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Monsters' Bride Market
Bought by the Keres
Most people go mad when they hear a Keres’s death screech. Me? I was already mad.
I came to the city of monsters to trade away the visions tormenting me. One deal, then I’d be free. One deal, and I'd leave the land of the dead behind.
Then Phonos found me.
This massive, winged warrior looks at me as if I’m the answer to every prayer he’s never dared to speak. His death-scream should drive me into a murderous frenzy, but to me, it’s music. And for him, I make the most dangerous choice of my life.
I enter the bride market.
He claims me with the ferocity of a death god. His wings cage me in, his talons a promise of protection no one else ever dared to give. In his arms, I’m not feared, or insane. I’m worshipped.
But for the first time since my gift awakened, I can't see my fate. I can't see his. And in a city where only the death-touched survive, that blindness might be more dangerous than any vision.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We’re back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
I came to the city of monsters to trade away the visions tormenting me. One deal, then I’d be free. One deal, and I'd leave the land of the dead behind.
Then Phonos found me.
This massive, winged warrior looks at me as if I’m the answer to every prayer he’s never dared to speak. His death-scream should drive me into a murderous frenzy, but to me, it’s music. And for him, I make the most dangerous choice of my life.
I enter the bride market.
He claims me with the ferocity of a death god. His wings cage me in, his talons a promise of protection no one else ever dared to give. In his arms, I’m not feared, or insane. I’m worshipped.
But for the first time since my gift awakened, I can't see my fate. I can't see his. And in a city where only the death-touched survive, that blindness might be more dangerous than any vision.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We’re back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 5, 2026
Muy entretenido y en cierta parte, triste 😢🥺
Read
February 11, 2026Dnf @ 55%.
Confusing beginning. Had no idea what was going on for half of it, with the Seer, Daphne, (a mortal death-touched woman who has clairvoyant abilities that are overwhelming and maddening to her) and the Moirae weavers of fate that are watching over her as she has a sort of epileptic fit in their loom visions (aspects of Bene Gesserit from Dune and the movie Wanted with the loom of fate). Which was fine, interesting, but as I said, it was confusing to follow.
The mmc, Phonos, was the Keres that was all over the previous book’s fmc, Callista. Got his ass whupped by Cerebus, Theron, and had to give her up.
Well he takes one look at Daphne who was at Charon’s temple getting her madness sorted, and THIS time he’s found his mate for realsies. Almost gets into a scuffle between Charon and his son, the metal colossus, Aion, who seems like I’d always getting his ass kicked trying to help his dumbass friends.
Words are hurled, Phonos introduces himself to the newly-sane Daphne, and very quickly she is taken to the Bride Market.
And things further digress when they get there, and after the bonding ceremony, and then Daphne loses her peaceful mind again due to Charon being a douche, and then Daphne has a vision of when Phonos was after Callista and rightly felt like a runner-up choice for him.
That’s where I stopped reading, because the story was already difficult for me to follow, and now adding OW drama to it (even though Callista never led Phonos on) and it became too much. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Phonos and Daphne. Zero.
This type of tale needs better pacing, and probably a longer book in which to lessen the leaps. I know Amon’s book will be next and I might check it out, because I love artificial beings being mc’s.
Confusing beginning. Had no idea what was going on for half of it, with the Seer, Daphne, (a mortal death-touched woman who has clairvoyant abilities that are overwhelming and maddening to her) and the Moirae weavers of fate that are watching over her as she has a sort of epileptic fit in their loom visions (aspects of Bene Gesserit from Dune and the movie Wanted with the loom of fate). Which was fine, interesting, but as I said, it was confusing to follow.
The mmc, Phonos, was the Keres that was all over the previous book’s fmc, Callista. Got his ass whupped by Cerebus, Theron, and had to give her up.
Well he takes one look at Daphne who was at Charon’s temple getting her madness sorted, and THIS time he’s found his mate for realsies. Almost gets into a scuffle between Charon and his son, the metal colossus, Aion, who seems like I’d always getting his ass kicked trying to help his dumbass friends.
Words are hurled, Phonos introduces himself to the newly-sane Daphne, and very quickly she is taken to the Bride Market.
And things further digress when they get there, and after the bonding ceremony, and then Daphne loses her peaceful mind again due to Charon being a douche, and then Daphne has a vision of when Phonos was after Callista and rightly felt like a runner-up choice for him.
