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Monster Stalker #4
Nightshades: A Dark Monster Romance
I’m a monster DNA experiment and her nightmares are mine.
In a world full of daydreams, I am the nightmare who haunts them.
Being kidnapped and experimented on violated me, but I love the power I have been given.
I get to inflict pain. Suffering. Fear.
And my favorite, death.
I will rid the world of the bad, even if it means having to kill the good.
Remorse? Humanity? Kindness? The little I had as a human died the day I became what people fear.
Mmm, I’m hard just thinking about it.
I do love when people are terrified of me.
Especially her.
Detective Lula Sanchez.
Her case files are a threat, and I have to protect her from the people she is hunting.
The only one allowed to install fear in her is me.
Her terror? I own.
Her thrills? They belong to me.
Her nightmares? Claimed.
When her eyes close every night, Lula will succumb to my darkness.
She’s mine.
And all my beasts agree.
This is book four in The Monster Stalker Series. The author recommends reading in order and asks that you please read the trigger warnings which are located at the very front of the book as this is a dark romance.
In a world full of daydreams, I am the nightmare who haunts them.
Being kidnapped and experimented on violated me, but I love the power I have been given.
I get to inflict pain. Suffering. Fear.
And my favorite, death.
I will rid the world of the bad, even if it means having to kill the good.
Remorse? Humanity? Kindness? The little I had as a human died the day I became what people fear.
Mmm, I’m hard just thinking about it.
I do love when people are terrified of me.
Especially her.
Detective Lula Sanchez.
Her case files are a threat, and I have to protect her from the people she is hunting.
The only one allowed to install fear in her is me.
Her terror? I own.
Her thrills? They belong to me.
Her nightmares? Claimed.
When her eyes close every night, Lula will succumb to my darkness.
She’s mine.
And all my beasts agree.
This is book four in The Monster Stalker Series. The author recommends reading in order and asks that you please read the trigger warnings which are located at the very front of the book as this is a dark romance.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
About the author
January Rayne
29 books1,335 followersJanuary Rayne is a pseudonym I decided to use because it sounds better than my given name. I’m a lover of all romance and write in the genres I love most because why limit myself? I want to write anything and everything, from badass men and women to characters who want to rip each other’s clothes off. I plan to ‘take it all’ like the good little girl I am.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
December 27, 2025
2.75 - 3 stars!
Nightshades was a bit violently dark for me 😂😂. I was uncomfortable both in and out of the bedroom. Dark and smutty.
Nightshades was a bit violently dark for me 😂😂. I was uncomfortable both in and out of the bedroom. Dark and smutty.
December 21, 2025
While a fun addition to the series, it's my least favorite. I need more connection with the MMC and FMC.
December 23, 2025
"I think you’re the only person in the world that I love. I would kill everyone else, slaughter them, feed off their screams, if it meant you got to breathe for another second.”
This was my least favorite of the series.
I didn't feel that strong connection like in the other books.
Every time they got freaky, they fucked till she bled out her other holes.
She was a awful detective.
Just a whole lot of nothin goin on.
This was my least favorite of the series.
I didn't feel that strong connection like in the other books.
Every time they got freaky, they fucked till she bled out her other holes.
She was a awful detective.
Just a whole lot of nothin goin on.
December 19, 2025
This was definitely the darkest book January has written and I loved it! Her body was breaking itself to accommodate him!!! THE SIZE DIFFERENCEEEE! Not only that but he’s a hybrid of Rhino, vampire, anglerfish, nightmare, etc!!! Regardless of what those mad scientists made him, she loved her mate and now pregnant with a hybrid baby! I thought it was so cute that her womb glows and how protective Shade is over her! Cannot get enough of this series! I need moreee!
December 21, 2025
Pretty good
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: monster stalker
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I enjoyed the story, it was super dark. I loved the other ones, but maybe this is hitting my dark limit? Similar kind of tale as the others too, but I love them all and love seeing all the old MCs hanging out in the diner with their kids, lol. If she keeps making them, I'll keep reading them!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: monster stalker
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I enjoyed the story, it was super dark. I loved the other ones, but maybe this is hitting my dark limit? Similar kind of tale as the others too, but I love them all and love seeing all the old MCs hanging out in the diner with their kids, lol. If she keeps making them, I'll keep reading them!
January 28, 2026
Ummmm
So, I didn't previously think there was a line for me, because I've read plenty of fucked up shit (am I allowed to swear on here?), but I have now found it. Shade is so demented that I can't even describe it. I can't even recommend this one to the most insane of my dark monster romance girlies, which are already the least mentally stable people I know.
The sex scenes were tooooo much for me, man. I don't want to read a sex scene where he's literally fucking out the back of her skull or crushing her entire internal organ system. The big cock trope could never have predicted that January Rayne would do this to it. The other books in this series were darkly comedic and also totally demented but in a fun way where you read it and laugh about how fucked up it was while also generally being a good time. This one was like a horror/fear novel but lacked the same insane humor element for me. There were sooo many long, detailed descriptions of gory murders and the sex scenes also felt like gory murder except with jizz.
Will I read other books by this author? Yes, but I will be low key terrified going in.
So, I didn't previously think there was a line for me, because I've read plenty of fucked up shit (am I allowed to swear on here?), but I have now found it. Shade is so demented that I can't even describe it. I can't even recommend this one to the most insane of my dark monster romance girlies, which are already the least mentally stable people I know.
The sex scenes were tooooo much for me, man. I don't want to read a sex scene where he's literally fucking out the back of her skull or crushing her entire internal organ system. The big cock trope could never have predicted that January Rayne would do this to it. The other books in this series were darkly comedic and also totally demented but in a fun way where you read it and laugh about how fucked up it was while also generally being a good time. This one was like a horror/fear novel but lacked the same insane humor element for me. There were sooo many long, detailed descriptions of gory murders and the sex scenes also felt like gory murder except with jizz.
Will I read other books by this author? Yes, but I will be low key terrified going in.
January 5, 2026
DNF at 60%
Okay normally I can get down with dark and monster but not this one bruh. I love January so so much. Like so much. The first two books in this series were amazing.
However, for me personally, this series has fallen off exponentially with the last two.
In this one specifically they don’t actually meet (where one is not drugged) until 55% by 60% they are doing the deed.
It was just too much for me. It felt like this book was trying way too hard. I realized I had 140 pages left and realized I simply couldn’t do it. I literally was so bummed about the prospect of finishing this book and I could not force myself to keep reading.
In my opinion, which is not an important one at all LMAO, this reads more like an erotic horror than a dark romance. And I don’t particularly care for this LMAO
I feel so bad I wanted to like it, I was excited for it.
And the monsters he was made of were extremely confusing. Nightmare???? What are we doing. RHINO??? That isn’t even a monster. That’s a mammal. I can see that on a safari bruh. AND THE ANGLER FISH DICK????!!! Be so fucking frl rn. I got down with the squid cooter and the octopus dick but an anglerfish that has actual teeth on it ??? That’s a literal horror movie premise.
