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Be My Monster
Born without the ability to feel pain or fear, Pennsylvania has lived his life believing he’s a monster and a freak. Because most people either keep their distance or are cruel, Penn has spent the last few years wandering from town to town, never putting down roots, never letting anyone know who he really is. Then one night he steps out of the shadows and into the light to save children from a burning house, not knowing he’s saving a mob boss’s kids. That split-second decision changes everything for Penn.
Gideon is a dangerous and powerful man trying to keep his territory profitable and safe, and it’s been peaceful for the last couple of years. Though raising twins as a widower is hard, at least he has family to help him. Family is everything to Gideon, so when someone tries to take them away from him, the once quiet streets turn into chaos. Determined to find his family’s savior, Gideon discovers so much more. His heart, which has felt like it’s barely beat since his wife died, comes to life again when he looks into Penn’s eyes for the first time…the man who risked everything to save his family.
With a war on the horizon, Gideon and Penn have to navigate staying alive, figuring out if there’s a future for them, and destroying the real monsters trying to dismantle everything Gideon’s built.
Gideon is a dangerous and powerful man trying to keep his territory profitable and safe, and it’s been peaceful for the last couple of years. Though raising twins as a widower is hard, at least he has family to help him. Family is everything to Gideon, so when someone tries to take them away from him, the once quiet streets turn into chaos. Determined to find his family’s savior, Gideon discovers so much more. His heart, which has felt like it’s barely beat since his wife died, comes to life again when he looks into Penn’s eyes for the first time…the man who risked everything to save his family.
With a war on the horizon, Gideon and Penn have to navigate staying alive, figuring out if there’s a future for them, and destroying the real monsters trying to dismantle everything Gideon’s built.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
311 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Davidson King
59 books753 followersDavidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
Did Not Finish
February 26, 2026***no rating***
dropped @40%
okay like, the minute this popped up on feed I was so excited to read this I abandoned everything else I was supposed to be reading. And in the beginning I kinda liked the simplicity of the storytelling a lot but it all fell flat real fast and by the time I was done (see above) I only went for the ending which was also nothing to write home about.
It’s honestly a bit sad because both plot and characters had a lot of potential that went unexploited. (as far as I could tell)
dropped @40%
okay like, the minute this popped up on feed I was so excited to read this I abandoned everything else I was supposed to be reading. And in the beginning I kinda liked the simplicity of the storytelling a lot but it all fell flat real fast and by the time I was done (see above) I only went for the ending which was also nothing to write home about.
It’s honestly a bit sad because both plot and characters had a lot of potential that went unexploited. (as far as I could tell)
February 26, 2026
4.5 🌟
Penn and Gideon 🖤
I LOVE these guys! I devoured this and never wanted to put it down.
The concept of Penn believing he was a “monster” and never quite feeling like he could pit down roots broke me. I loved Penn’s snarky humor, and I adored Penn’s relationship with the twins.
It was a very fast paced read, with very short chapters which I enjoy. I flew through this story, and honestly I could have kept reading about these guys and never gotten bored.
This was my first read from this author, but definitely won’t be my last!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— mafia
— suspense
— widower
— single dad
— touch him and ☠️
— MC who feels no pain or fear
— found family
— instalust
— “baby”
— oral
— sex w condoms
— face fucking
— rimming
— bareback
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Penn and Gideon 🖤
I LOVE these guys! I devoured this and never wanted to put it down.
The concept of Penn believing he was a “monster” and never quite feeling like he could pit down roots broke me. I loved Penn’s snarky humor, and I adored Penn’s relationship with the twins.
It was a very fast paced read, with very short chapters which I enjoy. I flew through this story, and honestly I could have kept reading about these guys and never gotten bored.
This was my first read from this author, but definitely won’t be my last!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— mafia
— suspense
— widower
— single dad
— touch him and ☠️
— MC who feels no pain or fear
— found family
— instalust
— “baby”
— oral
— sex w condoms
— face fucking
— rimming
— bareback
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫦🫦🫦
This is the story of Pennsylvania and Gideon—and from the very first page, it pulled me into a world that felt both dangerous and unexpectedly tender. Gideon isn’t your typical mob boss. Yes, he’s powerful and feared—but he’s also a devoted single father, and that softer side adds so much depth to his character.
Penn, on the other hand, is always on the move, never quite belonging anywhere, carrying a past and a condition that make it hard for him to ever feel safe or settled. Watching these two come together was incredibly compelling.
I really loved how Davidson challenged the usual “cold-blooded mob boss” trope. Gideon can be ruthless when he needs to be, but when it comes to his child and the people he loves, there’s a protectiveness and warmth that makes him impossible not to fall for.
If you’re looking for a story that blends danger, emotional depth, and seriously steamy moments, this one is definitely worth picking up.
❤️🩹 Mob boss
❤️🩹 Strangers to lovers
❤️🩹 Crime & suspense
❤️🩹 Found family
❤️🩹 Frotting, rimming
70/26
This is the story of Pennsylvania and Gideon—and from the very first page, it pulled me into a world that felt both dangerous and unexpectedly tender. Gideon isn’t your typical mob boss. Yes, he’s powerful and feared—but he’s also a devoted single father, and that softer side adds so much depth to his character.
Penn, on the other hand, is always on the move, never quite belonging anywhere, carrying a past and a condition that make it hard for him to ever feel safe or settled. Watching these two come together was incredibly compelling.
I really loved how Davidson challenged the usual “cold-blooded mob boss” trope. Gideon can be ruthless when he needs to be, but when it comes to his child and the people he loves, there’s a protectiveness and warmth that makes him impossible not to fall for.
If you’re looking for a story that blends danger, emotional depth, and seriously steamy moments, this one is definitely worth picking up.
❤️🩹 Mob boss
❤️🩹 Strangers to lovers
❤️🩹 Crime & suspense
❤️🩹 Found family
❤️🩹 Frotting, rimming
70/26
Did Not Finish
March 25, 2026DNF @ 47%. Like there’s no chemistry or am I tripping
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know I've said it before in other books, but it bears to be said again, it's almost funny how Davidson King can take an organized crime leader and a man who doesn't know pain or fear, sprinkle violence and death, and somehow drag a sweet and cute romance out of that mixture. I really enjoyed it.
March 24, 2026
2026📚: 62/150
☆☆☆☆
- mm contemporary romance
- a drifter who can't feel pain or fear
- a mafia boss who doesn't like to be called a mafia boss
- lots of territorial wars
- rated R sexy times (my least fave)
💘 Gideon + Penn
Okay, so Davidson King toes the line between fade to black and smut...and it's aggravating. SO much potential in those scenes but she just SKIMS over them. Honestly, I'd rather there be no smut than whatever Davidson King writes in her books because it causes FRUSTRATION, iykyk.
Other than that, this was okay. I felt a disconnect from the story but that seems to be a theme. It feels like all of DK's stories toe the line of greatness and smut. They need just a bit MORE than what we get.
The scene where Penn is about to leave and Gideon says he'll be Penn's monster was, I'm assuming, supposed to be a major relationship moment but it fell flat because there were no emotions. I think that's what it is. The voice of the story lacks emotions and depth and keeps me from disappearing.
Again, the story is fine. We've got Penn and his mutation plus Gideon and his empire. We've got some drama and some sweet moments. And then it ends on a kinda HFN. I always say I'm done reading DK's books since they really do nothing for me, but here I am trying again. And again, it's just okay. So 4 stars it is for a story I devoured quickly but ultimately left me....okay.
☆☆☆☆
- mm contemporary romance
- a drifter who can't feel pain or fear
- a mafia boss who doesn't like to be called a mafia boss
- lots of territorial wars
- rated R sexy times (my least fave)
💘 Gideon + Penn
Okay, so Davidson King toes the line between fade to black and smut...and it's aggravating. SO much potential in those scenes but she just SKIMS over them. Honestly, I'd rather there be no smut than whatever Davidson King writes in her books because it causes FRUSTRATION, iykyk.
Other than that, this was okay. I felt a disconnect from the story but that seems to be a theme. It feels like all of DK's stories toe the line of greatness and smut. They need just a bit MORE than what we get.
The scene where Penn is about to leave and Gideon says he'll be Penn's monster was, I'm assuming, supposed to be a major relationship moment but it fell flat because there were no emotions. I think that's what it is. The voice of the story lacks emotions and depth and keeps me from disappearing.
Again, the story is fine. We've got Penn and his mutation plus Gideon and his empire. We've got some drama and some sweet moments. And then it ends on a kinda HFN. I always say I'm done reading DK's books since they really do nothing for me, but here I am trying again. And again, it's just okay. So 4 stars it is for a story I devoured quickly but ultimately left me....okay.
March 9, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
This was just okay. It sounded like a promising story, but fell flat. And there are a lot of errors. Mainly comma issues, but also some missing words. Grammatically, it’s actually written pretty well.
There’s no depth to this story: the plot, the characters, the world. Everything is shallow and one-dimensional. I didn’t feel much while reading this book. I think the most emotion came from scenes with the kids, especially Owen, and Tenny.
Penn and Gideon have zero chemistry, no passion, and the sex they have is uninspired and completely dull, definitely not sexy at all. There are these big declarations from them towards the end, and I just felt…nothing, because the author didn’t create characters I could connect with in any way. There is a lot of telling over showing in the writing style, which I think is a huge factor in the lack of depth and development overall.
Penn can’t feel pain or fear. I was looking forward to reading about a character like that. But the author made him be a complete dud. He emits some humor every now and then, but that’s about it. Towards the end, I warmed to him a bit, but it was too late at that point. So he can’t feel fear, but where’s his excitement, joy, happiness, passion, desire, anger, humor, etc? None of these emotions come off the page from him. We may be told he feels a certain way, but the dialogue and the descriptions don’t portray/show it.
Gideon isn’t much better, but, if anything, his involvement with the darker side of his life and the action he’s part of, make him feel more developed. However, his dialogue is still flat throughout the book, especially his interactions with Penn. Nothing they did together said “love” to me, and their sexy times were awkward and over super fast.
Everything was just surface level, and I think the author missed an opportunity to really dig deeper into this rare mutation and create complex, interesting, and well-developed characters.
The plot is also just kind of there. It’s not good and it’s not terrible. Just not intriguing. I’m honestly shocked I didn’t DNF this book, tbh. Oh well, they can’t all be winners.
This was just okay. It sounded like a promising story, but fell flat. And there are a lot of errors. Mainly comma issues, but also some missing words. Grammatically, it’s actually written pretty well.
There’s no depth to this story: the plot, the characters, the world. Everything is shallow and one-dimensional. I didn’t feel much while reading this book. I think the most emotion came from scenes with the kids, especially Owen, and Tenny.
Penn and Gideon have zero chemistry, no passion, and the sex they have is uninspired and completely dull, definitely not sexy at all. There are these big declarations from them towards the end, and I just felt…nothing, because the author didn’t create characters I could connect with in any way. There is a lot of telling over showing in the writing style, which I think is a huge factor in the lack of depth and development overall.
Penn can’t feel pain or fear. I was looking forward to reading about a character like that. But the author made him be a complete dud. He emits some humor every now and then, but that’s about it. Towards the end, I warmed to him a bit, but it was too late at that point. So he can’t feel fear, but where’s his excitement, joy, happiness, passion, desire, anger, humor, etc? None of these emotions come off the page from him. We may be told he feels a certain way, but the dialogue and the descriptions don’t portray/show it.
Gideon isn’t much better, but, if anything, his involvement with the darker side of his life and the action he’s part of, make him feel more developed. However, his dialogue is still flat throughout the book, especially his interactions with Penn. Nothing they did together said “love” to me, and their sexy times were awkward and over super fast.
Everything was just surface level, and I think the author missed an opportunity to really dig deeper into this rare mutation and create complex, interesting, and well-developed characters.
The plot is also just kind of there. It’s not good and it’s not terrible. Just not intriguing. I’m honestly shocked I didn’t DNF this book, tbh. Oh well, they can’t all be winners.
March 1, 2026
“If you don’t get ugly, vicious, if you don’t bite back ten times harder than Lorcan, he will decimate your empire, kill your entire family while you watch, and then salt the earth so no one can ever grow from your roots again. Whatever your strategy was before needs to be tossed away, and you need to be my monster.” - Penn
Drifter saves kids from a fire and catches the eye of a powerful man. After lots of action and back and forth, the two men find themselves in love and the drifter finds family and a home.
Quick Thoughts:
⭐️3/5
🌶️2/5
💭 Meh. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t honestly feel much between the MCs until maybe the end. They had a couple spice scenes before they were more “official” but those didn’t help build a bond to me as they were just described in short passages and not super passionate. To me, there was no reason these two were in love. It might just be a personal thing but I was rooting for more. At one point, Penn said he was so hard it hurt. If Penn can’t feel pain, can he describe the pain of a hard on? The story leaned more towards talking about the crime going on and trying to solve their problem with the “enemy” and the time the MCs spent together that would be considered bonding happened off page and would just say “3 days later”. One of the spicy scenes they showered after and then laid down together and Penn just pops the question: “How did your wife die?” Like, Penn, ya’ll just fucked for the first time and you think now is a good time?? Just because you can’t feel pain for fear doesn’t mean you can’t feel passion and sympathy?? I just really can’t get into the mindset to believe they love each other and are gonna be forever.
💁♂️Main Characters:💁♂️
Pennsylvania:
“He doesn’t want to be thanked, Dean.” I stared out the window at the bar. “He wants to be forgotten.” - Gideon
28 years old, Bright green eyes, Has FAAH-OUT which causes him to be unable to feel pain or fear, Currently Barbacking at a dive bar but never stays anywhere for long before traveling to the next town.
Gideon Hendrix:
I was going to tear this building down brick by brick until Penn was in my arms again. - Gideon
Widower, Single father of twins (Owen & Olivia),
🔥🌶️Intimate/Spicy Moments Include:🌶️🔥
- Masterbating
- Frotting
- Blowjobs, Handjobs, Face Fucking
- Rimming
- Anal, safe sex
- Bareback
🛑⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings: ⚠️🛑
- Death, Violence, Kidnapping, Assault (on page)
- Mentions of the Death of a Partner
- Mentions of the Death of a Family Member
- Deaths involve: Breast Cancer, Pulmonary Embolisms, Hospice, and other crime related deaths.
- House Fire
- MC Hospitalized
❤️Tropes/Themes:❤️
- Crime/Mafia
- MM Romance
- Rescue/Save
📝Quotes:📝
I looked out the window once again. The ducks were gone, and even though Tennessee sat beside me, I felt alone. - Penn
“Like Batman,” Olivia whispered in my ear.
“Are they gonna hurt you some more, Penny?” Well shit, she called me Penny.
“You put me there, huh?” “Family,” was his answer, as if it were completely obvious.
“She uh…she told me I was going to fall in love with someone great one day.” “Did she now?” His smile grew. “Yeah.” “And did you ever fall in love with someone great?”...”I did.” “Lucky guy.”
💤The Boring Stuff: 💤
Book #: Not a Series
Published 25 Feb 2026 at 231 Pages (per Kindle)
Read 26 Feb 2026 via Kindle Unlimited
1st Person, Dual POV
Reviewer Note: I think I give stars away way too easily but I can’t help myself. It can be safely assumed all of my reviews are from books that the animal lives, are 1st Person, have a HEA, and have no intimate or spicy scenes with anyone/thing other than MC(s) unless otherwise detailed. I try to rate books objectively if they have something I don’t typically like (i.e. Break Ups, SA, 3rd Person, Single POV, Sharing Partners). If it’s still written well the author deserves the praise but I will make note to avoid for myself in the future. I do my best to mark different triggers/warnings as well as the intimate acts performed in case anything listed/done might not be something you would want to read. If M/M, Age Play, Interspecies, Insta Love, Erotica, MPreg, or Incest are something you actively avoid, you are probably better off avoiding most of the books I review.
DNF: Something off, couldn’t finish because of it. Maybe me, maybe the book.
1 Star: Just.. Just no, thanks. Do not recommend it. Need mind eraser.
2 Stars: Oh that was something but it was not something for me or the author really fell short on this one.
3 Stars: Decent, enjoyed enough. Hit marks it was supposed to but something turned me off from it.
4 Stars: Really enjoyed it, better than I though it would be. Would recommend.
5 Stars: I can see myself reading this again. Thoroughly enjoyed. Would recommend.
February 13, 2026
I had a good time with this. This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. This was also my first read about a MC with FAAH-OUT and I was intrigued enough to want to read the book and do a little research of my own. It was interesting to see how Penn handled this and the extra steps he took to be more aware of what his body may be telling him in other ways outside of what would be a trigger of pain and how he saw himself.
I enjoyed seeing Penn and Gideon come together. Their relationship was fun, honest and healing for them both. They were just what the other needed. I liked the family dynamic and how clear it was that they were important to one another and seeing them welcome Penn as they did was sweet.
🧡ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings
I enjoyed seeing Penn and Gideon come together. Their relationship was fun, honest and healing for them both. They were just what the other needed. I liked the family dynamic and how clear it was that they were important to one another and seeing them welcome Penn as they did was sweet.
🧡ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings
February 25, 2026
Oh my gosh, I’m so obsessed with Penn!!! He is an amazing character. Him and Gideon together were absolutely perfect. He just took what he wanted and went for it especially with his relationship with Gideon. I loved that the issues in the book were more outside the relationship.
I honestly wish it was longer because I could read about Penn, Gideon, and the twins forever. Penn just fits right in with the whole family.
I honestly wish it was longer because I could read about Penn, Gideon, and the twins forever. Penn just fits right in with the whole family.
March 4, 2026
This was really a joyride for me! Very fast-paced and insta-lovey/lusty, but Penn and Gideon really stole the show. I was fascinated that we had a protagonist who couldn't feel pain and fear, so really liked that aspect. Especially regarding the sex scenes (which obviously I enjoyed very much 🤭).
This was my first book of this author and I might continue reading her books, since I loved this 😍
This was my first book of this author and I might continue reading her books, since I loved this 😍
Review of advance copy received from Outro
ARC review
I adored this book so much, it was so good.
I loved Penn, just a sweet soul that was basically unique in this world. He deserved a family and everything good in his life. He just wanted to belong somewhere even when he ran from place to place.
Gideon was a family man, touch his family and you will not see the end of the day. He wanted Penn from the moment he saw him. No one was allowed to touch him and live. We just love a possessive man that just wants who he wants.
Loved the family dynamic, the kids were so cute and brave and the "mafia" aspect was so well done.
They were an amazing couple that fitted so well together
I adored this book so much, it was so good.
I loved Penn, just a sweet soul that was basically unique in this world. He deserved a family and everything good in his life. He just wanted to belong somewhere even when he ran from place to place.
Gideon was a family man, touch his family and you will not see the end of the day. He wanted Penn from the moment he saw him. No one was allowed to touch him and live. We just love a possessive man that just wants who he wants.
Loved the family dynamic, the kids were so cute and brave and the "mafia" aspect was so well done.
They were an amazing couple that fitted so well together
Review of advance copy received from Author
Be My Monster
Davidson King
Penn & Gideon
This was a quick fun read
Mobster vs Lone Wolf vibes
Penn being born with a rare gene that causes him to feel no pain or fear is was puts him into the path of Gideon
Saving Gideons family has brought unwanted attention upon Penn
These two were sweet. Penn has lived a hard life. My heart ached for him.
This story has a lot of action and plot but also a sweet found family.
These two were so hott. So protective of each other.
I love how Penn gets the family he always deserved.
Quick exciting swoony spicy read.
So thankful for this arc
Davidson King
Penn & Gideon
This was a quick fun read
Mobster vs Lone Wolf vibes
Penn being born with a rare gene that causes him to feel no pain or fear is was puts him into the path of Gideon
Saving Gideons family has brought unwanted attention upon Penn
These two were sweet. Penn has lived a hard life. My heart ached for him.
This story has a lot of action and plot but also a sweet found family.
These two were so hott. So protective of each other.
I love how Penn gets the family he always deserved.
Quick exciting swoony spicy read.
So thankful for this arc
March 1, 2026
I’m a hard reviewer
Whilst the premise of this book was fascinating and totally up my alley, the writing style by King once again has let me down. I have tried King’s previous books and they have a similar theme with me - they all sound amazing but the writing could never live up to the blurb.
Gideon and Penn as individuals were totally hot but they weren’t written to make me feel like they were a couple I was rooting for in the story. It’s was disconnecting and jarring.
Whilst the premise of this book was fascinating and totally up my alley, the writing style by King once again has let me down. I have tried King’s previous books and they have a similar theme with me - they all sound amazing but the writing could never live up to the blurb.
Gideon and Penn as individuals were totally hot but they weren’t written to make me feel like they were a couple I was rooting for in the story. It’s was disconnecting and jarring.
February 25, 2026
To be honest, I feel like I went into this book blindly even though I signed up for the arc, read the blurb and the tropes... and oh, my Lord, I am so happy I forgot all that. To be honest, this book was such a big surprise. This also being my first book by this author I didn't have expectations, I had nothing to compare it to, but it turned out to be one hell of an amazing read.
Be my monster is the story of Gideon and Pennsylvania, and the way these two meet is definitely unusual, just like the two of them.
The story of Pennsylvania is heartbreaking really, always on the run, always alone, until he barges into this family who waits for him with open arms. I dare to say he was always moving, always running because he was looking for them. Our boy is just someone who has so much to offer and no one to offer it too, but thank God for Gideon and his family... now he can rest. Now he can love and be loved. He deserves it more than anyone in the whole world.
Gideon is a sweetheart. He is a monster, dangerous, powerful, but with Penn he is always soft and caring. He is the one our Penn boy can rely on, and he also needed Pennsylvania in his life to heal all those wounds.
These two are the perfect pair, but the road to get their HEA is hard, dangerous, and the furthest away from easy.
Their love story is beautiful, and while there is some spice, the spice is not that much in this book, and in a way I am glad. This way we get to focus more on the plot, the found family, the family in general. Oh, and yeah, this book has a plot and it is good. You won't miss the spice with how fast paced this book is.
Ah, I am so happy I got to read it and it is definitely in my top fav reads of February.
Be my monster is the story of Gideon and Pennsylvania, and the way these two meet is definitely unusual, just like the two of them.
The story of Pennsylvania is heartbreaking really, always on the run, always alone, until he barges into this family who waits for him with open arms. I dare to say he was always moving, always running because he was looking for them. Our boy is just someone who has so much to offer and no one to offer it too, but thank God for Gideon and his family... now he can rest. Now he can love and be loved. He deserves it more than anyone in the whole world.
Gideon is a sweetheart. He is a monster, dangerous, powerful, but with Penn he is always soft and caring. He is the one our Penn boy can rely on, and he also needed Pennsylvania in his life to heal all those wounds.
These two are the perfect pair, but the road to get their HEA is hard, dangerous, and the furthest away from easy.
Their love story is beautiful, and while there is some spice, the spice is not that much in this book, and in a way I am glad. This way we get to focus more on the plot, the found family, the family in general. Oh, and yeah, this book has a plot and it is good. You won't miss the spice with how fast paced this book is.
Ah, I am so happy I got to read it and it is definitely in my top fav reads of February.
March 4, 2026
I received an Arc in return for my honest review.
Penn has always considered himself a monster. Because of a genetic mutation that prevents him from feeling or expressing pain, he’s lived his life constantly on the move—never settling, never letting anyone get close. He prefers to stay hidden and unseen… until the night he risks everything to save children from a fire. What should have been an anonymous act of bravery turns his world upside down and pulls him directly into danger.
Gideon is the kind of man who protects what’s his—fiercely and without hesitation. With enemies closing in on his family and now targeting Penn, Gideon steps in, determined to keep them safe. He’s intense, commanding, and utterly devoted. Watching him slowly wear down Penn’s walls—with the unexpected help of his children—was one of my favorite parts of the story. Penn may not feel pain, but he feels Gideon, and that emotional awakening is powerful.
The love that grows between Gideon and Penn is strong, protective, and beautifully layered. Gideon brings Penn into his family and, for the first time, Penn is truly seen—not as a monster, but as a man worthy of love. That emotional shift is what makes this story so impactful.
And that line — "I'm going to make him pay, baby. I'll be the monster I promised to be. Just hold on, you fight." — perfectly captures the fierce devotion and “touch him and die” energy that runs through this book. It’s protective, intense, and everything you want in a mafia romance.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with solid suspense, emotional depth, and those strong protective vibes, Be My Monster absolutely delivers. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
*MM Romance Suspense
*MM Mafia Romance
*Widower with Twins
*Touch him and die
*MC who feels no pain or fear
*Found Family
*Love at First Sight
Penn has always considered himself a monster. Because of a genetic mutation that prevents him from feeling or expressing pain, he’s lived his life constantly on the move—never settling, never letting anyone get close. He prefers to stay hidden and unseen… until the night he risks everything to save children from a fire. What should have been an anonymous act of bravery turns his world upside down and pulls him directly into danger.
Gideon is the kind of man who protects what’s his—fiercely and without hesitation. With enemies closing in on his family and now targeting Penn, Gideon steps in, determined to keep them safe. He’s intense, commanding, and utterly devoted. Watching him slowly wear down Penn’s walls—with the unexpected help of his children—was one of my favorite parts of the story. Penn may not feel pain, but he feels Gideon, and that emotional awakening is powerful.
The love that grows between Gideon and Penn is strong, protective, and beautifully layered. Gideon brings Penn into his family and, for the first time, Penn is truly seen—not as a monster, but as a man worthy of love. That emotional shift is what makes this story so impactful.
And that line — "I'm going to make him pay, baby. I'll be the monster I promised to be. Just hold on, you fight." — perfectly captures the fierce devotion and “touch him and die” energy that runs through this book. It’s protective, intense, and everything you want in a mafia romance.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with solid suspense, emotional depth, and those strong protective vibes, Be My Monster absolutely delivers. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
*MM Romance Suspense
*MM Mafia Romance
*Widower with Twins
*Touch him and die
*MC who feels no pain or fear
*Found Family
*Love at First Sight
March 19, 2026
3.5🌟
Penn kept talking about how the most dangerous man was looking at him with so much affection and I’M like where is the dangerous part???
Because what do you mean mafia man cannot mafia???
And before you say anything, Gideon said he wasn’t mafia and honestly!!! He was right. Because at least actual mafia men know what they’re doing.
It took until like 85% before he finally put Lorcan in his place AFTER that man had already shown him and his family premium shege. At that point I was just there like, are we sure Penn can't feel pain??? Because sir almost died but okay!!!
And Benny??? I only heard his name like once and suddenly he’s there, about to die, still managing to gist Gideon about Lorcan’s plans like 😭🤣 priorities!!!
But honestly, I had a good time.
Penn’s humour? Loved it.
Gideon’s love for his family? Loved it even more.
The way his family accepted Penn especially the kids? So soft.
And Penn wanting to protect them too? Yeah, that got me.
I also really appreciated how Gideon’s love for his late wife wasn’t treated like nonsense. He still called her his forever, still believed he wouldn’t find that kind of love again and then somehow found it again with Penn. That was actually really beautiful.
The found family in this book? Top tier.
The loyalty? Solid. (No random traitor stress, thank God.)
And when Gideon finally dealt with Lorcan properly yeah, that almost made up for the fact that he wasn’t mafiaring correctly before.
At the end of the day, Gideon would do anything for Penn and Penn would do the same. And honestly? That’s what carried this book for me.
Penn kept talking about how the most dangerous man was looking at him with so much affection and I’M like where is the dangerous part???
Because what do you mean mafia man cannot mafia???
And before you say anything, Gideon said he wasn’t mafia and honestly!!! He was right. Because at least actual mafia men know what they’re doing.
It took until like 85% before he finally put Lorcan in his place AFTER that man had already shown him and his family premium shege. At that point I was just there like, are we sure Penn can't feel pain??? Because sir almost died but okay!!!
And Benny??? I only heard his name like once and suddenly he’s there, about to die, still managing to gist Gideon about Lorcan’s plans like 😭🤣 priorities!!!
But honestly, I had a good time.
Penn’s humour? Loved it.
Gideon’s love for his family? Loved it even more.
The way his family accepted Penn especially the kids? So soft.
And Penn wanting to protect them too? Yeah, that got me.
I also really appreciated how Gideon’s love for his late wife wasn’t treated like nonsense. He still called her his forever, still believed he wouldn’t find that kind of love again and then somehow found it again with Penn. That was actually really beautiful.
The found family in this book? Top tier.
The loyalty? Solid. (No random traitor stress, thank God.)
And when Gideon finally dealt with Lorcan properly yeah, that almost made up for the fact that he wasn’t mafiaring correctly before.
At the end of the day, Gideon would do anything for Penn and Penn would do the same. And honestly? That’s what carried this book for me.
February 17, 2026
Penn was abandoned as a child, branded a “monster” because a rare genetic condition left him unable to feel pain or fear. After losing the only woman who ever loved him, he’s alone and untethered.
When he runs into a burning house to save a family, he catches the attention of Gideon — a powerful man who seems to have influence over the entire town. Gideon offers Penn protection and a place to stay.
But his interest feels like more than gratitude… and Penn starts to wonder what Gideon truly wants from him.
This was such a great read. The hero just wants to stay under the radar, but once he catches Gideon’s attention, there’s no going back — and Gideon is very much the “I’ll protect you at all costs” type.
It’s definitely spicy, with plenty of tension and chemistry, and I loved the dynamic between them. As an MM romance, it really delivers — and at just 231 pages, it’s a quick, addictive read.
When he runs into a burning house to save a family, he catches the attention of Gideon — a powerful man who seems to have influence over the entire town. Gideon offers Penn protection and a place to stay.
But his interest feels like more than gratitude… and Penn starts to wonder what Gideon truly wants from him.
This was such a great read. The hero just wants to stay under the radar, but once he catches Gideon’s attention, there’s no going back — and Gideon is very much the “I’ll protect you at all costs” type.
It’s definitely spicy, with plenty of tension and chemistry, and I loved the dynamic between them. As an MM romance, it really delivers — and at just 231 pages, it’s a quick, addictive read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
This is a mafia romance, featuring Pennsylvania and Gideon, and is a standalone book.
Penn, a drifter who can’t feel pain or fear, saves three children from a burning house, only to discover two of them belong to a mob boss. As Gideon searches for the mysterious man who saved his family, intrigue and danger surrounds them.
This was an interesting read with an instant connection between Penn and Gideon. Their chemistry was strong, and with the tension of the mob war, it made for a gripping story that perfectly balanced danger, heart, and two men confronting their fears while healing together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM mafia romance
Check CW
Mob boss x Drifter
Hurt / Comfort
Saviour
Spicy times
Biting
Mob war
Kidnapping
Rescue
Revenge
HEA
Penn, a drifter who can’t feel pain or fear, saves three children from a burning house, only to discover two of them belong to a mob boss. As Gideon searches for the mysterious man who saved his family, intrigue and danger surrounds them.
This was an interesting read with an instant connection between Penn and Gideon. Their chemistry was strong, and with the tension of the mob war, it made for a gripping story that perfectly balanced danger, heart, and two men confronting their fears while healing together.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM mafia romance
Check CW
Mob boss x Drifter
Hurt / Comfort
Saviour
Spicy times
Biting
Mob war
Kidnapping
Rescue
Revenge
HEA
April 14, 2026
With the title and everything I thought this was gonna blow me away but it wasn't even a gentle wind!
Even though Gideon isn't a part of the mafia world he should've been able to do a lot more with his supposed power and status.
For the most part, the story was intriguing, but some areas, for me personally, were unwarranted and didn't serve the plot well, nor did they give either character any brownie points.
Gideon and his men’s incompetence is laughable whether or not their mafia and a nobody like Lorcan shouldn't have been such a menace to the Hendrix family.
Penn’s lack of pain should've had a greater impact instead of being mediocre at best, I personally felt as if that angle could've been a lot more.
Even though Gideon isn't a part of the mafia world he should've been able to do a lot more with his supposed power and status.
For the most part, the story was intriguing, but some areas, for me personally, were unwarranted and didn't serve the plot well, nor did they give either character any brownie points.
Gideon and his men’s incompetence is laughable whether or not their mafia and a nobody like Lorcan shouldn't have been such a menace to the Hendrix family.
Penn’s lack of pain should've had a greater impact instead of being mediocre at best, I personally felt as if that angle could've been a lot more.
March 20, 2026
yay
Omg I needed this book. Thank you for pulling me out of my funk. This was a fast pace mafia, but not really mafia kind of book. It also had representation about a genetic mutation that I never knew about but learned something new.. It was interesting watching these two navigate each other’s world while finding family and love. The writing was great and thank you for diverse side characters.
In the know
Dual pov
No cheating/sharing
Relationship before spice
No om/ow drama
Diverse characters
Morally grey
Omg I needed this book. Thank you for pulling me out of my funk. This was a fast pace mafia, but not really mafia kind of book. It also had representation about a genetic mutation that I never knew about but learned something new.. It was interesting watching these two navigate each other’s world while finding family and love. The writing was great and thank you for diverse side characters.
In the know
Dual pov
No cheating/sharing
Relationship before spice
No om/ow drama
Diverse characters
Morally grey
February 20, 2026
Be My Monster by Davidson King was a great read. Pennsylvania had a hard childhood. His parents didn’t want him and so Tenny, short for Tennessee, took him in. I loved the flashbacks that we had of how much she loved him. I know Penn felt so unlovable, but it was clear that he was such an amazing man. When he rescues Gideon’s children, he soon finds another family to love. Penn was so caring and just wanted to live his life in peace. There were a few times Gideon pushed my buttons, but he was willing to apologize and admit his mistakes. Another enjoyable story from this author.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
Did Not Finish
April 3, 2026DNF: 30%
The main love interest is very dramatic for being the “biggest bestest guy.” The writing was simple, which is fine, I have dredged enough of the internet (hey, wattpad!) to admit simple is sometimes good but it just felt so flat and boring even after only thirty pages. I could have pushed my way through it, I really try my best when it comes to my KU reads but seriously, why keep reading a book you know is just going to end up being a two star read at best? So on I go.
The main love interest is very dramatic for being the “biggest bestest guy.” The writing was simple, which is fine, I have dredged enough of the internet (hey, wattpad!) to admit simple is sometimes good but it just felt so flat and boring even after only thirty pages. I could have pushed my way through it, I really try my best when it comes to my KU reads but seriously, why keep reading a book you know is just going to end up being a two star read at best? So on I go.
February 27, 2026
a sweet and exciting book
March 3, 2026
How to say this... It was boring, and a copy past of snow, kyle, levity's (and a few more) story for me.
And why is the bottom always the "special" one? Also, it would have been a nice change of pace if Gideon were the top from the bottom, or the bottom period.
Is a cliche, mafia boss (dominating role), the guy to save, that ends up being the "hero".
And why is the bottom always the "special" one? Also, it would have been a nice change of pace if Gideon were the top from the bottom, or the bottom period.
Is a cliche, mafia boss (dominating role), the guy to save, that ends up being the "hero".
February 28, 2026
I tried really hard
Okay so I do understand the author's dedication in research and time in making this, and I do like the characters but it feels so... fake. The immediate attraction, the immediate fight and the immediate forgiveness. Everything just feels like it was written in phases and slapped together. It doesnt feel smooth, realistic or real to me. The character's emotions are superficial, they themselves feel superficial. I tried to like it but I just cant. But a quick read would be good.
Okay so I do understand the author's dedication in research and time in making this, and I do like the characters but it feels so... fake. The immediate attraction, the immediate fight and the immediate forgiveness. Everything just feels like it was written in phases and slapped together. It doesnt feel smooth, realistic or real to me. The character's emotions are superficial, they themselves feel superficial. I tried to like it but I just cant. But a quick read would be good.
Did Not Finish
March 13, 2026Dnf @54%
Penn is too super special for me. He’s going to save the day I know it and it’s just hard to believe a mafia not mafia guy like Gideon would trust him so quickly no questions asked. The sex kind of came out of nowhere and every time they hook up it’s just really random.
Penn is too super special for me. He’s going to save the day I know it and it’s just hard to believe a mafia not mafia guy like Gideon would trust him so quickly no questions asked. The sex kind of came out of nowhere and every time they hook up it’s just really random.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
The premise of the book had so much potential, but it didn’t pull through.
March 18, 2026
Davidson King has once again proven she is the Queen of Mayhem. Be My Monster is danger personified and lets face it, despite what Gideon calls himself, it's a mafia setting, or at least maifa-ish😉. Now, there are several mafia-style books out there so you might be wondering what makes King's stories stand out? Honestly, it's the heart of the characters. If you live in that life, I think its safe to say you aren't reading this review so I think it's equally safe for me to say none of us can speak from personal experience and doubt any of us will ever face that kind of danger in our lifetime and she creates these characters we'll never meet in our daily lives and yet, you feel as if you could. Her characters are a mixture of OTT-can't-possibly-be-real and family-is-everything-could-be-my-brother-from-another-mother and it's that bat-crap crazy which makes King's mayhem stand above the rest.
I'm not going to talk specifics about the danger the author has created within the pages of Be My Monster so as not to spoil anything but know that it doesn't slow down at all, fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, knee-bouncing grit that hooks you quick and doesn't let go. When I swiped the last page, I was not prepared to say goodbye.
How can one not love Penn? He is just so darn lovely, I want to wrap him in bubblewrap and never let him go. I think in general most people are inherently good and want to do the right thing with little to no recognition, or at least I'm that way. I would help others, as Penn does when coming across a burning home, and though my reasons behind it may differ, I'd be happy to slip away with my identity unnoticed as I'm definitely on the introverted side. This plays a huge part in what connected me to the character(I'll mention a little more on connecting to Penn further down) and added to the heart I stated above.
As for Gideon, despite his penchant for provoked violence, and "provoked" is very important here and also adds to what I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I think he is also very freakn' lovely. Family seems to control his every action, or reaction in some cases, and I can certainly relate to that aspect of his character. Don't get me wrong, he is no pushover and he has no qualms about letting his monster side out when it needs exercising but he is not fueled by power for the sake of power.
Throw these two guys together and the result is explosive, a well balanced journey. I just learned this morning there are plans for further Penn/Gideon stories and I'm ready to reserve my seat to hitch a ride whenever they let the author in on more of their tales.
As for the supporting cast, well the kids are super uber adorable. Kids can be tricky to write, too often they either come off as spoiled brats who need a hard timeout or sugary sweet they should be living in the dentist's waiting room. Olivia, Owen, and Mateo are definitely the kind of kids you wished you saw more of in stores and restaurants, energetic but respectful. Little Olivia is a spitfire and I have a feeling she'd be the sure fire fit to take over Gideon's position if it really was a mafia household, which we all know it's not😉😉.
I can't mention this next part without a little personal backstory so #sorrynotsorry. I have no experience with the very rare no fear & no pain gene mutation, FAAH-OUT, Penn lives with, I do however have extensive experience with peripheral neuropathy, which is not "no pain" and certainly not "no fear" but it does come with similar warnings. Both of my parents deal/dealt with neuropathy(my mother who passed away last year lived with it for 20+ and my dad only the past couple) where the limbs, legs and hands, are numb so even though there is technically no pain there is more accurately "no feeling" or complete numbness. Most recently my dad, for example, was testing the softness of the pasta I was cooking for him and his fingers came out wet. Luckily I had turned the temp down so there was no lasting damage but he never felt the near boiling temp or even the wetness. We all wish we didn't feel pain, it sounds like a very good thing actually but what most of us don't think about is pain is how our bodies tell us something is wrong so having no feeling of pain is in fact a very bad thing. I mention this, probably wordier than needed to be, because I want to commend and thank the author for getting this danger behind no pain concept spot on. I also want to talk about a scene towards the end, Penn has a memory flashback of sitting at Tenny's bedside telling her he wished he could take her pain away and Tenny responding "I wouldn't let you", it's as if the author was inside my head because I can't begin to guess how many times I said that to my mother over the years with her chronic pair and that was always her response as well, “I wouldn’t let you, Heather”. I mention this because, yes, that simple line made the tears fall uncontrollably at the memories it brought to mind, it also speaks to the realism behind the characters and helped me connect to them. So thank you, Davidson King for a great story but more importantly, the research and respect you put into the "little details" that connect readers and characters.