That’s where I stopped reading, because the story was already difficult for me to follow, and now adding OW drama to it (even though Callista never led Phonos on) and it became too much. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Phonos and Daphne. Zero.
This type of tale needs better pacing, and probably a longer book in which to lessen the leaps. I know Amon’s book will be next and I might check it out, because I love artificial beings being mc’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
I totally judged this book by its cover, and was really shocked. What I thought I was getting based on the cover and description was some general post apocalyptic world building and then right into the monster-banging. NOPE. It's a full on exploration of Greek mythology, clairvoyant powers, and reanimation. I'm not sure how I feel knowing that the ferryman rebuilt the dead lover. Does that mean he essentially machined her vagina?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
ts is crazy
the only reason I picked it up is bcz one of my oc's is named keres and he's also a winged mf but what was this plot...
the only reason I picked it up is bcz one of my oc's is named keres and he's also a winged mf but what was this plot...
May 30, 2026
Writing was terrible and the storyline was awful
January 23, 2026
Some stories pull you in with heat. Others with danger. Bought by the Keres does both—then layers it with aching loneliness, mythic fate, and a romance that feels written into the bones of the universe.
Daphne is a seer who is tired of seeing. Her visions aren’t a gift—they’re a curse that floods her mind with pain, tragedy, and chaos she can never escape. All she wants is silence. One bargain. One chance to be free. That desire leads her straight into Asphodelia, the city of monsters, where death is currency and survival belongs to the death-touched.
Enter Phonos.
A Keres—feared, winged, and lethal. His death screech drives most beings mad. To Daphne, it’s music. That single, unsettling truth sets the tone for everything that follows. Where the world recoils from him, she listens. Where she’s been feared as broken, he sees her as sacred.
The bride market is brutal, visceral, and unforgettable. Monsters bid. Power is claimed. And when Phonos chooses Daphne, it’s not ownership—it’s devotion. His wings become shelter. His talons promise safety. In his arms, she is no longer “mad” or dangerous. She is wanted. Cherished. Worshipped.
The mythology woven throughout the story is rich and ambitious—Greek lore, fate, destiny, and the Weave itself threading lives together whether they resist or not. The shifting settings and visions can feel disorienting at first, but that confusion mirrors Daphne’s inner world, and by the end, the pieces lock into place with satisfying clarity.
At its core, this is a story about two lonely souls who were never meant to fit anywhere else—except together. Daphne yearns for quiet. Phonos yearns for connection after loving once and losing everything. Their romance grows in the space between fear and fate, where neither can see the future anymore… and that blindness is both terrifying and freeing.
Bought by the Keres is haunting, emotional, and myth-soaked. It’s about destiny you can’t outrun, rules that demand sacrifice, and the rare, powerful comfort of being fully seen by the one being the world taught you to fear. If you love monster romance with depth, mythology, and a bond that feels carved by the gods themselves, this story will linger long after the final page.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daphne is a seer who is tired of seeing. Her visions aren’t a gift—they’re a curse that floods her mind with pain, tragedy, and chaos she can never escape. All she wants is silence. One bargain. One chance to be free. That desire leads her straight into Asphodelia, the city of monsters, where death is currency and survival belongs to the death-touched.
Enter Phonos.
A Keres—feared, winged, and lethal. His death screech drives most beings mad. To Daphne, it’s music. That single, unsettling truth sets the tone for everything that follows. Where the world recoils from him, she listens. Where she’s been feared as broken, he sees her as sacred.
The bride market is brutal, visceral, and unforgettable. Monsters bid. Power is claimed. And when Phonos chooses Daphne, it’s not ownership—it’s devotion. His wings become shelter. His talons promise safety. In his arms, she is no longer “mad” or dangerous. She is wanted. Cherished. Worshipped.
The mythology woven throughout the story is rich and ambitious—Greek lore, fate, destiny, and the Weave itself threading lives together whether they resist or not. The shifting settings and visions can feel disorienting at first, but that confusion mirrors Daphne’s inner world, and by the end, the pieces lock into place with satisfying clarity.
At its core, this is a story about two lonely souls who were never meant to fit anywhere else—except together. Daphne yearns for quiet. Phonos yearns for connection after loving once and losing everything. Their romance grows in the space between fear and fate, where neither can see the future anymore… and that blindness is both terrifying and freeing.