Be so frl, I’m so sad that this book was made and I’m sad I wasted my first book OF the year on it
HOWEVER DONT GET IT TWISTED I will be reading the next one. 🫢🫢🫢
Okay normally I can get down with dark and monster but not this one bruh. I love January so so much. Like so much. The first two books in this series were amazing.
However, for me personally, this series has fallen off exponentially with the last two.
In this one specifically they don’t actually meet (where one is not drugged) until 55% by 60% they are doing the deed.
It was just too much for me. It felt like this book was trying way too hard. I realized I had 140 pages left and realized I simply couldn’t do it. I literally was so bummed about the prospect of finishing this book and I could not force myself to keep reading.
In my opinion, which is not an important one at all LMAO, this reads more like an erotic horror than a dark romance. And I don’t particularly care for this LMAO
I feel so bad I wanted to like it, I was excited for it.
And the monsters he was made of were extremely confusing. Nightmare???? What are we doing. RHINO??? That isn’t even a monster. That’s a mammal. I can see that on a safari bruh. AND THE ANGLER FISH DICK????!!! Be so fucking frl rn. I got down with the squid cooter and the octopus dick but an anglerfish that has actual teeth on it ??? That’s a literal horror movie premise.
Be so frl, I’m so sad that this book was made and I’m sad I wasted my first book OF the year on it
HOWEVER DONT GET IT TWISTED I will be reading the next one. 🫢🫢🫢
December 31, 2025
I definitely need therapy…
…and I’m okay with that! There’s honestly nothing else out there like January’s Monster Stalkers. It’s dark and genuinely disturbing and the monsters are actually monstrous but what makes it work is how obsessively devoted they are to their mates. The contrast between brutality and loyalty is addictive. I loved how the overarching plot ties into other books and characters; it makes the world feel deliberate and alive rather than episodic. This series just keeps getting better, and I’m completely hooked.
…and I’m okay with that! There’s honestly nothing else out there like January’s Monster Stalkers. It’s dark and genuinely disturbing and the monsters are actually monstrous but what makes it work is how obsessively devoted they are to their mates. The contrast between brutality and loyalty is addictive. I loved how the overarching plot ties into other books and characters; it makes the world feel deliberate and alive rather than episodic. This series just keeps getting better, and I’m completely hooked.
January 10, 2026
I'm sorry but I just couldn't with this one. I love January Rayne, and I loved the rest of the series, but I felt like this one was just trying too hard somehow. The main characters had zero connection. And please...can we talk about the elephant (or rather, rhino *IYKYK*) in the room? 👉🏻 Over 2 ft of 🍆?! Angel fish at the base with teeth?? And he literally fits it ALL in her—destroying his "beloved mates" insides without a care? Literally poor girl was gruesomely bleeding out of every crevice because of this. And I can handle some dark, fucked up shit...but I just couldn't get into it with their s*x scenes. 🫠 Was this book for me? No. Will I continue reading whatever January Rayne comes out with next? Absolutely yes.
January 30, 2026
I'm giving this 4 stars to be generous because I’ve enjoyed the continuation of the series overall, but this installment was a struggle for me. It was dark and, quite literally, messed up.
The logic was a bit of a stretch, it’s hard to wrap my head around a dedicated police officer hooking up with a motorcycle gang enforcer who is an active murderer. In any reality, she would have locked him up! I did give kudos to the author for the unique inclusion of rhino and anglerfish trivia; it was a weirdly specific touch that actually worked.
However, this book pushed the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with. There was a significant amount of non-con and dub-con elements that really turned me off. While it’s "fantasy lala land," those themes are a lot to process. I'm honestly not sure if I'll be continuing with this series after this one.
The logic was a bit of a stretch, it’s hard to wrap my head around a dedicated police officer hooking up with a motorcycle gang enforcer who is an active murderer. In any reality, she would have locked him up! I did give kudos to the author for the unique inclusion of rhino and anglerfish trivia; it was a weirdly specific touch that actually worked.
However, this book pushed the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with. There was a significant amount of non-con and dub-con elements that really turned me off. While it’s "fantasy lala land," those themes are a lot to process. I'm honestly not sure if I'll be continuing with this series after this one.
February 17, 2026
2.50/5.00 overall rating
2.50/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: monster, detective, fated mates, mf
Trigger Warnings: stalking, manipulation, drugging (paralysis), murder
Kinks: oral, bondage (vines), blood play, biting, breeding kink, somnophilia, primal play
Thoughts:
This just wasn’t for me. I don’t judge if someone likes pain during sex. However, enjoying broken bones and literally getting her skull fucked to the point there’s a whole in the back? I don’t care how fast she heals now, that is just outrageous. The other ones were wild, but this one takes the cake. It honestly made me want to skip most of the spicy parts.
2.50/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: monster, detective, fated mates, mf
Trigger Warnings: stalking, manipulation, drugging (paralysis), murder
Kinks: oral, bondage (vines), blood play, biting, breeding kink, somnophilia, primal play
Thoughts:
This just wasn’t for me. I don’t judge if someone likes pain during sex. However, enjoying broken bones and literally getting her skull fucked to the point there’s a whole in the back? I don’t care how fast she heals now, that is just outrageous. The other ones were wild, but this one takes the cake. It honestly made me want to skip most of the spicy parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2025
January’s writing is so beautiful. I absolutely love this series, but this one was probably my least favorite just because I feel like there wasn’t much of a connection between the FMC and MMC, which is something I LOVED in the previous 3 books.
March 18, 2026
I thought I had no limits with dark romance… turns out I do.
February 15, 2026
I love the monsters January has created but it feels like we lose plot with each book. There were quite a few grammatical errors (which I can usually look past) that added to the feeling of the book being rushed and thrown together. I won’t skip any of the books in the series because I love them but it feels like they’ve lost their quality more and more with each one
December 30, 2025
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
Dark Monster Romance
Human DNA experiment
Fated mates
Stalker tendencies
Monstrous size difference
Noncon/Dubcon
OTT possessive & obsessive
Nightmare sex
Fear play
Pain play
Pierced peen
Monster peen
Breeding/pregnancy
He's soft only for her
HEA
Nightshades by January Rayne was an absolute trip. By book four, I knew exactly what I was signing up for: wild DNA experiments, unhinged monster logic, and chaotic shenanigans... and somehow this installment still managed to go above and beyond. It escalates everything compared to the first three books and delivers nonstop “WTF did I just read?” moments in the best way.
Shade was already a massive presence before the experiments since he was an enforcer for a motorcycle gang who lived with death as part of his daily routine. The DNA tampering amplifies everything about him: his size, his violence, and his very skewed sense of justice. While he loosely tries to limit his brutality to people he deems evil, all rules vanish when it comes to protecting his newly found mate, Lula. His entire worldview narrows to her, and the lengths he’s willing to go to are extreme, unsettling, and completely on-brand for this series.
Despite his gruff, deeply distrustful nature, Shade’s character is grounded by trauma that’s slowly revealed through the story’s nightmare elements and especially when Lula begins to see those nightmares for herself. That vulnerability adds an unexpected layer to him, even as he’s constantly running off to commit acts of violence. He’s never known love before, and his relationship with Lula is oddly endearing in the most illogical, feral way possible. He fully embodies the “soft only for her” trope, and honestly… a monster who hates the world but chooses you is hard to resist.
Lula was a strong match for him. Thanks to her family’s history with supernatural sight, she already has one foot in the paranormal world, which allows her to adapt to both Shade and the chaos around him more easily than previous heroines. She doesn’t just accept the danger, she leans into it, and that makes her a true ride-or-die partner rather than someone Shade has to constantly shield or convince. I actually appreciated that he didn’t have to fight harder for her affection; given who he is, that might not have ended well.
It was also fun seeing the other experiments again. Watching Shade and Creed immediately clash was hilarious; two morally black, overpowered monsters posturing to prove who’s the biggest threat in the room. The brief appearances from Rhett and Fitz were a delight as well and helped reinforce how interconnected and chaotic this world has become.
This book was simultaneously horrifying and fascinating, and I’m not sure what that says about me as a reader, but it worked. The nightmare aspect was especially effective, managing to be both psychologically disturbing and deeply memorable. Between the nightmare entity and the angler fish DNA, I can confidently say I’ve unlocked a few brand-new fears, so thanks for that, January. I’m very curious to see whether Shade gains more control or evolution over this side of himself in future books, especially with the Hellblazers in the picture.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. Check your triggers carefully as January Rayne absolutely goes there, and then some. Still, for readers already invested in this series, Nightshades fits right in and somehow manages to raise the bar for chaos, darkness, and sheer audacity.
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
Dark Monster Romance
Human DNA experiment
Fated mates
Stalker tendencies
Monstrous size difference
Noncon/Dubcon
OTT possessive & obsessive
Nightmare sex
Fear play
Pain play
Pierced peen
Monster peen
Breeding/pregnancy
He's soft only for her
HEA
Nightshades by January Rayne was an absolute trip. By book four, I knew exactly what I was signing up for: wild DNA experiments, unhinged monster logic, and chaotic shenanigans... and somehow this installment still managed to go above and beyond. It escalates everything compared to the first three books and delivers nonstop “WTF did I just read?” moments in the best way.
Shade was already a massive presence before the experiments since he was an enforcer for a motorcycle gang who lived with death as part of his daily routine. The DNA tampering amplifies everything about him: his size, his violence, and his very skewed sense of justice. While he loosely tries to limit his brutality to people he deems evil, all rules vanish when it comes to protecting his newly found mate, Lula. His entire worldview narrows to her, and the lengths he’s willing to go to are extreme, unsettling, and completely on-brand for this series.
Despite his gruff, deeply distrustful nature, Shade’s character is grounded by trauma that’s slowly revealed through the story’s nightmare elements and especially when Lula begins to see those nightmares for herself. That vulnerability adds an unexpected layer to him, even as he’s constantly running off to commit acts of violence. He’s never known love before, and his relationship with Lula is oddly endearing in the most illogical, feral way possible. He fully embodies the “soft only for her” trope, and honestly… a monster who hates the world but chooses you is hard to resist.
Lula was a strong match for him. Thanks to her family’s history with supernatural sight, she already has one foot in the paranormal world, which allows her to adapt to both Shade and the chaos around him more easily than previous heroines. She doesn’t just accept the danger, she leans into it, and that makes her a true ride-or-die partner rather than someone Shade has to constantly shield or convince. I actually appreciated that he didn’t have to fight harder for her affection; given who he is, that might not have ended well.
It was also fun seeing the other experiments again. Watching Shade and Creed immediately clash was hilarious; two morally black, overpowered monsters posturing to prove who’s the biggest threat in the room. The brief appearances from Rhett and Fitz were a delight as well and helped reinforce how interconnected and chaotic this world has become.
This book was simultaneously horrifying and fascinating, and I’m not sure what that says about me as a reader, but it worked. The nightmare aspect was especially effective, managing to be both psychologically disturbing and deeply memorable. Between the nightmare entity and the angler fish DNA, I can confidently say I’ve unlocked a few brand-new fears, so thanks for that, January. I’m very curious to see whether Shade gains more control or evolution over this side of himself in future books, especially with the Hellblazers in the picture.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. Check your triggers carefully as January Rayne absolutely goes there, and then some. Still, for readers already invested in this series, Nightshades fits right in and somehow manages to raise the bar for chaos, darkness, and sheer audacity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
January by far is one of my authors who's creativity knows no bounds. This book is a testament to that. She has again for the 4th time created something so unique and unheard of. First I have to warn y'all this is dark. Luke dark dark horror movie meets romance. in dark romance there's no such thing as too dark so let's just get that out the way. if you can't handle the blood and gore as well as just the overall animalistic and primal nature of the MMC then this isn't for you.
Now that we've established the darkness what truly matters is the cohesiveness and detail as well as world building. Look past the savageness and see what she has created.
Shade was already a little broken as a human. Than he was taken and broken completely only to be rebuilt. Rebuilt as something out of literal nightmares. Despite the so called "evilness". he went after the people who deserved it. The fact he derived pleasure and sustenance from it is another matter.
That's where the FMC enters. Lula is literally the other half of him. She completes him in a way no one or thing could possibly hope to. She is accepting of him and who/what he is. For the first time in over 10 years he experiences to be loved again. Watching the evolution and growth of their relationship was just beautiful. She accepts him for who he is and doesn't try to change him.
So many FMC will be squeamish or appalled at his behavior. Our dear Lula just loves it and him.Sje accepts him for he is and even goes so far as to help with his feeding needs. Turning the other cheek.
I want to end with telling y'all Shade makes creed look like a teddy bear. I can hardly wait for the next book. It'll be so fulfilling to see how their child comes out. I remember in of the other books they had to put a leash on creeds son. I'm hoping for an absolutely feral crotch goblin from these 2.
I received this an arc and am under no obligation to leave this review.
Now that we've established the darkness what truly matters is the cohesiveness and detail as well as world building. Look past the savageness and see what she has created.
Shade was already a little broken as a human. Than he was taken and broken completely only to be rebuilt. Rebuilt as something out of literal nightmares. Despite the so called "evilness". he went after the people who deserved it. The fact he derived pleasure and sustenance from it is another matter.
That's where the FMC enters. Lula is literally the other half of him. She completes him in a way no one or thing could possibly hope to. She is accepting of him and who/what he is. For the first time in over 10 years he experiences to be loved again. Watching the evolution and growth of their relationship was just beautiful. She accepts him for who he is and doesn't try to change him.
So many FMC will be squeamish or appalled at his behavior. Our dear Lula just loves it and him.Sje accepts him for he is and even goes so far as to help with his feeding needs. Turning the other cheek.
