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Monsters' Bride Market
Bought by the Revenant
I am a thing of horror.
A failed experiment, stitched from mismatched parts. I carved out our place in the wastelands of Alia Terra, yet even my own kind, perfected by my work, avoids me. Hideous and utterly alone.
Years ago, consumed by this loneliness, I sent my blood to a Marriage Temple, and to my surprise, I was matched to a maiden. What happened when she saw me sent me into a spiral of despair and grim thoughts. I vanished behind my mansion's gates, forever.
But forever is a long time to be lonely. If this is my fate, then I’ll reject my immortality and be done with it. Or I can try once more…
I visit the bride market with no hope in my soul. I bid on every woman, the highest offer, always refused. Until...
She points at me. "Sold." Our eyes meet. I don’t know why this fierce, beautiful woman lets me buy her. I pull my cloak tighter, sure she is terrified. No matter. If I can have her, I'll hide my form, never touch her.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We're back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
A failed experiment, stitched from mismatched parts. I carved out our place in the wastelands of Alia Terra, yet even my own kind, perfected by my work, avoids me. Hideous and utterly alone.
Years ago, consumed by this loneliness, I sent my blood to a Marriage Temple, and to my surprise, I was matched to a maiden. What happened when she saw me sent me into a spiral of despair and grim thoughts. I vanished behind my mansion's gates, forever.
But forever is a long time to be lonely. If this is my fate, then I’ll reject my immortality and be done with it. Or I can try once more…
I visit the bride market with no hope in my soul. I bid on every woman, the highest offer, always refused. Until...
She points at me. "Sold." Our eyes meet. I don’t know why this fierce, beautiful woman lets me buy her. I pull my cloak tighter, sure she is terrified. No matter. If I can have her, I'll hide my form, never touch her.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We're back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
436 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Cara Wylde
153 books665 followersCara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
October 22, 2025
Listen, I’m all for spicy scenes, primal, raw, dark, rough, you name it, I’m game. But this story didn’t need any of that. When you set the book up for a sort of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ plot, introducing the aforementioned elements feels utterly out of place and downright…wrong. You’ll understand what I mean when you’ll read about Riven’s character.
‘Bought by the Revenant’ starts as a powerful, heartbreaking, and captivating monster romance that promises a solid five-star read. For the first half, this novella delivers a sweet, character-driven story of deep, lonely connection. Unfortunately, it devolves into overused tropes and a jarring change in tone that significantly detracts from the initial magic.
The setup is perfect: Amity is a midwife on the run, pursued by three hunters from her town, who intend to sacrifice her to an ancient, vengeful god named Draug to end a devastating drought. Her crime? Saving a mother and newborn baby from death, thereby robbing the god of new souls. Fleeing her impending doom, Amity finds herself in Crosshold and is bought at a Bride Market by Riven.
Riven is the titular revenant—an ethereal soul tragically fused into a body stitched together from various dead parts. Don’t expect the book to explain to you the mechanics of his eating, sexual performance, and even procreation, you'll need to turn a blind eye to the functioning dead tissue and just slap the magic word on it and be done with. What makes Riven unforgettable, however, is his profound humanity. His past is genuinely gut-wrenching and tear-inducing. He is defined by his loneliness, awkwardness, and desperate yearning for connection. Living in a mansion like a gothic-tinged Beast, he fills his eternal existence with science and magic, constantly battling thoughts of self-disgust.
The early dynamic between Amity and Riven is the book’s undeniable strength. Back at the Bride Market, Amity is compelled to participate in the auction and Riven wins the bid. Now she’s trapped between a monster and a sacrifice, so Amity chooses Riven. What follows is a beautiful, painfully tender courtship. Riven goes to great lengths not to scare or disgust her, while Amity, in turn, is careful not to offend him. She finds joy working in his sprawling gardens and kitchen, and her smile and voice become the only connection Riven craves.
Amity slowly begins to see past the stitched monster to the kind, lonely, and desperate soul trapped within. The climax of their connection is exquisite: after Riven stitches a wound on her arm and shares his heartbreaking history, Amity looks at him and calls him a beautiful soul. Her courageous and compassionate kiss brings Riven to tears—a truly memorable moment of acceptance and emotional release. And trust me, this is the most beautiful thing in the book, the hug they had and this soul crushing kiss. What comes next was unnecessary and disturbing, perhaps because the story is too short and doesn’t offer enough space for development for Riven’s complex character. And because he was very awkward with the whole interaction and not knowing how to act around Amity’s sudden craving for him. He was also a virgin and that only enhanced the scenes to feel forced.
Where the Story Failed
Sadly, this beautiful, nuanced development is ruined by a barrage of clichés in the final act.
>>> The Cliché Save: The hunters predictably return to take Amity, and Riven predictably saves her.
>>> The Magic Fix: Riven saves her life with a blood transfusion—his "universal donor" revenant blood infuses her with magic, granting her a lifespan of over 100+ years. This sudden introduction of magic-as-cure-all feels unearned and convenient.
