Saved by a Monster: A Spicy Scarred Protector Novella

by Eve Brash

He's the monster in the shadows. She's the angel in the spotlight.
As the Head of Security for the House of Midnight Pleasures, I keep all our performers safe from the wealthy elite who attend our private masked parties.

Tabitha Green is the only performer I really care about.

Night after night, I’m transfixed by her sensual solo act, staring at her so hard that I can almost start to believe she stares back.

It’s idiotic.

Nobody looks at me when they don’t have to. Not since I got these scars on a rescue mission in Syria.

Tabitha can’t even talk to me without turning bright red and looking away. So on event nights, behind the safety of my mask, I let myself memorize every inch of her.

And I keep my distance.

Then her car breaks down during the worst storm of the year. With shelter-in-place orders in effect, I have no choice but to take her home with me.

I take the couch and try like hell not to think about her lying in my bed without me...until she wakes up screaming in the middle of the night.

And she needs comfort.

God help me.

This might be the thing that finally kills me.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

I've been reading dirty books since I was old enough to smuggle them out of my mom's bedroom. I love men who laugh at women's jokes, women who refuse to budge (with a smile), and everyone who's ever visited their public library.

My first crush was Indiana Jones, and I've never recovered.

Reviews

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read for me. Who doesn't like a scarred former military guy who has a very low opinion of himself facing a woman that he has secretly desired for a long time.? Forced proximity with mixed signals sets the tone of this story.
Working security for Morris Manor, The House of Midnight Pleasures, Fritz has been carrying a secret crush on one of the performers, Tabitha, since she began working her first season.
Thinking she hates the sight of him as does everyone else that sees his scarred face, he is faced with the plight of keeping her safe during a severe thunder storm.
Car broken down, Hail coming down in buckets, big enough to break her windscreen and soaked to the bone, imagine her surprise when her care door is wrenched open by none other than Fritz, a guy she has been fantasizing about since she started her job at Morris Manor. Being a solo act, seeking pleasure in front a thousands, she trusts Fritz to keep her safe, and every orgasm she has on stage is another one for him...She sees only Fritz!
Loved the overall vibe of the story as they finally find each other and learn to trust one another.
She knows there is more to Fritz than what is shown on the outside and he proves to Tabitha that he is nothing like other men she has known.
Sexy strong and everything a woman needs in a man, Fritz ticks all the boxes for Tabitha as Fritz loses himself in everything Tabitha.

[Booksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha performs in a solo show where Fritz works security. Fritz has scars on his face that greatly affect his opinion of himself, Tabitha’s scars are less visible but cause no less pain. Fritz doesn’t think Tabitha could ever want someone like him while Tabitha tries to hide her baser reactions to the man she wants. Fritz is a surprising mix of strength and vulnerability, mainly strength, and dominance. Tabitha is dealing with trauma scars inflicted by her youth, a youth she’s not a victim but a survivor of. I expected heat from this but not the full characters presented; imperfect but more real. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone, which is what I did. Told from dual POV this was a hot tale with characters that felt real. One thing that I didn’t fully endorse was Tabitha’s self sacrifice for her father, seemed a bit unwarranted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PalenMisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ended up being everything I was hoping for when I read the summary. Hurt/comfort? Check. Scarred, former military who is actually a sweetheart? Check. Forced proximity? Check. I also loved the juxtaposition of Tabitha who blushes like a school girl when she tries to talk to Fritz and Tabitha who does sensual solo acts in front of piles of people without losing her composure. Her inner monologue was pretty funny at times. Then there's poor Fritz who just wants somebody to love and look after. The back story for both of them was solid and they both felt realistic. I really enjoyed their story and definitely recommend if you want something on the shorter side that has some past trauma that could have made the story really heavy, but doesn't.

***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***

[PurpleLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Saved by a Monster:, by Eve Brash. This is a steamy, intense romance novella. Both Fritz and Tabitha are struggling with demons from past drama. Tabitha has suffered physical abuse at the hands of her alcoholic stepfather and neglect from the adults in her life. Fritz, a veteran, was hurt and disfigured by a hidden bomb while on a search and rescue mission. His disfigured face repulses others and makes them fear and avoid him. Tabitha is not repulsed. She has always been attracted to Fritz and she is not afraid of his scars. Hopefully the two of them let their guard down long enough to find love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading Eve Brash. Love how comfortable she is with sexuality. It’s not a dirty secret, not whispers in the dark. It’s just there. No kinks or sexual identity inserted because it’s the flavor of the month. Absolutely refreshing. Fritz and Tabitha’s story is as sweet as it is hot. Looking forward to Graham and Rosie’s story next!

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Fritz
FMC:
✨Tabitha
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨House of Midnight Pleasures — Book 4
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉protector romance
👉tortured hero
👉forced proximity
👉one bed
👉secret crush
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Saved by a Monster is a short novella that makes for a quick, easy read, with writing that flows smoothly from start to finish.

Tabitha and Fritz are both likeable MCs with solid chemistry. They each carry personal demons, which allows them to open up to one another and bond in a way that feels natural and sincere.

Fritz is a big honey monster — protective, caring, and fully focused on keeping Tabitha safe and looked after. His gentle yet possessive nature adds a comforting tone to their relationship.

The storyline is simplistic, but it works well for the novella length. If you’re in the mood for a light, comforting romance that doesn’t demand a big time commitment, this one fits perfect

[Ana Annie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry between these two characters was so steamy from the start! I really enjoyed how you can feel how their desire for one another has been there for a while. They're co-workers at a mansion that hosts private parties where he "watches" her perform. After a storm, there is a "forced proximity" where all fun and spice begins!!! This was so steamy and was written in a way where I cared about the characters. I love an MMC that is an alpha and super sweet & caring to the FMC. I absolutely loved it. Emotional, Short, and Spicy!

[Michele Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha has desired Fritz for a long as she worked at the club, but he keeps to himself. After a dead battery and a dangerous storm leads to her staying at his place, she starts to break down his walls. Fritz feels like a monster with his scars and past, not letting anyone in, but Tabitha is all he's ever wanted in a woman. They both have hurdles to overcome to heal but they are willing to be the light the other needs in the darkness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gina Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me first book I’ve read but will not be the last. I can’t wait to read the others in this series. This book is really short but it’s a page turner. Very well written and character development. Lots of angst and lots of hot scenes.

A girl who’s down on her luck has had a crappy life and finds a monster to save her it’s what she needs. He’s a man who has lost faith in people and doesn’t know she can change his life like he can her’s.

[Terry Staten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book here is a must read it's had me form the beginning to the end of this book.Tabitha and Fritza both was going through something.But out of all that love was there for both of them.Eve Brash out did her self with this book what Tabitha was dealing with what her stepdad did to her and what Fritza was dealing with too been a veteran gotten hurt on a mission.

[Nil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Eve Brash. It's a quick, sexy read if you need something to get over a book hangover or you want something quick at bed time. There's mutual, secret attraction, forced proximity, one bed, and scarred hero vibes. I love a story where the main characters heal each other while not giving up any power.

[Jalissia summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a spicy quick read and I ate up every bit of it. I only rated it 3 stars due to my greed and need for more from the plot. I loved the possessive trope, the MMC growth from his past, but I wish it went deeper into the characters overall.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novella with lovable characters and spicy scenes.
He’s very protective, unhinged in bed and has insecurities, I like that he has this human side and that he has emotional intelligence.

She has more strength than she realizes and together they’re beautiful!

A great read I recommend!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the House of Midnight Pleasures series. It’s a short, quick read that kept me engaged. I enjoyed reading the start of Tabitha and Fritza‘s intense, spicy story. It’s does end on a cliffhanger.

[Cecilia Gurgui · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy going novella, a light spicy read just perfect for rainy evenings. It proves that sometimes body scars can be easier to heal than the emotional ones. It is a nice story of how two people cand help each other overcome past problems. PS. it has a bonus chapter. Have fun reading!

[Amy MamaBoreSnake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4.5⭐️. It’s spicy and such a good book that I read in one sitting. Wish it could have been longer. Can we get a sequel for this amazing book?!?!