Muscles & Monsters

by Ashley Bennett

REVISED AND EXPANDED

A gym-owning wolven and a headstrong baker discover howl real their connection is in the first book of the beloved Leviathan Fitness series.

After a wedding cake catastrophe on the street, local baker Tegan lands in the most unexpected place—a solid wall of fur and fangs named Atlas. She’s never met anyone like him and finds herself enamored by his wolfish charm. After their sweet encounter, Atlas invites her to his gym anytime she needs his cake-lifting services.

However, Tegan is through with being a damsel in distress. She signs up for a membership with Leviathan Fitness, determined to build her strength…and if she sees the handsome wolven again, it’s a win-win scenario.

Atlas can’t believe his eyes when Tegan walks through the doors of his gym, and nearly goes snout-over-paw to offer her personal training. Shared glances over the barbell and accidental touches at the water fountain set Atlas’s heart racing in a way he swore it couldn’t again.

Primal desires emerge as Atlas and Tegan test just how much their new love can lift. Could Tegan be the unexpected mate of Atlas’s dreams?

Genres: Monster Romance, Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Ashley Bennett is a small-town paranormal and monster romance author from Baltimore, Maryland. She writes stories that are equal parts spice and swoon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading webtoons, playing cozy video games, and taking care of her houseful of rescue animals.

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Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Tegan and Atlas was such a sweet couple who support each other through all their ups and downs. Atlas was a gym bro with a heart of gold and very low self esteem from a previous emotionally abusive relationship. Tegan was a baker with a workaholic streak and a healthy body image. They fell hard in fast in this cozy romance. The spice is fun and the side characters are lovable.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: emotionally abusive ex, body image issues, complex sibling relationship, side character with parents wanting certain career path, parent death (past)

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Leviathan Fitness series is one of my all time favourite series and my go to recommendation for people looking to discover monster romance.
When I heard Ashley got picked up by Berkley and would be rereleasing these with expanded stories I was both giddy and hella nervous.
Would the books still hold all the emotions I have come to adore?
Short answer?
Yes, yes it did.

The meet cute was extended, the friendships were expanded and the tugs on my heart strings were intensified.
Ashley took a story I already loved and gave me things I didn't know I needed.
This book is out in the world today and I highly encourage you scooping up a copy and becoming an addict too.
You can thank me later😘

So much love to Berkley Romance for hooking me up with an early copy of this gem. I am beyond excited for the rest of the series to be released😍

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, lighthearted monster romance. She's a human baker, he's a wolven gym owner and trainer. There's a mix of monster and human friends - great side characters. No third act breakup!! Lighthearted slice of life between Tegan and Atlas and some great spicy scenes!!

[Molly Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you so much Zaffre and Ashley Bennet for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

When I heard that Ashley’s Leviathan Fitness series was being trad-published I was thrilled and decided to wait to pick the book up until it included revised and expanded materials. I can confidently say it was well worth the wait!

Local baker Tegan took over her pride and joy bakery from her mother - since then her life has been consumed with work, leaving little time for anything else. When she is asked to create a three-tiered masterpiece for the town mayor’s daughter’s wedding, she feels confident in her ability and if all else fails she never bakes a masterpiece without a backup sheet cake.

Stressed and left alone when her assistant is sick, she summons her minimal strength to move the confectionery wonder - her worst nightmare comes to fruition when she drops one of tiers. Or was it kismet?

Hunky, Gym Owner and cinnamon bun, wolven Atlas; saves the day and helps her load the cake before further disasters strikes and also clears the mess on the street before offering his services for all future cake-lifting endeavours. Teagan has long had enough of having to be saved and is determined to become strong - building her strength in the most fortuitous of locations - Leviathan Fitness, where she can also spend time admiring the thoughtful and drop-dead gorgeous wolven in the process.

An offer of personal training turns into longing glances and steamy interludes. It isn’t long before they find more in common than cream-cheese frosting and barbells.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. This book features: . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💖 Fated Mates
💜Knotting 🪢
🧁 Wolven MMC Gym Owner/former body builder (a.k.a wolf-daddy)
💖 Strong, Plus Size FMC Baker
💜 Primal Play
🧁 Praise & Degredation
💖 Cinnamon Bun MMC
💜 Book Girlie
🧁 Meet-Cute
💖 Cosy, Spice of Life
💜 Found Family

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Potential Triggers . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💖 Explicit Sexual Scenes
💜 Body/Weight Issues and Body Dismorphia
🧁Toxic Ex
💖 Mention of Past Domestic Abuse
💜 Body Dismorphia

Muscles & Monsters is the sweetest, swoon-worthy monster romance, full of yearning and sweet interactions.

Tegan is a sweet, fun heroine with a heart of gold and a fiercely protective streak. She is passionate about her bakery and her career - proud of her achievements and efforts made to grow her mother’s legacy.

Atlas was the most adorable, himbo, cinnamon bun of a wolven; while also managing to be sinfully sexy. He falls HARD and fast for the fmc and wants nothing more than to take care of her. His reaction to Tegan was adorable - wagging his tail whenever she was around. Atlas, while initially coming across as a tough, gym bro, turned out to be quite complex. He was previously in an abusive relationship that resulted in quite serious body dysmorphia. However, his relationship with Tegan and the support of his friends see him work through many of these problems in a really wholesome and sweet way.

The relationship between Atlas and Tegan was adorable - this book hits hard on the fated mates trope. They fall hard and fast; with their chemistry, instantaneous. Their interactions were sweet, and while it definitely adopts an insta-love/lust theme, their relationship is very genuine, built on trust and compassion.

I loved the relationships outside of the main pairing. Atlas’ friendship with Fallon and Cyrus had me giggling in delight. As I held off reading the series until it was trad-published, I have yet to read the next book in the series, but I am SO excited for their books. Tegan’s relationship with Declan and Selene was so wholesome and most definitely screamed found family. There are also some representations of complex or difficult family dynamics - namely between Tegan and her brother, which I am hoping will be resolved in book 2, which focuses on Reece and Cyrus.

This book is minimal in angst. There is no third-act break-up nor miscommunication. The only tension arrives as a result of an ex and Tegan’s brother; so if you’re looking for a sweet yet steamy slice of life monster romance, this is for you! It is super fluffy and full of spice. Overall, it is a fast, fun read that deals with more complex issues like body dysmorphia and domestic abuse extremely well. I cannot wait for book 2!


. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Playlist. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💖 I Really Like You by Carly Rae Jepsen
💜 Perfect by Ed Sheeran
🧁 Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
💖 There She Goes by The La’s
💜 Love Story by Taylor Swift
🧁 Atlas by The Dip
💖 Slow Dancing in the Dark by Joji


. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Fave Quotes. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💖 “I guess I’ll go.” “That’s the wolf daddy I know,”
💜 “A tail. He was wagging his tail at me. My lips twitched, fighting back a smile, because it was just so damn cute.”
🧁“Anytime you need help with a heavy cake, come see me.” He flashed me a wolfish grin and I wondered if the offer was only good for cakes. I could think of plenty of other things I’d like him to help me with.”
💖”As a wolven, the thought shook me up a little bit. We were different under the full moon. Wild and feral, running through the woods with our packs, or with our mates, and inmy case—alone. I wasn’t sure if I could trust myself to keep my composure around her during the full moon. The thought hit me like a ton of bricks. Why was I even thinking about that?”
💜”Shit. It was her. Thump. Thump. Thump. My fucking tail just kept thwapping against everything. It couldn’t seem to control itself when she was around.”
🧁”But there was something about Tegan that called to that loving, affectionate part of me. I mean, my tail lost its shit anytime she was around. She was soft and sweet. Baby was just so fitting.”
💖”He was everything I’d wanted but had never been able to find.”

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Leviathan Fitness #1
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

This is the revised and extended version of this book that was previously self-published by the author in 2022.

After a wedding cake disaster, Tegan finds herself being helped by a hulking and handsome wolven named Atlas. She is instantly charmed by him and finds herself doing everything she can to spend time with him. But can their human-wolven relationship work out?

Well this was an adorable and sexy romance between a fitness obsessed wolven and a human baker. Tegan was a wonderful heroine who I really enjoyed, especially since he was comfortable in her body unlike many plus size heroines in romance stories. She was fun, spunky, caring and protective. I really enjoyed getting to know her as this story progressed and seeing her learn to let go of the tight grip she had on her business and fall in love.Also, I loved how protective she got of Atlas when he was dealing with his abusive ex-girlfriend.

Atlas was so adorable. I loved him so much. He was sweet, kind, and a little protective. I really enjoyed how hard he fell for Tegan and that he took so good care of her. It was just so cute. Atlas did have some body issues leftover from childhood and his abusive ex, but being with Tegan healed some part of him that allowed him to loosen his eating and workout habits, which I was glad to see. Also his tail! I loved that his tail was always wagging around her!

Tegan and Atlas had a very fast relationship because she is Atlas’s fated mate. The steam is there from the very beginning and I really loved how their relationship played out. I really liked that there was no second act break up or tension between these two. They just had an adorable and sweet romance from the very beginning.

This is the new version of this book and I think the author did a fantastic job with enhancing the story. There is so much more character development and relationship development in this version, that it really made me love these characters even more than I did originally. Also, the sex was even steamier!

Overall, this was a wonderful and adorable monster romance. I was hooked from the very beginning to Tegan and Atlas’ story and found myself smiling so much while reading this. I can’t wait to reread the rest of the series to see how the author will enhance and expand the next two books.

TW: abusive ex-girlfriend; body dysmorphia; death of parent mentioned;

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Whitney Theresa June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well. This was the book I really needed to read at this moment. This mash up of cozy romance with hot AF monsters was everything.

First of all, I am so excited when an indie author who has worked their butt off gets to showcase their work on another stage, in this case being picked up by trad publishing. ESPECIALLY when it means we get added content to the existing story because truly Tegan and Atlas's story must have been amazing in their previous format! But even more so when we readers get added scenes. From the sweetest meet-cute to that instant attraction (praise fated mates) I was here for the heat!

There was a complexity to the characters which I adored. Tegan's strength and assuredness in who she was, how she say herself and what she wanted made me wish to be more like her. She truly saw herself as she deserved to be seen because she had done the emotional work. How she instantly saw Atlas for who he was and wanting to do whatever was in her power to love him and show him just how amazing he was.

Now, Atlas, well that wolven was very melt-worthy. He might not have been able to truly see it, but we felt it. (Tegan in more ways than one...) His vulnerability mixed with his dominance in the bedroom had my e-reader fanning me. There was such a great connection with how much a previous relationship and breakup can effect you. How Atlas was working hard to overcome and work through what he had experienced. I loved Tegan's gentle support and then overt defence of him later in the book. It made me love her all the more. I had been getting anxious regarding the possibility of a third act breakup and truly appreciated the moment of conflict which did come and how Bennett handled it as it fit with the story line.

This was my first intro to Ashley Bennett and I know that I am going to dive into the original versions of this series with the excitement and hope of the extended versions to come in the future.

I was gifted an eARC from the publisher.

[BookSpice_and_EverythingNice | Malika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thump. Thump. Thump.
(That’s the sound of my heart and Atlas adorable tail.)

Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett is a smutty, fluffy, feel-good monster romance that deserves every bit of hype it gets—and this expanded & revised re-release makes an already-beloved story even better. If you missed it during its original indie run, now is absolutely the time to pick it up.

Tegan is a hardworking, plus-size baker whose life revolves around her bakery, buttercream, and surviving stress one tiered cake at a time. When disaster strikes in the form of a dropped wedding cake tier, fate (and muscles) intervene in the shape of Atlas—wolven gym owner, former bodybuilder, and certified cinnamon bun. What starts as a meet-cute rescue turns into personal training sessions, longing glances, and a whole lot of heat.

