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Echo: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey
He wants to feast on her fear.
Madison Valentine inherits the family farm just as she’s looking for an escape, only to find a new breed of trouble on her porch once the sun goes down.
A monster lives in these woods.
And he’s not the only one hunting her. Will Madison come out of this whole or will she sacrifice a piece of herself to evade the traps set for her?
Run, Little Rabbit.
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
Madison Valentine inherits the family farm just as she’s looking for an escape, only to find a new breed of trouble on her porch once the sun goes down.
A monster lives in these woods.
And he’s not the only one hunting her. Will Madison come out of this whole or will she sacrifice a piece of herself to evade the traps set for her?
Run, Little Rabbit.
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
50 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Kat Bethel
16 books108 followersKat Bethel writes omegaverse, paranormal romance, and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 9, 2025
Echo
Kat Bethel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Echo was fast-paced dark monster romance. Madison was relatable, always picking the wrong type of guys. Echo was a yummy treat who made you want to run! Run, rabbit, run.
I love the lore about mimics and witchcraft. Considering this was a quick read, it was very full of plot, character development and spice.
This was my first book by Kat Bethel, but will definitely not be my last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kat Bethel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Echo was fast-paced dark monster romance. Madison was relatable, always picking the wrong type of guys. Echo was a yummy treat who made you want to run! Run, rabbit, run.
I love the lore about mimics and witchcraft. Considering this was a quick read, it was very full of plot, character development and spice.
This was my first book by Kat Bethel, but will definitely not be my last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
Ok this was so fun. A really good monster romance
November 5, 2025
Madison inherits her family home after her aunt’s passing. This couldn’t have come at a better time because she needs to escape a bad relationship. She packs up and leaves without telling anyone. This could be the perfect chance for her to start over. When she gets there she quickly realizes that there is something off about the situation. She is being hunted by a strange creature in the woods. She knows she is playing a risky game, but she can’t help herself. Madison doesn’t want to be bullied by men anymore and decides to take charge of her own desires.
Echo is a fast paced, dark, supernatural monster romance. It’s just around 200 pages. I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I really enjoyed the pacing and writing style. I pretty much finished this in one sitting. Kat Bethel does an amazing job of making you feel unsettled and creeped out, and at the same time longing to know what comes next. This was the perfect amount of horror, suspense, and romance (spice level 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) all wrapped up in a secluded dark woods setting! This book had me feeling all kinds of ways! I was totally engrossed in Echo and Madison’s romance. Hopefully, there will be another book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the arc in exchange for my completely honest review.
Echo is a fast paced, dark, supernatural monster romance. It’s just around 200 pages. I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I really enjoyed the pacing and writing style. I pretty much finished this in one sitting. Kat Bethel does an amazing job of making you feel unsettled and creeped out, and at the same time longing to know what comes next. This was the perfect amount of horror, suspense, and romance (spice level 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) all wrapped up in a secluded dark woods setting! This book had me feeling all kinds of ways! I was totally engrossed in Echo and Madison’s romance. Hopefully, there will be another book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the arc in exchange for my completely honest review.
October 2, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun read with horror aspects and an interesting plotline! I enjoyed the pacing and the characters. The only reason I gave it four instead of five stars is because we're left with a lot of unanswered important questions. Does she still age the same? Will he find someone else after she dies if so? Will one of her cousin's daughters or granddaughters have to take over then, and would the cycle just continue? Did he really want to be with her grandmother? She never asked why her over all the other women in her line, and I felt like that was a really important question for the reader to have answered. I felt unsatisfied by the end, wondering if this romance could really last, and for how long, and why. He compliments her a lot, but I would have liked something more to set her apart, especially after reading that note from her aunt.
I'll definitely read more by this author though, and recommend checking it out for a slightly spooky, fast-paced read.
This was a fun read with horror aspects and an interesting plotline! I enjoyed the pacing and the characters. The only reason I gave it four instead of five stars is because we're left with a lot of unanswered important questions. Does she still age the same? Will he find someone else after she dies if so? Will one of her cousin's daughters or granddaughters have to take over then, and would the cycle just continue? Did he really want to be with her grandmother? She never asked why her over all the other women in her line, and I felt like that was a really important question for the reader to have answered. I felt unsatisfied by the end, wondering if this romance could really last, and for how long, and why. He compliments her a lot, but I would have liked something more to set her apart, especially after reading that note from her aunt.
I'll definitely read more by this author though, and recommend checking it out for a slightly spooky, fast-paced read.
September 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
🖤 A unique monster story with some ✨extra✨ dark elements for the dark romance girlies 🖤
Madison is desperate to escape her past, and when she inherits her distant aunt’s isolated mountain home, it feels like the perfect chance for a fresh start. Of course, nothing in this little town is that simple. The house itself is wrapped in mystery. It has always been passed down to the women in her family, and the townspeople whisper dark rumors about it. She is warned to keep her doors locked tight and her curtains drawn at night, which already sets the stage for something creepy and dangerous.
Madison really is haunted, both by her past and by the unsettling present she finds herself in. I liked how the book leaned into those darker elements, and how Echo is definitely not a saint but still ends up being her protector. For such a short story, Madison had more depth than I expected, and I appreciated how layered she was. I just wish we had gotten more of Echo’s backstory, because while we get hints at what he is, I wanted more to really flesh him out. The fated mate vibes, the paranormal atmosphere, and the sense of chaos surrounding Madison all worked really well together.
Overall, this was a quick and satisfying monster romance that scratched exactly the itch I was hoping for. It is a little dark, a little şmütty (I can always want more), and just the right kind of vibes I am going into for the fall season. I had fun with it, and while I wish a few elements had been expanded on, it delivered what I wanted: a dark, creepy, fast-paced monster read.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀 (literally)
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Multiple POV’s
✅ Single POV (first person)
✅ He falls first
✅ Chase/Primal
✅ MINE
✅ HEA
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
🖤 A unique monster story with some ✨extra✨ dark elements for the dark romance girlies 🖤
Madison is desperate to escape her past, and when she inherits her distant aunt’s isolated mountain home, it feels like the perfect chance for a fresh start. Of course, nothing in this little town is that simple. The house itself is wrapped in mystery. It has always been passed down to the women in her family, and the townspeople whisper dark rumors about it. She is warned to keep her doors locked tight and her curtains drawn at night, which already sets the stage for something creepy and dangerous.
Madison really is haunted, both by her past and by the unsettling present she finds herself in. I liked how the book leaned into those darker elements, and how Echo is definitely not a saint but still ends up being her protector. For such a short story, Madison had more depth than I expected, and I appreciated how layered she was. I just wish we had gotten more of Echo’s backstory, because while we get hints at what he is, I wanted more to really flesh him out. The fated mate vibes, the paranormal atmosphere, and the sense of chaos surrounding Madison all worked really well together.
Overall, this was a quick and satisfying monster romance that scratched exactly the itch I was hoping for. It is a little dark, a little şmütty (I can always want more), and just the right kind of vibes I am going into for the fall season. I had fun with it, and while I wish a few elements had been expanded on, it delivered what I wanted: a dark, creepy, fast-paced monster read.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀 (literally)
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Multiple POV’s
✅ Single POV (first person)
✅ He falls first
✅ Chase/Primal
✅ MINE
✅ HEA
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
September 20, 2025
This book was absolutely DELICIOUS & exactly what i needed to drag me out of this slump ive been in 🥹
At the beginning, i didnt really know what to expect, but I knew as soon as we met Echo, this was going to be an absolute banger of a book 🫣
Echo is a delicious, terrifying, sexy dream🤪 Protectiveness, possessiveness (in all the right ways) & clinginess???!!!!! THE SPICE????!!!!!!
I absolutely devoured this book, completely hooked. I. NEED. MORE!!!! The way the plot line had me GRIPPED?! What was that?!? Oh yeah, theres a well executed plot as well as the fmc getting the best dicking of her life???? Count me in🙂↕️
I honestly loved how this book turned out, the plot was so captivating without being TOO in depth, questions were answered in the best way whilst also leaving some open for a potential second book but not necessarily needing one, and the plot twists?! Perfect 🤌🏻
The spice, immaculate 🫶🏻
If you couldn’t already tell, and if i HAVE to tell you again… i loved this book. Please take the time to read it, if you love a good monster romance and the triggers aren’t too much for you, GET ON IT 🫵🏻
At the beginning, i didnt really know what to expect, but I knew as soon as we met Echo, this was going to be an absolute banger of a book 🫣
Echo is a delicious, terrifying, sexy dream🤪 Protectiveness, possessiveness (in all the right ways) & clinginess???!!!!! THE SPICE????!!!!!!
I absolutely devoured this book, completely hooked. I. NEED. MORE!!!! The way the plot line had me GRIPPED?! What was that?!? Oh yeah, theres a well executed plot as well as the fmc getting the best dicking of her life???? Count me in🙂↕️
I honestly loved how this book turned out, the plot was so captivating without being TOO in depth, questions were answered in the best way whilst also leaving some open for a potential second book but not necessarily needing one, and the plot twists?! Perfect 🤌🏻
The spice, immaculate 🫶🏻
If you couldn’t already tell, and if i HAVE to tell you again… i loved this book. Please take the time to read it, if you love a good monster romance and the triggers aren’t too much for you, GET ON IT 🫵🏻
September 28, 2025
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to settle into this book, but once I did, I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down.
This is monster romance at its best—dark, deliciously spicy, and laced with horror elements that give the story an extra edge. The plot had strong momentum, the characters were engaging, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. The spice? Absolute chef’s kiss. Every scene delivered exactly what I wanted in that department.
That said, there were points where the story felt a bit flat. I kept wishing for more world-building and richer background details to really ground me in the setting and give the characters’ actions more weight. It was good, but it had the potential to be great with just a little more depth.
If you’re looking for a quick monster romance that ticks all the trope boxes—forced proximity, protective “touch her and die” energy, and plenty of heat—you’ll absolutely enjoy this ride. It’s fast, fun, and steamy, the kind of book you can devour in one sitting.
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is monster romance at its best—dark, deliciously spicy, and laced with horror elements that give the story an extra edge. The plot had strong momentum, the characters were engaging, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. The spice? Absolute chef’s kiss. Every scene delivered exactly what I wanted in that department.
That said, there were points where the story felt a bit flat. I kept wishing for more world-building and richer background details to really ground me in the setting and give the characters’ actions more weight. It was good, but it had the potential to be great with just a little more depth.
If you’re looking for a quick monster romance that ticks all the trope boxes—forced proximity, protective “touch her and die” energy, and plenty of heat—you’ll absolutely enjoy this ride. It’s fast, fun, and steamy, the kind of book you can devour in one sitting.
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 21, 2025
Chapters 21-25 and epilogue
The Hunt is on,Oh Madison what have you done haha.
There is an interruption with the hunt and Echo must
take care of that interruption.
The hunt continues and then .....
well you are going to have to read the book!
Epilogue the hunt continues as well.
I can't wait for book 2
Chapters 16-20
These chapters Kat wants us to think there will be a love story.
We learn more about Madison's family secret and also
her visitor's background as well.
There was an incident that happened earlier in story,
that the visitor explains when he is explaining
his story.
The last chapter in this review oh no there has been a riff.
I have one more review and the story is over 😔
Chapters 11-15
Wow these chapters will make you feel like you walked in
a scene from The Hollow(with Nick Carter).
Just when Madison thinks help is on the way,
she not only had to wait it out,but another
unexpected surprise.
She was told more about her family's secrets,
and wow it is mind blown.
You know how they say "Things go bump in the night",
well things are going bump in the day as well.
The thing is chasing after Madison and when
it catches her oh no or oooh boy depending on
what you think.
Chapters 6-10
An unaccepted visitor shows up to Madison's house
and she is not happy. Madison is trying everything to
get rid of this visitor. We learn some I interesting
facts about a person from Madison's past.
Madison's family a many secrets and little
by little we are leading about those secrets.
Chapter 10 will make you say OH MY GOD!
Questions We need answered
What really happened to Madison's grandma
What was that note that Madison found?
What or Who is in the woods?
Why are the neighbors freaked out?
If you have not read my reviews before I like to read 5 chapters and review and repeat the process until I finish the book.
I also like to have characters in my head(yes I know some
books have characters on the covers), but I like to use
my favorite actors/actress', Broadway actors/actress'
and WWE wrestlers.
This story I have not gotten a clear picture of the characters just yet.
Chapters 1-5
Right off the bat this book is just right for this season
(spooky season). Madison is on the run from a
person from her past and a family member helps her
by handing down something to her that her past
won't find her.
The thing that the family member handed her down
had a story of it's on and the land also.
Madison has just arrived and things are really weird.
These chapters have her getting used to her new
environment and her dog also getting used to the environment as well.
I can't wait to read more.
The Hunt is on,Oh Madison what have you done haha.
There is an interruption with the hunt and Echo must
take care of that interruption.
The hunt continues and then .....
well you are going to have to read the book!
Epilogue the hunt continues as well.
I can't wait for book 2
Chapters 16-20
These chapters Kat wants us to think there will be a love story.
We learn more about Madison's family secret and also
her visitor's background as well.
There was an incident that happened earlier in story,
that the visitor explains when he is explaining
his story.
The last chapter in this review oh no there has been a riff.
I have one more review and the story is over 😔
Chapters 11-15
Wow these chapters will make you feel like you walked in
a scene from The Hollow(with Nick Carter).
Just when Madison thinks help is on the way,
she not only had to wait it out,but another
unexpected surprise.
She was told more about her family's secrets,
and wow it is mind blown.
You know how they say "Things go bump in the night",
well things are going bump in the day as well.
The thing is chasing after Madison and when
it catches her oh no or oooh boy depending on
what you think.
Chapters 6-10
An unaccepted visitor shows up to Madison's house
and she is not happy. Madison is trying everything to
get rid of this visitor. We learn some I interesting
facts about a person from Madison's past.
Madison's family a many secrets and little
by little we are leading about those secrets.
Chapter 10 will make you say OH MY GOD!
Questions We need answered
What really happened to Madison's grandma
What was that note that Madison found?
What or Who is in the woods?
Why are the neighbors freaked out?
If you have not read my reviews before I like to read 5 chapters and review and repeat the process until I finish the book.
I also like to have characters in my head(yes I know some
books have characters on the covers), but I like to use
my favorite actors/actress', Broadway actors/actress'
and WWE wrestlers.
This story I have not gotten a clear picture of the characters just yet.
Chapters 1-5
Right off the bat this book is just right for this season
(spooky season). Madison is on the run from a
person from her past and a family member helps her
by handing down something to her that her past
won't find her.
The thing that the family member handed her down
had a story of it's on and the land also.
Madison has just arrived and things are really weird.
These chapters have her getting used to her new
environment and her dog also getting used to the environment as well.
I can't wait to read more.
September 17, 2025
Start date: 11th September. Finish date: 11th September
Genre: Dark monster romance
Ratings: Spice: 3. Characters: 3. Plot: 3.5. Engagability: 4. Writing style: 4. Dark themes: 3.5. World-building: 3. Pacing: 4. Overall: 4
Tropes:-Touch her and die. -Shadow daddy. -Primal Kink. -False identity. -Mind games. -Morally grey. -"I can fix him". -Curvy FMC. -Horny beast. -Obsessed with MMC. -Monster romance. -"Run little rabbit". -Town secrets. -Possession. -Forced proximity. -New start. -Survivor heroine. -Touch-starved MMC. -Bratty/Dom ish.
Review:
I did really enjoy this book. The build-up to his reveal was scintillating, and I really appreciated the fact that it wasn't insta-love, fluffy and bright.
She's flawed, and so is he. Who doesn't love a touch of the delulu.
The plot was strong and believable. It wasn't just spice spice SPICE. It has a really enjoyable plot too, which is very refreshing. So many books rely on good spice to cover a poor plot, but not this book. Kat had me guessing about the possibilities and saying, "Oh no, I have no idea what she's going to do". I love to be surprised and turned around. Some plots can be so predictable. Not this one!
The FMC is feisty and I love it! I think she could enter Brat territory and he could edge into Dom very easily. I LOVE that trope.
Ive read so many "touch-her-and-die" books that just threaten death but don't follow through, or just give off that aura. THIS mf used a fully grown human man AS A BASEBALL BAT to smash up a car! not THAT is the touch-her-and-die vibe I'm looking for!! GIVE ME MORE OF HIM PLEASE!!!
There were a few unanswered questions BUT it wasnt a huge deal at all, more like my obsessive need to have answers for everything.
I have already reccomended this book to friends and I will CONTINUE to do so.
SPOILERS AHOY!!
Memorable quotes:
He slid his head between my thighs, “Sit down.” “Wait? You said I’d kill you.” “So be it.”
When he thrusted back in, it was with a brutal snap that moved the entire bed. A silent warning of what the punishment would be if I tried to run again.
“Go ahead, Little Rabbit.”
“I want you to scream. Let me see those tears.”
“Let them lust for you.. So long as no one is foolish enough to touch you.” He shrugged, “And if they do, I’ll teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”
“I’d never let anything but me hurt you.”
“You know the Rinah family made a deal with the devil for beautiful women back in the 1800s. It’s not her fault she’s so gorgeous. It’s the work of Lucifer, as he searches the family line for his wife.”
“No matter what you believe in, baby girl, it’s best to not fuck with things you don’t understand.” Her logic was that all religion and superstition was founded in some truth. People didn’t wake up one day and start tossing salt over their shoulder for no reason. We’ve just forgotten the reason. And if you don’t fully understand a rule, you had no business trying to break it.
Notes while reading:
Pg 12
Ooooo I love the suspense and thrill. One of my pet peeves is being info dumped on and this book does NOT do that. I love the intrigue!!
Pg 33, Chapter 4
Yeah I think I’m really going to like this book!! I’m already really enjoying it.
AHHHHHHHHHH I’m buzzing!! I love it!! So thrilling
Page 106
Wow!! God I’m in love. I love a dark dark boiiiii. Using a fully grown human man as a baseball bat 🥰😝 why is it so wrong but feels so goooooooooooooooooood!! Delicious and delightful.
Ooooooo shadow daddy alert
Just finished.
I loved that!! Really really really enjoyed that. It was a thoroughly enjoyable book to be sure.
Genre: Dark monster romance
Ratings: Spice: 3. Characters: 3. Plot: 3.5. Engagability: 4. Writing style: 4. Dark themes: 3.5. World-building: 3. Pacing: 4. Overall: 4
Tropes:-Touch her and die. -Shadow daddy. -Primal Kink. -False identity. -Mind games. -Morally grey. -"I can fix him". -Curvy FMC. -Horny beast. -Obsessed with MMC. -Monster romance. -"Run little rabbit". -Town secrets. -Possession. -Forced proximity. -New start. -Survivor heroine. -Touch-starved MMC. -Bratty/Dom ish.
Review:
I did really enjoy this book. The build-up to his reveal was scintillating, and I really appreciated the fact that it wasn't insta-love, fluffy and bright.
She's flawed, and so is he. Who doesn't love a touch of the delulu.
The plot was strong and believable. It wasn't just spice spice SPICE. It has a really enjoyable plot too, which is very refreshing. So many books rely on good spice to cover a poor plot, but not this book. Kat had me guessing about the possibilities and saying, "Oh no, I have no idea what she's going to do". I love to be surprised and turned around. Some plots can be so predictable. Not this one!
The FMC is feisty and I love it! I think she could enter Brat territory and he could edge into Dom very easily. I LOVE that trope.
Ive read so many "touch-her-and-die" books that just threaten death but don't follow through, or just give off that aura. THIS mf used a fully grown human man AS A BASEBALL BAT to smash up a car! not THAT is the touch-her-and-die vibe I'm looking for!! GIVE ME MORE OF HIM PLEASE!!!
There were a few unanswered questions BUT it wasnt a huge deal at all, more like my obsessive need to have answers for everything.
I have already reccomended this book to friends and I will CONTINUE to do so.
SPOILERS AHOY!!
Memorable quotes:
He slid his head between my thighs, “Sit down.” “Wait? You said I’d kill you.” “So be it.”
When he thrusted back in, it was with a brutal snap that moved the entire bed. A silent warning of what the punishment would be if I tried to run again.
“Go ahead, Little Rabbit.”
“I want you to scream. Let me see those tears.”
“Let them lust for you.. So long as no one is foolish enough to touch you.” He shrugged, “And if they do, I’ll teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”
“I’d never let anything but me hurt you.”
“You know the Rinah family made a deal with the devil for beautiful women back in the 1800s. It’s not her fault she’s so gorgeous. It’s the work of Lucifer, as he searches the family line for his wife.”
“No matter what you believe in, baby girl, it’s best to not fuck with things you don’t understand.” Her logic was that all religion and superstition was founded in some truth. People didn’t wake up one day and start tossing salt over their shoulder for no reason. We’ve just forgotten the reason. And if you don’t fully understand a rule, you had no business trying to break it.
Notes while reading:
Pg 12
Ooooo I love the suspense and thrill. One of my pet peeves is being info dumped on and this book does NOT do that. I love the intrigue!!
Pg 33, Chapter 4
Yeah I think I’m really going to like this book!! I’m already really enjoying it.
AHHHHHHHHHH I’m buzzing!! I love it!! So thrilling
Page 106
Wow!! God I’m in love. I love a dark dark boiiiii. Using a fully grown human man as a baseball bat 🥰😝 why is it so wrong but feels so goooooooooooooooooood!! Delicious and delightful.
Ooooooo shadow daddy alert
Just finished.
I loved that!! Really really really enjoyed that. It was a thoroughly enjoyable book to be sure.
November 9, 2025
Content Warnings: Check Your Triggers!
~I received an advance review copy for free (via Booksirens), and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author for the opportunity~
Tropes;
🌹🖤𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼 𝓢𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰
🖤🌹𝓕𝓸𝓵𝓴𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓮/𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱
🌹🖤𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓵 𝓝𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪
🖤🌹𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓽/𝓕𝓮𝓲𝓼𝓽𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒
🌹🖤𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴/𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓜𝓒
🖤🌹"𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮"
🌹🖤𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
🖤🌹𝓜𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓬
🌹🖤𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼
🖤🌹𝓤𝓻𝓫𝓪𝓷 𝓕𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂
🌹🖤𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓗𝓮𝓻 & 𝓓*𝓮
🖤🌹𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
🌹🖤𝓗𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
🖤🌹𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝔂
🌹🖤𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🖤🌹𝓗𝓔𝓐
This is a standalone and book one of the "A Monster's Prey" Series.
Madison, our FMC, is desperate to run away from her past troubles and trauma, but all it wants is to dig its claws deeper into her. One day, she discovers that she has inherited her aunt's property: an isolated house that's secluded in the woods, where she can start over. In a frantic need to escape from her current situation, she gratefully travels to her newly acquired place with her beloved companion, her dog, Ranger. She receives strange warnings and info about the land, leaving her on edge. Along her journey, she is being hunted by something otherworldly, a mimic, the monster that loves the chase...
The book is rather short, but I wish it was longer because I was enjoying it. The FMC's character is surprisingly layered and relatable. Echo's character is dangerous, captivating, and deliciously sexy. We get some of his backstory. However, I would have liked more. Anyway, I just love how terrifyingly possessive and obsessive he is of her - oh my Lordt - their chemistry, the tension!
Plotline is well written, easy to follow, and you're sucked in from the start (a page turner). The spice and romance are scrumptious along with the horror and suspense aspects. The ending is wrapped up perfectly for me: I got my questions answered. The plot twists are well thought out, too! It's an addictive little novella. Not a soft romance at all - it's raw, primal, and left me blushing. The atmosphere of the mountains of the Appalachian is creepy and chilly - a perfect scenery. I appreciate the carefully woven myth, history, and folklore, which is already fascinating in itself. Such a thrilling ride! I LOVED IT.
If you like a short and spicy monster romance that's fast-paced and steamy, then this one is for you! There's an ambiance of mystery and paranormal. It's got just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for a nice little dark romance novella to leave you wanting more.
Out of Fives;
🌹🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
🖤🌹𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌹🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🖤🌹𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
🌹🖤𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
🖤🌹𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:💀💀💀💀
🌹🖤𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️
🖤🌹𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
🌹🖤𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
🖤🌹𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲
🌹🖤𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🖤🌹𝑬𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🌹🖤𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🖤🌹𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
🌹🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🖤🌹𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
🌹🖤𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🖤🌹𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 (𝑨 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑶𝒏𝒆).
🌹🖤𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 183.
🖤🌹𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 26 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
🌹🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
🖤🌹𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅: 19 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
🌹🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🖤🌹𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~I received an advance review copy for free (via Booksirens), and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author for the opportunity~
Tropes;
🌹🖤𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼 𝓢𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰
🖤🌹𝓕𝓸𝓵𝓴𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓮/𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱
🌹🖤𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓵 𝓝𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪
🖤🌹𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓽/𝓕𝓮𝓲𝓼𝓽𝔂 𝓕𝓜𝓒
🌹🖤𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴/𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓜𝓒
🖤🌹"𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮"
🌹🖤𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
🖤🌹𝓜𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓬
🌹🖤𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼
🖤🌹𝓤𝓻𝓫𝓪𝓷 𝓕𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂
🌹🖤𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓗𝓮𝓻 & 𝓓*𝓮
🖤🌹𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝔁𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓽𝔂
🌹🖤𝓗𝓮 𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
🖤🌹𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝔂
🌹🖤𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🖤🌹𝓗𝓔𝓐
This is a standalone and book one of the "A Monster's Prey" Series.
Madison, our FMC, is desperate to run away from her past troubles and trauma, but all it wants is to dig its claws deeper into her. One day, she discovers that she has inherited her aunt's property: an isolated house that's secluded in the woods, where she can start over. In a frantic need to escape from her current situation, she gratefully travels to her newly acquired place with her beloved companion, her dog, Ranger. She receives strange warnings and info about the land, leaving her on edge. Along her journey, she is being hunted by something otherworldly, a mimic, the monster that loves the chase...
The book is rather short, but I wish it was longer because I was enjoying it. The FMC's character is surprisingly layered and relatable. Echo's character is dangerous, captivating, and deliciously sexy. We get some of his backstory. However, I would have liked more. Anyway, I just love how terrifyingly possessive and obsessive he is of her - oh my Lordt - their chemistry, the tension!
Plotline is well written, easy to follow, and you're sucked in from the start (a page turner). The spice and romance are scrumptious along with the horror and suspense aspects. The ending is wrapped up perfectly for me: I got my questions answered. The plot twists are well thought out, too! It's an addictive little novella. Not a soft romance at all - it's raw, primal, and left me blushing. The atmosphere of the mountains of the Appalachian is creepy and chilly - a perfect scenery. I appreciate the carefully woven myth, history, and folklore, which is already fascinating in itself. Such a thrilling ride! I LOVED IT.
If you like a short and spicy monster romance that's fast-paced and steamy, then this one is for you! There's an ambiance of mystery and paranormal. It's got just the right amount of creepiness to get you in the mood for a nice little dark romance novella to leave you wanting more.
Out of Fives;
🌹🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
🖤🌹𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌹🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🖤🌹𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
🌹🖤𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
🖤🌹𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:💀💀💀💀
🌹🖤𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️
🖤🌹𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
🌹🖤𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
🖤🌹𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲
🌹🖤𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🖤🌹𝑬𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🌹🖤𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🖤🌹𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
🌹🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🖤🌹𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
🌹🖤𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🖤🌹𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 (𝑨 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑶𝒏𝒆).
🌹🖤𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 183.
🖤🌹𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 26 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
🌹🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
🖤🌹𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅: 19 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
🌹🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🖤🌹𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 2, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the E-Arc! This E-Arc was sent to me in exchange for an honest review!
That was the perfect amount of horror, mystery/thriller, and monster romance for the number of pages we got! Usually we get too little of the chase, too much of the romance, or too much build up and a very short amount of time with the couple. This novella was under 200 pages and it was a great amount of all of the above.
Echo was such an interesting character! To read about his origins (Hell yes to the representation that I was not expecting!) and how he was WAY different than the main character perceived him to be once she actually spoke to him. I adored that he was gentle with her feelings and trauma. How when she said, "I don't like when you touch me in anger."
And he said, "I understand. When I am angry, I will ask permission before I touch you."
He pretty much worshipped her this entire novella. Human men? No thank you! I'll stick to my fictional monster men!
Ranger was the sweetest old boy. Unarguably the best character in the book. He was Madison's protector before Echo came along, he's got to get a lot of credit!
Madison was a tough, at time savage, and ballsy main character! The author denied no part of her femininity while showing how strong and brave she was, putting her in multiple scenes where she could have run away screaming or shut down because of her fears and Madison immediately denied the voice in her head and said, "Nope. I'm stronger than that. I'm above the fear." (And of course there was Echo behind her telling her how brave she was, how she would have been a fierce warrior in his clan...Ugh, my heart.)
The plot of "Am I crazy? Is this really happening?" On top of all the bodies piling up, the crazy occurrences, and the reader truly not knowing if Madison was going insane like her grandmother or if every odd thing happening around her was happening in reality, was CAPTIVATING. It pulled me in the deeper I got into the page count. By page 24 I knew I wouldn't be putting the book down until it said "THE END".
I enjoyed this a lot, I will be reading anything else this author comes out with!
That was the perfect amount of horror, mystery/thriller, and monster romance for the number of pages we got! Usually we get too little of the chase, too much of the romance, or too much build up and a very short amount of time with the couple. This novella was under 200 pages and it was a great amount of all of the above.
Echo was such an interesting character! To read about his origins (Hell yes to the representation that I was not expecting!) and how he was WAY different than the main character perceived him to be once she actually spoke to him. I adored that he was gentle with her feelings and trauma. How when she said, "I don't like when you touch me in anger."
And he said, "I understand. When I am angry, I will ask permission before I touch you."
He pretty much worshipped her this entire novella. Human men? No thank you! I'll stick to my fictional monster men!
Ranger was the sweetest old boy. Unarguably the best character in the book. He was Madison's protector before Echo came along, he's got to get a lot of credit!
Madison was a tough, at time savage, and ballsy main character! The author denied no part of her femininity while showing how strong and brave she was, putting her in multiple scenes where she could have run away screaming or shut down because of her fears and Madison immediately denied the voice in her head and said, "Nope. I'm stronger than that. I'm above the fear." (And of course there was Echo behind her telling her how brave she was, how she would have been a fierce warrior in his clan...Ugh, my heart.)
The plot of "Am I crazy? Is this really happening?" On top of all the bodies piling up, the crazy occurrences, and the reader truly not knowing if Madison was going insane like her grandmother or if every odd thing happening around her was happening in reality, was CAPTIVATING. It pulled me in the deeper I got into the page count. By page 24 I knew I wouldn't be putting the book down until it said "THE END".
I enjoyed this a lot, I will be reading anything else this author comes out with!
October 15, 2025
Dark, Seductive, and Utterly Unforgettable — A Standout in Monster Romance
Echo: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey by Kat Bethel is the kind of book that sinks its claws into you from the first page and refuses to let go. It's seductive, eerie, emotional, and hauntingly intimate — everything I wanted from a horror/monster romance and more.
Kat Bethel has crafted a story that is equal parts unsettling and beautiful. The atmosphere is drenched in tension, the kind that creeps under your skin and lingers like a shadow in the corner of the room. But beneath the horror beats a surprisingly tender heart — a romance that feels as dangerous as it is genuine.
The monster in this story — Echo — is not your typical love interest. Bethel leans hard into the monstrous aspects while still making him deeply compelling, even alluring. He’s terrifying, mysterious, and unpredictable… and yet, you understand him. Maybe even fall for him a little. The way the story explores the primal, the forbidden, and the emotional connection between prey and predator is done masterfully.
The main character is just as engaging. She’s not a passive victim — she’s smart, fierce, and emotionally layered. Her reactions feel real, grounded in fear, curiosity, and something deeper that grows as the story unfolds. Watching her dynamic with Echo shift and evolve is one of the highlights of the book.
Bethel’s prose is lush and evocative, striking that perfect balance between gothic horror and romantic yearning. The tension crackles in every scene, whether it's a moment of whispered fear in the dark or a breathless, intimate encounter that blurs the lines between terror and desire.
Echo: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey by Kat Bethel is the kind of book that sinks its claws into you from the first page and refuses to let go. It's seductive, eerie, emotional, and hauntingly intimate — everything I wanted from a horror/monster romance and more.
Kat Bethel has crafted a story that is equal parts unsettling and beautiful. The atmosphere is drenched in tension, the kind that creeps under your skin and lingers like a shadow in the corner of the room. But beneath the horror beats a surprisingly tender heart — a romance that feels as dangerous as it is genuine.
The monster in this story — Echo — is not your typical love interest. Bethel leans hard into the monstrous aspects while still making him deeply compelling, even alluring. He’s terrifying, mysterious, and unpredictable… and yet, you understand him. Maybe even fall for him a little. The way the story explores the primal, the forbidden, and the emotional connection between prey and predator is done masterfully.
The main character is just as engaging. She’s not a passive victim — she’s smart, fierce, and emotionally layered. Her reactions feel real, grounded in fear, curiosity, and something deeper that grows as the story unfolds. Watching her dynamic with Echo shift and evolve is one of the highlights of the book.
Bethel’s prose is lush and evocative, striking that perfect balance between gothic horror and romantic yearning. The tension crackles in every scene, whether it's a moment of whispered fear in the dark or a breathless, intimate encounter that blurs the lines between terror and desire.
September 27, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟Arc Review
Holy hell, Kat Bethel did not come to play. Echo is everything I crave in a monster romance…dark woods, sharp teeth, heart-pounding terror and a love story that slithers right under your skin.
From page one you feel the isolation of Madison’s inherited farm like a living thing. The forest breathes. Shadows watch. Every creak in the house feels like a warning. And then he arrives. Echo isn’t your typical brooding antihero; he’s the nightmare your mother warned you about and the obsession you can’t quit. Predatory and magnetic, he wants her fear… and maybe her heart.
The tension here is insane. Every encounter between Madison and Echo is a cocktail of dread and heat, equal parts spine-chill and toe-curl. Kat’s pacing is brutal in the best way: she gives you just enough safety to breathe, then drags you back into the dark. I could practically hear the forest closing in.
What I love most? Madison isn’t passive. She questions, she fights, she burns. Her arc from survivor to someone who claims her own desire is perfection. And the romance… let’s just say the steam could set the whole forest on fire.
If you want a book that feels like a midnight dare you actually said yes to, equal parts horror movie and forbidden fairytale, this is it. Kat Bethel proves again why she owns the monster romance throne. Preorder it, clear your night, and maybe sleep with the lights on.
Final call: Four stars only because I didn’t want to leave so soon. Dark, steamy, and unforgettable… Echo is a midnight dare you’ll be glad you took.
Holy hell, Kat Bethel did not come to play. Echo is everything I crave in a monster romance…dark woods, sharp teeth, heart-pounding terror and a love story that slithers right under your skin.
From page one you feel the isolation of Madison’s inherited farm like a living thing. The forest breathes. Shadows watch. Every creak in the house feels like a warning. And then he arrives. Echo isn’t your typical brooding antihero; he’s the nightmare your mother warned you about and the obsession you can’t quit. Predatory and magnetic, he wants her fear… and maybe her heart.
The tension here is insane. Every encounter between Madison and Echo is a cocktail of dread and heat, equal parts spine-chill and toe-curl. Kat’s pacing is brutal in the best way: she gives you just enough safety to breathe, then drags you back into the dark. I could practically hear the forest closing in.
What I love most? Madison isn’t passive. She questions, she fights, she burns. Her arc from survivor to someone who claims her own desire is perfection. And the romance… let’s just say the steam could set the whole forest on fire.
If you want a book that feels like a midnight dare you actually said yes to, equal parts horror movie and forbidden fairytale, this is it. Kat Bethel proves again why she owns the monster romance throne. Preorder it, clear your night, and maybe sleep with the lights on.
Final call: Four stars only because I didn’t want to leave so soon. Dark, steamy, and unforgettable… Echo is a midnight dare you’ll be glad you took.
January 2, 2026
I give this 4.5 stars, overall. Plot: 5/5, romance/spice: 5/5, writing style: 4/5, horror/suspense: 4/5. I didn’t realize exactly where this book was going when I started it- I don’t know what I expected, but my expectations were low honestly. Boy was I wrong. Madison Valentine was a dynamic character. I learned very quickly there’s more to her than what it appeared at the beginning, in the best way possible. She was complex, relatable in some ways, funny as can be, and a baddie. The romantic partner is where I didn’t expect what I read, but I can’t go any further without spoilers. So I won’t go there. But I’m a fan. I really really liked the author’s tone and flow of her writing. HOWEVER, I took off a point due to the ending of the book. It felt rushed and left a couple loose ends that again, I can’t share without spoiling. But I read this book in two sittings because I was that hooked. I would recommend and definitely wouldn’t mind re-reading it sometime. I just wish the end would’ve been a little more tied together.
Main issues: I can’t believe her dad wouldn’t come see her- and how would he be able to?? Also… the ex-husband. You can’t make me believe he wouldn’t come check on her sometime after how he’s described in Madison’s narrative. I feel like it just left me with questions I can’t get over.
But like I said, highly recommend. I enjoyed it, and I don’t usually read this type of storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Main issues: I can’t believe her dad wouldn’t come see her- and how would he be able to?? Also… the ex-husband. You can’t make me believe he wouldn’t come check on her sometime after how he’s described in Madison’s narrative. I feel like it just left me with questions I can’t get over.
But like I said, highly recommend. I enjoyed it, and I don’t usually read this type of storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
Echo: A Monster Love Novella that Bites Back!
This isn't just a book, it's a heart-pounding sprint through the shadowed hollows of Appalachia! 🤩
💚 Echo: A Monster Love Novella that Bites Back! 💚
Forget your to-do list; you'll tear through this quick novella in about 4 hours flat—it's that addictive! This isn't polite romance; this is a raw, deep dive into monster lovers territory, heavy on the primal play spice that will leave you breathless.
Feel the authentic chill of the mountains and the warm drawl of the "hollar" woven right into the dialogue. It's Appalachian to its core!
But the real rush? The monster isn't just big and scary; it's a MIMIC that loves the chase and feeds on fear! Picture a beautiful, terrifying run through the woods where the stakes are your sanity and your heart.
🌳 Deeper Roots & Wicked Details 🌳
Not Your Standard Creature Feature: The choice of a mimic is brilliant and unsettlingly unique.
Cultural Heartbeat: The book pays genuine respect to the region, with a fantastic nod to the Shawnee heritage—a layer of history and myth that makes the story richer.
Appalachian Backbone: We're talking long-line Appalachian Grannies in the family tree! Plus, the inclusion of sage and Celtic knots is a perfect, subtle wink at the area's deep-rooted culture and folklore.
Bottom line? You couldn't put it down because it wouldn't let you! This book delivers a unique, spicy, and culturally grounded primal thrill. GO READ IT!
This isn't just a book, it's a heart-pounding sprint through the shadowed hollows of Appalachia! 🤩
💚 Echo: A Monster Love Novella that Bites Back! 💚
Forget your to-do list; you'll tear through this quick novella in about 4 hours flat—it's that addictive! This isn't polite romance; this is a raw, deep dive into monster lovers territory, heavy on the primal play spice that will leave you breathless.
Feel the authentic chill of the mountains and the warm drawl of the "hollar" woven right into the dialogue. It's Appalachian to its core!
But the real rush? The monster isn't just big and scary; it's a MIMIC that loves the chase and feeds on fear! Picture a beautiful, terrifying run through the woods where the stakes are your sanity and your heart.
🌳 Deeper Roots & Wicked Details 🌳
Not Your Standard Creature Feature: The choice of a mimic is brilliant and unsettlingly unique.
Cultural Heartbeat: The book pays genuine respect to the region, with a fantastic nod to the Shawnee heritage—a layer of history and myth that makes the story richer.
Appalachian Backbone: We're talking long-line Appalachian Grannies in the family tree! Plus, the inclusion of sage and Celtic knots is a perfect, subtle wink at the area's deep-rooted culture and folklore.
Bottom line? You couldn't put it down because it wouldn't let you! This book delivers a unique, spicy, and culturally grounded primal thrill. GO READ IT!
October 8, 2025
This plot was FASCINATING! The characters and spice were good, but the plot really stood out. The FMC is on the run from her ex and goes to her recently inherited house in the middle of BFE Appalachia. The women in her family have always been weird, but the longer she stays in the house, the more she realizes that maybe the family stories have some truth. Between the salt line, the sage, and all the creepy warnings, she may have just left one monster for another.
I will say the content warning made me a little nervous, but to clarify, the dog does not die and is not seriously injured. The animal death listed in the warnings is just a random wild deer, not Ranger. The mentions of pet abuse are speculation and do not happen on page. I almost didn't read this book because killing a pet is a hard no for me and it was unclear if the two warnings were related.
I loved that the literal monster in the story is the least monstrous when it comes to the FMC. I haven't read a wendigo/mimic romance before, but I loved the mythology and back story provided. This was also less spicy than I expected, but that may also be because I was so invested in the plot.
I'm hoping this will be a series of standalones with more cryptids because the author excelled with the little taste she gave.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for the free eARC.
I will say the content warning made me a little nervous, but to clarify, the dog does not die and is not seriously injured. The animal death listed in the warnings is just a random wild deer, not Ranger. The mentions of pet abuse are speculation and do not happen on page. I almost didn't read this book because killing a pet is a hard no for me and it was unclear if the two warnings were related.
I loved that the literal monster in the story is the least monstrous when it comes to the FMC. I haven't read a wendigo/mimic romance before, but I loved the mythology and back story provided. This was also less spicy than I expected, but that may also be because I was so invested in the plot.
I'm hoping this will be a series of standalones with more cryptids because the author excelled with the little taste she gave.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for the free eARC.
October 2, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC.
This is very much what it says on the tin, an unapologetic dark romance between a monster cursed to remain trapped and the human woman offered up by her family as intended sacrifice/offering.
Maddison and Echo are a well-matched pair. Maddison is running from an abusive ex and her own bad choices in picking dangerous men, and the opening section of the book she is wonderously competent in sorting out her own life and trying to not attract the attention of the things in the woods. This does pause due to plot reasons into a kind of compliance and I would have liked to see impostor scenes occur more frequently or even Maddison take care of that situation herself. (Remaining vague for plot spoilers). Echo is an interesting ML, sweet to Maddison in an overly possessive way, but his origins are still unclear to me despite it being somewhat laid out in the plot. I think he’s Native, but clearly marked as not a skinwalker which is a positive. He’s murderous but for her.
The family choosing section again could’ve been clearer. What are the percentages for and if they’re cataloguing traits, why go by least liked?
The spice is solid and varied, and the chasing sections were spooky as well as interesting.
This is very much what it says on the tin, an unapologetic dark romance between a monster cursed to remain trapped and the human woman offered up by her family as intended sacrifice/offering.
Maddison and Echo are a well-matched pair. Maddison is running from an abusive ex and her own bad choices in picking dangerous men, and the opening section of the book she is wonderously competent in sorting out her own life and trying to not attract the attention of the things in the woods. This does pause due to plot reasons into a kind of compliance and I would have liked to see impostor scenes occur more frequently or even Maddison take care of that situation herself. (Remaining vague for plot spoilers). Echo is an interesting ML, sweet to Maddison in an overly possessive way, but his origins are still unclear to me despite it being somewhat laid out in the plot. I think he’s Native, but clearly marked as not a skinwalker which is a positive. He’s murderous but for her.
The family choosing section again could’ve been clearer. What are the percentages for and if they’re cataloguing traits, why go by least liked?
The spice is solid and varied, and the chasing sections were spooky as well as interesting.
November 21, 2025
🎄.ARC REVIEW. 🎄
Echo By Kat Bethel.
Holy moly.!
I went into this thinking it was gonna be a cute little monster romance. Boy was I wrong. This sunk its claws into me and didn’t let go.
From the first page. I was extremely curious and couldn’t put this down. Even when I got the heebies. Yes this will have you looking over your shoulder and sitting under a light.
And then there is Echo. My sweet, psychotic, obsessive Monster. He is the exquisite apex of desire and danger. Every terrifying line he utters, every possessive command, is layered with an erotic intensity that makes you feel both hunted and cherished. He doesn't just claim his prey; he dismantles and rebuilds their world until they crave the cage he built. To be terrified, laughing, and utterly undone by a single character is rare, but Echo masters the trifecta.
If you are looking for a story that is genuinely dark, convincingly sexy, and will leave you feeling unsettled in the best possible way, surrender to this book.
Don't forget, little Rabbit: the shadows are always watching, and now, you'll want them to catch you.
Echo By Kat Bethel.
Holy moly.!
I went into this thinking it was gonna be a cute little monster romance. Boy was I wrong. This sunk its claws into me and didn’t let go.
From the first page. I was extremely curious and couldn’t put this down. Even when I got the heebies. Yes this will have you looking over your shoulder and sitting under a light.
And then there is Echo. My sweet, psychotic, obsessive Monster. He is the exquisite apex of desire and danger. Every terrifying line he utters, every possessive command, is layered with an erotic intensity that makes you feel both hunted and cherished. He doesn't just claim his prey; he dismantles and rebuilds their world until they crave the cage he built. To be terrified, laughing, and utterly undone by a single character is rare, but Echo masters the trifecta.
If you are looking for a story that is genuinely dark, convincingly sexy, and will leave you feeling unsettled in the best possible way, surrender to this book.
Don't forget, little Rabbit: the shadows are always watching, and now, you'll want them to catch you.
September 21, 2025
2,7⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Echo is a dark romantasy with erotic elements that, despite its intriguing premise, didn’t really convince me.
The story combines several appealing aspects: a girl running from a violent past, witches, rituals, and mythical creatures, all mixed with a good dose of spice. The idea was fascinating, but the execution wasn’t.
The book is far too short: many things are left unexplained, while others happen so quickly that they lose impact and don’t feel fully justified.
As for the characters, Echo could have been really interesting, but often comes across as contradictory. The FC, who I actually liked at the beginning, becomes increasingly whiny and irritating toward the end, which made it harder for me to stay engaged.
Overall, it’s a story with solid potential, but developed in a way that felt rushed and unsatisfying.
Writing ⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️
Story⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes:
⚜️monster romance
⚜️forced proximity
⚜️Run little rabbit
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Echo is a dark romantasy with erotic elements that, despite its intriguing premise, didn’t really convince me.
The story combines several appealing aspects: a girl running from a violent past, witches, rituals, and mythical creatures, all mixed with a good dose of spice. The idea was fascinating, but the execution wasn’t.
The book is far too short: many things are left unexplained, while others happen so quickly that they lose impact and don’t feel fully justified.
As for the characters, Echo could have been really interesting, but often comes across as contradictory. The FC, who I actually liked at the beginning, becomes increasingly whiny and irritating toward the end, which made it harder for me to stay engaged.
Overall, it’s a story with solid potential, but developed in a way that felt rushed and unsatisfying.
Writing ⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️
Story⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes:
⚜️monster romance
⚜️forced proximity
⚜️Run little rabbit
September 25, 2025
This was my very first book by Kat Bethel, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Her writing style is fluid and captivating, making the story easy to follow and hard to put down. Echo is a fast standalone (around 180 pages), but it still manages to feel complete, with a solid beginning, middle, and conclusion.
🌑 What to Expect:
• Horror / Monster Romance 🖤
• Redemption Arc ✨
• Beauty & the Beast vibes… but spicier 🌹🔥
• Fast, thrilling, and addictive
The first part gave me genuine tension and chills — the kind of fear that makes you keep turning the pages. As the story unfolded, it blended horror, spice, and tenderness in such a unique way. It’s dark, original, and surprisingly emotional.
My rating is somewhere between ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4–4.5). I didn’t give it a full 5 simply because I tend to reserve that for long, immersive series or absolute masterpieces. But as a quick standalone horror-romance, this is definitely one of the best I’ve read.
If you’re looking for something original, spicy, and darkly romantic — Echo is absolutely worth it.
🌑 What to Expect:
• Horror / Monster Romance 🖤
• Redemption Arc ✨
• Beauty & the Beast vibes… but spicier 🌹🔥
• Fast, thrilling, and addictive
The first part gave me genuine tension and chills — the kind of fear that makes you keep turning the pages. As the story unfolded, it blended horror, spice, and tenderness in such a unique way. It’s dark, original, and surprisingly emotional.
My rating is somewhere between ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4–4.5). I didn’t give it a full 5 simply because I tend to reserve that for long, immersive series or absolute masterpieces. But as a quick standalone horror-romance, this is definitely one of the best I’ve read.
If you’re looking for something original, spicy, and darkly romantic — Echo is absolutely worth it.
October 6, 2025
Echo is a monster romance that gives us Madison as she flees to a family farm she inherited in search of a better life where she ends up getting much more than she bargained for. The book held my interest for the most part but by the end my overall feeling was that I wanted much more from it. I found the premise to be interesting but the world building needed a lot of work. I think this was set in the Appalachians but it could have been stated more clearly. I wanted to know more about Echo and more about the other monsters on the land and what the Rinah witches have had to deal with while protecting it. I also didn't really care for Madison as a character, she was a bit wishy washy for me. The last few chapters felt really rushed and then led us into an epilogue that is set a year in the future that doesn't really add anything to the story. Overall, it wasn't a bad way to waste time but I wish it was fleshed out more.
I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2025
Echo: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey
This is a steamy indie entry in the burgeoning monster romance sub genre, delivers a pulse-pounding tale of forbidden desire and primal pursuit in a shadowy, otherworldly realm. It follows Echo, a resilient human protagonist unwittingly drawn into the lair of a terrifying yet alluring monster—part beast, part enigma—who sees her as both prey and perfect mate. Blending visceral horror with scorching romance, the story explores themes of captivity, transformation, and the intoxicating pull between fear and lust, where the line between hunter and lover blurs into erotic tension. Bethel crafts a dark, atmospheric world teeming with grotesque creatures and ancient curses, forcing Echo to confront her deepest instincts as she navigates survival and seduction. Ideal for fans of dark fantasy erotica who don't mind alpha monsters and fated-mates vibes.
This is a steamy indie entry in the burgeoning monster romance sub genre, delivers a pulse-pounding tale of forbidden desire and primal pursuit in a shadowy, otherworldly realm. It follows Echo, a resilient human protagonist unwittingly drawn into the lair of a terrifying yet alluring monster—part beast, part enigma—who sees her as both prey and perfect mate. Blending visceral horror with scorching romance, the story explores themes of captivity, transformation, and the intoxicating pull between fear and lust, where the line between hunter and lover blurs into erotic tension. Bethel crafts a dark, atmospheric world teeming with grotesque creatures and ancient curses, forcing Echo to confront her deepest instincts as she navigates survival and seduction. Ideal for fans of dark fantasy erotica who don't mind alpha monsters and fated-mates vibes.
September 19, 2025
6 ⭐️ Spiciness Alert 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ OUT OF THE CHARTS! LOVED LOVED LOVED.
Haunting, mesmerizing, and everything I could ask for. If you’re into a little bit of horror mixed with a lot of spice, this book is for you.
Set in the Appalachian mountains, the story oozes eerie vibes, if you think you heard it… no you didn’t 👀. Madison inherits a family farm, but with it comes far more than she expected. At night, something, or someone, lurks beyond the window shades, hunting her down.
The characters were unforgettable:
✨ Madison – flawed but resilient, learning to survive and adapt even when she’s out of her depth.
✨ Echo – dark, dreamy, protective, and dangerous (and yes, a little pain kink energy 👹).
✨ Ranger – the absolute goodest boy, loyal and protective every step of the way.
Thank you Kat Bethel for letting me be an ARC reader for this masterpiece. I devoured it in two hours and now need to read everything else you’ve ever written. BRB entering my monster era🦇✨
Haunting, mesmerizing, and everything I could ask for. If you’re into a little bit of horror mixed with a lot of spice, this book is for you.
Set in the Appalachian mountains, the story oozes eerie vibes, if you think you heard it… no you didn’t 👀. Madison inherits a family farm, but with it comes far more than she expected. At night, something, or someone, lurks beyond the window shades, hunting her down.
The characters were unforgettable:
✨ Madison – flawed but resilient, learning to survive and adapt even when she’s out of her depth.
✨ Echo – dark, dreamy, protective, and dangerous (and yes, a little pain kink energy 👹).
✨ Ranger – the absolute goodest boy, loyal and protective every step of the way.
Thank you Kat Bethel for letting me be an ARC reader for this masterpiece. I devoured it in two hours and now need to read everything else you’ve ever written. BRB entering my monster era🦇✨
September 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! It’s the perfect combination of monster, romance, spice, and supernatural. It gives off Mayfair Witches vibes, but better. Centered on the Rinah Witches lineage and their deal with Echo, a monster reminiscent of a skinwalker, the story pulls you in from the start.
The FMC, Madison, is a strong, curvy, and sassy character - one I loved following. She has her weak moments, but they feel real and understandable, which only makes her more relatable. The dynamic between Madison and Echo is electric, and the spice scenes are veryyy spicy - some even with a touch of blood play, though it never feels overwhelming. The writing is so descriptive that you’re fully immersed, feeling every moment right alongside the characters.
I’ve already read it twice and will probably go back for a third round. If you love monster romance with supernatural flair, this is an absolute must-read!
The FMC, Madison, is a strong, curvy, and sassy character - one I loved following. She has her weak moments, but they feel real and understandable, which only makes her more relatable. The dynamic between Madison and Echo is electric, and the spice scenes are veryyy spicy - some even with a touch of blood play, though it never feels overwhelming. The writing is so descriptive that you’re fully immersed, feeling every moment right alongside the characters.
I’ve already read it twice and will probably go back for a third round. If you love monster romance with supernatural flair, this is an absolute must-read!
September 27, 2025
Echo was a story about a questionably stable women who escapes her life from her monstrous abusive boyfriend only to find herself encompassed by an actual monster.
The book was what I like to call an easy read. I was able to follow the story and found myself questioning what was gonna happen next.
I actually started rooting for Echo the monster and started to understand his motivations.
The main female character however was all over the place emotionally & mentally but that was stated in the story several time so maybe her character was truly not mentally stable.
I would’ve liked more on the “witch” aspect and the other creatures that dwelled on the property. I also was a little confused on echos monster appearance & think that could’ve used some more thorough detail & description.
All in all the book was enjoyable but the main character’s choices seemed far fetched & a little unbelievable.
The book was what I like to call an easy read. I was able to follow the story and found myself questioning what was gonna happen next.
I actually started rooting for Echo the monster and started to understand his motivations.
The main female character however was all over the place emotionally & mentally but that was stated in the story several time so maybe her character was truly not mentally stable.
I would’ve liked more on the “witch” aspect and the other creatures that dwelled on the property. I also was a little confused on echos monster appearance & think that could’ve used some more thorough detail & description.
All in all the book was enjoyable but the main character’s choices seemed far fetched & a little unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
This book was a fantastic read from start to finish. It’s very well written, with smooth pacing and vivid descriptions that make the story easy to get lost in. The monster element is especially well done—dark, intriguing, and executed in a way that makes it a truly great monster story rather than something predictable.
The spicy scenes definitely deserve a mention because they are very spicy and incredibly satisfying. They’re woven naturally into the story, adding heat and intensity without feeling forced, and they deliver exactly what readers are hoping for.
But what really makes the story different is its unique storyline. It's so different because it doesn't involve overused tropes, which will make the story feel fresh and exciting from start to finish. If you're looking for a well-written steamy monster read with a unique twist, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The spicy scenes definitely deserve a mention because they are very spicy and incredibly satisfying. They’re woven naturally into the story, adding heat and intensity without feeling forced, and they deliver exactly what readers are hoping for.
But what really makes the story different is its unique storyline. It's so different because it doesn't involve overused tropes, which will make the story feel fresh and exciting from start to finish. If you're looking for a well-written steamy monster read with a unique twist, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2025
As a lifelong monster romance reader, I’d been feeling burnt out lately, everything I picked up started to feel the same. This book was exactly what I needed to break out of that slump.
I devoured it in just three hours, completely hooked from start to finish. The story follows Madison Valentine, who inherits her family farm at the perfect time for a fresh start. But her escape quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers something monstrous lurking in the woods, and he’s not the only one stalking her.
The atmosphere is tense and haunting, blending fear, danger, and a strange, irresistible pull. The “run, little rabbit” vibe perfectly captures the tone: dark, fast-paced, and addictive.
If you love monster romance with a bite and want something that will jolt you out of a reading slump, this is the book for you.
I devoured it in just three hours, completely hooked from start to finish. The story follows Madison Valentine, who inherits her family farm at the perfect time for a fresh start. But her escape quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers something monstrous lurking in the woods, and he’s not the only one stalking her.
The atmosphere is tense and haunting, blending fear, danger, and a strange, irresistible pull. The “run, little rabbit” vibe perfectly captures the tone: dark, fast-paced, and addictive.
If you love monster romance with a bite and want something that will jolt you out of a reading slump, this is the book for you.
September 21, 2025
If you’re looking for an intro to Monster Love, I would suggest starting here.
As always, please check the TWs, because your mental health ALWAYS comes first.
Madison comes from a family of Witches, however, her own belief in Witchcraft is slim. So when she inherits a plot of land from her Great Aunt Pearl 👵, she takes the opportunity and literally runs.
Madison did not grow up with sunshine and daisies but with the hardships and tough love. Her love life has never been easy and she thinks with this change in scenery she will also have a change in heart 🖤
Little does Madison know what is trapped on her new plot of land. 😈
This book has all the thrills and spice that is needed to keep your attention and your toes curled.
I would give this 3.5 chilies on the spicy scale. There is plenty of spicy but the details don’t go over board.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
As always, please check the TWs, because your mental health ALWAYS comes first.
Madison comes from a family of Witches, however, her own belief in Witchcraft is slim. So when she inherits a plot of land from her Great Aunt Pearl 👵, she takes the opportunity and literally runs.
Madison did not grow up with sunshine and daisies but with the hardships and tough love. Her love life has never been easy and she thinks with this change in scenery she will also have a change in heart 🖤
Little does Madison know what is trapped on her new plot of land. 😈
This book has all the thrills and spice that is needed to keep your attention and your toes curled.
I would give this 3.5 chilies on the spicy scale. There is plenty of spicy but the details don’t go over board.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 12, 2025
The premise of this story is fantastic—Madison inheriting the family farm and discovering the lurking dangers in the woods hooked me right away. The atmosphere is eerie and unsettling, and the setup had a lot of potential.
That said, the execution fell a bit short for me. The timeline felt inconsistent at times, making it hard to follow the flow of events. There were also sections that seemed rushed or incomplete, as if pieces of the story were missing, which left me with more questions than answers.
Overall, it’s a decent read with an intriguing concept, but it could have been stronger with tighter pacing and more attention to filling in the gaps.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
That said, the execution fell a bit short for me. The timeline felt inconsistent at times, making it hard to follow the flow of events. There were also sections that seemed rushed or incomplete, as if pieces of the story were missing, which left me with more questions than answers.
Overall, it’s a decent read with an intriguing concept, but it could have been stronger with tighter pacing and more attention to filling in the gaps.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 22, 2025
Running from an abusive boyfriend, Madison hopes the farm she just inherited will be remote enough to hide her forever. Unfortunately, her boyfriend is not the only thing hunting her. Can she evade the monsters pursuing her, or will she ultimately just be prey?
I couldn't put this story down! This is the perfect combination of dark desire and toxic impulses. Madison knows her own faults and tendencies but refuses to just give in to the monsters surrounding her without a fight. And she has a fantastic dog. What more could you want?
Echo is a spicy, dark monster romance novella that is perfect for the spooky season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn't put this story down! This is the perfect combination of dark desire and toxic impulses. Madison knows her own faults and tendencies but refuses to just give in to the monsters surrounding her without a fight. And she has a fantastic dog. What more could you want?
Echo is a spicy, dark monster romance novella that is perfect for the spooky season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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