going to be a real sexy time. Lots of steamy scenes in this if that's what you are looking for! I adored all of the nods to the songs from the musical throughout the story within the dialogue. It added a cherry on top to this already great retelling. The fact that this was set in Nashville was a unique twist. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this, but it was pretty cool. Being from TN, myself, I could definitely appreciate some of the imagery and culture that was part of the book. I'm not sure how many people got this, but I loved the reference to a scene from the newer version of Footloose and also from Glee. I gasped at both of these because I was not expecting them at all. I'm so pumped for other people to read this when it comes out in a couple of months. It really was a good time! Thank you so much to the author and net galley for an early review copy :)

[summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5

Disclaimer, I did not even know this was a part of a series before starting it, and it is the last book in the series. I'm sure by the pub date that will be updated but as of now it's listed as a standalone.

I was pretty excited to read this, as I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them, and a MMF Phantom of the Opera retelling sounded amazing. Now I was super sick when I was reading this which I know affected my enjoyment, but I also just didn't love this as much as I wanted to. It is definitely not bad and an easy read. I also don't know how many pages the book actually is (also not listed rn), but it definitely felt long, which I didn't love either. I think part of my issue is that I did not love the characters which made it hard to care about anything that was happening to them. Now, this again might be because I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I felt like there was just too much going on. It definitely gave an early 2000's urban paranormal romance book which was amazing, but I also didn't fully understand the world building. To be honest, while this is technically a stand alone, I wouldn't suggest starting here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an early copy of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Angel is a spicy retelling of The Phantom of the Opera. This is the fourth book in Gilded Monsters series and follows the God of Death as he roams the old opera house in Nashville. Christine Daaé works at the oprea house and takes dance classes that they offer, however on her off time she will wander the back hallways and sing where noone can see or hear her. Until one day she is surprised when "Angel" tells her she has a beautiful voice and agrees to be her mentor and help her get over her freight of singing in front of a crowd. When a new musical hold it's auditons at the opera house Angel tells Christine to tryout not only for a dancing part but as a singer also. When Raoul sees Christine he knows that she seems famiair. Thier paths crossed as children in middle school and Christine stood up to the other kids that were bulling Raoul. When Raoul and the Phantom cross paths they know that they feel sparks between them. It is also the same with Christine and Raoul and the Phantom and Christine. Just like wth the other three books in this series Cruel Angel will leave you wanting more of the characters. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since Kenney first hinted at it on her Instagram and it was worth the wait. This was everything I wanted from a Phantom of the Opera retelling. I loved how the three got together and made each other more. There were enough fantasy elements to cause mayhem, but not overshadow the love story being told. Kenney paid lovely homage to the source material, but still made this novel her own with her unique dark romance writing style.

I've read Beautiful Villain, but not charming Devil or Ruthless Devotion yet, and that was a mistake on my part. These books are standalone, but there is an underlying plot that builds and makes the world a richer experience-which is something I regret missing out on. Even still, with only Beautiful Villain in my backlog, the story was perfectly comprehensible, if lacking some of the layered nuances fleshing out the Gilded Monsters Universe.

I will be rereading Cruel Angel when I go back and read the series in order. It was fun, spicy, and an easy downtime book to enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this early copy to be reviewed; all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phantom of the Opera has always been such an iconic part of my childhood, so I went into this reimagining genuinely excited to revisit that world in a new way. The premise alone had me completely on board.

I will say the beginning felt very slow for me. The first 40% dragged quite a bit, and I found myself waiting for the story to truly settle into itself. There was a lot of buildup, but not all of it felt essential to the progression of the plot.

Once the romance really took off, though, I was much more engaged. The chemistry was undeniable, and the MMF dynamic was executed beautifully. The tension? Strong. The spice? Absolutely delivered. In terms of romantic energy, this book knew exactly what it was doing.

Where it fell a little flat for me was the overall plot. Despite the slower pace and the high word count, I didn’t feel like the storyline developed with the same intensity as the romance. I wanted more narrative weight to balance out all that passion.

Overall, while it didn’t fully live up to my expectations plot-wise, the romance and chemistry carried it enough for me to still enjoy the experience. A solid three stars.

[Hilary McNeill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Rebecca Kenney’s work! I love her retellings, especially the way her mind takes stories and reimagines them into new stories that are well-crafted and yet faithful to the source material.

I am a huge fan of the story of the phantom of the opera so I had already pre-ordered this. When I saw it was available as an ARC, I immediately jumped on that.

I loved the way Christine was described in this - it is modern, set in Nashville and she lives at a theater and dances. She meets her Angel when she practices her singing and he coaches her and encourages her to audition for a new musical, which she finds out is written and directed by Raoul.

I loved the why choose addition - this is always preferable to me rather than a love triangle. The spice in this was well written, but I honestly wish there was a bit more.

The chemistry between the characters was amazing and their characters were developed well. I loved the supernatural element that was added.

It was a great story with well-developed plot and romance. I can’t wait to see what is next!

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saying I was underwhelmed with this one is putting it lightly, especially when it comes to the first half of the book. The Phantom was just very unlikable and maybe because this is set in a more modern world, it just didn’t click with me. As someone who loves retellings, this one fell flat but I do see how it’s reimagined as the Phantom of the Opera. The similarities I believe just gets overshadowed by all the paranormal aspects in this story. Raoul was an unexpected character, I liked his gentle sweet nature. I also give credit to the author for making each of the three main characters distinct with their own paranormal abilities. Unfortunately, the story didn’t truly pick up for me until around the 60% mark and even then, there weren’t any happy, fuzzy feelings on my end.

“You forget my darling, that I know what it is to be trapped, bound to an existence I did not choose.”

This line really stuck with me ^

Huge thank you to Netgalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[SAMazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75
Phantom of the Opera meets modern day Nashville in this paranormal romance retelling with MMF why choose relationship.

This is the 4th book in the Gilded Monsters series and while you can read this one as a standalone it is MUCH better to read the complete series in order.

I enjoyed the way each character was brought into the supernatural world built in this series. The Angel of music being a resurrected ex death God really played well into the phantom story. The tragic back stories of both Christine and Raoul made for intriguing story lines or connections to part of the larger world building.
Raoul was my absolute favorite character. He had the most upfront raw honesty about his feelings of the three. He's the one I connected with best.

This book is SPICY! With all the relationships happening throughout it gave lots of opportunities for tension and romamce.

It was great to finally see a character from the other books get what was coming to them, in a pretty grotesque way.