>>> The Unnecessary HEA & Spice: The story culminates in a clichéd "happily ever after" with a child and a synchronized death years later (her from old age, him by choice). Furthermore, the spicy scenes are surprisingly awkward and strangely written. For a character who spent centuries with anxious loneliness and a desire for delicate connection, the sexual behavior felt uncharacteristic and borderline pornographic in a way that didn't fit the established tone or Riven's personality. I believe Riven deserved something else than this, but that’s my personal choice, based on how the character was presented to us. All this felt just…wrong.
I wanted a dark, deeply emotional monster romance focused on building a respectful, real connection over time, because that’s what the book was setting us for. What I got instead were the sweet, beautiful beginnings of that story, which were then sidelined by overused tropes and uncharacteristic sexual behavior. While the first half is a stunning five-star look into the depths of loneliness and finding unexpected acceptance, the forced, abrupt, and tonally jarring ending ultimately makes this a disappointing read.
‘Bought by the Revenant’ starts as a powerful, heartbreaking, and captivating monster romance that promises a solid five-star read. For the first half, this novella delivers a sweet, character-driven story of deep, lonely connection. Unfortunately, it devolves into overused tropes and a jarring change in tone that significantly detracts from the initial magic.
The setup is perfect: Amity is a midwife on the run, pursued by three hunters from her town, who intend to sacrifice her to an ancient, vengeful god named Draug to end a devastating drought. Her crime? Saving a mother and newborn baby from death, thereby robbing the god of new souls. Fleeing her impending doom, Amity finds herself in Crosshold and is bought at a Bride Market by Riven.
Riven is the titular revenant—an ethereal soul tragically fused into a body stitched together from various dead parts. Don’t expect the book to explain to you the mechanics of his eating, sexual performance, and even procreation, you'll need to turn a blind eye to the functioning dead tissue and just slap the magic word on it and be done with. What makes Riven unforgettable, however, is his profound humanity. His past is genuinely gut-wrenching and tear-inducing. He is defined by his loneliness, awkwardness, and desperate yearning for connection. Living in a mansion like a gothic-tinged Beast, he fills his eternal existence with science and magic, constantly battling thoughts of self-disgust.
The early dynamic between Amity and Riven is the book’s undeniable strength. Back at the Bride Market, Amity is compelled to participate in the auction and Riven wins the bid. Now she’s trapped between a monster and a sacrifice, so Amity chooses Riven. What follows is a beautiful, painfully tender courtship. Riven goes to great lengths not to scare or disgust her, while Amity, in turn, is careful not to offend him. She finds joy working in his sprawling gardens and kitchen, and her smile and voice become the only connection Riven craves.
Amity slowly begins to see past the stitched monster to the kind, lonely, and desperate soul trapped within. The climax of their connection is exquisite: after Riven stitches a wound on her arm and shares his heartbreaking history, Amity looks at him and calls him a beautiful soul. Her courageous and compassionate kiss brings Riven to tears—a truly memorable moment of acceptance and emotional release. And trust me, this is the most beautiful thing in the book, the hug they had and this soul crushing kiss. What comes next was unnecessary and disturbing, perhaps because the story is too short and doesn’t offer enough space for development for Riven’s complex character. And because he was very awkward with the whole interaction and not knowing how to act around Amity’s sudden craving for him. He was also a virgin and that only enhanced the scenes to feel forced.
Where the Story Failed
Sadly, this beautiful, nuanced development is ruined by a barrage of clichés in the final act.
>>> The Cliché Save: The hunters predictably return to take Amity, and Riven predictably saves her.
>>> The Magic Fix: Riven saves her life with a blood transfusion—his "universal donor" revenant blood infuses her with magic, granting her a lifespan of over 100+ years. This sudden introduction of magic-as-cure-all feels unearned and convenient.
>>> The Unnecessary HEA & Spice: The story culminates in a clichéd "happily ever after" with a child and a synchronized death years later (her from old age, him by choice). Furthermore, the spicy scenes are surprisingly awkward and strangely written. For a character who spent centuries with anxious loneliness and a desire for delicate connection, the sexual behavior felt uncharacteristic and borderline pornographic in a way that didn't fit the established tone or Riven's personality. I believe Riven deserved something else than this, but that’s my personal choice, based on how the character was presented to us. All this felt just…wrong.
I wanted a dark, deeply emotional monster romance focused on building a respectful, real connection over time, because that’s what the book was setting us for. What I got instead were the sweet, beautiful beginnings of that story, which were then sidelined by overused tropes and uncharacteristic sexual behavior. While the first half is a stunning five-star look into the depths of loneliness and finding unexpected acceptance, the forced, abrupt, and tonally jarring ending ultimately makes this a disappointing read.
October 14, 2025
Short and sweet, nice quick read with a happy ending
October 4, 2025
Quick Summary:
Bought By the Revenant is the first spin off book. It an extension of the previous marriage temple books. It provides insight into the women who don't qualify for the temple and want and or need to marry a monster.
What I Liked:
The standout feature for me was the Male Main Character (MMC). He's an absolute monster in the classic, terrifying, and yet compelling Frankenstein mold. I pictured him as a scarred-up, dangerous version of the swoon-worthy Adam from the 2014 Frankenstein film—that kind of compelling duality. He’s more grizzled and scarred, maybe like the creature from Van Helsing. I appreciate that the author chose to highlight a type of monster that often gets passed over in the paranormal romance world.
I’m also still reeling from the ending. A major plot point had me seriously doubting whether I'd get the resolution I needed, and I was honestly ready to accept that the question would go unanswered. But then... the answer hit. It was shocking and utterly satisfying. I have truly no words to express how unprepared I was for that final reveal.
What I Disliked:
Laugh if you like but there just wasn't enough for me.It was phenomenal and would have liked to expound more on things. Was a little rushed at times. Everything just happened so fast...
Who I Would Recommend This To:
If you're searching for the perfect book to curl up with for Halloween—or any time you want a spooky, paranormal vibe—look no further. This story stands out thanks to its fascinating Male Main Character (MMC), who offers a refreshing change from the usual tropes. With a tone that leans grey (not quite dark, but certainly not light) and a generous amount of heat, this book expertly balances a compelling, substantial plot with plenty of spice.
DISCLOSURE:
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a review and chose to do so to share my honest perspective. All opinions are my own.
Bought By the Revenant is the first spin off book. It an extension of the previous marriage temple books. It provides insight into the women who don't qualify for the temple and want and or need to marry a monster.
What I Liked:
The standout feature for me was the Male Main Character (MMC). He's an absolute monster in the classic, terrifying, and yet compelling Frankenstein mold. I pictured him as a scarred-up, dangerous version of the swoon-worthy Adam from the 2014 Frankenstein film—that kind of compelling duality. He’s more grizzled and scarred, maybe like the creature from Van Helsing. I appreciate that the author chose to highlight a type of monster that often gets passed over in the paranormal romance world.
I’m also still reeling from the ending. A major plot point had me seriously doubting whether I'd get the resolution I needed, and I was honestly ready to accept that the question would go unanswered. But then... the answer hit. It was shocking and utterly satisfying. I have truly no words to express how unprepared I was for that final reveal.
What I Disliked:
Laugh if you like but there just wasn't enough for me.It was phenomenal and would have liked to expound more on things. Was a little rushed at times. Everything just happened so fast...
Who I Would Recommend This To:
If you're searching for the perfect book to curl up with for Halloween—or any time you want a spooky, paranormal vibe—look no further. This story stands out thanks to its fascinating Male Main Character (MMC), who offers a refreshing change from the usual tropes. With a tone that leans grey (not quite dark, but certainly not light) and a generous amount of heat, this book expertly balances a compelling, substantial plot with plenty of spice.
DISCLOSURE:
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a review and chose to do so to share my honest perspective. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2026
6 🌟
I NEVER give out 6 stars. EVER. So this is saying something.
Who would’ve thought, that a book this short, would succeed in moving me, a cold-hearted reader, to tears. I think a part of my soul just shrivelled up and died. Such a freaking cute story of love and hope and recovery. My heart is forever broken and healed simultaneously.
I NEVER give out 6 stars. EVER. So this is saying something.
Who would’ve thought, that a book this short, would succeed in moving me, a cold-hearted reader, to tears. I think a part of my soul just shrivelled up and died. Such a freaking cute story of love and hope and recovery. My heart is forever broken and healed simultaneously.
October 12, 2025
I loved I can’t wait for more !
December 17, 2025
I loved the book right up til the ending. Would have gotten five stars for sure. Books with sad endings are not my jam at all and I wouldn’t have read this if I’d known in advance.
A single line of “he found her soul in the afterlife and they danced and loved each other for the rest of their bodiless eternities” or something would have made this so much better.
I’m so mad about how the book ends that I refuse to read any further.
A single line of “he found her soul in the afterlife and they danced and loved each other for the rest of their bodiless eternities” or something would have made this so much better.
I’m so mad about how the book ends that I refuse to read any further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
WTH? Sure, some good writing. Spice? Very, very little. HEA? NO.
This is a slight twist on the Frankenstein mythos. I was expecting a bunch of hot spiciness, some drama, and a great HEA. Instead There was ONE spicy scene, a little drama, and no happy ending. It was like a slightly warmed Hallmark story for monsters.
Therw was a lot of potential here. Big, big disappointment.
Nope.
This is a slight twist on the Frankenstein mythos. I was expecting a bunch of hot spiciness, some drama, and a great HEA. Instead There was ONE spicy scene, a little drama, and no happy ending. It was like a slightly warmed Hallmark story for monsters.
Therw was a lot of potential here. Big, big disappointment.
Nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
OMG I wanted more!!!!!!
this was not long enough.
But it was a good story.
Amity is running for her life when she stumbled upon a bride market for monsters to find a wife. A revenant bids on her. He's her last hope... Thinking she's finally safe she let's her guard down and gets to know him... Riven.
Could she see him as anything but a monster?? Doubtful. Riven is tired of being lonely. He doesn't expect much from Amity. What he gets is everything he needs and more! She's his everything. But when she's taken from him. He'll be the monster they all fear to get her back.
this was not long enough.