Tegan is determined to get stronger—not to be saved, but to save herself—and Leviathan Fitness becomes the perfect place to do just that… while also admiring Atlas and his impeccable praise skills. Their chemistry is instant, tender, and steamy, and it isn’t long before they realize they have more in common than barbells and cream-cheese frosting.

This book is cozy, spicy, and full of heart. The expanded/revised edition adds more depth, more moments, and more reasons to fall in love with these characters and the found family surrounding them. It’s soft but filthy, sweet but primal, and exactly what I want when I need a comfort read with teeth.

Fluffy. Filthy. Fully swoon-worthy. 🐺💪🧁

[Anne-Marie Romance Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I even say when an author takes a book I already loved so much and expands it? It's like a reader dream come true to get even more in a beloved world. The only problem is that I'm going to need the book rating scale to expand because it's even better than the first 5 star read, this is now a 10 star book for me.

Ashely Bennett kept everything I loved about this book, a confident, plus-size FMC and a cinnamon roll, tail-wagging, wolfman MMC, and made it even better. The expanded version adds so much to their relationship, we get to see it develop through sweet dates and moments with friends. I love how the expansion added to the emotional connection between the characters but also to the connection I felt to them while reading. I had the biggest grin on my face while reading, it has feet-kicking levels of happiness on every page.

Muscles & Monsters is just a perfect monster romance. My very soul loved the sweet, low angst story. Tegan and Atlas are just so good together from their meet cute to their dating. They felt so relatable and I enjoyed seeing a body confident Tegan help Atlas to overcome his own insecurities. Atlas himself is just the most swoon-worthy wolven. He’s always concerned with Tegan’s comfort and consent, and his love for her shines through the page.

This book is for anyone who wants a cosy and sweet romance that also brings the heat. It’s perfect for when you want all the feels, an adorable romance, and a heart happy HEA! This book is like a warm hug wrapped up in pure serotonin. It's one of my favourite romances ever!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett in exchange for an honest review.

Tegan is a hard-working baker, invited to make the cake for the town's BIGGEST wedding. Unfortunately, she's not quite strong enough to life the monstrosity of a wedding cake into her van by herself and things go awry. Enter Atlas, the muscle-bound wolven (a humanoid wolf, NOT a werewolf who is human most of the time) who owns the nearby gym that recently open. He rushes to her aid, and along the way, invites her to join his gym, build up the strength to lift her own cakes (although he'd be VERY happy to help in the future, of course.) She's intrigued.

For his part, Atlas is delighted to make her acquaintance and is eager to see Tegan again. They cross paths at the aforementioned wedding, and share a moment. He's single after a long term relationship that made him feel terrible about himself, but something about Tegan is absolutely irresistible.

What follows is the most vanilla relationship progression. They meet up at the gym. They start dating. There is very little conflict; at one point, her brother says something but they pretty much ignore him. That's it.

The only aspect of the story that makes it interesting is the fact that he's a giant wolf-man. If they were both human, there'd be nothing to say. He's huge and hairy. It makes for some anatomical variety, but adds little for the plot.

Recommended for readers who get a giggle out of monster parts, but that's about it.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚

Huge thanks to @netgalley, @berkelypub, and Ashley Bennett for the gifted ARC

Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett is a re-released, cozy monster romance about acceptance, body positivity, and finding the person meant for you.

Local baker Tegan is starting to feel the strain of being a workaholic. Especially when she finds herself loading a massive wedding cake into her car alone. After the cake paints the sidewalk in red velvet, she meets Atlas, who stops to help her in the sweetest meet-cute.

Wolven gym owner Atlas didn’t think helping out a fellow small business owner would lead him to meeting the girl of his dreams. But there Tegan was and now he can’t stop thinking about her. And as luck would have it, he has an invitation to the mayor’s daughter’s wedding that Tegan was supplying the cake for.

With their instant chemistry, could Tegan not only be the girl of his dreams, but also his fated mate?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of five stars!

This re-release of Muscles & Monsters builds on the foundational story of the original indie release. You learn more about Atlas and Tegan as people: their likes, dislikes, what they fear, and what they love. There’s more story, more sweetness, and more to the town of Briar Glenn. The original is a wonderful story, but this version is much more fleshed out and I loved it!

I recommend this book if you’re looking for sweet romance, fated mates, and romps underneath the full moon!

[Melanie Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally fell in love with M&M when Ashley indie published it and I usually shy away from books that have baking involved because I myself own a bakery and am very critical of people writing about it. However, I immediately felt connected to Tegan. One of my biggest fears is dropping a wedding cake. Like all time biggest fears. And I, too, feel like I am going to be an old cat lady because I’m always working. It was nice to see someone like me get their HEA even if it’s with a wolf 😂

I didn’t think I could love Tegan & Atlas more, but here we are…..I LOVED the expanded edition. Getting to see how much Atlas was a goner for Tegan 🥺😭 My heart.
Him loving her exactly how she is and vice versa with Tegan helping him work through his issues caused by his former partner. (Shaking my fist at Jade)
After everything the two of them had been through getting to see them get everything they deserved was 😭 And seeing Atlas’ possessive wolf daddy side was a bonus 🤣

“You should have just peed on me in front of him,” I huffed. “Really marked your territory, ya know.” Atlas sat across from me. “I mean, if that’s what you’re into I’ll try anything once—” He shrugged.‘

I love these two horndogs with all my heart and soul.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💖🐺 Muscles and Monsters ARC Review 🐺💖💜

Thank you so much to Ashley Bennett and Berkley Romance for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Muscles and Monsters is a fantasy monster romance and book 1 in the Leviathan Fitness series. Bakery owner Tegan has convinced herself that she’s going to be a single workaholic forever. When she has a surprise encounter with a sexy wolf Atlas, she’s determined to not be a damsel in distress ever again. But when she signs up for a membership at the gym he owns, will she get more than she ever expected from Leviathan Fitness?

I absolutely loved this book! These characters were so cute and i enjoyed reading the development of their relationship throughout this book. I really enjoyed the added focus on the importance of mental health as well as fitness in this story. This is such a unique world and I loved the variety of creatures in this book

Overall this was a super cute five star read. I really liked this world and these characters. This book did have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had lots of spicy moments throughout, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of monster romance with adorable characters, a sweet story and low angst romance, then absolutely pick this one up.

[Sarah Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read this book when it was an indie release, and I couldn't be happier that it's finally being traditionally published.

In a world where 'monsters' and humans cohabitate, in the little town of Glenn Briar, we have our two main characters, Atlas, a wolven who owns & runs a gym, who recently got out of a long-term relationship, and Tegan, a human who owns and runs the small bakery in town, who is too busy for a relationship.

It starts with Tegan catering for a wedding, and she accidentally drops the wedding cake on the sidewalk, when Atlas catches her.
He helps her clean up the mess, and there is an instant attraction between the two of them.

This story is a sweet, fated mates, happily ever after story, with two characters who truly support each other and bring out the best in one another.
The spice be spicing, as per usual.

This version is an extended one from the indie version, and I appreciate a bit more backstory on the characters and the setting of the world compared to the indie version.

This book is one I always recommend to anyone who wants to start reading paranormal/monster romance.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley*

3.5 stars

This was a very cute, slice of life, monster romance with a VERY heavy dose of insta-lust. Tegan is a small town baker who has a chance encounter with Atlas the wolven gym owner who's relatively new in town. He's walking by one day as she's failing to load a wedding cake into her delivery van and drops a cake all over herself and the sidewalk. He helps her load the rest of the cake and then they clean up while noticing how attractive the other one looks and has dirty thoughts immediately. I typically don't like insta-lust as much but it works for me here. They're immediately attracted to each other, but don't instantly hook up. It takes a little time. They talk and start to get to know each other first. The whole story was only 300 pages so it all moves pretty quickly but I had a fun time with it and was a light easy read, which I needed. This is just a pair of 30 year old characters who talk to each other like adults and don't have a third act break up issues and have smutty monster sex. It works. I'd happily pick up the rest of the series as light palette cleansers.

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley for the free advanced reader copy!

*****

I will fully admit that I'm a monster romance lover. Give me the krakens, the frost monsters, the lich's and snakes and ogres and I gobble them right up. This one was a bit different, yes he's a wolven, yes that's like any other monster, but apparently I draw the line at dog hair in the bed and had to imagine this one as more of a half-shifted werewolf to not feel weird, but it was so cute!

It was a pretty adorable, lighthearted monster romance, with lightly dramatic moments that passed pretty quickly. Also, as a gym rat myself, I genuinely loved how factual gym information was included and that it fell naturally into the storyline, as well as how much of an absolute cinnamon roll Atlas is. Him and Teagen together were the corniest little cornballs you've ever seen and I adored it.

Overall, this was a cute little monster insta-love, with all the vibes you want from these types of stories, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 4 🌶️

What's better than a cozy monster romance? MORE OF IT! I absolutely adored Tegan and Atlas the first time I read their story, but this expanded version was freaking perfect. I loved these two so dang much and getting more of them, more of Fallon, more of Cyrus, more of Reece, more of everything, was just the best.

I really loved the spice. I can't remember how spicy the first version was tbh, but there's so much spicy spice packed in this story and it was phenomenal. It's a bit of a slow burn, but once it catches fire, it CATCHES FIRE and we're off to the races with knots and Os and claiming and all the goodness that a monster romance brings.

I'm so excited to see how Ashley has expanded Tentacles and Triathlons and getting to see Cyrus and Reece again. This was the story that brought me to Ashley and I can't wait to fall in love all over again.

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not to be a Debby downer but this book was not it for me. It read SO cringe. The MMC read like a cringy gross frat boy. His bird friend was even worse. And both the MC's read more like immature cringe college kids rather than grown adults who owned businesses.

The MMC's body image issues weren't addressed or resolved really well. It could have been interesting, but it felt very surface level and brushed off.

The drama with the ex felt unresolved as well. I wish the FMC had stood up for the MMC more, but also that the MMC had stood up for himself and put the ex in her place.

I dunno, I have heard there are major changes from the indie to trad, and I have a lot of friends that liked the indie but haven't liked the arc of the trad, which is disappointing.

But for me, this just wasn't it. A few cute parts. But overall, it's a pass for me.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

netgalley review-

I remember reading this a few years ago and loving it and now getting to read the updated version its still amazing as it once was.

This version with all the updates and added scenes felt like a breath of fresh air. from the world building to the moulding of the characters and giving them so much depth it's all just brilliant. this was also one of the first of many monster romance books I started to read and it did lead me down that fun road of many others.

All in all if you want to read a book about a sun shiny, plus size, beautiful baker and a himbo gym nut wolven, then this is for you.

also I loved the little nod to the ice planet barbarian series, which is also amazing.

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre for the opportunity to ARC read this title. I really appreciate it!

To start, I have to say I wanted to love this book more than I did soooo much! Whilst 3 stars is still a good rating, I really wish it had been higher. 🥲

The biggest issue for me was the dialogue. It felt very juvenile - not just between the MCs, but also in the group scenes with friends. At times, it honestly felt like I was reading about 18 year old high school students rather than 30 and 32 year old adult business owners. The writing outside of the dialogue didn’t feel this way, but the dialogue itself definitely reads this way.

That said, I really enjoyed the meet-cute, it was genuinely entertaining and a great way to kick off their story. I also really appreciated how the author explored body image and insecurity through the MMC. It was refreshing to see those struggles portrayed thoughtfully, especially in a character who’s meant to be physically imposing. 💙💪

I’m a die-hard monster romance lover. If it exists, you can bet I’ve read about it. 😌🐺 I fully understand that these books require some suspension of reality (because spoiler: werewolves and krakens aren’t real - more’s the pity). However… we cannot suspend physics. It's physically impossible - if we’re accepting that this werewolf has a snout - for them to be kissing as often as they do. It would have been so much better with other ways to explore intimacy in these scenes in my opinion, because every time they kissed it was just flashing in my brain - this isn't possible!

All of this aside, it was still a fun read - angst-light, cutesy, and very spicy. 🌶️💕

My favourite thing? Atlas’s tail. So freaking cute!! 🥹🐺✨ I’m also really looking forward to reading the next book, because I feel like our kraken friend’s story is going to be banging. 👀🐙📖

[LittleMissReadsALot21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC MINI REVIEW✨Muscles and Monsters

MY RATING: 🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉
No notes. This was a great expanded edition. Tegan and Atlas are still hot together. The side characters are awesome and Fallon is even more hilarious. Make sure to check this out when it’s released next month.

Re-Release Date: February 10, 2026

✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes

My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.

[Heather Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the original novella and was super excited when I heard it was being expanded.

Atlas and Tegan are adorable together. How can you not a love a meet cute over a ruined wedding cake? Their relationship moves fast and is just this side of insta-love but is still believable. The story beats are pretty much the same but there's more character development this time around. I fell in love with the cast of characters even more! Des and Fallon are just the best and I cannot wait for more of Cyrus in book two!!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[☆☆Nikki Burch☆☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC review

I read the original version and loved it. Just read the new updated version for trad publishing. It was expanded, and more depth and backstory was given. I enjoyed the fun loving nature of the characters. Such a fun, spicy story. Tegan, the single business owner of a cake shop, feeling destined to be alone from all work and no play, meets a handsome wolf, Atlas, the newly single owner of a fitness center, as she has a cake mishap outside the shop in the sidewalk before an important local event. A fun little meet cute. The main characters, the side friend characters, all of them.... a good time.

[Moonlit.RomanceReads ✨️ Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the original I was so happy to be approved to read the expanded newer version of this book.

I really like the expansion on some of the moments, you get a better view into Tegan and Atlas attraction towards each other, their personalities and the growth that happens for both of them- Atlas having a really toxic previous relationship, he ended up with a low body image and opinion of himself. While Tegan has struggles with relationships with her family.

These two fell so hard for each other, adorable how they wanted to make sure they were comfortable and happy together as they got to know each other, Tegan helping Atlas overcome his negative image. Atlas being there for her when she needed anything.

The romance was as cute as the previous version and more spice as well 😏✨️

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, cringey, smutty, but heartfelt monster romance novel that is exactly what you want and expect it to be!
It was super insta-lovey, which fit the story pretty well. The side characters (Besides the FMC's brother and the MMC's ex) were all so loving and supportive of the main characters and I really enjoyed their time on-page. And not too much angst to pull you away from the coziness of the love story!
Really cute!

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muscles and monsters
3.5⭐
This was a really fun cozy, I needed a fun monster romance and this delivered!
It is spicy with nice relationship development, communication and amazing chemistry between the characters!
The writing is absolutely witty, and I love all the side characters and how they contributed to the story without being just backgrounds!
Overall, a fun book that I'd totally recommend to anyone who wants a taste of monster romance!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own!

[Lesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy of this book!

What a delightfully sweet and spicy read! We felt the sparks between Tegan and Atlas immediately, and I was rooting for them from the start! Their romance was so tender and caring, and I loved the way they immediately brought the best out of one another, and did so in a safe and consent-driven way.

For a monster romance this was so wonderfully cozy, and I can’t wait to continue the series!

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Muscles & Monsters is such a little smutty fluff fest! I original read and loved this when it was indie pubbed, and am so happy it's getting its trad debut!

If you're looking for a super cute, fluffy, but steamy monster romance, I highly recommend!

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the arc!

[Kassi | Kassisaurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly small town and cozy but still spicy. I loved Atlas and his adorable tail! Although I didn’t see a lot of myself in Tegan, she was still relatable as a character. All and all a great shorter read and I can’t wait to read the next one!