Bought by the Keres is haunting, emotional, and myth-soaked. It’s about destiny you can’t outrun, rules that demand sacrifice, and the rare, powerful comfort of being fully seen by the one being the world taught you to fear. If you love monster romance with depth, mythology, and a bond that feels carved by the gods themselves, this story will linger long after the final page.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
I have to admit I found this book a little confusing, the prologue and setup particularly, there were so many names and I didn’t really understand Daphne’s life and past vs the weavers’ vision vs how she then came to Asphodelia. I really struggled to form a clear mental picture of what was going on. I’m not sure if reading Callista’s story would have helped or not, but it may have provided more information on what death touched brides are, death energy, or the point of what happened with Zoe and what followed.
The connection between Daphne and Phonos was enjoyable, and the world they inhabit was rich and fascinating. I think this had a lot of potential but maybe needed a bit more clarity in the setup - a glossary or similar explaining some of the terminology, an understanding of how so many different mythical creatures appeared together, an explanation of weaving/unweaving - eg the mention of different areas being created by different weavers was an aside but seemed important.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The connection between Daphne and Phonos was enjoyable, and the world they inhabit was rich and fascinating. I think this had a lot of potential but maybe needed a bit more clarity in the setup - a glossary or similar explaining some of the terminology, an understanding of how so many different mythical creatures appeared together, an explanation of weaving/unweaving - eg the mention of different areas being created by different weavers was an aside but seemed important.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2026
Docked a star for the AI art.
I didn’t understand the lore or what was going on in the prologue, and I still don’t understand what makes a woman “death-touched.” It’s an entertaining read, but there are definitely things I didn’t like about the book.
I disliked how much the book and the romance focused on Phonos’s previous relationship with Callista. I originally liked this because it’s part of his origin story and gives him an opportunity for character growth. However, it becomes the major driving force of the story and keeps getting brought up to the point that it makes Daphne feel like a consolation prize. More time should have been spent developing their relationship.
I didn’t understand the lore or what was going on in the prologue, and I still don’t understand what makes a woman “death-touched.” It’s an entertaining read, but there are definitely things I didn’t like about the book.
I disliked how much the book and the romance focused on Phonos’s previous relationship with Callista. I originally liked this because it’s part of his origin story and gives him an opportunity for character growth. However, it becomes the major driving force of the story and keeps getting brought up to the point that it makes Daphne feel like a consolation prize. More time should have been spent developing their relationship.
January 24, 2026
A Seer who no longer wants to be haunted by her visions and a Keres, feared by many in the Asphodelia.
There is a bit of a prologue and history at the beginning of this story that I didn't completely understand, and it took me a little while to get into it. Daphne is a seer who is troubled by the things she sees. All she wants is silence, and if that means taking a journey with Charon across the river Styx, then so be it.
Phonos, the Keres, comes across Daphne at the Brides Market and realises that she is his, and will do what he can to make her his. There is a lot of Greek lore intermingled with this story, which makes it a really interesting read, and the author does an amazing job building the world in which the story is set.
There are a few twists and turns along the way that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, and turning the pages.
There is a bit of a prologue and history at the beginning of this story that I didn't completely understand, and it took me a little while to get into it. Daphne is a seer who is troubled by the things she sees. All she wants is silence, and if that means taking a journey with Charon across the river Styx, then so be it.
Phonos, the Keres, comes across Daphne at the Brides Market and realises that she is his, and will do what he can to make her his. There is a lot of Greek lore intermingled with this story, which makes it a really interesting read, and the author does an amazing job building the world in which the story is set.
There are a few twists and turns along the way that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, and turning the pages.
January 26, 2026
Daphne is a seer and her rare gift is driving her insane so she does the only thing she can to rid herself of the visions. She enters the land of the dead and begs Charon, the ferryman, to remove her of the visions. Phonos has been searching for his mate for years, he knows immediately when he sees Daphne that she is his mate, bur fate has other plans and a living being cannot survive the city of the dead.
Absolutely wonderful characters that kept me engaged from the first page. They are all well written, multifaceted and kept me engaged in this story to the last page. The world building is complex yet riveting and I just couldn't put this book down. Death is a underling theme throughout this book with many creatures from myths and legends. but it is also a very dark romance that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
Absolutely wonderful characters that kept me engaged from the first page. They are all well written, multifaceted and kept me engaged in this story to the last page. The world building is complex yet riveting and I just couldn't put this book down. Death is a underling theme throughout this book with many creatures from myths and legends. but it is also a very dark romance that I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
January 29, 2026
I absolutely loved this addition to the Monsters' Bride Market Series.
I first met Phonos in Bought by the Cerberus. And the FMC and MMC from the Cerberus story were included in this story as well. I am so happy that Phonos found his true mate.
This story is very emotional with lots of twists that kept me turning the pages of this wonderful Dark Monster Romance. The way the threads of their fates and there love story intertwined and changed them both in the best possible way. Things are also changing in the Alia Terra and the city of Asphodelia as well.
And hopefully soon we will see the Ferryman's son's story.
Eeek I'm so excited for more in this wonderful series.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
They are all must reads.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I first met Phonos in Bought by the Cerberus. And the FMC and MMC from the Cerberus story were included in this story as well. I am so happy that Phonos found his true mate.
This story is very emotional with lots of twists that kept me turning the pages of this wonderful Dark Monster Romance. The way the threads of their fates and there love story intertwined and changed them both in the best possible way. Things are also changing in the Alia Terra and the city of Asphodelia as well.
And hopefully soon we will see the Ferryman's son's story.
Eeek I'm so excited for more in this wonderful series.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
They are all must reads.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
Bought by the Keres is part of the Monster’s Bride Market series with this entry by author Eva Brandt.
The story follows the fates of leads Phonos and Daphne, soul mates who must traverse realms of mythology and the psychological to ultimately reach the happiness both deserved.
The story was intense, steeped within a dark fantasy I enjoyed for its lyrical writing, and deftly crafted characters who flowed through it’s pages with emotion and passion as a deeply entertaining weave held fast by the threads of the fates guided their predetermined paths. HEA
Sensitive readers should mind the author’s trigger warnings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows the fates of leads Phonos and Daphne, soul mates who must traverse realms of mythology and the psychological to ultimately reach the happiness both deserved.
The story was intense, steeped within a dark fantasy I enjoyed for its lyrical writing, and deftly crafted characters who flowed through it’s pages with emotion and passion as a deeply entertaining weave held fast by the threads of the fates guided their predetermined paths. HEA
Sensitive readers should mind the author’s trigger warnings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2026
A new release in the Monsters’ Bride Market series, Bought by the Keres welcomes us to a seer named Daphne who doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with her visions anymore. We also meet Phonos, who is also seeking something more from this life, meets Daphne and his world shifts. I’ve enjoyed this series so far, with all the different couples coming from so many different ways of life prior to meeting, but this couple definitely tops as my favorite! Some tears were shed, both in sadness and happiness that they got what they were fighting for in the end. Each other ❤️. Definitely recommend, the writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s got steam, yes, but also a couple who defies the odds to be with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
Threads of Connection.
Daphne with her seer abilities made an interesting heroine. Recalling Phonos from the last story, I was interested to see if this was the connection the fates foretold. It took me a while to keep track of exactly where things were taking place as settings bounced around from the human world, Asphodelia world of monsters, series of dreams/visions and a sort of void of creation I believe which was the lake. I loved the many mythical creatures and unique magical abilities that were woven into the story. While a bit surprised by events in the middle, it all made sense in the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daphne with her seer abilities made an interesting heroine. Recalling Phonos from the last story, I was interested to see if this was the connection the fates foretold. It took me a while to keep track of exactly where things were taking place as settings bounced around from the human world, Asphodelia world of monsters, series of dreams/visions and a sort of void of creation I believe which was the lake. I loved the many mythical creatures and unique magical abilities that were woven into the story. While a bit surprised by events in the middle, it all made sense in the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2026
'A steamy dark fantasy monster romance, packed with twists and turns and a deeply emotional storyline.'
While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read Bought by the Cerberus first, as characters and events from that title are referenced.
The characters carried the story and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read Bought by the Cerberus first, as characters and events from that title are referenced.
The characters carried the story and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What's meant to Be
Epic story. Tragic and passionate the 5 stars earned.
She yearns for quiet. Not too the tales of tragedy and feel its pain and chaos. Such is her fate.
His existence is lonely and heart sick. To have loved once...that was not to be.
She paid Charons price, but yet her fate is what it is.
The Weave holds destinies... story told and yet to be told. Each life has a rule that can't be broken a destiny you cant outrun.
This. Loved Charon! The sisters of the threads perfect. A great balance of heat, drama and angst. Enjoy
Epic story. Tragic and passionate the 5 stars earned.