But it was a good story.
Amity is running for her life when she stumbled upon a bride market for monsters to find a wife. A revenant bids on her. He's her last hope... Thinking she's finally safe she let's her guard down and gets to know him... Riven.
Could she see him as anything but a monster?? Doubtful. Riven is tired of being lonely. He doesn't expect much from Amity. What he gets is everything he needs and more! She's his everything. But when she's taken from him. He'll be the monster they all fear to get her back.
November 6, 2025
“Step aside, creature,” the man says. “That woman belongs to Draug.” “I don’t know who Draug is,” I say, my voice low and even, “but she belongs to herself, and has chosen to come with me.”
She belongs to herself.
SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!
She belongs to herself.
SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!
November 16, 2025
I loved this book. It was unconventional even by monster book standards Read in one sitting, regret nothing.
But gotta say.. ma’am, that ending DESTROYED me. 😭like 💯 cried and I was NOT expecting that kinda reaction. I mean wow. I’m giving it 5⭐️
But gotta say.. ma’am, that ending DESTROYED me. 😭like 💯 cried and I was NOT expecting that kinda reaction. I mean wow. I’m giving it 5⭐️
February 1, 2026
This was almost 5 stars for me, I would say a solid 4.5. I loved both of the characters so much! I wished the book was longer (only because I didn't want to end) but it did not feel too short in a way that takes away or rushes a story along.
December 28, 2025
Se me fue súper rápido el libro. Bastante entretenido y lindo
January 10, 2026
What a great quick read !!
January 27, 2026
reseña pendiente
December 19, 2025
Okay I was expecting just spice and nothing else but this was actually really sweet and fun… new monster series anyone??
October 21, 2025
Gorgeous cover, okay story. Something felt missing and it was hard to put my finger on. I wasn't really engrossed in the story and once she f'ed him, I kinda lost interest.
January 5, 2026
Que no me pregunten por qué leí esto...
PD: Cara Wylde te amo 🩷
PD: Cara Wylde te amo 🩷
January 5, 2026
“Step aside, creature,” the man says. “That woman belongs to Draug.”
“I don’t know who Draug is,” I say, my voice low and even, “but she belongs to herself, and has chosen to come with me.”
🌶️Spice: 3/5
💞Romance: 3.5–4/5
🧭Plot: 3/5 — worldbuilding lightly sketched but serviceable
Bought by the Revenant worked waaay better for me than I expected.
The premise is familiar and clearly laid out from the start, and while the story moves quickly, it didn’t feel emotionally hollow - I genuinely felt for the MMC. I would have liked the story to be longer!
October 9, 2025
Ok, now I’m not usually one for reading revenant or zombie romances unless it is by a fave author, like this one. So, I read it. Alia Terra’s monsters are so fascinating. You forget, that they are the ones that protected the humans when everything happened centuries ago to change Earth into Alia Terra. So much has been forgotten by the people, which is just sad. This has a new tangent in it. We know all about the Bride Temples, where the DNA of maidens are matched to monsters and they marry. However, there is another way for those who aren’t maiden to become brides in special circumstances. Amity is a midwife in Winterglen, where she saved a mother and child, to the disbelief of the village. They believe in Draug, who requires sacrifices. A drought hits, and worsened and there are other ‘telltale signs’ that the God is mad at them. So, in order to appease the god, the village Elder’s son, Thorne and his cronies, Elgar & Brone hunt Amity down, so that she can be returned and be sacrificed. She escapes them again, and ends up on a train that takes her to Crosshold. She tries to start over, but no one is hiring as they have enough midwives. Then to her shock, the hunting party shows up. She decides that since there is a Bride market, there for the monsters, she signs up. She is last and one of the first Revenant’s, Riven, who has almost given up all hope, buys her. Their interests align and she is grateful, even tho she fears him at first because of his looks. But, he is the lesser evil. I hate that the other Revenants treat him the way they do- that they are afraid of him because of what he looks like. It makes me angry and it made me want to smack a few of them. His servants, Nell, Fria, Tomas, & his driver, Olaf, are the only humans that don’t react negatively to him. Most of them have been with him for decades. They are amazing. I love them. The Bride auction is shocking. I love that the women have a right of refusal, and sadly, they refuse Riven, until Amity. Amity is amazingly gifted. Riven is shocked she chose him. I love how they slowly learn to adjust to life in the same home. It is a bit reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast as well as a bit of Frankenstein thrown in. lol. Of course, once things get going nicely and they are getting along, then the hunters show up. But, Riven warns them off. Amity wants to be useful, so she takes up her trade again, with shocking consequences. How Riven saves her this time is beautiful and shocking and epic. I loved this book. It was romantic in places as well as steamy. A bit scary in places and I worried a lot over Amity. But the end- wow. I can’t wait to learn more about Revenants. I hope there will be more books about them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2026
This is a short novella. There's some suspense, tragedy and angst in it. I have mixed emotions about it.