I want to end with telling y'all Shade makes creed look like a teddy bear. I can hardly wait for the next book. It'll be so fulfilling to see how their child comes out. I remember in of the other books they had to put a leash on creeds son. I'm hoping for an absolutely feral crotch goblin from these 2.
I received this an arc and am under no obligation to leave this review.
January 1, 2026
throughly enjoyed alot darker then the other books which made me love it even more didn't think I could live a monster MMC more than creed but shade is definitely up there with him
December 18, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (for its type of spice? not the frequency…it’s not your average…idk anywhere from 2.5-5 because it’s dark and unhinged and this is subjective, so imma just go balls to the walls because it’s the farthest thing from vanilla🤣)
Hold up and wait a minute! *SCREAMING* January Rayne just upped the ante in The Monster Stalker Series because our MMC is dark AF and his fated mate lives for the twisted thrill and fear he instills! This was a match made in Hell and I’d jump on Shade’s motorcycle made of bones and welcome the darkness. Would I let Shade invade my nightmares with his questionable methods? That’s between me and Shade (*whispers “yeah” discreetly* 🤣)
Now, I did not read the TWs, which won’t work for some of y’all out there. I let Shade sweet talk me through the intro leading up to the TWs (nice touch btw having those be from his POV), but didn’t want to spoil anything for myself. Full transparency, this one is darker than the rest of the series, and your mental health comes first!
☠️Monster MMC x Detective FMC
🦴MMC Follows FMC
☠️He Induces & Invades Nightmares
🦴Only He Gets Her Fear
☠️Only Her 🩸Tastes Good to Him
🦴MONSTER SIZE PIERCED 🍆
☠️He Heals Her (Violent Smex/Oral)
🦴Sømnø, NC & CNC, 🩸Play, Br33d!ng
Shade is what lurks in the shadows, the reason your skin prickles with fear, and your worst nightmare. Becoming a monster DNA experiment bestowed power Shade embraces — power to dole out pain, suffering, fear and ☠️. He’s ridding the world of the bad just like those scientists destroyed what little humanity he had left. He gets off on people’s fear…especially hers.
Detective Lula Sanchez.
The only one who should be consuming her fear, her terror, her thrills, her thoughts and nightmares is Shade. So if he has to protect her from those in her case files, he will, but there’s no protecting her from him. She’s been claimed, whether she knows it or not, and all his beasts agree.
Holy. Nightmares. Shade did not mess around, okay? When he came into his full power, he was the final boss. Shade got his revenge on those who harmed him. And once he was free? Well, those committing bad acts with no remorse have something new to fear and Shade has no mercy. His methods? Terrifying. I would NOT want to be on his bad side, but would I say yes to having him protect me? Yes. Who doesn’t want a monster who legit hates the world, and only loves you? He takes the “only nice to her” trope very seriously 🤣 And underneath that rhino hide (yes, 🦏) is a man who hasn’t ever known love — his backstory is filled with trauma which will ultimately endear you to him, and make you glad he found the one person who loves him and embraces what he has to offer…in all his glory (I mean, my man’s got a 2.5ft schlong that legit rearranges her guts. But don’t worry, he shares his healing ability and she loves toeing the line of ☠️). Without Lula? I would fear for the town and maybe the world because she tampers his urges for destruction and ☠️ like no one else can.
What a crazy, dark ride — cannot wait to see what January Rayne cooks up for us next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (for its type of spice? not the frequency…it’s not your average…idk anywhere from 2.5-5 because it’s dark and unhinged and this is subjective, so imma just go balls to the walls because it’s the farthest thing from vanilla🤣)
Hold up and wait a minute! *SCREAMING* January Rayne just upped the ante in The Monster Stalker Series because our MMC is dark AF and his fated mate lives for the twisted thrill and fear he instills! This was a match made in Hell and I’d jump on Shade’s motorcycle made of bones and welcome the darkness. Would I let Shade invade my nightmares with his questionable methods? That’s between me and Shade (*whispers “yeah” discreetly* 🤣)
Now, I did not read the TWs, which won’t work for some of y’all out there. I let Shade sweet talk me through the intro leading up to the TWs (nice touch btw having those be from his POV), but didn’t want to spoil anything for myself. Full transparency, this one is darker than the rest of the series, and your mental health comes first!
☠️Monster MMC x Detective FMC
🦴MMC Follows FMC
☠️He Induces & Invades Nightmares
🦴Only He Gets Her Fear
☠️Only Her 🩸Tastes Good to Him
🦴MONSTER SIZE PIERCED 🍆
☠️He Heals Her (Violent Smex/Oral)
🦴Sømnø, NC & CNC, 🩸Play, Br33d!ng
Shade is what lurks in the shadows, the reason your skin prickles with fear, and your worst nightmare. Becoming a monster DNA experiment bestowed power Shade embraces — power to dole out pain, suffering, fear and ☠️. He’s ridding the world of the bad just like those scientists destroyed what little humanity he had left. He gets off on people’s fear…especially hers.
Detective Lula Sanchez.
The only one who should be consuming her fear, her terror, her thrills, her thoughts and nightmares is Shade. So if he has to protect her from those in her case files, he will, but there’s no protecting her from him. She’s been claimed, whether she knows it or not, and all his beasts agree.
Holy. Nightmares. Shade did not mess around, okay? When he came into his full power, he was the final boss. Shade got his revenge on those who harmed him. And once he was free? Well, those committing bad acts with no remorse have something new to fear and Shade has no mercy. His methods? Terrifying. I would NOT want to be on his bad side, but would I say yes to having him protect me? Yes. Who doesn’t want a monster who legit hates the world, and only loves you? He takes the “only nice to her” trope very seriously 🤣 And underneath that rhino hide (yes, 🦏) is a man who hasn’t ever known love — his backstory is filled with trauma which will ultimately endear you to him, and make you glad he found the one person who loves him and embraces what he has to offer…in all his glory (I mean, my man’s got a 2.5ft schlong that legit rearranges her guts. But don’t worry, he shares his healing ability and she loves toeing the line of ☠️). Without Lula? I would fear for the town and maybe the world because she tampers his urges for destruction and ☠️ like no one else can.
What a crazy, dark ride — cannot wait to see what January Rayne cooks up for us next!
March 2, 2026
1.5 Stars.
Do you know what 2½ feet of dick looks like? I don't and Google's estimation were showing me a standing desk height and that just made me madder because I absolutely abhor re-arranges-your-anatomy dicks.
I liked the writing of the general plot and the dream sequences. My attention span of late is shot to shit but this book held my interest.
I hate, with the passion of 10,000 burning stars the bleeding inducing sex, the it-doesn't-matter-if-I-physically-hurt-you-since-you'll-heal, the Shade getting aroused while carrying out the murders (even if the author makes it a point to note he's just getting a fear related boner but all his boners are for Lula) and again the gratuitous murder. Okay, of which I get, let your Kickstarter contributors die dramatically but all the killing, as I have mentioned in each of the books, is annoying.
I had such high hopes for Lula. I love a FMC who trusts her gut and is sure in herself. And actually J.R. should probably explore writing a contemporary police procedural (however, there were times the writing was interesting-good then others it was too over the top outrageous). She was the first mate that we have that can see the others, that actually knows what's going on but that isn't fully explored.
The sing-song nightmare voice was annoying as fuck. I didn't find it scary and it was repeated alot.
This felt like 99% gore porn. Deaths structured to make you feel disgusted yet for some reason I couldn't take it seriously enough to classify it as a horror story.
I couldn't take Chapter 11 seriously aka I was cringing/half checked out while reading it and Chapter 12 (also the other dream sequence for the hand grabbing guy) were meant to serve as a means of justifying why Shade is the way he is but for me it reinforced why you shouldn't have kids as a way of doing over your own fucked up childhood. Go for therapy/find some healing first.
The highlight as always of these stories is when the overall monster couples come together, but now as well, their cameo appearances are formulaic.
I think I may be done with this series. The only person who I would like to read about and would consider coming back for is Caden, because they have yearned for their mate since book 2 (at least), and I would like to see if this would lead to sunny skies, but so far that doesn't seem to be in the works.
Do you know what 2½ feet of dick looks like? I don't and Google's estimation were showing me a standing desk height and that just made me madder because I absolutely abhor re-arranges-your-anatomy dicks.
I liked the writing of the general plot and the dream sequences. My attention span of late is shot to shit but this book held my interest.
I hate, with the passion of 10,000 burning stars the bleeding inducing sex, the it-doesn't-matter-if-I-physically-hurt-you-since-you'll-heal, the Shade getting aroused while carrying out the murders (even if the author makes it a point to note he's just getting a fear related boner but all his boners are for Lula) and again the gratuitous murder. Okay, of which I get, let your Kickstarter contributors die dramatically but all the killing, as I have mentioned in each of the books, is annoying.
If there is one thing I know about myself, it’s that my instincts are never wrong. They have gotten me this far in life. I know when I’m being watched. I know when eyes are on me, and that’s the dark thrill I love so much.
I had such high hopes for Lula. I love a FMC who trusts her gut and is sure in herself. And actually J.R. should probably explore writing a contemporary police procedural (however, there were times the writing was interesting-good then others it was too over the top outrageous). She was the first mate that we have that can see the others, that actually knows what's going on but that isn't fully explored.
The sing-song nightmare voice was annoying as fuck. I didn't find it scary and it was repeated alot.
This felt like 99% gore porn. Deaths structured to make you feel disgusted yet for some reason I couldn't take it seriously enough to classify it as a horror story.
I couldn't take Chapter 11 seriously aka I was cringing/half checked out while reading it and Chapter 12 (also the other dream sequence for the hand grabbing guy) were meant to serve as a means of justifying why Shade is the way he is but for me it reinforced why you shouldn't have kids as a way of doing over your own fucked up childhood. Go for therapy/find some healing first.
The highlight as always of these stories is when the overall monster couples come together, but now as well, their cameo appearances are formulaic.
I think I may be done with this series. The only person who I would like to read about and would consider coming back for is Caden, because they have yearned for their mate since book 2 (at least), and I would like to see if this would lead to sunny skies, but so far that doesn't seem to be in the works.
December 24, 2025
Thoughts: wow… this was 10/10 definitely recommend! Although, a bit darker than the first 3 in the series, still a banger! I sure hope there is more of Shade! I have to know how his child turns out!!!! Love this series!!!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻💻: 📑📑📑📑📑
First Spicy Scene: 23%
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: YES
POV: Dual
⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Shade is a huge tatted biker that is an enforcer in a MC. He had a traumatic child hood. His dad loved to use his fists on both his mom and Shade. Shade always held back because his mom wanted better for him. But when his dad unalives his mom for trying to protect him, Shade unalives his dad. The Shallow Sinners MC finds him and takes him in.
Shade is nabbed by evil scientists and experimented on. He has rhino, vampire, nightmare, nightshade, and angler fish DNA in him. He finally feels strong enough to escape and unleashes his powers. He sha vampire speed, can heal, and drinks bl%d. He has rhino tough skin and horns… and has a 2.5 FOOT appendage!!! He has nightshade that grows on him allowing him to poison or immobilize his victims, also roots grow out of him too. His nightmare dna allows him to capture peoples minds and make them live their deepest darkest fears and unalive them this way. His angler fish dna hides his 2.5 foot appendage in its mouth. It also allows him to latch onto his mate and the dangly light allows him to see into her womb.
When Shade gets out of the facility, he immediately sense Lula, his mate.
Lula is a aspiring detective from a big city. She tried real hard to become detective, but kept getting past over being told by her family to just wait. She found an opening for detective in a small town called shallow Cove. Lula’s secret is that she loves to be scared. She craves it.
Shade immediately approaches her and plays with her fear. Shade walks the town openly and can’t understand why nobody sees his true form. Lula can because she has what her family calls the gift. But she’s not afraid of him, she is very much attracted to him. After they mate, he is inseparable from Lula. He does try to help her get her bad guys. In the end, the other monster experiments try to help and Hells harvester come offering Shade a job.
Lula is pregnant and clearly the child is like his daddy.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻💻: 📑📑📑📑📑
First Spicy Scene: 23%
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: YES
POV: Dual
⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Shade is a huge tatted biker that is an enforcer in a MC. He had a traumatic child hood. His dad loved to use his fists on both his mom and Shade. Shade always held back because his mom wanted better for him. But when his dad unalives his mom for trying to protect him, Shade unalives his dad. The Shallow Sinners MC finds him and takes him in.
Shade is nabbed by evil scientists and experimented on. He has rhino, vampire, nightmare, nightshade, and angler fish DNA in him. He finally feels strong enough to escape and unleashes his powers. He sha vampire speed, can heal, and drinks bl%d. He has rhino tough skin and horns… and has a 2.5 FOOT appendage!!! He has nightshade that grows on him allowing him to poison or immobilize his victims, also roots grow out of him too. His nightmare dna allows him to capture peoples minds and make them live their deepest darkest fears and unalive them this way. His angler fish dna hides his 2.5 foot appendage in its mouth. It also allows him to latch onto his mate and the dangly light allows him to see into her womb.
When Shade gets out of the facility, he immediately sense Lula, his mate.
Lula is a aspiring detective from a big city. She tried real hard to become detective, but kept getting past over being told by her family to just wait. She found an opening for detective in a small town called shallow Cove. Lula’s secret is that she loves to be scared. She craves it.
Shade immediately approaches her and plays with her fear. Shade walks the town openly and can’t understand why nobody sees his true form. Lula can because she has what her family calls the gift. But she’s not afraid of him, she is very much attracted to him. After they mate, he is inseparable from Lula. He does try to help her get her bad guys. In the end, the other monster experiments try to help and Hells harvester come offering Shade a job.
