What do you think?
The Monster We Made
Her
My new boyfriend, Jamie, is the epitome of perfection.
He’s kind, patient, funny—the total opposite of my abusive ex.
After everything I’ve been through, life was supposed to be smooth sailing from here.
But someone’s been watching me. Following me.
I think my ex is trying to come back into my life.
And I’m terrified he’ll do something awful to Jamie.
It’s not like he isn’t capable of it.
---
Him
She’s perfect.
Everything I’ve ever wanted.
And she has no idea what’s coming.
My new boyfriend, Jamie, is the epitome of perfection.
He’s kind, patient, funny—the total opposite of my abusive ex.
After everything I’ve been through, life was supposed to be smooth sailing from here.
But someone’s been watching me. Following me.
I think my ex is trying to come back into my life.
And I’m terrified he’ll do something awful to Jamie.
It’s not like he isn’t capable of it.
---
Him
She’s perfect.
Everything I’ve ever wanted.
And she has no idea what’s coming.
401 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
November 16, 2025
No, no, nope. I had to force myself to go through that first part (which is like 180+ pages). It’s a horror show, and not in a good way. The synopsis of the novel is absolutely misleading, which was the whole purpose I suppose (a marketing thing). ‘The monster we made’ had nothing to do with Harper or Jamie, but it sure as hell involved them in the end.
So, Harper, which is a 30+ woman who went through an abusive relationship with her ex (Mark) and became all paranoid (bear this aspect in mind), literally CANNOT SEE all the fucked up things about Jamie, her new boyfriend of six months. It's utterly unrealistic to me. As I read the book I was screaming inside, ‘wtf, wth, how can you be so blind?’
When we switched to ‘His’ perspective, I just couldn't. This is literally the TV show ‘You’. And obviously, I don't like the TV show, so this book instantly went to my ‘no no list’. I did finish it because I can't DNF books, but I had zero interest in what was happening there at this point. The monologue is exactly like that, ‘You’ style, obsessive guy watching, stalking the girl.
That being said, this first part is overtly cheesy, the dialogues, the monologues, the whole action, it makes you roll your eyes, cringe, gag, whatever. It was dreadful to go through that first part. And I still can't believe that a lot of people see this as great writing or great story (like 5 stars? are you serious?), but I suppose it's because of the phenomenon of ‘You’, and all the younger audience that is obsessed with this sort of romanticizing obsession/stalking thingy. Clearly not for me. The FMC character was annoying, the action mind numbingly repetitive and redundant.
To me it seemed like the book insisted a lot on Harper's paranoia, constantly describing this for the purpose of creating this suspenseful atmosphere. I feel like this could've been done better without resorting to this sort of cheap repetition. Look, I understand, she went through some shit, we understand that…to some degree for the love of god, but this…this is just insane. The whole book is packed with ‘is he trying to kill me? Hurt me? Is that what it looks like? Is that man following me? Why is this like that? What if this is something else? What if I can't see the truth? What if he's lying? What if there’s a dead body there? Am I losing my mind? What, what, what, why, why, how, how? Fml, kill me instead so I can escape this hell or limbo of insanity.
Here’s a thought, an advice for younger crowds that might read this sort of book- go to a therapist (seek professional help) instead of jumping into another relationship (with the epitome of perfection guy) when you have serious self-esteem issues and went through awful toxic relationships. Definitely do not engage in a new relationship, get married and have children. Instead work on yourself, learn to love yourself because you as an individual are enough, a partner shouldn’t complete you, or make you happy in such a way that without them you’re miserable. A partner should be just someone to enjoy the pleasures of life together. But I digress.
Believe it when I tell you, there are so many obvious things that it's incredibly surreal how stupid and blind Harper is (think: antagonizing your family, isolating you from your loved ones, pressuring you into life changing decisions like marriage and children). Can’t say I was happy with that subtle trope of ‘let’s build a family together’ either, another pressure point for women, throwing topics like moving in together, marriage, and having children because hey, children after 35 is considered geriatric pregnancy (a term which is not even used anymore nowadays due to several reasons). Could you make it more scary for women and pressure them into following societal norms? I guess you can. But onward we go.
The cheesiest point: the song that tormented Harper: ‘Every breath you take’ by the Police. My brother in Christ…my brain could only take so much.
Fortunately, I was spared in the second and the third part. No more idiocy, and more focus on the actual monster, which surprise surprise, it’s not who you thought it was.
