What do you think?
Rate this book
Monsters in Love: Lost in the Swamp: A Monster Paranormal Romance Anthology
Welcome to Monsters in Love...
762 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2025
About the author
Evangeline Priest
45 books149 followersWRITES "LOVE AT FIRST BITE" PARANORMAL ROMANCE FEATURING GROWLY ALPHA HEROES AND WOMEN STRONG ENOUGH TO TAME THEM.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 17, 2025
Wetlands & Wanting
This was a cute read. Ranar a swamp moss monster and a Willa an ecologist. Willa is searching for a very very rare blooming flower. In the process of looking she losses her boat and is left in the Louisiana wetlands. She is very accepting of being rescued by a moss male and as things get interesting she is willing to stay with him permanently.
Wild Thing
I liked this story. Khala is on the run and has been for weeks. She finally comes to a home where a bog orc is living. She is basically starving and after two failed attempts at getting food from him he leaves her some. Grat hasn’t met a wild thing before and thinks that the woman that is on his property is one. But in fact she is a human and is a step up from the ape people he thinks she is. They learn together and they get to a good place. Settled and happy until her past comes crashing to take her.
This was a cute read. Ranar a swamp moss monster and a Willa an ecologist. Willa is searching for a very very rare blooming flower. In the process of looking she losses her boat and is left in the Louisiana wetlands. She is very accepting of being rescued by a moss male and as things get interesting she is willing to stay with him permanently.
Wild Thing
I liked this story. Khala is on the run and has been for weeks. She finally comes to a home where a bog orc is living. She is basically starving and after two failed attempts at getting food from him he leaves her some. Grat hasn’t met a wild thing before and thinks that the woman that is on his property is one. But in fact she is a human and is a step up from the ape people he thinks she is. They learn together and they get to a good place. Settled and happy until her past comes crashing to take her.
September 26, 2025
An anthology such as this is a great way to enjoy favorite authors and meet others new to you. I’m not done reading yet - enjoy!
This five-star review is for “Wild thing: dark orcs of Helfallow” by Marina Simcoe
The misconceptions we can assume at first sight! Khala and Grat each believed the other to be barely more than animal. Nothing could be further from the truth. I love seeing these two learn more about each other, and fall in love. Well written, exciting, and romantic. I loved every second of it!
This five-star review is for “Wild thing: dark orcs of Helfallow” by Marina Simcoe
The misconceptions we can assume at first sight! Khala and Grat each believed the other to be barely more than animal. Nothing could be further from the truth. I love seeing these two learn more about each other, and fall in love. Well written, exciting, and romantic. I loved every second of it!
October 3, 2025
Monsters in Love isn’t just an anthology—it’s an exploration of what it means to find tenderness, obsession, and devotion in the most unexpected places. From sweet and playful to raw, dark, and devastatingly seductive, these stories span the full spectrum of monster romance. Each tale takes the familiar longing for love and turns it on its head, asking what happens when the creature you’re supposed to fear becomes the one who sees you most clearly.
This collection is bold in its variety. Some stories lean into sweetness and vulnerability, offering comfort in clawed hands and fanged smiles. Others plunge into shadow, daring to explore themes of power, danger, and the razor-thin line between fear and desire. There are fated mates, size-difference swoons, chilling hauntings, and fiery heat that blurs the boundary between love and obsession. It’s an anthology that invites you to pick and choose your flavor—whether that’s gentle pining or feral passion.
I especially loved that Monsters in Love doesn’t shy away from the complexities of its themes. While content warnings are clearly stated (and very necessary here), the diversity of tones means there’s something for every reader willing to embrace the strange and the otherworldly. It’s a reminder that love—whether sweet, scorching, or shadowed—can be just as monstrous as it is magical.
If you’re craving something outside the ordinary, something that asks you to see beauty in the claws, wings, and fangs of love, this anthology will deliver. Just be ready to proceed with caution—and maybe lose a little piece of your heart to the monsters along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This collection is bold in its variety. Some stories lean into sweetness and vulnerability, offering comfort in clawed hands and fanged smiles. Others plunge into shadow, daring to explore themes of power, danger, and the razor-thin line between fear and desire. There are fated mates, size-difference swoons, chilling hauntings, and fiery heat that blurs the boundary between love and obsession. It’s an anthology that invites you to pick and choose your flavor—whether that’s gentle pining or feral passion.