Lula is pregnant and clearly the child is like his daddy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 (4 for content, maybe a 3 for frequency)
I feel a little speechless after reading this. January Rayne writes some of the most creatively obscure characters that are refreshing in their individuality. Every time I think we have the most morally black monsters, January goes and writes a new book that dazzles me with an MMC even darker than before. Have you ever been sort of horrified and intrigued at the same time? No? Well that describes my thoughts for the first half of this story. Super interesting, but it's dark and rather disturbing. Check those content warnings and don't take them lightly, in fact for anyone who has triggers maybe read them twice.
Shade had a rough life, made tougher by being a science experiment. A monster that is a monster for a reason. I had mixed feelings in the beginning, he was nothing but rage and nightmares. The nightmare aspect of his spliced DNA is incredibly intriguing, I honestly wanted to find out more and how his powers/talents would evolve. The angler DNA....ahem... the teeth (IYKYK) I just need a visual, for science....
Lula is the most recent arrival in town. Overall I enjoyed her character. I have never loved the female cop/detective in romance just because I don't usually enjoy the dynamic, but I will say that I think it worked with the storyline. I think she handled all of Shade's otherness like a badass.
I really loved seeing all of the past characters from the other books in the series in the background of this story. I am really hoping to see Caden getting his own HEA in a future book, or even a subplot of him finding his mate within a story if he can't have his own. If I had one complaint it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to see more of Shade and Lula's life together, but that's just me being greedy.
I recommend this book to all of my dark monster romance readers, but PLEASE read those content warnings because this book is not for the faint of heart. I will be eagerly awaiting any future books in this series.
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 (4 for content, maybe a 3 for frequency)
I feel a little speechless after reading this. January Rayne writes some of the most creatively obscure characters that are refreshing in their individuality. Every time I think we have the most morally black monsters, January goes and writes a new book that dazzles me with an MMC even darker than before. Have you ever been sort of horrified and intrigued at the same time? No? Well that describes my thoughts for the first half of this story. Super interesting, but it's dark and rather disturbing. Check those content warnings and don't take them lightly, in fact for anyone who has triggers maybe read them twice.
Shade had a rough life, made tougher by being a science experiment. A monster that is a monster for a reason. I had mixed feelings in the beginning, he was nothing but rage and nightmares. The nightmare aspect of his spliced DNA is incredibly intriguing, I honestly wanted to find out more and how his powers/talents would evolve. The angler DNA....ahem... the teeth (IYKYK) I just need a visual, for science....
Lula is the most recent arrival in town. Overall I enjoyed her character. I have never loved the female cop/detective in romance just because I don't usually enjoy the dynamic, but I will say that I think it worked with the storyline. I think she handled all of Shade's otherness like a badass.
I really loved seeing all of the past characters from the other books in the series in the background of this story. I am really hoping to see Caden getting his own HEA in a future book, or even a subplot of him finding his mate within a story if he can't have his own. If I had one complaint it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to see more of Shade and Lula's life together, but that's just me being greedy.
I recommend this book to all of my dark monster romance readers, but PLEASE read those content warnings because this book is not for the faint of heart. I will be eagerly awaiting any future books in this series.
March 11, 2026
In Nightshades, the story dives into a dark world shaped by experimentation, vengeance, and the blurred line between monster and protector. The narrator is no longer fully human after being kidnapped and turned into a weapon through dangerous DNA experimentation. Instead of breaking him, the transformation awakens a brutal new identity that thrives on fear and power. His self appointed mission becomes hunting down those he believes deserve punishment, delivering justice in ways that are far from merciful. Everything changes when Detective Lula Sanchez begins investigating the very crimes tied to his existence, pulling her dangerously close to the truth and straight into his orbit.
The dynamic between the monster narrator and Lula is intense from the very beginning. Lula is strong willed and determined, a detective who refuses to look away from the darkness she is chasing. At the same time, she becomes the center of the creature’s attention in a way that is both protective and deeply possessive. He sees her as something fragile yet fascinating, someone who must be shielded from the dangerous forces surrounding the case even while he remains the most dangerous presence in her life. Their relationship builds through tension, curiosity, and a constant push and pull between fear and fascination.
The writing leans fully into the dark tone of the series while still keeping the emotional tension engaging and addictive. The internal voice of the monster character is raw, unapologetic, and sometimes disturbingly honest about the power he enjoys wielding. At the same time, the story layers suspense, mystery, and psychological intensity as Lula moves closer to uncovering the truth behind the killings. Nightshades delivers a gripping mix of dark romance, thriller elements, and morally gray characters that keep the story compelling from beginning to end.
The dynamic between the monster narrator and Lula is intense from the very beginning. Lula is strong willed and determined, a detective who refuses to look away from the darkness she is chasing. At the same time, she becomes the center of the creature’s attention in a way that is both protective and deeply possessive. He sees her as something fragile yet fascinating, someone who must be shielded from the dangerous forces surrounding the case even while he remains the most dangerous presence in her life. Their relationship builds through tension, curiosity, and a constant push and pull between fear and fascination.
The writing leans fully into the dark tone of the series while still keeping the emotional tension engaging and addictive. The internal voice of the monster character is raw, unapologetic, and sometimes disturbingly honest about the power he enjoys wielding. At the same time, the story layers suspense, mystery, and psychological intensity as Lula moves closer to uncovering the truth behind the killings. Nightshades delivers a gripping mix of dark romance, thriller elements, and morally gray characters that keep the story compelling from beginning to end.
January 6, 2026
Nightshade – January Rayne
I sprinted into this book like prey in Shallow Cove. Our favorite unhinged DNA experiments are back, and yes—there’s more chaos, mating, and monster mayhem.
This round follows Lula, a New York transplant turned detective with mystical secrets, and Shade, the town’s resident nightmare. He sings. He dominates. He is not a siren—and he is absolutely not safe. The plot delivers exactly what you came for: hunt, kill, claim, breed. No fluff, no lies. Also: not a standalone, so don’t be brave and start here ⚠️
I loved seeing Creed and Rhett again. Holly, however, still lives rent-free in my nightmares (no offense, January—she’s horrifyingly effective 😬).
I was a little disappointed we didn’t see more of the wider monster crew like in previous books, but Shade compensates by being the most aggressively dominant monster in the series so far.
The spice: classic January Rayne—unsettling, weird, and fully committed. The shock factor is beyond shocking, which is exactly why I’m here 🔥 Shade didn’t rattle me the way Holly did, but the violence-forward intimacy had me wincing. Bone crushing. Organ ripping. Pain in places I didn’t know could ache 🫠 And yes, we were warned—Shade is not like the others. Take that warning seriously.
Final Verdict 🖤
Dark, brutal, and unhinged monster romance that leans hard into horror-spice chaos. If you like your books dominant, disturbing, and slightly unwell (affectionate), this delivers 💀🔥 Just don’t expect safety, softness, or sanity—Shallow Cove doesn’t do that.
I sprinted into this book like prey in Shallow Cove. Our favorite unhinged DNA experiments are back, and yes—there’s more chaos, mating, and monster mayhem.
This round follows Lula, a New York transplant turned detective with mystical secrets, and Shade, the town’s resident nightmare. He sings. He dominates. He is not a siren—and he is absolutely not safe. The plot delivers exactly what you came for: hunt, kill, claim, breed. No fluff, no lies. Also: not a standalone, so don’t be brave and start here ⚠️
I loved seeing Creed and Rhett again. Holly, however, still lives rent-free in my nightmares (no offense, January—she’s horrifyingly effective 😬).
I was a little disappointed we didn’t see more of the wider monster crew like in previous books, but Shade compensates by being the most aggressively dominant monster in the series so far.
The spice: classic January Rayne—unsettling, weird, and fully committed. The shock factor is beyond shocking, which is exactly why I’m here 🔥 Shade didn’t rattle me the way Holly did, but the violence-forward intimacy had me wincing. Bone crushing. Organ ripping. Pain in places I didn’t know could ache 🫠 And yes, we were warned—Shade is not like the others. Take that warning seriously.
Final Verdict 🖤
Dark, brutal, and unhinged monster romance that leans hard into horror-spice chaos. If you like your books dominant, disturbing, and slightly unwell (affectionate), this delivers 💀🔥 Just don’t expect safety, softness, or sanity—Shallow Cove doesn’t do that.
December 18, 2025
😲😲😳😍😏
My flabber has been gasted!
Plot 5/5
Spice 2.5/5- but my goodness this isn't your run of the mill spice!
Monster / Human
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
I'm a little lost for words on this.. Shade isn't anything like we have seen in previous books in this series. He is definitely darker, from his past to what they changed him into, he is the definition of nightmare! Lula has a few screws loose ( don't we all) as well and seems to be the perfect match for Shades brand of insane!
This book has my jaw dropping on numerous occasions! First and foremost, Homeboy has a 30 in 🍆.... I don't know if you are like me and need visuals but let me put that into perspective... from my shoulder to my finger tip is 29 inches ( yes I measured 🤣) meaning HIS 🍆 IS BIGGER THAN MY ENTIRE ARM!!! Then there are the numerous times he basically unlives Lula during their sexy times because again bigger than my arm!!! Then the rhino horn scene 😳😲 my god...
Anyways to end this... 💯 read this book! just do it! Totally worth it!!
Favorite quote:
“I am your worst nightmare,” his voice softens for the first time, “and you are my sweetest dream"
My flabber has been gasted!
Plot 5/5
Spice 2.5/5- but my goodness this isn't your run of the mill spice!
Monster / Human
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
I'm a little lost for words on this.. Shade isn't anything like we have seen in previous books in this series. He is definitely darker, from his past to what they changed him into, he is the definition of nightmare! Lula has a few screws loose ( don't we all) as well and seems to be the perfect match for Shades brand of insane!
This book has my jaw dropping on numerous occasions! First and foremost, Homeboy has a 30 in 🍆.... I don't know if you are like me and need visuals but let me put that into perspective... from my shoulder to my finger tip is 29 inches ( yes I measured 🤣) meaning HIS 🍆 IS BIGGER THAN MY ENTIRE ARM!!! Then there are the numerous times he basically unlives Lula during their sexy times because again bigger than my arm!!! Then the rhino horn scene 😳😲 my god...
Anyways to end this... 💯 read this book! just do it! Totally worth it!!
Favorite quote:
“I am your worst nightmare,” his voice softens for the first time, “and you are my sweetest dream"
December 19, 2025
Depravity? ✅ Dark romance? ✅ Angler fish inspired appendage? ✅
Shade is the the newest addition to the monster DNA experiments living in a Shallow Cove. He's got trauma (who doesn't love a man with some trauma?) and feeds off people's fear.
Lula is fantastic, and Shade is perfect for her in every way.
You get a good backstory from Shade, and you get a morally gray FMC who loves him no matter what.
Don't go into this book expecting a realistic, wholesome romance full of fluff. This is dark, depraved, gorey, and just all around a little messed up - but I mean that in the best way possible. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before you indulge; this one is the darkest of the series so far.
You don't need to read the rest of the books to understand what's going on in this one, but I recommend reading them in order anyway. There are a few mentions to other characters from the first 3 books, and the experience is more worth it when you start at the beginning to see how Shallow Cove is evolving throughout the series.
Overall, this is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for more!
Shade is the the newest addition to the monster DNA experiments living in a Shallow Cove. He's got trauma (who doesn't love a man with some trauma?) and feeds off people's fear.
Lula is fantastic, and Shade is perfect for her in every way.
You get a good backstory from Shade, and you get a morally gray FMC who loves him no matter what.
Don't go into this book expecting a realistic, wholesome romance full of fluff. This is dark, depraved, gorey, and just all around a little messed up - but I mean that in the best way possible. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before you indulge; this one is the darkest of the series so far.
You don't need to read the rest of the books to understand what's going on in this one, but I recommend reading them in order anyway. There are a few mentions to other characters from the first 3 books, and the experience is more worth it when you start at the beginning to see how Shallow Cove is evolving throughout the series.
Overall, this is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for more!
December 23, 2025
3.5 stars, I might even lower the rating bc the book was really boring when the characters aren't together. There was like three smut scenes in the entire book and the rest were just the MMC killing random people and criminals for fun and getting into their heads and worst fears but it gets so old. I just skim past it all when he starts to kill anyone. I really think the book would have been way better with more smut and more interactions with the MCs. I liked the MCs' personalities and looks but I couldn't care about his tragic backstory that spanned like an entire chapter or more and everything was in italicize that annoyed me.
I like size difference but this def took it a bit too far and other than the shock factor I didn't really like it. And I feel like we could have gotten some more fun scenes given his genes but we didn't. I liked this even less than book 1, since book 1 had more noncon and smut and a more coherent plot than them going on murder sprees for no reason. I didn't think this book was darker at all just more gory. I don't think I'll read more works by this author as it falls flat and doesn't entertain me.
I like size difference but this def took it a bit too far and other than the shock factor I didn't really like it. And I feel like we could have gotten some more fun scenes given his genes but we didn't. I liked this even less than book 1, since book 1 had more noncon and smut and a more coherent plot than them going on murder sprees for no reason. I didn't think this book was darker at all just more gory. I don't think I'll read more works by this author as it falls flat and doesn't entertain me.
December 25, 2025
Would Recommend
When I heard there was a new addition to the Monster Stalker series, I knew I had to read it. Sometimes you just need some monster smut to get you through the week.
Shade, like the other leads before him, became a monster due to experimentation. HOWEVER as this is the darkest of the series, he is the first lead that wasn’t what you’d consider a good person prior to being taken. He seemed to enjoy some of what was done to him in the institute and when he gets out, he’s not exactly excited about a fated mate since she's distracting him from what he wants to do, which is unalive people.
Don’t worry. He becomes just as obsessed with Lula as the others do their mates.
Now if you’re looking for a 7.5 ft tall green MMC, with a 2.5 ft long third leg that will literally break your body and blow out the back of your head during sexy times, then this is the book for you! Don’t worry, he’ll put you back together afterwards. 🤣
Sadly this was my least favorite of the series and I feel like it had a little less plot. BUT it’s still a good time. I don’t think anyone will ever top Creed for me though.
When I heard there was a new addition to the Monster Stalker series, I knew I had to read it. Sometimes you just need some monster smut to get you through the week.
Shade, like the other leads before him, became a monster due to experimentation. HOWEVER as this is the darkest of the series, he is the first lead that wasn’t what you’d consider a good person prior to being taken. He seemed to enjoy some of what was done to him in the institute and when he gets out, he’s not exactly excited about a fated mate since she's distracting him from what he wants to do, which is unalive people.
Don’t worry. He becomes just as obsessed with Lula as the others do their mates.
Now if you’re looking for a 7.5 ft tall green MMC, with a 2.5 ft long third leg that will literally break your body and blow out the back of your head during sexy times, then this is the book for you! Don’t worry, he’ll put you back together afterwards. 🤣
Sadly this was my least favorite of the series and I feel like it had a little less plot. BUT it’s still a good time. I don’t think anyone will ever top Creed for me though.
February 23, 2026
⭐ 8/10 overall
🌶️ 4/5 spice
Another January Rayne book for the shelf!
I loved that Lula, the FMC, was a hardworking Spanish woman. I can totally relate since I am that myself 😝
And as always… we get a completely unhinged, Monster DNA MMC — Shade — who is feral, lethal, and absolutely gone for his mate. (And a touch of a soft side... But ONLY for her!)
Love that for us.
I was even surprised that I teared up a bit in some parts 🥺 And the action was absolutely on point, as always. Not surprised there. Another success, as expected. I will always pick up a January book 😉
P.S. what would be SUCH a great niche idea is a short story collection where all the side characters from the Monster DNA series and the Eternal Series find their mates. I am STILL thinking about the bear shifter!!! Someone please help that man!!! IFKYK 😭
🎶 Dedicated song: Match Made in Hell by Benny Mayne
🖤 Favorite quote:
“In the rancid unknown of pitch-black night, where wrongs live, Lula cannot be found. She's better than the abyss of an empty, damned core. She is the light that has somehow penetrated the deepest depths of the broad ocean in my chest, in my mind.”
🌶️ 4/5 spice
Another January Rayne book for the shelf!
I loved that Lula, the FMC, was a hardworking Spanish woman. I can totally relate since I am that myself 😝
And as always… we get a completely unhinged, Monster DNA MMC — Shade — who is feral, lethal, and absolutely gone for his mate. (And a touch of a soft side... But ONLY for her!)
Love that for us.
I was even surprised that I teared up a bit in some parts 🥺 And the action was absolutely on point, as always. Not surprised there. Another success, as expected. I will always pick up a January book 😉
P.S. what would be SUCH a great niche idea is a short story collection where all the side characters from the Monster DNA series and the Eternal Series find their mates. I am STILL thinking about the bear shifter!!! Someone please help that man!!! IFKYK 😭
🎶 Dedicated song: Match Made in Hell by Benny Mayne
🖤 Favorite quote:
“In the rancid unknown of pitch-black night, where wrongs live, Lula cannot be found. She's better than the abyss of an empty, damned core. She is the light that has somehow penetrated the deepest depths of the broad ocean in my chest, in my mind.”
December 19, 2025
Wow!! Just Wow!!
From cover to acknowledgement this book was unhinged perfection. This was my most anticipated book of the year and it blew my mind away with how phenomenal it was. I knew I would love it but hotttt sins on a cookie.
Lula: We get to see her darker side, her sweet side, and how she just handles all the crazy things Shade throws at her. She is absolutely perfect for our little supernatural town and for Shade.
Shade: what a monster, what a monster what a monster. (In my best singing voice) I cried, gulped and giggled so much during his chapters. I normally don't blush while reading but I sure did during his scenes. He could come into my nightmares anytime he decides. I need more of his conversations with the other experiments. (IYKYK)
Caden: get my man his mate already!!! I don't cried for him!!
I think this has become my favorite Monster Romance book of the year, because my soul says so. Thank you so much author for this amazing experience!!
Highly recommend this book and the author.
From cover to acknowledgement this book was unhinged perfection. This was my most anticipated book of the year and it blew my mind away with how phenomenal it was. I knew I would love it but hotttt sins on a cookie.
Lula: We get to see her darker side, her sweet side, and how she just handles all the crazy things Shade throws at her. She is absolutely perfect for our little supernatural town and for Shade.
Shade: what a monster, what a monster what a monster. (In my best singing voice) I cried, gulped and giggled so much during his chapters. I normally don't blush while reading but I sure did during his scenes. He could come into my nightmares anytime he decides. I need more of his conversations with the other experiments. (IYKYK)
Caden: get my man his mate already!!! I don't cried for him!!
I think this has become my favorite Monster Romance book of the year, because my soul says so. Thank you so much author for this amazing experience!!
Highly recommend this book and the author.
December 26, 2025
Shade and Lula
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was such a rollercoaster ride! I was torn between supporting the MMC and not, but by the end, I knew Shade had won me over. Is he really the bad guy? Depends. Will you understand his methods? Debatable. But I get it. I do.
Shade is much darker and more cruel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Throughout the book, I found myself questioning my own thoughts. The red flags were actually green, and I couldn’t have been happier about that. January pushed my limits and I would gladly beg her to do it again.
Those spicy scenes were intense, and I know I should be worried, but I’m not. Lula was meant for Shade, and I don’t know who else could handle the pain he inflicts. Still, I salute her!
If you crave something darker, not gentle or cozy, THIS IS IT. Shade is ROUGH! He loves roughly , brutally, harshly , and painfully. If you love pain, then he is for you!
Lastly, read your Tw. It’s not for the faint of the heart.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was such a rollercoaster ride! I was torn between supporting the MMC and not, but by the end, I knew Shade had won me over. Is he really the bad guy? Depends. Will you understand his methods? Debatable. But I get it. I do.
Shade is much darker and more cruel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Throughout the book, I found myself questioning my own thoughts. The red flags were actually green, and I couldn’t have been happier about that. January pushed my limits and I would gladly beg her to do it again.
Those spicy scenes were intense, and I know I should be worried, but I’m not. Lula was meant for Shade, and I don’t know who else could handle the pain he inflicts. Still, I salute her!
If you crave something darker, not gentle or cozy, THIS IS IT. Shade is ROUGH! He loves roughly , brutally, harshly , and painfully. If you love pain, then he is for you!
Lastly, read your Tw. It’s not for the faint of the heart.
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