Here it is almost as if we read a different novel. A good one for what is worth, after all that failed emotional chow chow, we’re finally thrown a bone. My only nitpick here is that the author should research a bit more primary and secondary psychopathy (maybe scientific papers and actual real good therapists), because suffering from antisocial personality disorder does not equate with being a psychopath. And truth be told, there is no living soul on Earth who doesn’t feel anything or has no emotions (because newsflash people: there are many other emotions other than empathy, can you believe that?). There's no such thing, but let’s skip the science behind this and move on.
We switch to even more perspectives, bridging some gaps and adding more and more layers to the monster’s identity, which believe me, their background is rather sad (though very reminiscent of Dexter ‘training’ his son)
These final parts pick up the pace and it's the only reason why the book got three stars. Was it predictable regarding Harper's relationship? Absolutely. But it was surprising in another sense, that the story happens on two fronts and these two fronts collide at this point in a way that actually feels like karmic justice which was truly nice.
In reality I’d be more interested in reading more about the monster, and less about this senseless repetitive drama. For this reason I’d recommend the book only if you have absolutely no other options, and I’d really advise to just skim through the first part as it brings absolutely no value to the story.
Many, many thanks to Shade Owens, Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
So, Harper, which is a 30+ woman who went through an abusive relationship with her ex (Mark) and became all paranoid (bear this aspect in mind), literally CANNOT SEE all the fucked up things about Jamie, her new boyfriend of six months. It's utterly unrealistic to me. As I read the book I was screaming inside, ‘wtf, wth, how can you be so blind?’
When we switched to ‘His’ perspective, I just couldn't. This is literally the TV show ‘You’. And obviously, I don't like the TV show, so this book instantly went to my ‘no no list’. I did finish it because I can't DNF books, but I had zero interest in what was happening there at this point. The monologue is exactly like that, ‘You’ style, obsessive guy watching, stalking the girl.
That being said, this first part is overtly cheesy, the dialogues, the monologues, the whole action, it makes you roll your eyes, cringe, gag, whatever. It was dreadful to go through that first part. And I still can't believe that a lot of people see this as great writing or great story (like 5 stars? are you serious?), but I suppose it's because of the phenomenon of ‘You’, and all the younger audience that is obsessed with this sort of romanticizing obsession/stalking thingy. Clearly not for me. The FMC character was annoying, the action mind numbingly repetitive and redundant.
To me it seemed like the book insisted a lot on Harper's paranoia, constantly describing this for the purpose of creating this suspenseful atmosphere. I feel like this could've been done better without resorting to this sort of cheap repetition. Look, I understand, she went through some shit, we understand that…to some degree for the love of god, but this…this is just insane. The whole book is packed with ‘is he trying to kill me? Hurt me? Is that what it looks like? Is that man following me? Why is this like that? What if this is something else? What if I can't see the truth? What if he's lying? What if there’s a dead body there? Am I losing my mind? What, what, what, why, why, how, how? Fml, kill me instead so I can escape this hell or limbo of insanity.
Here’s a thought, an advice for younger crowds that might read this sort of book- go to a therapist (seek professional help) instead of jumping into another relationship (with the epitome of perfection guy) when you have serious self-esteem issues and went through awful toxic relationships. Definitely do not engage in a new relationship, get married and have children. Instead work on yourself, learn to love yourself because you as an individual are enough, a partner shouldn’t complete you, or make you happy in such a way that without them you’re miserable. A partner should be just someone to enjoy the pleasures of life together. But I digress.
Believe it when I tell you, there are so many obvious things that it's incredibly surreal how stupid and blind Harper is (think: antagonizing your family, isolating you from your loved ones, pressuring you into life changing decisions like marriage and children). Can’t say I was happy with that subtle trope of ‘let’s build a family together’ either, another pressure point for women, throwing topics like moving in together, marriage, and having children because hey, children after 35 is considered geriatric pregnancy (a term which is not even used anymore nowadays due to several reasons). Could you make it more scary for women and pressure them into following societal norms? I guess you can. But onward we go.
The cheesiest point: the song that tormented Harper: ‘Every breath you take’ by the Police. My brother in Christ…my brain could only take so much.
Fortunately, I was spared in the second and the third part. No more idiocy, and more focus on the actual monster, which surprise surprise, it’s not who you thought it was.
Here it is almost as if we read a different novel. A good one for what is worth, after all that failed emotional chow chow, we’re finally thrown a bone. My only nitpick here is that the author should research a bit more primary and secondary psychopathy (maybe scientific papers and actual real good therapists), because suffering from antisocial personality disorder does not equate with being a psychopath. And truth be told, there is no living soul on Earth who doesn’t feel anything or has no emotions (because newsflash people: there are many other emotions other than empathy, can you believe that?). There's no such thing, but let’s skip the science behind this and move on.
We switch to even more perspectives, bridging some gaps and adding more and more layers to the monster’s identity, which believe me, their background is rather sad (though very reminiscent of Dexter ‘training’ his son)
These final parts pick up the pace and it's the only reason why the book got three stars. Was it predictable regarding Harper's relationship? Absolutely. But it was surprising in another sense, that the story happens on two fronts and these two fronts collide at this point in a way that actually feels like karmic justice which was truly nice.
In reality I’d be more interested in reading more about the monster, and less about this senseless repetitive drama. For this reason I’d recommend the book only if you have absolutely no other options, and I’d really advise to just skim through the first part as it brings absolutely no value to the story.
Many, many thanks to Shade Owens, Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
November 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, BookSirens and Red Raven Publishing for providing and ARC of The Monster We Made by Shade Owens in exchange for honest feedback.
This was a gripping, slow-creeping psychological thriller that maintained an eerie sense of dread throughout. It had a unique premise from your typical thriller that felt both intimate and unsettling. The FMC was flawed in ways that made her behavior believable, and watching her choices spiral was extremely unnerving. The pacing was a bit slow at first, but the character development along the way made up for that.
While some of the twists were a bit predictable, others were definitely a surprise as things started to really unfold. Overall it was a solid, atmospheric thriller perfect for those who love emotional depth mixed with creeping dread.
This was a gripping, slow-creeping psychological thriller that maintained an eerie sense of dread throughout. It had a unique premise from your typical thriller that felt both intimate and unsettling. The FMC was flawed in ways that made her behavior believable, and watching her choices spiral was extremely unnerving. The pacing was a bit slow at first, but the character development along the way made up for that.
While some of the twists were a bit predictable, others were definitely a surprise as things started to really unfold. Overall it was a solid, atmospheric thriller perfect for those who love emotional depth mixed with creeping dread.
November 16, 2025
4.25 stars rounded down.
Apart from the fact that I might need to seek medical treatment for the whiplash I sustained, this book was truly fantastic. It's a rollercoaster ride with a fast pace, numerous twists and turns, and a dark, gritty atmosphere that kept me thoroughly engaged. I really enjoyed every aspect of it. The characters are complex, flawed, and portrayed in a realistic manner. While I didn't necessarily like any of them personally, I was still completely invested in the story and eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding Harper. The only reason it didn't receive a full five-star rating was due to some questions about the plausibility of certain events, particularly how some storylines intertwined and the locations of some characters—not the stalking elements, which unfortunately are too common place!
Overall, it's an exceptionally dark and gripping thriller, and I loved every minute of it. I’m definitely looking out for more books by Shade Owens to add to my reading list.
Thanks to the author, publishers and Booksirens for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Apart from the fact that I might need to seek medical treatment for the whiplash I sustained, this book was truly fantastic. It's a rollercoaster ride with a fast pace, numerous twists and turns, and a dark, gritty atmosphere that kept me thoroughly engaged. I really enjoyed every aspect of it. The characters are complex, flawed, and portrayed in a realistic manner. While I didn't necessarily like any of them personally, I was still completely invested in the story and eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding Harper. The only reason it didn't receive a full five-star rating was due to some questions about the plausibility of certain events, particularly how some storylines intertwined and the locations of some characters—not the stalking elements, which unfortunately are too common place!
Overall, it's an exceptionally dark and gripping thriller, and I loved every minute of it. I’m definitely looking out for more books by Shade Owens to add to my reading list.
Thanks to the author, publishers and Booksirens for the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2026
I liked this one. I didn’t love it, but I liked it enough that I’m already starting book two, which says more than any star rating could.
Should you read it?: This isn’t a book I’d hand to everyone. If you’re sensitive to domestic abuse as a subject, this one leans into it directly and might not be the right fit. But if you’re a fan of dual-POV thrillers with an unreliable sense of who to trust, or you liked the slow-burn paranoia of something like Behind Closed Doors, this is a solid pick. I wouldn’t call it a must-read, but it did enough right that I’m heading straight into the sequel to see where the story goes next.