I especially loved that Monsters in Love doesn’t shy away from the complexities of its themes. While content warnings are clearly stated (and very necessary here), the diversity of tones means there’s something for every reader willing to embrace the strange and the otherworldly. It’s a reminder that love—whether sweet, scorching, or shadowed—can be just as monstrous as it is magical.
If you’re craving something outside the ordinary, something that asks you to see beauty in the claws, wings, and fangs of love, this anthology will deliver. Just be ready to proceed with caution—and maybe lose a little piece of your heart to the monsters along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2025
THE BONE WITCH’S BARGAIN by EVA PRIEST matches orc Gorvash with witch Yaga in a bid to save their swamp. I really enjoyed the unconventional contract that becomes something more under the swamp moon - mid heat, fun banter, excellent insults.
WETLANDS & WANTING by SOFIA ROSE feels poignant and real in a way that only a monster romance can. Willa is an ecologist on the hunt for a rare bloom, and just plain tired of it all. When amphibious monster Ranar rescues her, she gets a life reset. I loved the tenderness these two shared.
GATOR BAITER by Vivienne Hart is fun and adventurous, where long time friends alligato Ace and vampire Cadianne go on the adventure of getting married to save her bar. I enjoyed all the kooky characters and the zany quests.
WILD THING by MARINA SIMCOE takes place in the same world as Agor, but features new characters, orc Grat and wild thing/human Khala. I just loved the story arc - so much evolution in the characters’ personalities, such tenderness shared (plus the size difference is hot!).
A TASTE OF TWILIGHT by DALIA DAVIES includes curses, rescues, and remembering what was forgotten. Krrt and Willow save each other and it is just beautiful, plus I loved the town of Petalfell.
SLITHER DOWN MY BOUGH by D.J. RUSSO features Anais, a fairly large naga, and Sam, a not so large opossum shifter. Their first meeting was a memorable one and I loved how these two came together and their unique dynamics.
In CATFISHED by WREN K. MORRIS, Mardi Gras is a time for the unexpected, so when Willa Grace meets Alphe, she gets more than she expected. This music these two make is just beautiful.
LEAPING INTO LOVE by KARLA DOYLE features frog-man Henry and human Tiana in a romance that brings together a love of outdoors, gardening, and swamps. I love how easily these two vibed and flowed together.
In THE HEIRESS by S.J. SANDERS, Ruby inherits a manor with unusual bordering guests and an odd requirement to tend to the “spirit” that protects the area (Lyrim). I loved the mysterious gothic vibe in this story; I’m hoping the other characters get their own books since I’d love to read them!
The short story THE HERON HUSBAND by VERA VALENTINE finds Orianna house sitting when a handsome stranger (Jasper) arrives unexpectedly. This one is fast but fantastic and I really enjoyed their connection.
WETLANDS & WANTING by SOFIA ROSE feels poignant and real in a way that only a monster romance can. Willa is an ecologist on the hunt for a rare bloom, and just plain tired of it all. When amphibious monster Ranar rescues her, she gets a life reset. I loved the tenderness these two shared.
GATOR BAITER by Vivienne Hart is fun and adventurous, where long time friends alligato Ace and vampire Cadianne go on the adventure of getting married to save her bar. I enjoyed all the kooky characters and the zany quests.
WILD THING by MARINA SIMCOE takes place in the same world as Agor, but features new characters, orc Grat and wild thing/human Khala. I just loved the story arc - so much evolution in the characters’ personalities, such tenderness shared (plus the size difference is hot!).
A TASTE OF TWILIGHT by DALIA DAVIES includes curses, rescues, and remembering what was forgotten. Krrt and Willow save each other and it is just beautiful, plus I loved the town of Petalfell.
SLITHER DOWN MY BOUGH by D.J. RUSSO features Anais, a fairly large naga, and Sam, a not so large opossum shifter. Their first meeting was a memorable one and I loved how these two came together and their unique dynamics.
In CATFISHED by WREN K. MORRIS, Mardi Gras is a time for the unexpected, so when Willa Grace meets Alphe, she gets more than she expected. This music these two make is just beautiful.
LEAPING INTO LOVE by KARLA DOYLE features frog-man Henry and human Tiana in a romance that brings together a love of outdoors, gardening, and swamps. I love how easily these two vibed and flowed together.
In THE HEIRESS by S.J. SANDERS, Ruby inherits a manor with unusual bordering guests and an odd requirement to tend to the “spirit” that protects the area (Lyrim). I loved the mysterious gothic vibe in this story; I’m hoping the other characters get their own books since I’d love to read them!
The short story THE HERON HUSBAND by VERA VALENTINE finds Orianna house sitting when a handsome stranger (Jasper) arrives unexpectedly. This one is fast but fantastic and I really enjoyed their connection.
October 17, 2025
I loved this anthology. Great variety in the stories and characters. My favorites were:
The Bone Witch's Bargain by Evangeline Priest
I loved both Gorvash, the orc, and Yaga, the bone witch. This was like a more grown-up version of Shrek with a rich Baron trying to claim and take over Gorvash's swamp to build a retreat and he's NOT happy. Yaga also lived in the swamp and was being threatened by the Baron's people. She is powerful and fearless with her ancient magic and her sentient chicken-footed house. I was in love with this story almost immediately and completely hooked! 5 stars
Wild Thing by Marina Simcoe
This was such a fun story! Bog orc Grat had food and Khala was starving and tried to steal from him. She thought bog orcs were supposed to be primitive. He thought she was the primitive one. (She did look and act like it lol)
'After weeks of surviving in the Wetlands, I looked like an unkempt, wretched creature, wearing a torn, dirty bear hide tied to me with an equally dirty rope.'
I loved how they first met- it made me cackle when he tried to take back the stolen sausage from her mouth, telling her to leave it as if she was a dog and she growled at him. It was such a flip from usual stories where the monsters were more primitive and humans civilized. He then had to proof his cabin against these "wild things." A super fun romance. 5 stars
The Bone Witch's Bargain by Evangeline Priest
I loved both Gorvash, the orc, and Yaga, the bone witch. This was like a more grown-up version of Shrek with a rich Baron trying to claim and take over Gorvash's swamp to build a retreat and he's NOT happy. Yaga also lived in the swamp and was being threatened by the Baron's people. She is powerful and fearless with her ancient magic and her sentient chicken-footed house. I was in love with this story almost immediately and completely hooked! 5 stars
Wild Thing by Marina Simcoe
This was such a fun story! Bog orc Grat had food and Khala was starving and tried to steal from him. She thought bog orcs were supposed to be primitive. He thought she was the primitive one. (She did look and act like it lol)
'After weeks of surviving in the Wetlands, I looked like an unkempt, wretched creature, wearing a torn, dirty bear hide tied to me with an equally dirty rope.'
I loved how they first met- it made me cackle when he tried to take back the stolen sausage from her mouth, telling her to leave it as if she was a dog and she growled at him. It was such a flip from usual stories where the monsters were more primitive and humans civilized. He then had to proof his cabin against these "wild things." A super fun romance. 5 stars
September 29, 2025
Monsters in Love: Lost in the Swamp is an excellent anthology. There are a variety of monsters represented, as well as various genres.
The Bone Witch's Bargain by Evangeline Priest is a fun, snarky retelling of Shrek. Yaga the ancient witch and Gorvash the grumpy recluse must defend their swamp from fancy noblemen and knights.
Wetlands and Wanting by Sofia Rose sees Willa, a lost but determined ecologist finding a monstrous but sweet Guardian of the swamp.
Wild Thing by Marina Simcoe was a fantasy story. Khala has been surviving on her own in the swamp but just barely. When she finds the cabin of Grat she can't help but try to steal food for survival. He assumes she's a feral creature but takes her under his wing anyway. This story had more relationship development than some of the other stories but should have a trigger warning for references of SA.