The background of the FML is that she has been running for her life in order to avoid a death sentence which has been brought about by the prevailing manic superstition at her home place. A poverty-induced disease left her an orphan and alone in the world, and when she tried to make a living, she was targeted by religious bigots. She had to escape and sell herself to the highest bidder. I found the human trafficking tragic and sad.
The MML is a reverant who hides inside the walls of his expensive estate and suffers from loneliness due to his looks which leave him ostracized. He is suicidal, touch-starved and has deep issues with lack of self-esteem. He is very rich.
The MML's self-pity was uncomfortable to witness knowing that he still thought that buying a starving woman for himself is justified. Overall, this novel seems to be written under the misguided assumption that if a woman has a final say who they accepted as a bidder then it's somehow alright.
Yet I for one found it confusing that the reverants as a wealthy group did not appear to share their riches to help the human villages in dire need. They did not appear to be contibuting to end that structural inequality. I think it was implied that people didn't want to accept his money but several monsters had much more human like features and they could have made a meaningful impact financially to help the humans by funding aid trusts and povery relief.
Can't help but think that some of the monsters actually found it suitable for the human poverty to persist in order to use that inequality to their own favour to bid for human brides. The MML also appears to accuse human towns for persisting poverty, judging that the humans didn't remember to thank the monsters after the Shift for their help... There's classism obv.
The main relationship appears rushed. I'd prefer for the events to roll out slower. What's more, there was even some gender biased purity bs insinuated when the MML realised that his bride isn't virgin! Like, what the heck.
Got stuck on Ch11, so about half way through, might decide to read on, might as well not.
The background of the FML is that she has been running for her life in order to avoid a death sentence which has been brought about by the prevailing manic superstition at her home place. A poverty-induced disease left her an orphan and alone in the world, and when she tried to make a living, she was targeted by religious bigots. She had to escape and sell herself to the highest bidder. I found the human trafficking tragic and sad.
The MML is a reverant who hides inside the walls of his expensive estate and suffers from loneliness due to his looks which leave him ostracized. He is suicidal, touch-starved and has deep issues with lack of self-esteem. He is very rich.
The MML's self-pity was uncomfortable to witness knowing that he still thought that buying a starving woman for himself is justified. Overall, this novel seems to be written under the misguided assumption that if a woman has a final say who they accepted as a bidder then it's somehow alright.
Yet I for one found it confusing that the reverants as a wealthy group did not appear to share their riches to help the human villages in dire need. They did not appear to be contibuting to end that structural inequality. I think it was implied that people didn't want to accept his money but several monsters had much more human like features and they could have made a meaningful impact financially to help the humans by funding aid trusts and povery relief.
Can't help but think that some of the monsters actually found it suitable for the human poverty to persist in order to use that inequality to their own favour to bid for human brides. The MML also appears to accuse human towns for persisting poverty, judging that the humans didn't remember to thank the monsters after the Shift for their help... There's classism obv.
The main relationship appears rushed. I'd prefer for the events to roll out slower. What's more, there was even some gender biased purity bs insinuated when the MML realised that his bride isn't virgin! Like, what the heck.
Got stuck on Ch11, so about half way through, might decide to read on, might as well not.
October 8, 2025
Amity is on the run from men of her village, men that want nothing more than to sacrifice her to a god they have been forced to worship all their lives. She has run for many days and is many miles away from her village, but they have still managed to find her, so she takes desperate actions and offers herself as a monster bride in the local bride market auction. Riven is the first successfully created Revenant and after many decades of crushing loneliness he goes to the nearest large town hoping to bid on a bride that will not take one look at him and run screaming. A woman that will accept him despite his hideous appearance. Amity soon finds out that while his body may be a thing out of nightmares, the heart inside the monster who bought her is that of the most beautiful soul she has ever known.
Ms. Wylde is one of my favorite authors, so I just had to read it this book. I loved these two main characters, although all of the characters in this book are beautifully written and compelling. Amity and Riven are so complex and utterly fascinating that I couldn't put this book down. I just thought that this was an intriguing and engaging retelling of Frankenstein's Monster, but in this case the monster gets a beautiful bride and a happily ever after. I loved this book! Steamy with a little bit of suspense, some surprising twists in the plot, and an epilogue that brought tears to my eyes. This book that was just in time for a Halloween romance and I recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
Ms. Wylde is one of my favorite authors, so I just had to read it this book. I loved these two main characters, although all of the characters in this book are beautifully written and compelling. Amity and Riven are so complex and utterly fascinating that I couldn't put this book down. I just thought that this was an intriguing and engaging retelling of Frankenstein's Monster, but in this case the monster gets a beautiful bride and a happily ever after. I loved this book! Steamy with a little bit of suspense, some surprising twists in the plot, and an epilogue that brought tears to my eyes. This book that was just in time for a Halloween romance and I recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
October 22, 2025
Beautifully told story 4 &1\2 🌟's
This was one of those stories that was a quick read before bed, that you hoped was good but it turned out to be so much better than expected. I enjoyed many of the books from the previous series set in Alia Terra and took a chance on this new series. It was such a beautifully done partial retelling of Frankenstein. Riven is a revenant a soul from the universe given life in a borrowed body. Nearly immortal he has been alive for centuries but alone. All who cross his path find him frightening because of the stiches holding him together. He and his creator spend many years perfecting the process that you can barely tell a revenant from a human unless you look very closely. But he can't benefit from his own knowledge he must stay as he is. All he wants is a companion. If he can't find one At the bride market he may do something drastic. Amity a fierce beautiful accomplished midwife. Her small village is superstitious she's a ed to lives and a drought they blame her for the la k of water. She is to be sacrificed to there's god so she runs Dar and wide as fast as she can and ends up at the Bride market. The last to be I'd on before her Pursuers find her she's says yes to the very scary monster and her while life changes. Who is really the Monster? Can strangers become friends learn to trust and become something more? You really need to read this one! One warning the ending is beautiful and bittersweet. You'll need some tissues handy! But its worth it. Totally recommend💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥
This was one of those stories that was a quick read before bed, that you hoped was good but it turned out to be so much better than expected. I enjoyed many of the books from the previous series set in Alia Terra and took a chance on this new series. It was such a beautifully done partial retelling of Frankenstein. Riven is a revenant a soul from the universe given life in a borrowed body. Nearly immortal he has been alive for centuries but alone. All who cross his path find him frightening because of the stiches holding him together. He and his creator spend many years perfecting the process that you can barely tell a revenant from a human unless you look very closely. But he can't benefit from his own knowledge he must stay as he is. All he wants is a companion. If he can't find one At the bride market he may do something drastic. Amity a fierce beautiful accomplished midwife. Her small village is superstitious she's a ed to lives and a drought they blame her for the la k of water. She is to be sacrificed to there's god so she runs Dar and wide as fast as she can and ends up at the Bride market. The last to be I'd on before her Pursuers find her she's says yes to the very scary monster and her while life changes. Who is really the Monster? Can strangers become friends learn to trust and become something more? You really need to read this one! One warning the ending is beautiful and bittersweet. You'll need some tissues handy! But its worth it. Totally recommend💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥
December 14, 2025
I liked the previous connected series of the Arranged Monster Mates and decided to pick this one up.
The Bride Market has a different concept from the marriage temple and is a last option for women. Amity is tired to running from men from her village who believe her mid wife skills and efforts have caused a drought as the god they worship requires blood sacrifice. She decides to try for the Auction and agrees to go with the only man who bids for her - a revenant called Riven.
He has been very lonely throughout the centuries and is close to deciding that life is not worth living. I initially thought he was like Frankenstein but the author’s concept was interesting as an alien being that has no form and needs a body to be physical.
He is content with not being Amity’s choice and would like her companionship if she does not want to be around him at all. He was very kind and thoughtful when he learns that she loves herbs and gardening. He is a scientist and has perfected the creation of other revenants such that the stitches that he feels makes him ugly are almost not noticeable. He also has an interest in reading about plants as medicine.
I liked how these romances emphasises love beyond physical beauty and these monsters are usually cinnamon rolls for their women. This was short but very sweet and I liked how they found safety and companionship with each other. This gave beauty and the beast vibes with him bringing her to his mansion and introducing her to his home.
This is a post apocalyptic setting with fantasy and modern elements in. Though it is not end of the world only that there was a major event that changes the world and now it is different from the world we know. There are portals and modern amenities mixed in.
Tropes:<\b>Marriage of convenience, age gap (older hero-younger heroine he is centuries old and she is twenty seven), hurt-comfort, cinammon roll hero, virgin hero
The Bride Market has a different concept from the marriage temple and is a last option for women. Amity is tired to running from men from her village who believe her mid wife skills and efforts have caused a drought as the god they worship requires blood sacrifice. She decides to try for the Auction and agrees to go with the only man who bids for her - a revenant called Riven.
He has been very lonely throughout the centuries and is close to deciding that life is not worth living. I initially thought he was like Frankenstein but the author’s concept was interesting as an alien being that has no form and needs a body to be physical.
He is content with not being Amity’s choice and would like her companionship if she does not want to be around him at all. He was very kind and thoughtful when he learns that she loves herbs and gardening. He is a scientist and has perfected the creation of other revenants such that the stitches that he feels makes him ugly are almost not noticeable. He also has an interest in reading about plants as medicine.
I liked how these romances emphasises love beyond physical beauty and these monsters are usually cinnamon rolls for their women. This was short but very sweet and I liked how they found safety and companionship with each other. This gave beauty and the beast vibes with him bringing her to his mansion and introducing her to his home.
This is a post apocalyptic setting with fantasy and modern elements in. Though it is not end of the world only that there was a major event that changes the world and now it is different from the world we know. There are portals and modern amenities mixed in.
Tropes:<\b>Marriage of convenience, age gap (older hero-younger heroine he is centuries old and she is twenty seven), hurt-comfort, cinammon roll hero, virgin hero
February 4, 2026
It’s 1:26 AM and I’m sobbing to the point of hysterics. This novella fundamentally changed something in me, and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.
I’m both a Frankenstein fan and a Beauty and the Beast fan, so I went into this fairly certain I would love it. I expected a touching, well-written short read. I did not expect this. I did not expect to experience what may be one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read—especially in just 140 pages.
How did the author do that? How do you write something so deeply moving, so lasting, in such a short span of pages?
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll keep this vague, but the ending had me clutching my heart, hoping that someday I might experience even a fraction of what these two characters found in each other. I’m still crying as I write this, and that alone should tell you everything.
”Of course she doesn’t want anything to do with me. Does that mean I regret buying her? No. I’ve just met her, and all I know about her is her name and her profession, and that she’s beautiful, and strong, and fearless, and if I can, I will save her over and over and protect her from everything that’s evil in the world.”
“I see you, Riven,” she whispers. “Not the stitches, not the mismatched parts, but you… your soul.”
Some stories change you quietly, and this one did exactly that.
I’m both a Frankenstein fan and a Beauty and the Beast fan, so I went into this fairly certain I would love it. I expected a touching, well-written short read. I did not expect this. I did not expect to experience what may be one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read—especially in just 140 pages.
How did the author do that? How do you write something so deeply moving, so lasting, in such a short span of pages?
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll keep this vague, but the ending had me clutching my heart, hoping that someday I might experience even a fraction of what these two characters found in each other. I’m still crying as I write this, and that alone should tell you everything.
”Of course she doesn’t want anything to do with me. Does that mean I regret buying her? No. I’ve just met her, and all I know about her is her name and her profession, and that she’s beautiful, and strong, and fearless, and if I can, I will save her over and over and protect her from everything that’s evil in the world.”
“I see you, Riven,” she whispers. “Not the stitches, not the mismatched parts, but you… your soul.”
Some stories change you quietly, and this one did exactly that.
November 30, 2025
Frankenstein’s monster is having a MOMENT and I’m here for it. I would say I’m a pretty avid monster romance reader, so Riven’s physical differences were pretty tame for me. I adored this recluse who’s never had so much as a real hug in his entire physical life. And the author did a great job of blending the traditional Frankenstein concept with a magic, monstrous, modern twist. The revenants were a really cool concept to me. I’ve never read anything by this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised with the world building she managed to do in what I would consider a shorter book (it’s not a novella, but I read it in a few hours). Amity was a strong, level-headed MFC who made smart decisions and was able to quickly look past Riven’s physical differences and saw the real him through his words and actions. And honestly based on the drawings included in the book I don’t see how anyone would run away screaming. Spice was about a 2 for me, only a couple of scenes, but very well done. Overall story was a 4.5 for me. I definitely enjoyed it and want to read more from Cara Wylde in the future.
December 1, 2025
a true love story
This is an epic love story with a twist. Revenants aren’t soulless monsters as we think of them. In this book, they come to the planet after a shift where much of life has changed. The revenants are actually souls without bodies floating freely. To become a person, they either must take over a body and displace a soul or piece together a body and settle in that homemade body. Riven has a body that was made for him, not very well but he has decided he won’t displace another’s soul for a nicer body.
Amity is on the run from her religious zealot townsfolk. She is a midwife and saved a mother and child who would have died without her help. Since her town is suffering from a drought, they decide Amity should be sacrificed to their god to bring rain.
To save herself, Amity goes to the bride market and sells herself to Riven.
Amity sees something in Riven besides his looks and takes a chance that he is a good person.
This is a very good book. It makes one feel good. The hero isn’t a swashbuckling gorgeous man but he has a heart of gold and is super kind.
This is an epic love story with a twist. Revenants aren’t soulless monsters as we think of them. In this book, they come to the planet after a shift where much of life has changed. The revenants are actually souls without bodies floating freely. To become a person, they either must take over a body and displace a soul or piece together a body and settle in that homemade body. Riven has a body that was made for him, not very well but he has decided he won’t displace another’s soul for a nicer body.
Amity is on the run from her religious zealot townsfolk. She is a midwife and saved a mother and child who would have died without her help. Since her town is suffering from a drought, they decide Amity should be sacrificed to their god to bring rain.
To save herself, Amity goes to the bride market and sells herself to Riven.
Amity sees something in Riven besides his looks and takes a chance that he is a good person.
This is a very good book. It makes one feel good. The hero isn’t a swashbuckling gorgeous man but he has a heart of gold and is super kind.
December 20, 2025
This is a fast-paced “romance,” though it feels more like a recap than a fully developed love story.
The relationship comes across as very simple: she’s the only one who accepts him because she needs a protector, and that’s basically it. In another context, this would feel quite shallow, and I honestly found it hard to believe that he would still be rejected after so many years, especially with the AI-generated images included throughout the book.
Personally, I think the story works better if you ignore the images (also, support true artists!! say NO to AI images, please) and focus on the descriptions instead. Some of the visuals felt unnecessary or even off-putting, while the written depictions conveyed the ideas more effectively.
The ending was bittersweet, and I didn’t expect the story to go in that direction. It wasn’t a bad ending, just surprising. Overall, it’s a short and simple story. I wouldn’t reread it, but it also wasn’t terrible, just a bit too fast for my taste. Also, the message is a good one: don’t be shallow, and try to give people a chance before judging them.
The relationship comes across as very simple: she’s the only one who accepts him because she needs a protector, and that’s basically it. In another context, this would feel quite shallow, and I honestly found it hard to believe that he would still be rejected after so many years, especially with the AI-generated images included throughout the book.
Personally, I think the story works better if you ignore the images (also, support true artists!! say NO to AI images, please) and focus on the descriptions instead. Some of the visuals felt unnecessary or even off-putting, while the written depictions conveyed the ideas more effectively.
The ending was bittersweet, and I didn’t expect the story to go in that direction. It wasn’t a bad ending, just surprising. Overall, it’s a short and simple story. I wouldn’t reread it, but it also wasn’t terrible, just a bit too fast for my taste. Also, the message is a good one: don’t be shallow, and try to give people a chance before judging them.
January 4, 2026
I liked the idea of this more than the execution. The beginning was intriguing as Amity, the FMC, is on the run from fanatical religious types who are trying to use her as a human sacrifice. In desperation, she enters a bridal auction for monsters looking for human brides, and chooses Riven despite her initial fear of him.
Riven, the MMC, is a revenant - basically a bodiless soul fused into a body created by stitching human body parts together, Frankenstein’s monster style. He’s endured centuries of fear from others, leaving him isolated and profoundly lonely. He tugged at my heartstrings and I really thought that his character had so much potential.
The first half of this book was good with the auction and then a sweet relationship developing between them once Riven takes her back to his home. She starts to see past his initially startling appearance and falls in love with his gentle soul.
Unfortunately once we got to halfway, it went downhill for me. The plot development and word building felt clumsy. The sex scenes were awkwardly written and jarring, and felt like they came out of nowhere. The romance that had been building just kind of evaporated, leaving a bland instalove situation that left me feeling pretty flat.
Riven, the MMC, is a revenant - basically a bodiless soul fused into a body created by stitching human body parts together, Frankenstein’s monster style. He’s endured centuries of fear from others, leaving him isolated and profoundly lonely. He tugged at my heartstrings and I really thought that his character had so much potential.
The first half of this book was good with the auction and then a sweet relationship developing between them once Riven takes her back to his home. She starts to see past his initially startling appearance and falls in love with his gentle soul.
Unfortunately once we got to halfway, it went downhill for me. The plot development and word building felt clumsy. The sex scenes were awkwardly written and jarring, and felt like they came out of nowhere. The romance that had been building just kind of evaporated, leaving a bland instalove situation that left me feeling pretty flat.
October 23, 2025
'I make up my mind: I will go to the [bride] market in the nearest human town. This is my last try before I either surrender to eternal solitude or choose not to exist at all.'
'Behind me, I hear Thorne shout my name. I don’t look back. I run toward the monster who bought me, telling myself a life with him must be better than certain death.'
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Riven and Amity. My heart absolutely broke for Riven- shunned, feared, or disgusted by people. The bride market his last chance for companionship or end it all. My heart was with him the whole time because he deserved love, compassion, and kindness. He was respectful, polite, and caring. She was literally on the run for her life and he was her only chance at survival. She had nothing and no one now. This story was such a beautiful, healing, and emotional journey for them both. I loved the way their relationship developed. One of my absolute favorites from this author. And I loved the included artwork in the book. 5 stars
'Behind me, I hear Thorne shout my name. I don’t look back. I run toward the monster who bought me, telling myself a life with him must be better than certain death.'
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Riven and Amity. My heart absolutely broke for Riven- shunned, feared, or disgusted by people. The bride market his last chance for companionship or end it all. My heart was with him the whole time because he deserved love, compassion, and kindness. He was respectful, polite, and caring. She was literally on the run for her life and he was her only chance at survival. She had nothing and no one now. This story was such a beautiful, healing, and emotional journey for them both. I loved the way their relationship developed. One of my absolute favorites from this author. And I loved the included artwork in the book. 5 stars
October 10, 2025
Bought by the Revenant is the perfect little Halloween monster romance with Frankenstein-esque MMC Riven who is giving love a second chance after the first time having submitted his DNA to the Alia Terra Marriage Temple his resulting match rejected him on sight. With loneliness no longer something the stitched together monster can bare its time to try again, this time with the bride market.
MFC Amity has just escaped from her village of Witherglen before they can burn her as a witch, ending up in the bride market in a bid to evade her pursuers, and where her and Riven’s fates will be entwined.
Enjoyed this captivating story with it’s lovely writing, wonderfully crafted characters, and passion all wrapped up in a compulsively readable story.
Even monsters need love and Riven was certainly worthy of it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MFC Amity has just escaped from her village of Witherglen before they can burn her as a witch, ending up in the bride market in a bid to evade her pursuers, and where her and Riven’s fates will be entwined.
Enjoyed this captivating story with it’s lovely writing, wonderfully crafted characters, and passion all wrapped up in a compulsively readable story.
Even monsters need love and Riven was certainly worthy of it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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