Read my full thoughts here: https://itsm3g.com/monster-we-made/
Should you read it?: This isn’t a book I’d hand to everyone. If you’re sensitive to domestic abuse as a subject, this one leans into it directly and might not be the right fit. But if you’re a fan of dual-POV thrillers with an unreliable sense of who to trust, or you liked the slow-burn paranoia of something like Behind Closed Doors, this is a solid pick. I wouldn’t call it a must-read, but it did enough right that I’m heading straight into the sequel to see where the story goes next.
Read my full thoughts here: https://itsm3g.com/monster-we-made/
December 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I’m still reeling…seriously, what did I just read? This story follows Harper, a woman trying to rebuild her life after surviving domestic abuse. As she slowly lets someone new into her world, the narrative spirals into a dark, disorienting psychological thriller that blurs trauma, fear, and the fragile process of trusting again.
There is so much happening in this book, and I kept wondering how the author was going to pull all the threads together. The result is an intense, unsettling ride that left me genuinely tense and uncomfortable in the best thriller way. It dives deep into the emotional aftermath of abuse and the shadows people can carry, a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones shaped by real life.
Thanks to @netgalley, @redravenpublishing and @victoryeditingngc for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
This book is available now.
#NetGalley #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecommendations #DarkReads #BookAddict #BookObsessed #MustReadThriller #BookCommunity #IGReads
I’m still reeling…seriously, what did I just read? This story follows Harper, a woman trying to rebuild her life after surviving domestic abuse. As she slowly lets someone new into her world, the narrative spirals into a dark, disorienting psychological thriller that blurs trauma, fear, and the fragile process of trusting again.
There is so much happening in this book, and I kept wondering how the author was going to pull all the threads together. The result is an intense, unsettling ride that left me genuinely tense and uncomfortable in the best thriller way. It dives deep into the emotional aftermath of abuse and the shadows people can carry, a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones shaped by real life.
Thanks to @netgalley, @redravenpublishing and @victoryeditingngc for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
This book is available now.
#NetGalley #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecommendations #DarkReads #BookAddict #BookObsessed #MustReadThriller #BookCommunity #IGReads
November 23, 2025
Shade Owens blows my mind every single time!!! This book gripped me from chapter 1 and never loosened its hold. From the start, there’s this eerie vibe lurking in the background that makes every page feel like a warning you can’t quite figure out.
The characters were mysterious, complex, and impossible to read. I had no idea what was truly going on, which is exactly what I want in a thriller & expect from this author. I guessed, second guessed, and still ended up wrong every single time lol.
Overall, I loved it. If you’re a fan of stories that are heavy on the wth is happening here & keeps you guessing, I highly recommend this one! 4th read by this author and I have not once been disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were mysterious, complex, and impossible to read. I had no idea what was truly going on, which is exactly what I want in a thriller & expect from this author. I guessed, second guessed, and still ended up wrong every single time lol.
Overall, I loved it. If you’re a fan of stories that are heavy on the wth is happening here & keeps you guessing, I highly recommend this one! 4th read by this author and I have not once been disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2025
This was definitely a “what the hell did I just read” thriller in the best way. A page turner from the start, and definitely dark and twisty.
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. This was definitely a “what the hell did I just read” thriller in the best way. A page turner from the start, and definitely dark and twisty.
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. This was definitely a “what the hell did I just read” thriller in the best way. A page turner from the start, and definitely dark and twisty.
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily .
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. This was definitely a “what the hell did I just read” thriller in the best way. A page turner from the start, and definitely dark and twisty.
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. This was definitely a “what the hell did I just read” thriller in the best way. A page turner from the start, and definitely dark and twisty.
Harper meets a new man, Jamie . He’s the perfect guy, or is he? She can’t seem to shake Mark, who is still after her. You feel Harper’s anxiety throughout, and you won’t be able to put this one down. A great read for sure!
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily .
April 27, 2026
Ho. Lee. Feck.
Trigger warning: If you are a victim of domestic abuse then this isn’t the novel for you.
The first half of the book is lackluster. Many chapters of a timid, waffling, WASPish woman who is terrible at choosing the men in her life. HOWEVER….. the second half is REDEMPTION for this reader!
Things turn very dark, very quickly. Several character twists that will astound the reader. The ending is a bit fairy-tale but the journey getting there is anything but tame.
Can recommend.
Trigger warning: If you are a victim of domestic abuse then this isn’t the novel for you.
The first half of the book is lackluster. Many chapters of a timid, waffling, WASPish woman who is terrible at choosing the men in her life. HOWEVER….. the second half is REDEMPTION for this reader!
Things turn very dark, very quickly. Several character twists that will astound the reader. The ending is a bit fairy-tale but the journey getting there is anything but tame.
Can recommend.
Read
October 25, 2025Are you looking for a diabolically creepy psychological thriller perfect for autumn? Stay tuned to find out what’s in store!
For the first time in months, Harper is finally happy and treated like a queen by her new boyfriend, Jamie. After being emotionally and psychologically abused by her ex boyfriend, she thinks she got the “golden retriever” boyfriend but he seems almost too good to be true. Absolutely terrified that her ex would make good on his threats to hurt her new boyfriend if she ever moved on from him, Harper becomes more and more paranoid , thinking that she’s being stalked by Mark or having someone watch her every move. Is this all in her mind or is it true? Is Jamie the real deal or someone else entirely, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing? Or is there really a stalker that wants to keep her as his own play toy?
This story is so freaking creepy in all the best ways possible! You have all the classic elements that make you want to keep all the lights on in your home especially at night (just as I’m doing now as I’m writing this review… probably not the best idea but I’m here for the scares) and questioning every little sound you hear. The characters all gel together; their dialogue natural and on point. It truly is a story that is hard to put down and you can always tell a story has great dynamics when it is hard to put down!
So if you’re a lover of psychological thrillers like myself and want a book that can truly creep you out and give you involuntary goosebumps, then this book is for you! Check it out and happy reading!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For the first time in months, Harper is finally happy and treated like a queen by her new boyfriend, Jamie. After being emotionally and psychologically abused by her ex boyfriend, she thinks she got the “golden retriever” boyfriend but he seems almost too good to be true. Absolutely terrified that her ex would make good on his threats to hurt her new boyfriend if she ever moved on from him, Harper becomes more and more paranoid , thinking that she’s being stalked by Mark or having someone watch her every move. Is this all in her mind or is it true? Is Jamie the real deal or someone else entirely, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing? Or is there really a stalker that wants to keep her as his own play toy?
This story is so freaking creepy in all the best ways possible! You have all the classic elements that make you want to keep all the lights on in your home especially at night (just as I’m doing now as I’m writing this review… probably not the best idea but I’m here for the scares) and questioning every little sound you hear. The characters all gel together; their dialogue natural and on point. It truly is a story that is hard to put down and you can always tell a story has great dynamics when it is hard to put down!
So if you’re a lover of psychological thrillers like myself and want a book that can truly creep you out and give you involuntary goosebumps, then this book is for you! Check it out and happy reading!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2025
I’ve started this review several times, but I am still trying to wrap my head around what I just read. I’ll admit, it kept me engaged and I finished it quickly. Mostly because I was trying to figure out what the heck was happening. The FMC surely made questionable life choices. I get that her history played a big part of that but I spent a lot of the time wishing I could reach through the page and shake her. Girl, get it together! The twists were unexpected, I’ll give it that. I finished and I’m still scratching my head, like what did I just read?! 😂🫣😳🤔
ARC review in exchange for my honest review.
ARC review in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2026
I just finished The Monster We Made and whew! This one kept me on the edge the whole time. I was constantly second-guessing everything, which is exactly what I want from a good psycho thriller. And that twist? I loved it! I literally stopped and had to rethink then go back to make sure I hadn’t read it wrong. It hit in a, “wait… WHAT?” kind of way that is mind bendingly satisfying.
While I really liked where the story landed overall, that very last page or so felt a little out of left field for me and didn’t quite land the way I wanted. It was still a tense, twisty ride that kept me hooked the whole way through.
Multi POV
Triggers
While I really liked where the story landed overall, that very last page or so felt a little out of left field for me and didn’t quite land the way I wanted. It was still a tense, twisty ride that kept me hooked the whole way through.
Multi POV
Triggers
April 21, 2026
4.25 Stars
A monster novel reimagined. Shade Owens did a fantastic job at building suspense and tension. There were times where I felt like I wanted to yell at the main character like you do when watching a horror movie on tv. Much better than I was expecting and my first read by this author. I look forward to checking out more of their work.
Great read.
A monster novel reimagined. Shade Owens did a fantastic job at building suspense and tension. There were times where I felt like I wanted to yell at the main character like you do when watching a horror movie on tv. Much better than I was expecting and my first read by this author. I look forward to checking out more of their work.
Great read.
July 23, 2026
This was definitely interesting! A lot of things I didn’t see coming. Went into this blind not knowing it has a 2nd book, but you better believe I will be reading it.
August 13, 2026
I liked this it was like most thrillers and I was kinda annoyed with the protagonist but if she wasn’t a little dumb there wouldn’t be a story so. It also had some twists which was interesting
Read
April 19, 20263.5 ⭐️
August 13, 2026
4.5⭐️
“The Animal feels no sympathy. He doesn’t understand that some people are innocent, while others are guilty. All he wants to do is kill.”
تا صفحه اخرش پر از هیجان بود🥹
“The Animal feels no sympathy. He doesn’t understand that some people are innocent, while others are guilty. All he wants to do is kill.”
تا صفحه اخرش پر از هیجان بود🥹
November 19, 2025
The Monster We Made by Shade Owens is a new psychological thriller with aspects of horror that was released this week.
Harper is in a new relationship with Jamie, who seems like the perfect boyfriend, especially after her last relationship with Mark, who was very controlling and mentally abusive. Jamie is almost too perfect, and Harper has a hard time trusting him 100% because she doesn’t completely trust herself with the men she picks.
Jamie is attentive, caring, and patient, especially with Harper’s past. Mark sends Harper a text wanting to apologize for all the things he did in the past, and Jamie is there to support Harper when she feels scared and is worried she is being stalked. She moves in with Jamie after finding her place trashed and no longer feels safe. Jamie lets her know that the house is hers to make herself comfortable, but to stay away from the basement. He had a depressive time in his life and left all that in the basement. She wants to trust him, but curiosity gets the best of her, especially when she later finds the basement now has a lock on it.
Then there is the creepy guy across the street who just watches Jamie’s house, and Harper has caught him a few times pressed against the window and then gone.
This book has so much crazy stuff going on that I couldn’t put it down. This book is perfect for those of you who love watching true crime documentaries because the horrors revealed in this book are the same things we find fascinating to watch in the documentaries. There are three POVs: Harper, Jamie, and The Animal. The last couple of chapters give us an aftermath explanation, but the last four pages had my jaw dropping!! I’ll be keeping my eye out for this author in the future!
Thank you, Red Raven Publishing, Shade Owens, and Netgalley for this gifted advanced reader copy.
November 11, 2025
ARC Review: The Monster We Made by Shade Owens
The Monster We Made by Shade Owens was my first read from the author—and definitely not my last! I absolutely loved it. The story pulls you in right away and keeps you on edge from start to finish.
Just when you think Harper has the perfect boyfriend, everything starts to unravel. What seemed like a dream relationship quickly turns into her worst nightmare. This book perfectly captures the terrifying truth that some monsters don’t hide under the bed—they hide behind a smile, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Dark, twisty, and chilling, this story explores obsession, manipulation, and the darker sides of love. It’s the kind of psychological thriller that leaves you tense, questioning every character, and unable to look away. Shade Owens crafted a gripping, emotional roller coaster that lingers long after the last page.
⭐️ 5/5 – A haunting and unforgettable read.
The Monster We Made by Shade Owens was my first read from the author—and definitely not my last! I absolutely loved it. The story pulls you in right away and keeps you on edge from start to finish.
Just when you think Harper has the perfect boyfriend, everything starts to unravel. What seemed like a dream relationship quickly turns into her worst nightmare. This book perfectly captures the terrifying truth that some monsters don’t hide under the bed—they hide behind a smile, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Dark, twisty, and chilling, this story explores obsession, manipulation, and the darker sides of love. It’s the kind of psychological thriller that leaves you tense, questioning every character, and unable to look away. Shade Owens crafted a gripping, emotional roller coaster that lingers long after the last page.
⭐️ 5/5 – A haunting and unforgettable read.
November 10, 2025
A fast paced, creepy, anxiety inducing thriller. Harper, freshly out of an abusive, controlling relationship, falls for the seemingly perfect new guy. Jamie, the perfect, caring, golden retriever new boyfriend is everything she thinks she needs. Mark, the ex, begins messaging, worrying Harper.
The twists just keep coming. Everything you think you have it figured out, you don't. This was my first book by Shade Owens, but will not be last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The twists just keep coming. Everything you think you have it figured out, you don't. This was my first book by Shade Owens, but will not be last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
Phew! If you think you guessed what is going on, you definitely have not. What a twisty read!
This book had me on the edge of my seat. Who is messing with Harper and why? Is it Mark, her ex? I will say, at first Harper was a bit annoying and paranoid. But then you quickly realize she had every right to be.
I love Shade Owen’s writing style. It’s easy to read, flows nicely, and keeps you wanting more. I love her books! They’re so unique and well thought out.
Definitely recommend this one.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. Who is messing with Harper and why? Is it Mark, her ex? I will say, at first Harper was a bit annoying and paranoid. But then you quickly realize she had every right to be.
I love Shade Owen’s writing style. It’s easy to read, flows nicely, and keeps you wanting more. I love her books! They’re so unique and well thought out.
Definitely recommend this one.
November 5, 2025
THE MONSTER WE MADE BY SHADE OWENS.
Release date set for the 19th of November 2025.
This book grabs your attention from the very first page and holds on tight until the very end.
Throughout the story I had a sense of dread and waiting for something to happen.
Great characters and really good storyline.
This is my first book by this author and it most definitely won't be my last.
Release date set for the 19th of November 2025.
This book grabs your attention from the very first page and holds on tight until the very end.
Throughout the story I had a sense of dread and waiting for something to happen.
Great characters and really good storyline.
This is my first book by this author and it most definitely won't be my last.
April 12, 2026
3.75 stars. Rounded up.
Well... I'm off to A&E, for the whiplash I've received, whilst reading this book!
Overall, a jolly good read.
It was akin to being in a maze; you never know which way it's going.
I think book 2 is coming... I'll definitely be catching that one!!
Well... I'm off to A&E, for the whiplash I've received, whilst reading this book!
Overall, a jolly good read.
It was akin to being in a maze; you never know which way it's going.
I think book 2 is coming... I'll definitely be catching that one!!
July 24, 2026
What an absolutely ridiculous book
June 6, 2026
The first part was a bit slow for me. I definitely preferred 𝐡𝐢𝐬 POV, and I already had my suspicions… not that 𝐡𝐢𝐦, the other 𝐇𝐈𝐌 👀 the one giving full psychopath energy.
Then the second part? That’s when things really started picking up, especially with more of 𝐡𝐢𝐬 POV coming in. Harper irritated me a little at the start, not gonna lie 😅
But the third part??? What an absolute clusterfck 🔥 I LOVED the ending… dayuuuum. The twists just kept coming and coming and I ate it up every single time.
This was such a well-written thriller and it completely delivered on the tension and mind games.
Then the second part? That’s when things really started picking up, especially with more of 𝐡𝐢𝐬 POV coming in. Harper irritated me a little at the start, not gonna lie 😅
But the third part??? What an absolute clusterfck 🔥 I LOVED the ending… dayuuuum. The twists just kept coming and coming and I ate it up every single time.
This was such a well-written thriller and it completely delivered on the tension and mind games.
June 30, 2026
If you're in a reading slump from reading bad books, pick this one up!! It partly reminded me of The Housemaid but I actually thought it was better. Very easy to read, very easy to get into, and the characters actually felt like they had personalities. Sort of predictable but not at the same time. Even if it had been fully predictable, it wouldn't have taken away from the story at all. It was at least "twisty" enough to keep me second guessing myself. Highly recommend!!
June 7, 2026
Wow this book! Let’s talk about Harper she shits me but I guess she has anxiety and issues and she really made me having anxiety so she shuts me. So well written in her character to have that effect for the readers. Then the monsters are nice work. Really going to have trust issues with anyone after this book. Definitely will read more from this author
January 26, 2026
Fenomenal story 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 loved it
March 23, 2026
Loved it!
What a shocker this one turned out to be! So many twists and even at the end one last twist. I am so glad there’s another book coming and I can’t wait to read it.
What a shocker this one turned out to be! So many twists and even at the end one last twist. I am so glad there’s another book coming and I can’t wait to read it.
April 29, 2026
WOW, this was crazy. Its probably why I enjoyed it so much.
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