The Heron Husband by Vera Valentine is contemporary. Ori finds more than she bargained for when she house-sits for the uber-rich jewelry designer. Beautiful feathers left by her bed and a mysterious man arriving open her eyes to a world of magic.
The Bone Witch's Bargain by Evangeline Priest is a fun, snarky retelling of Shrek. Yaga the ancient witch and Gorvash the grumpy recluse must defend their swamp from fancy noblemen and knights.
Wetlands and Wanting by Sofia Rose sees Willa, a lost but determined ecologist finding a monstrous but sweet Guardian of the swamp.
Wild Thing by Marina Simcoe was a fantasy story. Khala has been surviving on her own in the swamp but just barely. When she finds the cabin of Grat she can't help but try to steal food for survival. He assumes she's a feral creature but takes her under his wing anyway. This story had more relationship development than some of the other stories but should have a trigger warning for references of SA.
The Heron Husband by Vera Valentine is contemporary. Ori finds more than she bargained for when she house-sits for the uber-rich jewelry designer. Beautiful feathers left by her bed and a mysterious man arriving open her eyes to a world of magic.
October 5, 2025
This is a wonderful collection of monster romances by some of my fave authors and some new-to-me authors. What I really liked about this anthology is the fact that there's really something for everyone. With a variety of monsters, humour, suspense and spice levels, I quickly flew through each book looking forward to what adventure I'd be going on and who'd be getting a love they never expected. Or that I would expect ;P Well written with fab world building and interesting characters, I really enjoyed this set and definitely recommend :D
October 5, 2025
Monsters in Love:Lost in the Swamp is the eighth book of this series and a steamy anthology of ten short stories by multiple authors that bring readers into a world of swampy goodness, and monster love.
The paranormal is set loose within atmospheric settings, nicely written narratives, well defined characters, humor, sweetness, spice, and dramatis, as stories of captivating diversity mesmerize and thrill.
The perfect spooky season read that I enjoyed!
Content warnings proceed each title for sensitive readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The paranormal is set loose within atmospheric settings, nicely written narratives, well defined characters, humor, sweetness, spice, and dramatis, as stories of captivating diversity mesmerize and thrill.
The perfect spooky season read that I enjoyed!
Content warnings proceed each title for sensitive readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
I have read a few of these Monsters in Love collections. I like the variety of the stories and finding new authors. This one did not disappoint. I think there was only one story that I didn't connect with, which is a pretty good percentage. This time I knew most of the authors, but it was still good to have a bunch of entertaining stories all in one easy package.
September 28, 2025
A smashing collection of 10 short steamy swamp monster loving reads, a great way to get a bite of a new or favourite author! A not to be missed read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2025
Ten unique romance stories.
Marina Simcoe sends a princess on the run to find her own helfallow orc; Evangeline Priest delights with a marriage of convenience, a powerful Yaga and her charming sentient house; Sofia Rose writes about Ranar the gooey swamp monster and his fated mate/botanist....
Marina Simcoe sends a princess on the run to find her own helfallow orc; Evangeline Priest delights with a marriage of convenience, a powerful Yaga and her charming sentient house; Sofia Rose writes about Ranar the gooey swamp monster and his fated mate/botanist....
October 19, 2025
A great collection of monster romance packed with steam, action, adventures,and happily-ever-after. There's multiple kinds of monsters to please any paranormal romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
The Monsters in Love series is one of the best anthologies consistently that I've been able to find. I love pretty much every story I read from each of the books!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2025
monsters in love
Fun group of stories to read. The fated mate trope is sweet. A happy ever after to warm your heart.
Fun group of stories to read. The fated mate trope is sweet. A happy ever after to warm your heart.
March 17, 2026
I enjoyed a few of the stories but other ones scared me so I didn’t finish them. I have a very good imagination so I have to watch what I read. I do like this series but this volume is not for me.
November 1, 2025
The eighth edition of The Monsters in Love anthology series, Monsters in Love: Lost in the Swamp, is a ten story collection of eclectic romances, each written by a different author. Every story is a unique experience that features a “monster” and the one they love, whether dark and obsessive or heartwarming and sweet, there’s something for everyone. You may even discover a new-to-you author or genre to enjoy. Just be sure to read the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain situations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews