Bought by the Pain Hunter: Monsters' Bride Market

by Lia Frost

The bride market offers women a choice. I walked in ready to pick someone survivable—not someone terrifying. Not someone I wanted.

In Alia Terra, monsters rule. The only way out for a broken, unmatched woman like me? Sell myself at auction—and hope I don’t regret it.

But when the bidding begins, it’s not the sleazy merchant or the four-armed aristocrat who makes my blood burn.

It’s the shadow in the back of the warehouse. Towering. Unmoving. Watching.

When he speaks, the others fall silent.

And when he wins me, I know I’ve made a mistake.

Because Kiakoa isn’t just a monster—he’s a pain hunter. Feeding on agony. Built for destruction. And somehow, gentle with me.

Until he’s not.

Until he touches me like he needs me to live. Until I start craving the heat of his skin and the violence in his voice. Until I realize…

He’s not going to break me.

He’s going to ruin me.

🔥 Touch-starved monster. Broken human soldier. Bond forged in heat, hunger, and healing.
Stand-alone monster romance set in the Bride Market world. One-click and devour now in KU.

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Paranormal Romance

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2025

Reviews

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book where I don’t agree with the masses 🤷🏻‍♀️

Love ‘Bought by the Pain Hunter’. Braith loves/needs pain to feel whole … plus it turns her on. Kiakoa feeds on her blood and pain. That plus her eager submission gives Kiakoa’s primal self’s power more. Their pleasure/pain exchanges are nothing short of sensually erotic, and though it plays a large roll in this book, there remains an entertaining action-filled plot that keeps this from being strictly erotic fiction. I have to add: Scratch is adorable. Good Stuff.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Kiakoa
FMC:
✨Braith
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Monster’s Bride Market
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉gothic sci-fi romance
👉dark fantasy romance
👉touch her and ☠️
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

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

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4&1\2 fabulous🌟's c r Bought by the Pain Hunter💖🔥🌟

This book was so much better than I ever expected it to be. I enjoy the books set on Alia Terra each has unique characters and pretty solid storylines. This one was so different Kiakoa was a very compelling leading male with complex characteristics that brought depth to the story. Braith suffered her whole life because she felt wrong. Her needs were different than any around her and her suffering was real. Her final hope was the Bride Market . I just don't think she ever believe she would find exactly what she needed In Kiakoa, but she did. Both their lives change and that change spills out into the world around them. They chose each other and they'll fight for one another. This is worth the read great story! Looking forward to the next interview eh series. 🌟🔥🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Lia Frost, and wow, what an utterly original ride. From the opening bride auction, I was hooked. Frost’s imagination is on full display as she parades an array of wonderfully bizarre “monsters” across the page—one or two so strange they genuinely bent my brain. Even Kiakoa, the hero (or antihero?) of the story, is difficult to picture clearly, though the cover art definitely helped me cheat a bit. Kiakoa is Vethani. Think a seductive blend of vampire, predator, and unapologetic sadist (or at least pain giver). If I understood the setup correctly, the bride auction was voluntary. So Kiakoa doesn’t so much win Braith as she chooses him. And honestly? They might be the most perfect match forged in heaven…or quite possibly hell. Braith is a battle-worn combat medic numb from too much suffering; pain is the only thing that reminds her she’s alive. So, what happens when a masochist willingly aligns herself with a seven-foot sadist? Apparently, far more than just scorching chemistry. Despite what the premise might suggest, the love scenes are surprisingly tender, intimate, and emotionally rich. Yes, blood and pain sustain Kiakoa, but what he offers Braith in return is a grounding peace and a kind of pleasure she never thought possible. I adored that she never feared him and kept choosing him, over and over again. The worldbuilding in Alia Terra is another standout. Pain-ripened fruit that takes decades to mature. Resonance Partners who don’t merely sustain a Vethani but enhance them. Ghostly servants, bound demons, and a setting brimming with dark, shimmering magic. It’s all wildly imaginative and refreshingly unique. Of course, there’s also conflict. Especially once the local Lords discover what Braith truly is. But if they want her, they’ll have to get through Kiakoa first…good luck to that. A bold concept, a fascinating couple, and a world unlike anything I’ve read. I’m officially a Lia Frost fan.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The smart choice would be the twenty-thousand bidder. A fortune that could buy a life of quiet comfort. But quiet comfort was the one thing I couldn't stand, not anymore. I didn't come here for smart choices.
And something about him— the hunger in his eyes, the way he watched me bleed, the promise of pain in his massive frame— says he can give me what I need.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Kiakoa and Braith. I liked that the story began with him and I was quickly captivated by Kaikoa's motives and what was at stake. I didn't think Braith's chapter would capture my attention in the same way, but she did, and I was interested to learn her story as well. I loved the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. The chemistry between them sizzled. I loved the supporting characters and creatures and was completely hooked to this story.

“What are you?” I whisper.
“Hungry,” he says, and his voice is rough with need. “I have been hungry for a very long time.”
“And now?”
His golden eyes burn. “Now I have found what I need.”

This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars

[Mishka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear this one did not feel like a novella. I was reading it in snatches throughout a crazy workday — a few pages between errands, a few more when I got a minute — and by the time I finished, it felt like I’d just read a full-length novel. Compact, but somehow complete.

This book was written. Like properly written. The flow, the pacing, the atmosphere — everything clicked. I didn’t even realize how invested I was until it ended and I sat there blinking like, “Wait, that’s it?”

Now listen, he’s a monster — literally — and I’m deep in my monster romance era right now, so this scratched the itch. He’s a Pain Hunter, feeding on her pain, her blood, her pleasure. She’s a cutter, and the way that dark craving and his nature fit together? It was intense. Disturbing. Hot. Beautiful, somehow.

I don’t know much about either of them — not really — but it worked. You just feel them. It’s a perfect blend of sensation and story, and it pulls you under fast.

Lia Frost, girl… you did something here.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pain Hunter is part of the Monster’s Bride Market series and this newest by author
Lia Frost is another entertaining one.
These new stories branch off from the original series but take place in the same
Alia Terra world that is ruled over by monsters, and now follows unmatched woman who can auction themselves in the bride market to the highest bidder.
This is the only way out for human Braith.
Vethani Lord Kiakoa is a pain hunter who feeds on agony and he wasn’t at the market seeking a bride, until he sees Braith and smells her blood.
Braith was once a medic and delt with a lot of pain but could never seem to assuage her own, pain that makes her feel alive and Kiakoa is her perfect match as they both soon find out in this steamy, intense, dark romance.
Good writing, action, danger, adventure, political machinations, and passion is woven into a well crafted world with well defined characters that delivered an engaging, compelling read. HEA

Mind your triggers!.

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

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Monsters' Bride Market series and this series is one of those where each book is written by a different author. This one is by Lia Frost and I've read her other works in similar multi-author compilations. In this story, we meet Braith (FMC) and Kiakoa (MMC). I found the concept of the MMC in this story very intriguing. Here is a character that not only brings about destruction, but he specifically feeds on pain of others. Yet, in his hands, Braith couldn't be safer. The story was full of emotional scenes and good spice and I couldn't help but wanted more when I was done with it. The worldbuilding was also very fascinating. Overall, this was a good read.

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

[Maplestory · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 49%, didn't feel dark enough. Doesn't really feel like it explores the space, just reiterates that pain is power. Never digs into what "pain" is, despite highlighting her cutting herself in the beginning, beyond the physical pain and maybe a bit of loneliness. Didn't feel wretched, soul sucking, gritty, or much of anything besides repetition. Harvesting pain as a source of power can go one of two ways imo, pain is fuel for revenge, which this definitely wasn't, or pain is the absence of nothingness, which this also lacked but maybe it was trying to be this? The plot just wasn't solid enough I guess; too much suspension needed for this one for me.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another engaging and page turning addition to this multi-author series. This one really hit the monster romance category perfectly, to the point that I feel like our gal Braith was as much a monster as Kiakoa was. He's a pain hunter and needs it to feel complete. Braith feels so broken and is a cutter. Coming together, her eager submission gives their pleasure/pain dynamic such life. I love how he found he didn't have to hide any aspect of himself and how being with her made him feel free. They really were perfect together. Expect to get caught up in the action, danger, suspense, emotions and hot romance when you dive into this one. So good!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power in Pain

Wow! That was intense. Kiakoa was truly a monster but only because he was incomplete. At least until he bought his perfect mate at the Bride Market. I couldn’t believe the darkness of their relationship because Braith was just as much a monster as he was. But she embraced her needs and in turn, encouraged him to embrace his. At the same time he was such a contradiction. I was engrossed from the beginning. Blood, gore, violence and sexual tension, this book had it all. Good book.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author: 'Touch-starved monster. Broken human soldier. Bond forged in heat, hunger, and healing.
Stand-alone monster romance set in the Bride Market world.'

The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. What a FANtastic read! Enjoyed immensely and thoroughly and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Iluvbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different kind of story. She embraced her need to feel pain. He knew what she needed. I liked how the story flowed and grew as their connection grew. The story does have some very grafic killing scenes and love scenes. I really liked the servants in the story and the interaction with the characters. The one thing that I wish was the cover page fit the main male character. Not sure if the author has much control of that. The story describes him with pale skin and the cover is not him.
Good read .

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

[Carolyn R Swickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odd pairing, sort of short

Two beings, lost to pain and solitude. Something special happens when the come together. He is a creature who needs pain to grow and thrive; she needs pain to satisfy her inner needs of emptiness. Danger threatens and the bond of strength and love grows quickly as the partnership deepens. Enjoyed the story, wish there was a little more depth and development.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Being a human that has a taste for the darker things in life must be very hard in this changed world. So when Braith find it with Kiakoa is something else.
Kiakoa is slow to accept this but not slow enough to stop it. He finds that being with Braith is letting himself free. He doesn’t have to hide anything from her. He doesn’t have to suppress himself at all. She wants all he has to give and it unlocks things of the past that was only a story told.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choice
This series as been a lot of fun. This story just the right amount of everything.
Lands in dire need, a Lord on the brink of a hostile attack. A woman bought at auction, is she property or something else? For both the time they spent alone is but a trap.
Other Lords come sniffing, with offers and alternatives. Their excuse? Too young, to wild lacking THE knowledge.
She listens to the offers intently. He wonders if she will be swayed.

[Blake Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good novella, I liked Kiorka and Braith and their bonds. I love a strong female character and Braith was giving ruthless queen vibes to the max, which was amazing. And Kiorka was her King and dedicated soldier who would do anything. We didn’t get spoon fed information and more along the lines of imagining things when descriptions and details failed but that is to be expected in a short novella. All in all i liked the violence and pain and pleasure of the story.

[Michele]

Not sure how to rate this

I gave it a 4 because this book.... This isn't for me. It was written well and I have no complaints. Some parts were really intriguing even though it didn't do it for me.

Uh... I guess read it? Again it's very well written no complaints. Not a typo or error anywhere. I love all of her work which is why I read this one but it's just a little out there for me lol. Well written but weird and I know there's people out there who want that so here you go.

[Stephanie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear me out: Bought by the Pain Monster was unexpectedly, unapologetically hot - and such a fun and dark read. I usually love the classic bonded-mates dynamic, but Lia Frost’s concept of Resonance Partners is a total standout. It’s a fresh twist that makes the characters’ connection feel intense in a whole new way. Between the levels of heat, actual storyline with plot development, and the creativity of the worldbuilding, this book absolutely delivered.

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Monsters’ Bride Market series, Bought by the Pain Hunter is a dark romance where opposites attract in a tale of one who needs pain to survive, and one who needs it to fill the void. He may not have been Braith’s highest bidder, but something shifted and called to her when she saw Kiokoa in the shadows. An intense read from the start, I was pulled in and it didn’t let go till I finished.

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

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choices

Braith is selling herself at market like livestock, the only benefit she picks the buyer. She chooses a Pain Lord who she is unexpectedly drawn to despite his bid being the lowest. Kiakoa has no idea why he stays for the bride auction until he see Braith. Their bond is strong from the start and only becomes stronger with every choice they make together in is dark tale.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought by the Pain Hunter is a part of the multi-author series Monsters' Bride Market. I've never read a story like this one. Kiakoa and Braith are an interesting couple. In a weird way they complete each other. Lia Frost is a new to me author. I will be on the lookout for her books.

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

[Rachel Bonitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a dark romance reader, but this one called to me. I’m glad it did. It was a beautiful story of two halves of a coin, brought together. They are perfect compliments to one another, shown in a story that, while fast, lacked nothing. This was a 6 star read.

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

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. I like to be able to find someone for her and and that they complimented each other so very well. And I find all the different characters quite interesting. This is most certainly an interesting and intriguing book.

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

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story might be a bit different, but it's really engaging. It's a story where feelings are intense and very contrasting. What really stands out is the genuine connection that grows stronger between the main characters. Out of pain, a powerful love bond develops.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst of the series in my opinion. The jumping in this book is confusing. At one point I literally re-read about 5 pages because I thought I had accidentally clicked forward too many pages in my Kindle. The scene was one thing and next sentence I was like days or weeks forward. No backstory about the monster before the shift or his kind/abilities or the FC.

[Joy Danvers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was intense, as expected by the title, but it was *not* intense in the ways that I expected. Instead, the relationship between the two main characters is amazingly symbiotic, their complementary needs and desires beautifully illustrating that finding happiness isn't confined to a set parameter as long as both people are seeing one another and meeting one another where they need.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Visceral Mix of Pleasure and Pain
When Braith puts herself up for auction, it’s Kiakoa, the Verath lord that sees her unique needs and attracts her attention. These two mesh so well together, their needs reciprocated by then others desires, and I loved how they navigated the political intricacies of his world together. A gripping read.

[SheMyaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED

I love this story so much, loved that the fmc wasn’t afraid and embraced his darkness she definitely gave queen energy.

Fav Quote:
"You want to know what I really am? I'm the thing that makes monsters feel like they can be more than just monsters. And that makes them very, very dangerous."

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters' Bride Market story of Kiakoa and Braith. That was an incredible adventure in dark and dangerous monster to love. I loved how well balanced these two are. The way they work together is just wonderful.

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

[Summer Steelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just wonderful. I love how each man male character is just so different, but just as loveable. Highly recommend!.

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