She doesn’t know it yet, but the Horseman of the Apocalypse are real, and the most fearsome of all has just decided to make her his bride.
I am the first Horseman of the Apocalypse. Once, my brothers and I brought the world to its knees. Now they are chained in the deepest dungeon—or worse. I am alone. …Until she appears. A fragile human, kneeling at my feet. Begging for my favor. I could devour her. I am the monster of legend—the thing that stalks the night. But I don’t want her blood. I have endured centuries of loneliness. I will endure no longer. She will be mine. Forever.
From a brutal Beast who refuses redemption and kidnaps himself a bride (Monster's Bride)... to a chained, many-armed angel of Death who has waited centuries for someone fierce enough to survive him (Death's Toy)… to immortal twin brothers each willing to burn the world to claim what the other has (War)… to a fallen angel facing the one woman he loved—and lost (Hunger)…
Angels & Monsters Series is a complete saga, perfect for readers who Monster romance • Dark fantasy romance • Villain gets the girl • Touch-her-and-die energy • Angels who fall first
Stasia was born in Georgia, grew up in Texas, recently spent a freezing five-year stint in Minnesota, and now is happily planted in sunny California, which she will never, ever leave.
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
Stasia Black has blown my world apart and put the shattered pieces back together. I never know what to expect when I read her books and this one was no different. I knew it was going to be naughty fantasy but beyond that I had no clue how much edge of my seat riding I was going to be doing.
This is the complete box set of Angels & Monsters featuring the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse.
Book 1 is Monster’s Bride.
Abaddon is a beast who was created by his Father. He is one of the 4 Horseman of the Apocolypse also know as Pestilence. He is the keeper of his remaining two brothers and lives a lonely life sometimes away from his home so as to not be buried under the responsibility of dealing with Death and War.
Hannah is a mortal women in search of healing from something beyond her own world. She finds Abaddon in a cave on a mountain and agrees to become his consort in exchange for healing her disability.
This story has Beauty and The Beast vibes, but with supernatural sexy scenes that will knock your socks off. I love how Hannah gets Abaddon to realize his thinking and his ways need to change and she challenges him at every turn. They are so well suited for each other but both are hard headed.
Book 2 is Deaths Toy.
Thing also known Death is a realm jumper. But he has only ever jumped to the shadow realm as it’s where he feels most comfortable. His life has been spent fighting for his father’s wars or until recently chained in the dungeon of the family home by his brother, Abaddon.
Ksenia somehow ended up on the run and ran right into the castle garden after her Uncle took out her father, in an unexpected attack. Now she seeks vengeance but has no idea where she is and trusts no one. But after her initial shock of seeing Thing she feels a pull she can’t explain.
These two were fun to get to know. Again a strong heroine and Thing is so big hearted under the stone facade. He doesn’t believe anyone could possibly love him because of what he has done and who he believes himself to be. It was a change to see the man struggling to feel worthy of affection.
Book 3 is War
Remus and Romulus are literally two sides of the same head who share a body, also known as War. Remus is the one who lives for the battle, he loves the bloodshed and the adrenaline rush he gets from the kill. Romulus is the tactician, the thinker, the planner and the level headed brother. Even though they share a body they cannot communicate with each not have they even wanted to.
Lauren is struggling with everything in her life. Her mother wants her out of her house, her boyfriend found someone younger, thinner and more of everything Lauren isn’t. So when this angel flew down into the town square and asked for a volunteer consort she raised her hand. Now she doesn’t know what she signed up for since Remus only gives half truths. But she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
These three were so much fun to learn about. Lauren is exactly what the brothers needed and the way she brought the brothers together was amazing. My favorite and least favorite part was when Remus started to cut Romulus away from his mind, body and spirit only to realize he wouldn’t be who he is if he did so. I wanted to rant and scream at him but in the end he made the right decision.
Book 4 is Hunger
Layden also know as Famine was thought to have died. His father cut off his wings and then poured hellmetal over the numbs so they would never grow back then drove a sword through his heart. His brothers stood by shell shocked and watched while their father destroyed their brother. Abaddon finally lost it and killed their father and then buried Layden, only they buried him alive.
Phoenix is a spirit from another realm who fought her way out of the dark and cold to walk in the light and warmth of the human realm. She uses the vampires to help keep her healthy and at full strength as blood is her lifeline, although indirectly. She finds Layden in the forest looking like death and nurses him back to health. But she can’t afford attachments and doesn’t think she deserves happiness.
This was the final book and it wrapped up all the drama with all the families so nicely. It was a wide ride and I enjoyed every minute of this collection.
Stasia has a way with her writing that pulls you in and holds you captive. You feel like you’re part of the story and you can vividly see the characters and wants to rant and scream, and love and lust with each of them. I have never been one for fantasy monsters but this book did all sorts of things for me.
If you love romantasy with otherworldly beings, epic battles, dragons, monsters, touch her and die vibes this series has it all
Monster’s Bride Accepting one’s situation and moving forward to live your best life is the path to true happiness. I really liked the backstory of both Hannah and Abaddon… so twisted and dark! Although different situations, each has similar personal insecurities around trust, love and self worth in general. It was satisfying to see the personal connections and acknowledgment of true feelings of several characters. A HFN with a hint of a hidden future threat made this a great story.
Death’s Toy ( previously “Thing”) Ksenia enters this story running for her life through the snow. When Thing encounters her, intentions on both sides are unclear. I found that some of the backstory pieces for both Thing and Ksenia revealed so many similar feelings. The notion of revenge while bracing for possible threats from other sources kept this story moving along. Emerging romance/suspense blended with anti-hero themes made this a very satisfying read.
War (previously “Between Brothers”). Unique Threesome: I was quite curious how Remus and Romulus would ever “date” while sharing a body. Watching their story unfold with Lauren was as quite personal and heartfelt in a genuinely-getting-to-know-the-real-you way. It is so true that psychological harms through repeat hurtful or degrading messages can have such deep negative effects. The action in the story also triggers taking the entire family to a “safer location”was great. More mythical creatures with runes, magic and other “special abilities” made for new connections and unique things to happen. Power, making the “right decisions “ while remaining truthful brought a wonderful end to this story for this trio.
Hunger Satisfying conclusion. As book four in the series, I was very curious as to how Layden and Phoenix’s story would be portrayed. I really enjoyed the flashback presentation of their connection from 10 years ago as it really helped to give context to who Layden was and some of his actions. This was just a fabulous suspense otherworldly magical monster story with just so many details and possibilities presented. The big reveal at the end was certainly unexpected and also satisfying in a way to have closure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Angels and Monsters is the complete Dark Horsemen's Brides series by Stasia Black.
As with all Stasia Black books, you can expect sassy heroines, super alpha heroes (or "monsters" in this case) and gripping storylines with a smattering of sexual chemistry and falling in love.
Based loosely on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Angels and Monsters is a series of books where the "monster" has to take a look at himself and decide whether he will continue to be who he was told he was or choose to be something different. The heroines are smart, strong and sassy. All is not what it seems. Each couple battles hidden and seen foes - from an evil father, uncle and grandfather to the voices within to struggling with a world you don't understand to conquering old hurts and disabling emotions to choosing to forgive (even when you have reasons not to) to seeing the value in themselves and the ones chosen to be their "consort." These are stories of personal growth while battling extreme circumstances (saving the world) and healing from mental, emotional and physical abuse. These characters have choices to make: to walk in goodness versus darkness, choosing love over hate/revenge, and choosing to be a better person - in spite of what you used to do or who you used to be. The heroines choose to love these "monsters" as they see the man underneath. The heroines are courageous, spunky and sassy.
These are all great books but my favorites were Monster's Bride (Abaddon and Hannah) and Thing ("Thing" and Ksenia). I struggled a little with Between Brothers as we are introduced to a whole 'nother level of crazy and characters (Remus was great!). Layden's story was different and I was so hoping he'd get his happily ever after (a consort to love him along with new wings).
All in all this is a good series. Well worth the time to read. Trigger warnings (TWs) - as with all Stasia Black books, check the TWs before reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The full and complete series of the Monster's Consort stories.
Monster's Bride - Trust, like hope, is a tenuous thing. It only takes one moment to either break the fragile chain, or to solder it tight. Hannah and Abbadon have torments that have prevented their future from being bright. Whether it's from family or other's actions, they have only seen the darkness. Together they become stronger.
Thing - Thing may be a monster, but he is a monster with a heart of gold. Falling for Ksenia, despite her brassiness and her offputting nature, creating a home and a safety net as well as a bond just shows that beauty is only important to those who seek physical perfection on the outside.
Between Brothers - I really like the two-faced cover of the story (not currently showing on GR) and the premise of the story... two gods in the body of one. Remus and Romulus are tied together but with very distinct personalities and desires. Their anger towards one another is palpable. And Lauren's entry into their world is not a choice made by both. This is the third story of the Monster's Consorts series and focuses on not just the sibling rivalry, but also the possible destruction of the world.
Hunger - I have a vivid imagination and never laughed so hard at the first chapter shenanigans. A 'pretend' make out session just so that those who were listening would believe that the marriage was consummated...bwahahaha. I loved that it only took a little bit of confusion before Layton caught on that that was what Phoenix was doing.
**My review is just based on the first book because I just couldn't push myself to finish the series.**
This is not my first "The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse" series that I've read, so I was interested in reading how other authors would write their stories. Unfortunately, this one wasn't the one for me. Monster's Bride started off good, but the story went downhill for me. There was a lot of back-and-forth anger and forgiveness between Hannah and Beast. Understandably, Beast was never really around humans and was only doing what he was taught by his Father-Creator, however, it became too much. I liked the kindness and "family" aspect that Hannah tried to show the brothers, but things always went wrong. The Four Horsemen was a bunch of monsters with anger issues and throwing tantrums. Either they were working together or fighting, and it was too much. Throw in Hannah always running, even to people who treated her terrible was ridiculous. The story had action, steamy scenes, forgiveness, anger, tantrums, fighting, pregnancy and more but unfortunately for me this was unfinished because this wasn't the one for me. I would still recommend readers giving this series a try. Just because this series wasn't the one for me doesn't mean it won't be for others.
Angels & Monsters is the complete set of the Dark Horsemen's Brides Series.
Monster's Bride - wishes granted, BDSM, healing Death's Toy - my favourite of the set, bratva themes, revenge, Thing was my favourite softy monster War - twin brothers in the same body, forced to share, god like thinking, internal fighting between brothers Hunger - a long lost brother back from the dead, second chance romance, an alliance bringing two groups together to fight a common enemy
I loved this series and this is a good set to get as it contains all four. I would suggest reading them in order as there are broader topics discussed as well as couples developing as the series progresses.
This quartet of stories are interconnected standalones following the lives and romances of four brothers escaping the dominion of their despotic creator god father. All stories are levels of dark, with characters who are struggling with different historical trauma or stressors. There is significant character building in all stories, as well as explicit boundary/consent establishment, and erotic intimate scenes. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and particularly enjoyed the way reading consecutively allowed for immersion and understanding of character development between stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This collection of dark romances based on the four horseman is just lovely. It shows the depth of each of the horseman and how they find their consort. While each story is different and enjoyable, i really enjoyed Death's story. He has always been the most misunderstood of the four horseman. A great collection!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love the story line, good versus evil, love trumping hate, curses, violence, a hero interest take of the four horsemen, they Dave the day, each got change by the women they fell for, spice and hot, good combination, would not mind to read the series again, enjoy
This collection contains the four books of the four horseman of the apocalypse series: Monsters Bride, Deaths Toy (formally Thing) War (formally between brothers) and Hunger. Each filled with spciy hot scenes, desires, drama, twists and more!