She yearns for quiet. Not too the tales of tragedy and feel its pain and chaos. Such is her fate.
His existence is lonely and heart sick. To have loved once...that was not to be.
She paid Charons price, but yet her fate is what it is.
The Weave holds destinies... story told and yet to be told. Each life has a rule that can't be broken a destiny you cant outrun.
This. Loved Charon! The sisters of the threads perfect. A great balance of heat, drama and angst. Enjoy
January 15, 2026
An enjoyable story that's about Daphne a seer who wants to no longer see her visions that been giving her pain and Phonos a keres who's feared and wants a mate to love. Daphne following her visions she puts herself in The Monsters' Bride Market and is bought by Phonos. This was an engaging story with Greek mythology entwined in this story as their romance blooms. The characters were well depicted, the story was interesting, and the romance was steamy in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.
February 10, 2026
Phono's is a Keres with a death screech that drives most mad, but not Daphne. Daphne is a Seer who thinks her visions are a curse. When these two find each other at the Monsters' Bride Market, they find their one true mate and each other's security and acceptance. This well written, monster/seer, monster market romance has a page turning storyline, great characters, intense chemistry, and a great ending. Bought by the Keres is a great addition to the multi-author Monsters Bride series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This series keeps getting better with each book. Even each book is a stand alone they complement beautifully. They (various authors) keep adding to the world building of Alia Terra, how humans survive after the big shift. It is a truly captivating world. I am so happy I stumble on the prequel of the series that lead me to read them all so far and waiting patiently (not) for what more they would bring.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
Redemption and Rebirth
Daphne is going mad from all the visions, so she travels to Asphodelia hoping to find help. Phonos sees Daphne and she’s his. But nothing is ever that easy in the city of the dead… This story ties tightly to Bought by the Cerebus, with character overlap and reference to what happened. I loved how much their love hurt, the trials they had to endure held real emotion. A great read.
Review of advance copy
I am really enjoying these "monster" stories. There is just something about them that appeals to the little darkness inside. Who wasn't a bit afraid of the unknown and the uncertain but wanting to prove brave in the face of it? Phonos and Daphne both wanted to discover the light against the dark in which they were enmeshed but until they found each other and learned to trust, that didn't happen.
Review of advance copy
We now get Phonos’ story. He didn’t get the girl in the last book but he does now. And we get to connect the dots why he failed in book one.
Daphne wasn’t ok with her seer vision she couldn’t take it anymore. She was going to the only place she could to seek help. Charon makes deals and she needs her gift gone. It is ripping her apart. She follows her gift to find the way.
Daphne wasn’t ok with her seer vision she couldn’t take it anymore. She was going to the only place she could to seek help. Charon makes deals and she needs her gift gone. It is ripping her apart. She follows her gift to find the way.
January 29, 2026
Phonos and Daphne's story is one that will bring you to tears multiple times before they get their happy ending. I am enjoying each addition to this series and how the authors are weaving the stories all together in this magical world.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2026
This was such an interesting read! The author creatively took characters from a myth and beautifully woven them into her own stories. The atmosphere was quite grim, but there was hope, love, and happiness shining through for our main characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phonos and Daphne's story was so wonderful. Poor Phonos has been desperately searching for his mate. But even finding his mate doesn't make his journey easy. Can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where the overall story goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Bookspout and Eva Brandt for the Arc.
I started and finished this in two sitting. The story picks up from the ending of Bought by the Cerberus and moves you deeper into the world of Alia Terra and the city Asphodelia. I'm enjoying this series. Definitely recommend.
I started and finished this in two sitting. The story picks up from the ending of Bought by the Cerberus and moves you deeper into the world of Alia Terra and the city Asphodelia. I'm enjoying this series. Definitely recommend.
January 15, 2026
I love the monster bride market where people get exactly what they need. Daphne and phonos story is such a sweet read. When you have a seer that just doesn't want to see it anymore and a god thats always been feared they become a perfect match. Loved it.
January 28, 2026
Daphne and Phonos a unique pair fir be forged in their own agonies, but very much made worth the tribulations. May need some tissues with this one. Heart-rending in parts and beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2026
This is a story of true love and loss. I love Phonos and Daphne, and how they gravitate towards each other and intrinsically recognise each other as soulmates. I love Daphnes determination and Phonos’s devotion.
This is another great story in this series.
This is another great story in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews