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Monster's Prey
Chuckles: A Monster's Prey
He claims her as his whether she wants him or not.
Esme Rinah only cares about one where are the children?
For five relentless years, she’s hunted the creature who stole her daughter. Now that she’s closer than ever, it’s become impossible to tell the difference between friend and monster.
With the rules of the hunt rewritten and her instincts screaming, Esme doesn’t know who to trust, especially the unhinged clown stalking her every step.
Is he the deadliest desire she’s ever let close?
Or is the monster who took everything from her hiding behind his smiling mask?
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
Esme Rinah only cares about one where are the children?
For five relentless years, she’s hunted the creature who stole her daughter. Now that she’s closer than ever, it’s become impossible to tell the difference between friend and monster.
With the rules of the hunt rewritten and her instincts screaming, Esme doesn’t know who to trust, especially the unhinged clown stalking her every step.
Is he the deadliest desire she’s ever let close?
Or is the monster who took everything from her hiding behind his smiling mask?
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
- GenresDark Romance
Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2026
About the author
Kat Bethel
24 books144 followersKat Bethel writes omegaverse, paranormal romance, and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 5, 2026
ARC REVIEW
WOAH! “REVENGE WAS BEST SERVED bloody.” What a wild ride that was! This book had all the good stuff a horror book should have, and then some - creepy clowns, because who doesn't love a good nightmare? Esme is a strong, likeable character, even if she does have a knack for picking losers. Maybe she needs therapy, or a crash course in 'Spotting the Psychopath'? I love this book! Know your triggers!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
WOAH! “REVENGE WAS BEST SERVED bloody.” What a wild ride that was! This book had all the good stuff a horror book should have, and then some - creepy clowns, because who doesn't love a good nightmare? Esme is a strong, likeable character, even if she does have a knack for picking losers. Maybe she needs therapy, or a crash course in 'Spotting the Psychopath'? I love this book! Know your triggers!
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Review of advance copy
I got the ebook arc so damn quickly when I saw the mmc was a clown. Been wanting to find romances with clowns for a long while (I love clowns! 🤡). I enjoyed the book very much as the plot was full of revenge, action and a badass heroine. It touched me emotionally many times. I found the mmc to ber unique, unhinged, mentally insaine and strange in the best way and I adored his stuffed bear companion. At first I tought I knew the twist, and while I kinda did it still took me slightly by supried as I hadn't figured out the bigger picture.
February 17, 2026
Omg Kat seriously what do you put in these books!
Esme She’s got that "burn the world down" energy that makes her the ultimate badass witch.
Chuckles, Let’s talk about the clown in the room. He is a sexy, unhinged psycho, and frankly, I’ve never wanted to join a circus more in my life.
The chemistry between them isn't just "sparks flying"—it’s a high-voltage electrical fire in a fireworks factory. Watching them navigate their "ride or die" (mostly die, for everyone else) relationship was pure, unadulterated adrenaline.
The whole story pulled me in and had me guessing and wanting more. Ahhh Kat I need more of this series ✨
If you’re looking for a sweet bedtime story, put this book down and go find a coloring book. But if you’re like me and prefer your romance with a side of arterial spray, Kat has delivered the absolute goods.
Esme She’s got that "burn the world down" energy that makes her the ultimate badass witch.
Chuckles, Let’s talk about the clown in the room. He is a sexy, unhinged psycho, and frankly, I’ve never wanted to join a circus more in my life.
The chemistry between them isn't just "sparks flying"—it’s a high-voltage electrical fire in a fireworks factory. Watching them navigate their "ride or die" (mostly die, for everyone else) relationship was pure, unadulterated adrenaline.
The whole story pulled me in and had me guessing and wanting more. Ahhh Kat I need more of this series ✨
If you’re looking for a sweet bedtime story, put this book down and go find a coloring book. But if you’re like me and prefer your romance with a side of arterial spray, Kat has delivered the absolute goods.
February 7, 2026
This book definitely had me thinking and really engaging what I was reading. It definitely messed with my mind a bit! I loved the clowns, loved the circus part and definitely loved the spice! If you enjoy horror and spice this is definitely your book!
October 8, 2026
5/5 STARS. ⭐️
There’s a circus coming to my town this weekend actually… I’m suddenly thinking I should go, ya know, for no particular reason…
I’m not gonna sit here and be like, “Oh my gosh, I never thought I’d be attracted to a clown,” because that would be a lie. I fully knew I was capable of this.
Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, anyone?
Oh. Just me? Okay. 🤷🏼♀️
So obviously I loved this book.
Once again, were there questions that could have been answered that weren’t? Just like in Echo? Yes.
Do I care?
Still no. 🤪
I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and honestly, that’s really all I care about, folks.
Because apparently all it takes to earn five stars from me is a sexy, possessive monster who stalks his witch, claims her as his own, and makes it VERY clear that nobody is allowed to hurt her.
“The centerpiece was a giant platter with an arrangement of veggies with a bloody head on top… Every dish featured a different body part.”
HE FUCKING KILLED AND COOKED THE MAN WHO HIT HER.
I’m sorry, but is that really too much to ask for?!
And then there’s:
“You’re mine now,” he said with sure confidence, as if I’d never refute his words. “No one is allowed to touch you again. It’s a warning to the others.”
Oh.
Okay, Chuckles. 😏
I also need to discuss this because I have apparently found my religion:
“His rough lips landed on my back, kissing me as if he intended to worship me. Here I was considering converting to a clown religion that I would personally found.”
ME TOO, GIRL. 🙏🏻
Where do I sign up?
But underneath all the murder, chaos, clownery, and questionable life choices, there was actually a really beautiful emotional thread to this story. Esme has lost so much, and I loved watching her find something worth fighting for again.
“I won, but I’d lost everything to get here. I refused to lose my Chuckles by denying who I was and what I wanted.”
So yeah. Another book by Kat Bethel that thoroughly entertained me, kept me hooked, and gave me exactly the kind of possessive monster nonsense my brain apparently requires.
Keep ’em coming, Kat.
On to the next book I go. 🤪
There’s a circus coming to my town this weekend actually… I’m suddenly thinking I should go, ya know, for no particular reason…
I’m not gonna sit here and be like, “Oh my gosh, I never thought I’d be attracted to a clown,” because that would be a lie. I fully knew I was capable of this.
Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, anyone?
Oh. Just me? Okay. 🤷🏼♀️
So obviously I loved this book.
Once again, were there questions that could have been answered that weren’t? Just like in Echo? Yes.
Do I care?
Still no. 🤪
I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and honestly, that’s really all I care about, folks.
Because apparently all it takes to earn five stars from me is a sexy, possessive monster who stalks his witch, claims her as his own, and makes it VERY clear that nobody is allowed to hurt her.
“The centerpiece was a giant platter with an arrangement of veggies with a bloody head on top… Every dish featured a different body part.”
HE FUCKING KILLED AND COOKED THE MAN WHO HIT HER.
I’m sorry, but is that really too much to ask for?!
And then there’s:
“You’re mine now,” he said with sure confidence, as if I’d never refute his words. “No one is allowed to touch you again. It’s a warning to the others.”
Oh.
Okay, Chuckles. 😏
I also need to discuss this because I have apparently found my religion:
“His rough lips landed on my back, kissing me as if he intended to worship me. Here I was considering converting to a clown religion that I would personally found.”
ME TOO, GIRL. 🙏🏻
Where do I sign up?
But underneath all the murder, chaos, clownery, and questionable life choices, there was actually a really beautiful emotional thread to this story. Esme has lost so much, and I loved watching her find something worth fighting for again.
“I won, but I’d lost everything to get here. I refused to lose my Chuckles by denying who I was and what I wanted.”
So yeah. Another book by Kat Bethel that thoroughly entertained me, kept me hooked, and gave me exactly the kind of possessive monster nonsense my brain apparently requires.
Keep ’em coming, Kat.
On to the next book I go. 🤪
March 14, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for this ARC
This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.
I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!
Release date for this book was 10th Feb 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! What a great book AGAIN . The writing is impeccable, the story I loved and the plot, I wish it never ended. What another banger by Kat!
Chuckles is the 2nd in A Monsters Prey series however, you do not need to read book 1 (Echo) to read this book, as both can be read as standard alones.
If you like saucy, spicy, predator and Prey books, you will love this.
There are a lot of triggers in this book, for example:
- Blood
- Gore
- Death
- Murder
- Bodily harm
- predator/ prey
- Demons
- Sexual scenes
- Sexual talk
- Male dominance/ Manipulation
- Witches
- Death of children
- Kidnapping
and more!
Thank you again to BookSirens and Kat Bethel!
p.s please please please write more in this series!! 🙏
This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.
I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!
Release date for this book was 10th Feb 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! What a great book AGAIN . The writing is impeccable, the story I loved and the plot, I wish it never ended. What another banger by Kat!
Chuckles is the 2nd in A Monsters Prey series however, you do not need to read book 1 (Echo) to read this book, as both can be read as standard alones.
If you like saucy, spicy, predator and Prey books, you will love this.
There are a lot of triggers in this book, for example:
- Blood
- Gore
- Death
- Murder
- Bodily harm
- predator/ prey
- Demons
- Sexual scenes
- Sexual talk
- Male dominance/ Manipulation
- Witches
- Death of children
- Kidnapping
and more!
Thank you again to BookSirens and Kat Bethel!
p.s please please please write more in this series!! 🙏
June 14, 2026
Loved it.
I'm not a fan of clowns. They scare me but I really enjoyed reading this. If you like horror monster romance books you should give this one a try.
I'm not a fan of clowns. They scare me but I really enjoyed reading this. If you like horror monster romance books you should give this one a try.
June 29, 2026
I'd have ranked this a little higher if there were less editing errors. I'm not usually into clowns, but this one is 😍🤩🤤🥵. This also had a decent plot.
September 26, 2026
September 2026
Kindle edition
One of my fave monsters in the series. The story itself was a whole lot of trauma and daddy issues. That bit was a bit yuck. The truth behind the bear was sad. I liked the support, seems there is a core group.
Kindle edition
One of my fave monsters in the series. The story itself was a whole lot of trauma and daddy issues. That bit was a bit yuck. The truth behind the bear was sad. I liked the support, seems there is a core group.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Content Warnings; Check your triggers! Your mental health matters.
~I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~
Tropes;
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒔
𖦹🎪𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆 & 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒚 𝑭𝑴𝑪
𖦹🎪𝑼𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑴𝑴𝑪
𖦹🎭𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕
𖦹🎪𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑯𝒆𝒓 & 𝑫-𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 (𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂)
𖦹🎪𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓/𝑲_𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏
𖦹🎭𝑯𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕/𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑯𝒆𝒓
𖦹🎪𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕?
𖦹🎭𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 & 𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆
𖦹🎪𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 & 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄
𖦹🎪"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆"
𖦹🎭𝑵𝒐 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
𖦹🎪𝑯𝑬𝑨
In the small town of Connecticut, where children keep vanishing. Esme vows to hunt and kill it, the same monster who took her daughter, Roseanna, five years ago. She goes on date with Sebastian to the circus and watches the ring-leader, creepy clown, walk out onto the stage. That night, she follows him to his tent, but what happens when her plans don't go to plan? Bodies keep piling up, and children keep vanishing. What if the creepy clown doesn't want to let her go? Can she fight through the obstacles and distractions to find her daughter?
Esme is a fierce and bad-ass witch. She's searching for her daughter, who had been kidnapped by the monster years ago and still hasn't given up. She's quick-witted, clever, and determined, too. Her backstory does make you sympathise with her and understand her motives for doing what she does. What a fabulous heroine! All she needs is her daughter back and someone to love, but Fate throws her a love-triangle is the most crazy ways, even I didn't predict, but I don't complain. (Wanna hear something controversial? Don't hate me. I LOVE love triangles. But only when her love interest is MY love interest, y'see? Of course you do.)
Willow is a brilliant character! I wish we got more of her because I actually love her for her blunt personality. And Sebastian? Ahem. I won't spoil anything. Not to forget that my heart goes out to Roseanna - I wish we got a POV from her perspective. And Ira, her backstory is fascinating in the most heartbreaking way possible. I hope we get to see something about her in the future.
Oh, and Chuckles, the clown? He's mine. He's perfect. Everything about him gives me blush in the best way possible. He's my crush. I'm confessing. Give him to me. (Now, granted that the poor boy has past childhood trauma, he's doing quite well. He is, trust me. I feel for him. He's doing his best. We get some backstory, and I wish we got some more.) Anyways, beautiful, messed up, and psychotic, knows what he wants, and gives gory presents that are meaningful in his own way. How sweet? And he guards Ira, his purple teddy plushie with his life, as he should. He also talks to her. Cute. And she talks back. Adorable duo. He's so likable yet unhinged, I love it! Or, maybe that he's a clown, and that's what does it for me. Yeah, he's my new favourite fictional man.
The story is intriguing and immersive (I love anything to do with circus/clowns), and the plot twist has me gagged. The heat and chemistry are palpable, and the spicy scenes will leave you blushing. The plotline is almost like a crime/mystery with a HINT of psychological thriller from the constant mind games we get, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. The conclusion in the end tugs on your heartstrings that the reader goes through with the FMC from start to end as the mystery falls open and Esme faces what happened to her little girl. I do appreciate how the villain is dealt with. However, I wish there was a little bit more female rage and angst. I needed gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching tears, that's all. Other than that, I enjoyed this little goodie.
If you're searching for a spicy horror romance with suspense, blood and gore, magic and mystery, witch lore, and more, then this one is for you!
Out of Fives;
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
𖦹🎪𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𖦹🎭𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒇𝒖𝒍:🃏🃏🃏🃏🃏
𖦹🎭𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
𖦹🎪𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𖦹🎭𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎
𖦹🎪𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:🎡🎡🎡🎡🎡
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆:🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
𖦹🎭𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
𖦹🎪𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏:🫦🫦🫦🫦
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
𖦹🎪𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:💥💥💥💥💥
𖦹🎭𝑬𝒔𝒎𝒆 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
𖦹🎪𝑪𝒉𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝑴𝑪:💚💚💚💚💚
𖦹🎭𝑰𝒓𝒂/𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒆:🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
𖦹🎭𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
𖦹🎪𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
𖦹🎭𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 (𝑨 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒘𝒐.)
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 242.
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 32 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
𖦹🎪𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍, 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
𖦹🎭𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 13 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
𖦹🎪𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
𖦹🎭𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~
Tropes;
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒔
𖦹🎪𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆 & 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒚 𝑭𝑴𝑪
𖦹🎪𝑼𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑴𝑴𝑪
𖦹🎭𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕
𖦹🎪𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑯𝒆𝒓 & 𝑫-𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 (𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂)
𖦹🎪𝑲𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓/𝑲_𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏
𖦹🎭𝑯𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕/𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑯𝒆𝒓
𖦹🎪𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕?
𖦹🎭𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 & 𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆
𖦹🎭𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆
𖦹🎪𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 & 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄
𖦹🎪"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆"
𖦹🎭𝑵𝒐 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
𖦹🎪𝑯𝑬𝑨
In the small town of Connecticut, where children keep vanishing. Esme vows to hunt and kill it, the same monster who took her daughter, Roseanna, five years ago. She goes on date with Sebastian to the circus and watches the ring-leader, creepy clown, walk out onto the stage. That night, she follows him to his tent, but what happens when her plans don't go to plan? Bodies keep piling up, and children keep vanishing. What if the creepy clown doesn't want to let her go? Can she fight through the obstacles and distractions to find her daughter?
Esme is a fierce and bad-ass witch. She's searching for her daughter, who had been kidnapped by the monster years ago and still hasn't given up. She's quick-witted, clever, and determined, too. Her backstory does make you sympathise with her and understand her motives for doing what she does. What a fabulous heroine! All she needs is her daughter back and someone to love, but Fate throws her a love-triangle is the most crazy ways, even I didn't predict, but I don't complain. (Wanna hear something controversial? Don't hate me. I LOVE love triangles. But only when her love interest is MY love interest, y'see? Of course you do.)
Willow is a brilliant character! I wish we got more of her because I actually love her for her blunt personality. And Sebastian? Ahem. I won't spoil anything. Not to forget that my heart goes out to Roseanna - I wish we got a POV from her perspective. And Ira, her backstory is fascinating in the most heartbreaking way possible. I hope we get to see something about her in the future.
Oh, and Chuckles, the clown? He's mine. He's perfect. Everything about him gives me blush in the best way possible. He's my crush. I'm confessing. Give him to me. (Now, granted that the poor boy has past childhood trauma, he's doing quite well. He is, trust me. I feel for him. He's doing his best. We get some backstory, and I wish we got some more.) Anyways, beautiful, messed up, and psychotic, knows what he wants, and gives gory presents that are meaningful in his own way. How sweet? And he guards Ira, his purple teddy plushie with his life, as he should. He also talks to her. Cute. And she talks back. Adorable duo. He's so likable yet unhinged, I love it! Or, maybe that he's a clown, and that's what does it for me. Yeah, he's my new favourite fictional man.
The story is intriguing and immersive (I love anything to do with circus/clowns), and the plot twist has me gagged. The heat and chemistry are palpable, and the spicy scenes will leave you blushing. The plotline is almost like a crime/mystery with a HINT of psychological thriller from the constant mind games we get, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. The conclusion in the end tugs on your heartstrings that the reader goes through with the FMC from start to end as the mystery falls open and Esme faces what happened to her little girl. I do appreciate how the villain is dealt with. However, I wish there was a little bit more female rage and angst. I needed gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching tears, that's all. Other than that, I enjoyed this little goodie.
If you're searching for a spicy horror romance with suspense, blood and gore, magic and mystery, witch lore, and more, then this one is for you!
Out of Fives;
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
𖦹🎪𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𖦹🎭𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒇𝒖𝒍:🃏🃏🃏🃏🃏
𖦹🎭𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
𖦹🎪𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𖦹🎭𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎
𖦹🎪𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:🎡🎡🎡🎡🎡
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅/𝑮𝒐𝒓𝒆:🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
𖦹🎭𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
𖦹🎪𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏:🫦🫦🫦🫦
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏:❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
𖦹🎪𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:💥💥💥💥💥
𖦹🎭𝑬𝒔𝒎𝒆 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
𖦹🎪𝑪𝒉𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝑴𝑪:💚💚💚💚💚
𖦹🎭𝑰𝒓𝒂/𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒆:🧸🧸🧸🧸🧸
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
𖦹🎭𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
𖦹🎪𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
𖦹🎭𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
𖦹🎪𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
𖦹🎭𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 (𝑨 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒘𝒐.)
𖦹🎪𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 242.
𖦹🎭𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 32 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
𖦹🎪𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍, 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
𖦹🎭𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 13 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
𖦹🎪𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
𖦹🎭𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 7, 2026
Chuckles at its core is the story of a mother who is willing to go to hell and back to find her daughter that was stolen 5 years before. Esme is relentless in the hunt of the creature that she believes took her daughter. As a mom... I just couldn't imagine and stories like this always punch me in the gut.
This story really did a fantastic job in blurring the lines. There are times where you aren't sure who can or should be trusted. I found myself doubting who the monster really is.
While it's obvious that this book was aimed at readers who enjoy dark and paranormal romances, Bethel really managed to add suspense and depth to this story. I will also say that the romance/ smut was a little less than I was expecting after having also read echo and rot. This one is definitely more gore and in your face violent.
I don't really like clowns so that on its own already amped up my anxiety and discomfort with this story. But the atmosphere and the circumstances are so bleak and unsettling on top of that that I wasn't able to stop thinking about this story even after finishing it.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story really did a fantastic job in blurring the lines. There are times where you aren't sure who can or should be trusted. I found myself doubting who the monster really is.
While it's obvious that this book was aimed at readers who enjoy dark and paranormal romances, Bethel really managed to add suspense and depth to this story. I will also say that the romance/ smut was a little less than I was expecting after having also read echo and rot. This one is definitely more gore and in your face violent.
I don't really like clowns so that on its own already amped up my anxiety and discomfort with this story. But the atmosphere and the circumstances are so bleak and unsettling on top of that that I wasn't able to stop thinking about this story even after finishing it.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2026
I need to know what the difference between a human and a which ? Sensing auras? Reading cards? Cuz she’s a shit detective, a shit hunter and for all her efforts to shit on humans that they’re weak and susceptible she’s exactly the same and I understand the monster up against her can manipulate reality but she’s a hunting which with years of experience where she’s beat multiple types of creatures it’s just so frustrating how they keep building her up and when the tough times start she’s shit she can’t even put two and two together she’s not investigating properly she’s not prioritizing the things she keeps saying she’s prioritizing, the love interest is atleast truthful to himself and others all the clues are handed to her or explained to her but smarter people it kills me but it’s a good story 3.5
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who read Echo last year and then proceeded to recommend it to everyone who would listen to her, I was very excited to receive this ARC!
Also, as someone who has always been a little apprehensive when it comes to clowns, I was very interested in finding out how Kat was going to sell me on one .... I was not disappointed in the least. The story is well thought out with just enough back story and a few more turns and surprises than I was expecting.
If you love horror/monster romance and don't shy away from heavy topics with a healthy dose of gore, Chuckles is waiting 😏
Heed the trigger warnings 💀☠️🩸
Also, as someone who has always been a little apprehensive when it comes to clowns, I was very interested in finding out how Kat was going to sell me on one .... I was not disappointed in the least. The story is well thought out with just enough back story and a few more turns and surprises than I was expecting.
If you love horror/monster romance and don't shy away from heavy topics with a healthy dose of gore, Chuckles is waiting 😏
Heed the trigger warnings 💀☠️🩸
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book of Kat Bethel’s that I’ve ever read and now I know I have to check out more of their work! I loved the setting to start with, I loved the Rinah Witch lore and the journey Esme went on with accepting the loss of her child, there was a real depth for me with the characters. Overall, Chuckles was a fun, spicy clown featuring read, it balanced spooky, spicy and emotional really well and I’d love to see more books in this world!
Check this out if you like;
🤡 Clown Monster
❤️ Monster Hunter Witch FMC
🧺 Dark/Heavy Themes
🪴Healing After Loss
🎃 HEA
👻 Kinkiness
Check this out if you like;
🤡 Clown Monster
❤️ Monster Hunter Witch FMC
🧺 Dark/Heavy Themes
🪴Healing After Loss
🎃 HEA
👻 Kinkiness
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a twisty book. More of a plot than I expected and I was here for it. A few twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but enough backstory to feel connected to the main characters and why they act/react the way they do and to understand why some of the things happen. Well written and very enjoyable if you don’t mind a lot of death, blood and gore
Review of advance copy
It’s my first time reading this author, and honestly? They have me dangling by a single, trembling thread. We got plot. We got smut. We got mystery, rage, and raw, unfiltered lust. A full-blown emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I’d love just a touch more gore description if they’re aiming for pitch-black territory, but even without that… it’s so, so good. I loved it
March 24, 2026
Here for Chuckles 🤭
It took me longer to read this book than I wanted. Not because it was bad I just kept getting annoyed with Esme. But Chuckles…..I love him😂😂. He was funny and gave the book what it needed. I love the Rinah witches as a whole and would love more books but Esme just wasn’t it for me. But I do recommend you all to read the book. The story was great
It took me longer to read this book than I wanted. Not because it was bad I just kept getting annoyed with Esme. But Chuckles…..I love him😂😂. He was funny and gave the book what it needed. I love the Rinah witches as a whole and would love more books but Esme just wasn’t it for me. But I do recommend you all to read the book. The story was great
Review of advance copy
Esme was on a mission after losing her own little one, she determined to stop others from being taken, what she didnt anticipate was Chuckles and he didn't Anticipate Esme either. Well written dark captivating reading that has you guessing everything!
April 5, 2026
This book… sits in that space where you never fully get comfortable, and honestly, I don’t think you’re supposed to. From the very beginning, there’s this heavy, almost suffocating feeling that follows you through every page. It’s dark, tense, and just off enough to keep you constantly questioning what you’re reading and who you should trust.
Esme is not an easy character to read in a detached way. Everything about her feels driven by something deeper, something unresolved, and you can feel that in how she moves through the story. There’s a sharpness to her, but also this underlying fragility that never fully goes away. She’s not just reacting to what’s happening around her, she’s carrying something with her the entire time, and it shapes every interaction in a way that makes the emotional side of the story hit harder than expected.
And then there’s Chuckles… and honestly, he’s exactly as unsettling as he sounds, if not more. There’s nothing predictable about him. One moment he feels like pure chaos, the next there’s something almost calculated beneath it, and that inconsistency is what makes him so hard to pin down. You never really know where you stand with him, and that uncertainty bleeds into every scene he’s in. It creates this constant tension that doesn’t let up, because you’re always waiting for something to shift.
The dynamic between them is where the story really leans into its darker edge. It’s not soft, it’s not safe, and it’s definitely not straightforward. There’s a push and pull that feels more like a collision than a connection, and it keeps evolving in ways that are uncomfortable but impossible to ignore. It’s one of those relationships where you’re not necessarily rooting for it in a traditional sense, but you also can’t look away from it either.
The atmosphere plays a huge role here too. There’s this lingering sense of dread woven into everything. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background, it adds to that feeling that something isn’t right, that something has been wrong for a long time. Even in quieter moments, there’s still this underlying tension that never fully disappears. It gives the story a haunting quality that sticks with you while you’re reading.
What stood out the most for me was how the emotional weight and the darker elements are constantly intertwined. Nothing feels separate. The fear, the obsession, the grief, it all blends together in a way that makes the story feel intense without needing to rely on constant action. It’s more about what’s building underneath, and that’s what keeps you locked in.
This is definitely one of those reads that leans all the way into the darker side of romance, where the lines between right and wrong, safe and dangerous, start to blur. It’s not meant to be comfortable, and it doesn’t try to be.
If you enjoy horror-leaning romance with a heavy atmosphere, morally gray characters, and dynamics that keep you slightly on edge the entire time, this one will pull you in.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Esme is not an easy character to read in a detached way. Everything about her feels driven by something deeper, something unresolved, and you can feel that in how she moves through the story. There’s a sharpness to her, but also this underlying fragility that never fully goes away. She’s not just reacting to what’s happening around her, she’s carrying something with her the entire time, and it shapes every interaction in a way that makes the emotional side of the story hit harder than expected.
And then there’s Chuckles… and honestly, he’s exactly as unsettling as he sounds, if not more. There’s nothing predictable about him. One moment he feels like pure chaos, the next there’s something almost calculated beneath it, and that inconsistency is what makes him so hard to pin down. You never really know where you stand with him, and that uncertainty bleeds into every scene he’s in. It creates this constant tension that doesn’t let up, because you’re always waiting for something to shift.
The dynamic between them is where the story really leans into its darker edge. It’s not soft, it’s not safe, and it’s definitely not straightforward. There’s a push and pull that feels more like a collision than a connection, and it keeps evolving in ways that are uncomfortable but impossible to ignore. It’s one of those relationships where you’re not necessarily rooting for it in a traditional sense, but you also can’t look away from it either.
The atmosphere plays a huge role here too. There’s this lingering sense of dread woven into everything. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background, it adds to that feeling that something isn’t right, that something has been wrong for a long time. Even in quieter moments, there’s still this underlying tension that never fully disappears. It gives the story a haunting quality that sticks with you while you’re reading.
What stood out the most for me was how the emotional weight and the darker elements are constantly intertwined. Nothing feels separate. The fear, the obsession, the grief, it all blends together in a way that makes the story feel intense without needing to rely on constant action. It’s more about what’s building underneath, and that’s what keeps you locked in.
This is definitely one of those reads that leans all the way into the darker side of romance, where the lines between right and wrong, safe and dangerous, start to blur. It’s not meant to be comfortable, and it doesn’t try to be.
If you enjoy horror-leaning romance with a heavy atmosphere, morally gray characters, and dynamics that keep you slightly on edge the entire time, this one will pull you in.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
June 3, 2026
TRUE RATING IS 4.5 ⭐️!!!
I received this ARC through BookSiren and in return I giveth my humble SPOILER FILLED review.
I have to yap about this book to someone, no one I know is delightfully unwell enough, so I’m gonna talk to you sweet things on GoodReads.
So, starting from the top; this is my first Kat Bethel novel and I wanted more immediately, literally jumped for joy when I saw there’s many more already out to eat.
I’ll start with the stuff that wasn’t a bop for me, and it was super easy to skate over. It was the pacing. I can only describe it as “abruptly/janky episodic”. I DO love episodic writing, it’s easier to envision things. But the janky aspect, I would describe it as “every event goes into the next” and we don’t have stuff between to breath very often. We’ll be in a fight, then practically back at the door home in the matter of two dialogue lines. It took a second to get used to; but I didn’t hate it. I did take off .5 ⭐️ just because of the initial jarring and brain training I had to do real quick.
I also didn’t like how obvious Sebastian was; but I’m also a very attentive and triggered chick. When he mentioned those kids as “sweet little things” and the lights kept flickering, I was like BITTTTTTTCH I SEE YOU. BUT I was not expecting Sebastian to be able to mimic faces OR turn out to be Chuckles’/Jack’s dad. That was fire. That was awesome.
But onto the additional POSITIVES:
1) People often bitch about toxic dark romances. “No one communicates”, “no one is adult”, “no one listens to the other person”, and the fucking dreaded third act breakup type shit. This book took those complaints and gave us sanity (as much as a monsterfucker affords). These two DO talk. They try to reason through their bullshit, they openly express what they can and can’t give; my favorite parts were the deep discussions (of which we get a few). There’s a lot of grief and helpless railing against it that was handled by Chuckles/Jack so well I fucking cried. I did end up feeling really bad for them, though. They kind of lead fake lives to try and cope with how bad of a hand they were dealt. Relatable, but they radiate desperate sadness to me. At least they’re happy together.
2) THE SEX TOOK A WHILE. It wasn’t just “oh look you’re so hot let’s BONE”; it was a mix of slow burn and the characters earning each other’s hearts. Also, if I can want to fuck Deadpool post mutation, I’m gonna fuck Chuckles. You can’t trick me. I’m stronger than that.
3) I love how UNIQUE the two “main men” were. A face changing fuckhead who steals children? Wild. He’s ICKY and I love it. So happy when he died, it was like a Hershey kiss in my tongue.
And Chuckles/Ira, I loved that. An ACTUALLY crazy man with a GHOST LITTLE GIRL USING HIS BODY TO TALK? And he LISTENS? Dude that’s so cool. I was disconcerted and super interested all at once.
Tbh, I laughed a lot through this, and cried a tiny bit, and it was just a very fun, quick read. I plan to get more of Kat Bethel’s books in the future, these are right up my alley.
I received this ARC through BookSiren and in return I giveth my humble SPOILER FILLED review.
I have to yap about this book to someone, no one I know is delightfully unwell enough, so I’m gonna talk to you sweet things on GoodReads.
So, starting from the top; this is my first Kat Bethel novel and I wanted more immediately, literally jumped for joy when I saw there’s many more already out to eat.
I’ll start with the stuff that wasn’t a bop for me, and it was super easy to skate over. It was the pacing. I can only describe it as “abruptly/janky episodic”. I DO love episodic writing, it’s easier to envision things. But the janky aspect, I would describe it as “every event goes into the next” and we don’t have stuff between to breath very often. We’ll be in a fight, then practically back at the door home in the matter of two dialogue lines. It took a second to get used to; but I didn’t hate it. I did take off .5 ⭐️ just because of the initial jarring and brain training I had to do real quick.
I also didn’t like how obvious Sebastian was; but I’m also a very attentive and triggered chick. When he mentioned those kids as “sweet little things” and the lights kept flickering, I was like BITTTTTTTCH I SEE YOU. BUT I was not expecting Sebastian to be able to mimic faces OR turn out to be Chuckles’/Jack’s dad. That was fire. That was awesome.
But onto the additional POSITIVES:
1) People often bitch about toxic dark romances. “No one communicates”, “no one is adult”, “no one listens to the other person”, and the fucking dreaded third act breakup type shit. This book took those complaints and gave us sanity (as much as a monsterfucker affords). These two DO talk. They try to reason through their bullshit, they openly express what they can and can’t give; my favorite parts were the deep discussions (of which we get a few). There’s a lot of grief and helpless railing against it that was handled by Chuckles/Jack so well I fucking cried. I did end up feeling really bad for them, though. They kind of lead fake lives to try and cope with how bad of a hand they were dealt. Relatable, but they radiate desperate sadness to me. At least they’re happy together.
2) THE SEX TOOK A WHILE. It wasn’t just “oh look you’re so hot let’s BONE”; it was a mix of slow burn and the characters earning each other’s hearts. Also, if I can want to fuck Deadpool post mutation, I’m gonna fuck Chuckles. You can’t trick me. I’m stronger than that.
3) I love how UNIQUE the two “main men” were. A face changing fuckhead who steals children? Wild. He’s ICKY and I love it. So happy when he died, it was like a Hershey kiss in my tongue.
And Chuckles/Ira, I loved that. An ACTUALLY crazy man with a GHOST LITTLE GIRL USING HIS BODY TO TALK? And he LISTENS? Dude that’s so cool. I was disconcerted and super interested all at once.
Tbh, I laughed a lot through this, and cried a tiny bit, and it was just a very fun, quick read. I plan to get more of Kat Bethel’s books in the future, these are right up my alley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A murderous monster clown carrying around a purple teddy bear? Say less 🤡🧸🩸
Okay... this one was *different*, and I mean that in the best way.
Esme is a Rinah witch who's spent the last five years consumed by one question: **what happened to her daughter?** Roseanna disappeared after being taken by the same monster responsible for countless missing children, and Esme has dedicated her life to hunting whatever took her. Her grief, determination, and refusal to give up made her such an easy character to root for.
Then there's Chuckles...
A monster clown who immediately screams *red flag*, talks to a purple teddy bear named Ira like she's a real person, carries her everywhere, and somehow had me kicking my feet anyway 😂 He was creepy, hilarious, possessive, protective, completely unhinged, and somehow ridiculously lovable all at once. Kat Bethel really knows how to make me question my taste in fictional men.
When the traveling circus rolls into town, Esme is convinced Chuckles is the monster she's been searching for. So she starts following him, watching him, trying to catch him... but the deeper she digs, the more you start questioning everything. Is Chuckles really the one stealing children? Or is he hunting the same monster she is?
I was INVESTED.
This wasn't just monster smut with a spooky aesthetic. It was an actual mystery that kept throwing twists at me. Every time I thought I'd figured it out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. And don't even get me started on Sebastian... all I'm saying is WHAT THE HELL.
The horror elements were so much fun too. The bloody scenes? Amazing. The creepy circus atmosphere? Loved it. The constant feeling that something wasn't adding up? Even better.
And Chuckles' obsession with Esme? Exactly the kind of fictional insanity I eat up. This man does not know the meaning of "normal." He literally kills someone who threatens her, leaves a gruesome "gift" behind, and somehow the romance just keeps getting more chaotic from there. Absolutely feral behavior.
I also loved that underneath all the blood, violence, and chaos was a genuinely emotional story about grief, motherhood, loss, and what people are willing to do for the ones they love. The ending answered the mystery in a way I honestly didn't expect, and once everything finally clicked into place, it made the entire journey worth it.
Chuckles himself completely stole the show. A murderous clown with a teddy bear should not have this much personality, yet here we are.
If you're looking for wall-to-wall spice, this probably isn't that book. The plot definitely takes center stage, and honestly? I didn't mind. The mystery was strong enough that I genuinely wanted answers just as much as I wanted the romance.
Overall, this was weird, creepy, bloody, emotional, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. It kept me guessing, made me laugh, grossed me out in the best ways, and reminded me that Kat Bethel has a talent for creating monsters you'll somehow end up loving.
A murderous monster clown carrying around a purple teddy bear? Say less 🤡🧸🩸
Okay... this one was *different*, and I mean that in the best way.
Esme is a Rinah witch who's spent the last five years consumed by one question: **what happened to her daughter?** Roseanna disappeared after being taken by the same monster responsible for countless missing children, and Esme has dedicated her life to hunting whatever took her. Her grief, determination, and refusal to give up made her such an easy character to root for.
Then there's Chuckles...
A monster clown who immediately screams *red flag*, talks to a purple teddy bear named Ira like she's a real person, carries her everywhere, and somehow had me kicking my feet anyway 😂 He was creepy, hilarious, possessive, protective, completely unhinged, and somehow ridiculously lovable all at once. Kat Bethel really knows how to make me question my taste in fictional men.
When the traveling circus rolls into town, Esme is convinced Chuckles is the monster she's been searching for. So she starts following him, watching him, trying to catch him... but the deeper she digs, the more you start questioning everything. Is Chuckles really the one stealing children? Or is he hunting the same monster she is?
I was INVESTED.
This wasn't just monster smut with a spooky aesthetic. It was an actual mystery that kept throwing twists at me. Every time I thought I'd figured it out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. And don't even get me started on Sebastian... all I'm saying is WHAT THE HELL.
The horror elements were so much fun too. The bloody scenes? Amazing. The creepy circus atmosphere? Loved it. The constant feeling that something wasn't adding up? Even better.
And Chuckles' obsession with Esme? Exactly the kind of fictional insanity I eat up. This man does not know the meaning of "normal." He literally kills someone who threatens her, leaves a gruesome "gift" behind, and somehow the romance just keeps getting more chaotic from there. Absolutely feral behavior.
I also loved that underneath all the blood, violence, and chaos was a genuinely emotional story about grief, motherhood, loss, and what people are willing to do for the ones they love. The ending answered the mystery in a way I honestly didn't expect, and once everything finally clicked into place, it made the entire journey worth it.
Chuckles himself completely stole the show. A murderous clown with a teddy bear should not have this much personality, yet here we are.
If you're looking for wall-to-wall spice, this probably isn't that book. The plot definitely takes center stage, and honestly? I didn't mind. The mystery was strong enough that I genuinely wanted answers just as much as I wanted the romance.
Overall, this was weird, creepy, bloody, emotional, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. It kept me guessing, made me laugh, grossed me out in the best ways, and reminded me that Kat Bethel has a talent for creating monsters you'll somehow end up loving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2026
Chuckles : A Monster's Prey
By Kat Bethel
31 Chapters
Pages: 242
This is part of a series however it is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.
Definitely read the "Trigger Warnings" ✔️
When you hear the word "Clown" what comes to mind? Children's birthday parties? 🥳 A red balloon 🎈 coming out of a storm drain with Pennywise off the movie IT? Or could it be Ronald McDonald and his Happy Meals at the golden arches? Well this isn't any regular clown so fasten your seat belts! You're in for one hell of a ride!!
Esme has has been on the hunt for the monster who took her child for the last five years. Everywhere the monster goes more children dissappear and Esme is hot on its tail!!
There's more to life than chasing a monster. Being a widow and lonely isn't all it's cracked up to be, so when an attractive guy named Sebastian falls into your lap, you say yes to the date.
A date to a Carnival under a big top, wasn't something Esme would have read in the cards. But it did lead to the first, one on one encounters of many with Chuckles!! This introduction to Chuckles, who's real name is Jack, is just the start of how psychotic he really is!! This is also the beginning of my love/hate/terror tug-o-war feelings towards Chuckles.
Esme has her hands full throughout this book. There's Chuckles infatuation and stalking of Esme. Esme dating Sebastian, worrying about Chuckles demand that "No one is allowed to touch you", when Chuckles seems to appear every time she turns around. Plus there's still a monster on the loose taking children and gory murders happening in her neighborhood!! There is no rest for the wicked… especially with the spice!! Ohhh the spice is spicy!! 🤩
From the moment I started reading this book 📖, the writing just pulled me in. I could not put it down. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Honestly I read it twice! 😆
If you're a horror, monster, romance, lover, than this book is for you!! If clowns, monsters, gore, blood, suspense, and spice are good for you, definitely pick this book up!
One thing I do want to point out that is not in the Trigger Warnings, but I feel some of you would want to know, is that this book has dead children in it. However the description is non-gory. The dead children are described as dirty, torn clothes, messy/wild hair, and empty eyes. The writing is extremely well done!!
I want to thank the Publisher and Kat Bethel for this free ARC book copy, for my honest review.
By Kat Bethel
31 Chapters
Pages: 242
This is part of a series however it is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.
Definitely read the "Trigger Warnings" ✔️
When you hear the word "Clown" what comes to mind? Children's birthday parties? 🥳 A red balloon 🎈 coming out of a storm drain with Pennywise off the movie IT? Or could it be Ronald McDonald and his Happy Meals at the golden arches? Well this isn't any regular clown so fasten your seat belts! You're in for one hell of a ride!!
Esme has has been on the hunt for the monster who took her child for the last five years. Everywhere the monster goes more children dissappear and Esme is hot on its tail!!
There's more to life than chasing a monster. Being a widow and lonely isn't all it's cracked up to be, so when an attractive guy named Sebastian falls into your lap, you say yes to the date.
A date to a Carnival under a big top, wasn't something Esme would have read in the cards. But it did lead to the first, one on one encounters of many with Chuckles!! This introduction to Chuckles, who's real name is Jack, is just the start of how psychotic he really is!! This is also the beginning of my love/hate/terror tug-o-war feelings towards Chuckles.
Esme has her hands full throughout this book. There's Chuckles infatuation and stalking of Esme. Esme dating Sebastian, worrying about Chuckles demand that "No one is allowed to touch you", when Chuckles seems to appear every time she turns around. Plus there's still a monster on the loose taking children and gory murders happening in her neighborhood!! There is no rest for the wicked… especially with the spice!! Ohhh the spice is spicy!! 🤩
From the moment I started reading this book 📖, the writing just pulled me in. I could not put it down. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Honestly I read it twice! 😆
If you're a horror, monster, romance, lover, than this book is for you!! If clowns, monsters, gore, blood, suspense, and spice are good for you, definitely pick this book up!
One thing I do want to point out that is not in the Trigger Warnings, but I feel some of you would want to know, is that this book has dead children in it. However the description is non-gory. The dead children are described as dirty, torn clothes, messy/wild hair, and empty eyes. The writing is extremely well done!!
I want to thank the Publisher and Kat Bethel for this free ARC book copy, for my honest review.
May 13, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After reading Rot (4/5 stars) and Echo (5/5 stars), I was determined to see how this series tied together, even though the premise of Chuckles had me a bit nervous at first. I wasn't sure how the author was going to make me root for this situation, but I am so glad I stuck with it! Between the incredibly creepy cover art and the dark carnival vibes, this was a twisting, high-stakes ride that kept me completely invested.
Note on Content: As with the rest of this series, please read the trigger warnings. This book handles very heavy themes regarding children and trauma, and it is not for the faint of heart.
My Reactions & Emotions:
• The Premise & Mystery: I went into this very skeptical about the MMC, but the way the mystery unfolded was brilliant. The author worked hard to balance the dark elements with a plot that makes sense. I found myself so sucked in that I actually got annoyed when I was interrupted!
• The Lore: I loved the deeper dive into the "Rinah witches" and how they draw in supernatural forces. There is a fantastic nod to Echo that ties the world-building together perfectly and makes the series feel like a cohesive, lived-in universe.
• The MMC (Chuckles): He is a fascinating, complex character with a very distinct "code" for who he targets. The dynamic between him and the FMC, Esme, is intense—he's a monster who draws the line at very specific things, and watching their relationship evolve through the chaos was gripping.
• The FMC: Esme's journey is heartbreaking. Watching her hunt for the truth while navigating the trauma of her past made her an easy character to root for. Her growth into someone who continues the hunt alongside a monster was a very satisfying conclusion.
Final Thoughts:
While this isn't necessarily a comfort reread for me due to the heavy subject matter, it is an undeniable 5/5 for the sheer quality of the storytelling and the emotional payoff. It’s a dark, up-and-down crazy ride that proves this author knows exactly how to subvert expectations. If you’ve been following the series, this is an essential (and intense) piece of the puzzle!
After reading Rot (4/5 stars) and Echo (5/5 stars), I was determined to see how this series tied together, even though the premise of Chuckles had me a bit nervous at first. I wasn't sure how the author was going to make me root for this situation, but I am so glad I stuck with it! Between the incredibly creepy cover art and the dark carnival vibes, this was a twisting, high-stakes ride that kept me completely invested.
Note on Content: As with the rest of this series, please read the trigger warnings. This book handles very heavy themes regarding children and trauma, and it is not for the faint of heart.
My Reactions & Emotions:
• The Premise & Mystery: I went into this very skeptical about the MMC, but the way the mystery unfolded was brilliant. The author worked hard to balance the dark elements with a plot that makes sense. I found myself so sucked in that I actually got annoyed when I was interrupted!
• The Lore: I loved the deeper dive into the "Rinah witches" and how they draw in supernatural forces. There is a fantastic nod to Echo that ties the world-building together perfectly and makes the series feel like a cohesive, lived-in universe.
• The MMC (Chuckles): He is a fascinating, complex character with a very distinct "code" for who he targets. The dynamic between him and the FMC, Esme, is intense—he's a monster who draws the line at very specific things, and watching their relationship evolve through the chaos was gripping.
• The FMC: Esme's journey is heartbreaking. Watching her hunt for the truth while navigating the trauma of her past made her an easy character to root for. Her growth into someone who continues the hunt alongside a monster was a very satisfying conclusion.
Final Thoughts:
While this isn't necessarily a comfort reread for me due to the heavy subject matter, it is an undeniable 5/5 for the sheer quality of the storytelling and the emotional payoff. It’s a dark, up-and-down crazy ride that proves this author knows exactly how to subvert expectations. If you’ve been following the series, this is an essential (and intense) piece of the puzzle!
June 18, 2026
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Do you all remember that audio of Bill Skarsgard as IT circulating around Tiktok a while ago? A certain audio that maybe left you, instead of scared, giggling or maybe putting a strand of hair behind your ear in a coquettish way? Well, then this book might indeed be for you.
Chuckles is a book about Esme Rinah, a witch who fights monsters. For the past five years, she has been hunting one monster in particular. And it's possible that she's finally caught up to him, in the form of a killer clown whom she has dubbed "Chuckles."
Overall, I liked it! This is the first ARC I've successfully finished in a LONG while. Considering I finished this book in one day, it was pretty entertaining. I connected with the FMC instantly. Some might argue that her motives for revenge are a cliché, but I ended up relating to her a little too well. Even when I found her to be a little •too• oblivious, I still liked her. I was eager to see how her story ended.
As for "Chuckles" the Clown, oh I really liked him. He's sadistic, murderous, and becomes obsessed with Esme instantly. He's also the source for a lot of gore *and* some fairly 🌶spicy🌶 scenes. His motivations are also pretty interesting. He's not precisely like IT, but I'm not complaining. Him and his brutality was precisely what I asked for while reading.
Probably the only reason this isn't a 5 star review is because of the occasional typos or grammatical errors. It's not a lot, but it's enough to be noticeable (at least to me). Highly recommend that the author has their proofreader or beta reader take another close look.
Other than that, this book was great! I'll be sure to check out their other work. Thank you for letting me read it!
Do you all remember that audio of Bill Skarsgard as IT circulating around Tiktok a while ago? A certain audio that maybe left you, instead of scared, giggling or maybe putting a strand of hair behind your ear in a coquettish way? Well, then this book might indeed be for you.
Chuckles is a book about Esme Rinah, a witch who fights monsters. For the past five years, she has been hunting one monster in particular. And it's possible that she's finally caught up to him, in the form of a killer clown whom she has dubbed "Chuckles."
Overall, I liked it! This is the first ARC I've successfully finished in a LONG while. Considering I finished this book in one day, it was pretty entertaining. I connected with the FMC instantly. Some might argue that her motives for revenge are a cliché, but I ended up relating to her a little too well. Even when I found her to be a little •too• oblivious, I still liked her. I was eager to see how her story ended.
As for "Chuckles" the Clown, oh I really liked him. He's sadistic, murderous, and becomes obsessed with Esme instantly. He's also the source for a lot of gore *and* some fairly 🌶spicy🌶 scenes. His motivations are also pretty interesting. He's not precisely like IT, but I'm not complaining. Him and his brutality was precisely what I asked for while reading.
Probably the only reason this isn't a 5 star review is because of the occasional typos or grammatical errors. It's not a lot, but it's enough to be noticeable (at least to me). Highly recommend that the author has their proofreader or beta reader take another close look.
Other than that, this book was great! I'll be sure to check out their other work. Thank you for letting me read it!
August 19, 2026
Okay… this book is seriously twisted, creepy, emotional, and completely addictive. 🤡🖤
Esme Rinah has spent five relentless years searching for the creature who stole her daughter, and that desperation comes through in everything she does. Her determination to find the children and uncover the truth makes her such a compelling character to follow.
But the closer Esme gets to the answers she's been desperately searching for, the more complicated everything becomes. Friends don't necessarily feel like friends, monsters aren't always obvious, and then there's Chuckles the unsettling clown who seems determined to stay far too close to her.
The mystery surrounding him kept me guessing. Is he someone Esme should fear? Is there something more beneath that disturbing smile? Or is she getting dangerously close to the very monster she's been hunting?
I loved the atmosphere of this book. There's a constant feeling that something isn't quite right, and that uncertainty kept me turning the pages. The story does a great job of mixing darkness, suspense, obsession, mystery, and emotional stakes.
Esme's journey isn't simply about finding the children, it's about figuring out who she can trust while confronting things that challenge everything she thought she knew.
And Chuckles? Well… let's just say he is definitely memorable. 😳 The unhinged, unpredictable energy surrounding him makes every appearance feel like something could go spectacularly wrong.
If you enjoy dark romance, creepy characters, suspense, mystery, obsession, morally questionable men, and stories where you genuinely don't know who the monster is, Chuckles is definitely one to check out.
Dark, disturbing, mysterious, and impossible to look away from. Sometimes the biggest danger is the one wearing a smile. 🤡🖤
Esme Rinah has spent five relentless years searching for the creature who stole her daughter, and that desperation comes through in everything she does. Her determination to find the children and uncover the truth makes her such a compelling character to follow.
But the closer Esme gets to the answers she's been desperately searching for, the more complicated everything becomes. Friends don't necessarily feel like friends, monsters aren't always obvious, and then there's Chuckles the unsettling clown who seems determined to stay far too close to her.
The mystery surrounding him kept me guessing. Is he someone Esme should fear? Is there something more beneath that disturbing smile? Or is she getting dangerously close to the very monster she's been hunting?
I loved the atmosphere of this book. There's a constant feeling that something isn't quite right, and that uncertainty kept me turning the pages. The story does a great job of mixing darkness, suspense, obsession, mystery, and emotional stakes.
Esme's journey isn't simply about finding the children, it's about figuring out who she can trust while confronting things that challenge everything she thought she knew.
And Chuckles? Well… let's just say he is definitely memorable. 😳 The unhinged, unpredictable energy surrounding him makes every appearance feel like something could go spectacularly wrong.
If you enjoy dark romance, creepy characters, suspense, mystery, obsession, morally questionable men, and stories where you genuinely don't know who the monster is, Chuckles is definitely one to check out.
Dark, disturbing, mysterious, and impossible to look away from. Sometimes the biggest danger is the one wearing a smile. 🤡🖤
February 19, 2026
As a witch of the Rinah line, Esme has been hunting monsters most of her life. But five years ago, her daughter was snatched up by a mysterious creature that lures in children. Now that Esme has gotten closer than ever to her quarry, a deranged clown has started stalking her claiming she belongs to him. Can Esme find the monster who took her daughter in time to save her?
Esme is obsessed with saving her daughter, despite the very real likelihood that she is already dead. Her hunt for the monster has taken over her life and exhausted her. When she discovers a murderous clown at the circus, she's convinced she's found who she's looking for, but as her attempts to kill, banish, or unmake him fail, she's forced to acknowledge that he's something different. While she does reach out to other witches to try to get some help, she largely depends on herself. This, in addition to her exhaustion and obsession results in her making some risky decisions, which are a bit hard to accept given her hardened hunter persona.
Chuckles is an interesting monster. He seems to have multiple personalities and feeds off abusive men. He is intrigued and captivated by Esme's passion and violence, and he decides that she is the one for him. She isn't one to be won over easily, however, and they engage in a lot of fun and violent altercations. As Chuckles continues to pursue Esme, his own dark past comes back to haunt him.
Overall, Chuckles was an engaging horror monster romance. I loved the dangerous dynamic between the two main characters, as well as theme of the hunter becoming the hunted. This book never really lets up, leaving you on the edge of your seat and disturbed in a delicious way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Esme is obsessed with saving her daughter, despite the very real likelihood that she is already dead. Her hunt for the monster has taken over her life and exhausted her. When she discovers a murderous clown at the circus, she's convinced she's found who she's looking for, but as her attempts to kill, banish, or unmake him fail, she's forced to acknowledge that he's something different. While she does reach out to other witches to try to get some help, she largely depends on herself. This, in addition to her exhaustion and obsession results in her making some risky decisions, which are a bit hard to accept given her hardened hunter persona.
Chuckles is an interesting monster. He seems to have multiple personalities and feeds off abusive men. He is intrigued and captivated by Esme's passion and violence, and he decides that she is the one for him. She isn't one to be won over easily, however, and they engage in a lot of fun and violent altercations. As Chuckles continues to pursue Esme, his own dark past comes back to haunt him.
Overall, Chuckles was an engaging horror monster romance. I loved the dangerous dynamic between the two main characters, as well as theme of the hunter becoming the hunted. This book never really lets up, leaving you on the edge of your seat and disturbed in a delicious way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2026
4 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Chuckles an interesting blend of horror and dark romance, and I’m surprised I even started reading this because I’m scared of clowns!
Esme (FMC) is a mother who has for years been searching for her missing daughter after she was taken by a terrifying creature. When she arrives in a town plagued by child disappearances, she continues her search to uncover the truth. Along the way, she meets Chuckles, circus demon who begins to obsess over. I loved Esme’s determination and resilience; her grief and desperation gave the story an emotional depth that balanced the darker elements well.
Chuckles (MMC) was easily my favorite part of the book (which is interesting since I am scared of clowns). He’s chaotic, obsessive, unpredictable, and genuinely creepy, creating a constant sense of tension whenever he appeared on the page. The relationship dynamic between him and Esme was twisted, toxic, and impossible to look away from.
The atmosphere was one of the book’s strongest points. The circus setting, supernatural horror, and mystery surrounding the disappearances created a creepy vibe that pulled me in immediately. My only reason for not rating it higher is that I would have loved even more horror elements, and at times Chuckles felt a little too humanized for a creature that was supposed to be an absolute nightmare.
Overall, this was a dark, entertaining read with memorable characters, plenty of tension, and a wonderfully unhinged monster love interest. If you enjoy dark romance mixed with horror, obsession, and morally grey characters, then this one is worth checking out.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Chuckles an interesting blend of horror and dark romance, and I’m surprised I even started reading this because I’m scared of clowns!
Esme (FMC) is a mother who has for years been searching for her missing daughter after she was taken by a terrifying creature. When she arrives in a town plagued by child disappearances, she continues her search to uncover the truth. Along the way, she meets Chuckles, circus demon who begins to obsess over. I loved Esme’s determination and resilience; her grief and desperation gave the story an emotional depth that balanced the darker elements well.
Chuckles (MMC) was easily my favorite part of the book (which is interesting since I am scared of clowns). He’s chaotic, obsessive, unpredictable, and genuinely creepy, creating a constant sense of tension whenever he appeared on the page. The relationship dynamic between him and Esme was twisted, toxic, and impossible to look away from.
The atmosphere was one of the book’s strongest points. The circus setting, supernatural horror, and mystery surrounding the disappearances created a creepy vibe that pulled me in immediately. My only reason for not rating it higher is that I would have loved even more horror elements, and at times Chuckles felt a little too humanized for a creature that was supposed to be an absolute nightmare.
Overall, this was a dark, entertaining read with memorable characters, plenty of tension, and a wonderfully unhinged monster love interest. If you enjoy dark romance mixed with horror, obsession, and morally grey characters, then this one is worth checking out.
March 6, 2026
Chuckles leapt straight into the action from the first page and everything was happening so fast it took me a chapter or two to find my bearings… my god I’m glad I kept reading!
This has a fabulously eerie vibe, with a vengeful witch, a creepy clown, a possessed teddy bear, and a doting exterminator. Esme is desperately trying to protect the children in her town from a paranormal entity, after failing to save her own daughter years before. Attracting the interest of two men; sweet Sebastian the exterminator, and a killer clown she believes is involved in the childrens disappearances, complicates matters further in the most delicious ways… I’m halfway through and absolutely hooked, turns out I have a thing for delectably murderous clowns 🤡
UPDATE: Yes. Just yes to everything. This was creepy, dark, eerie, heartbreaking, violent, and gory, with lots of dark humour and lots of spice. This is a super dark take on the tale of the pied piper, so if anything to do with children is a trigger to you, please steer clear as it deals with abduction, loss, and possession. This was well written (there were some errors but I’d never let that get in the way of a good story) with great twists. I originally gave this four stars but I think I need to adjust it to five, because this was a creepy, dirty, bl00ds0aked ride and I enjoyed the h3ll out of it!
This has a fabulously eerie vibe, with a vengeful witch, a creepy clown, a possessed teddy bear, and a doting exterminator. Esme is desperately trying to protect the children in her town from a paranormal entity, after failing to save her own daughter years before. Attracting the interest of two men; sweet Sebastian the exterminator, and a killer clown she believes is involved in the childrens disappearances, complicates matters further in the most delicious ways… I’m halfway through and absolutely hooked, turns out I have a thing for delectably murderous clowns 🤡
UPDATE: Yes. Just yes to everything. This was creepy, dark, eerie, heartbreaking, violent, and gory, with lots of dark humour and lots of spice. This is a super dark take on the tale of the pied piper, so if anything to do with children is a trigger to you, please steer clear as it deals with abduction, loss, and possession. This was well written (there were some errors but I’d never let that get in the way of a good story) with great twists. I originally gave this four stars but I think I need to adjust it to five, because this was a creepy, dirty, bl00ds0aked ride and I enjoyed the h3ll out of it!
February 20, 2026
STORY: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story started off really strong IMO. The story is about a mother, Esme, whose daughter was taken five years ago and has been hunting the creature ever since. She moves to a town where children are disappearing. She believes that she will find her daughter and continues day in and day out to find her and the demon. She meets a man, Jonathan, during a street festival who she has an interest in... During the their first date, they go to a circus where strange events begin to happen... this is where she meets Chuckles. Chuckles quickly becomes obsessed with Esme and starts leaving her "gruesome" gifts to show his interest.
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
While she is drawn to Chuckles, she still continues seeing Jonathan... Chuckles makes his expectations of their "connection" clear... He will destroy anyone who she sees that isn't him. I found the dark romance aspect very well done in this book, however Chuckles, throughout the story, becomes almost humanized when he is a demon/entity who is absolutely psychotic and twisted. The dynamic between Chuckles, Esme and Jonathan shifts during the climax of the book and Esme's tenacity and truth is tested.
This book is well written, characters and world are well developed, but I would have loved to see more horror elements and less humanization of Chuckles. Overall, this was entertaining and a quick read that checked a few of my favourite tropes/boxes.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story started off really strong IMO. The story is about a mother, Esme, whose daughter was taken five years ago and has been hunting the creature ever since. She moves to a town where children are disappearing. She believes that she will find her daughter and continues day in and day out to find her and the demon. She meets a man, Jonathan, during a street festival who she has an interest in... During the their first date, they go to a circus where strange events begin to happen... this is where she meets Chuckles. Chuckles quickly becomes obsessed with Esme and starts leaving her "gruesome" gifts to show his interest.
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
While she is drawn to Chuckles, she still continues seeing Jonathan... Chuckles makes his expectations of their "connection" clear... He will destroy anyone who she sees that isn't him. I found the dark romance aspect very well done in this book, however Chuckles, throughout the story, becomes almost humanized when he is a demon/entity who is absolutely psychotic and twisted. The dynamic between Chuckles, Esme and Jonathan shifts during the climax of the book and Esme's tenacity and truth is tested.
This book is well written, characters and world are well developed, but I would have loved to see more horror elements and less humanization of Chuckles. Overall, this was entertaining and a quick read that checked a few of my favourite tropes/boxes.
February 22, 2026
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!
Well I can say one thing if you have a thing for clowns this book is definitely for you. It was definitely a book for me. I truly enjoyed the monster that was Chuckles and the woman that Esme is. This book is a wild ride full of emotions. There are missing children, monsters, sex, death and so much more. The chemistry between Chuuckles and Esme was just perfect. I couldn't stop reading this book until it was over. I wish it hadn't ended. With every good book in this case there is a villain and boy did I root for his demise the entire time.
I absolutely loved Chuckles. I loved how dark, creepy, eccentric and just how unique he is. I enjoyed learning about him and Esme as the book went on. Its definitely a book i will read again once I have the time.
There is death, gore,and very dark themes in this book. There is a warning page at the beginning so be warned. I enjoyed every moment of it so I guess that just means im a pretty messed up person. We all are in a way but who cares.
Well I can say one thing if you have a thing for clowns this book is definitely for you. It was definitely a book for me. I truly enjoyed the monster that was Chuckles and the woman that Esme is. This book is a wild ride full of emotions. There are missing children, monsters, sex, death and so much more. The chemistry between Chuuckles and Esme was just perfect. I couldn't stop reading this book until it was over. I wish it hadn't ended. With every good book in this case there is a villain and boy did I root for his demise the entire time.
I absolutely loved Chuckles. I loved how dark, creepy, eccentric and just how unique he is. I enjoyed learning about him and Esme as the book went on. Its definitely a book i will read again once I have the time.
There is death, gore,and very dark themes in this book. There is a warning page at the beginning so be warned. I enjoyed every moment of it so I guess that just means im a pretty messed up person. We all are in a way but who cares.
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