I'm not going to talk specifics about the danger the author has created within the pages of Be My Monster so as not to spoil anything but know that it doesn't slow down at all, fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, knee-bouncing grit that hooks you quick and doesn't let go. When I swiped the last page, I was not prepared to say goodbye.
How can one not love Penn? He is just so darn lovely, I want to wrap him in bubblewrap and never let him go. I think in general most people are inherently good and want to do the right thing with little to no recognition, or at least I'm that way. I would help others, as Penn does when coming across a burning home, and though my reasons behind it may differ, I'd be happy to slip away with my identity unnoticed as I'm definitely on the introverted side. This plays a huge part in what connected me to the character(I'll mention a little more on connecting to Penn further down) and added to the heart I stated above.
As for Gideon, despite his penchant for provoked violence, and "provoked" is very important here and also adds to what I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I think he is also very freakn' lovely. Family seems to control his every action, or reaction in some cases, and I can certainly relate to that aspect of his character. Don't get me wrong, he is no pushover and he has no qualms about letting his monster side out when it needs exercising but he is not fueled by power for the sake of power.
Throw these two guys together and the result is explosive, a well balanced journey. I just learned this morning there are plans for further Penn/Gideon stories and I'm ready to reserve my seat to hitch a ride whenever they let the author in on more of their tales.
As for the supporting cast, well the kids are super uber adorable. Kids can be tricky to write, too often they either come off as spoiled brats who need a hard timeout or sugary sweet they should be living in the dentist's waiting room. Olivia, Owen, and Mateo are definitely the kind of kids you wished you saw more of in stores and restaurants, energetic but respectful. Little Olivia is a spitfire and I have a feeling she'd be the sure fire fit to take over Gideon's position if it really was a mafia household, which we all know it's not😉😉.
I can't mention this next part without a little personal backstory so #sorrynotsorry. I have no experience with the very rare no fear & no pain gene mutation, FAAH-OUT, Penn lives with, I do however have extensive experience with peripheral neuropathy, which is not "no pain" and certainly not "no fear" but it does come with similar warnings. Both of my parents deal/dealt with neuropathy(my mother who passed away last year lived with it for 20+ and my dad only the past couple) where the limbs, legs and hands, are numb so even though there is technically no pain there is more accurately "no feeling" or complete numbness. Most recently my dad, for example, was testing the softness of the pasta I was cooking for him and his fingers came out wet. Luckily I had turned the temp down so there was no lasting damage but he never felt the near boiling temp or even the wetness. We all wish we didn't feel pain, it sounds like a very good thing actually but what most of us don't think about is pain is how our bodies tell us something is wrong so having no feeling of pain is in fact a very bad thing. I mention this, probably wordier than needed to be, because I want to commend and thank the author for getting this danger behind no pain concept spot on. I also want to talk about a scene towards the end, Penn has a memory flashback of sitting at Tenny's bedside telling her he wished he could take her pain away and Tenny responding "I wouldn't let you", it's as if the author was inside my head because I can't begin to guess how many times I said that to my mother over the years with her chronic pair and that was always her response as well, “I wouldn’t let you, Heather”. I mention this because, yes, that simple line made the tears fall uncontrollably at the memories it brought to mind, it also speaks to the realism behind the characters and helped me connect to them. So thank you, Davidson King for a great story but more importantly, the research and respect you put into the "little details" that connect readers and characters.
February 25, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25/6.
🌶🌶.5/5.
This was a very interesting story or should I say character.
Penn has a very very rare gene mutation, (FAAH/OUT), which means that he cannot feel any pain whatsoever. I was very intrigued by this!
This is also more mafia-adjacent than mafia but the dark part is in it so be aware.
I loved Penn. He was given away by his own parents because he was different from other kids and his parents basically didn't know what to do with him when he was very young so that made him very reserved and unattached from other people until a Lady named Tennessee comes along and takes him under her wing. I loved that lady too! She was there for Penn in his more important years of his life and she shaped him to be the type of person he is when he meets Gideon.
Gideon enters the chat because "batman" saved his 2 kids and nephew and since then, he has been searching everywhere for this person to thank him except his enemy is also after the same person.
I very much liked everything leading to it especially the first time these two met.
I loved how Owen & Olivia, Gideon's kids, are immediately in love with Penn.
I also loved that Gid showed his other side by the end of it and I enjoyed it because what they did to Penn was NOT it. I was actually very happy Penn couldn't feel a thing.
I liked where the story went but i wish it had something more.
I was a bit thrown off by the fact that Gid and Penn got acquainted with their private parts the second time they met and it came kind of out of nowhere. I didn't feel enough s*xual tension there for it to happen right away so I wish they could have had another encounter to show that there was tension there before spice happens.
Other than that tho, I have no complaints. I loved all the characters in this and I had a really lovely time. You guys should know by now that i read everything this lady writes and I liked them all, I just like some more than others but that doesn't take away the fact that every single time I read one of her stories, i just feel good. My time is not wasted, some faith is restored in humanity if you can even believe it and they all are happy, sweet stories which in turn makes me happy as well.
* I read an arc of this book."
🌶🌶.5/5.
This was a very interesting story or should I say character.
Penn has a very very rare gene mutation, (FAAH/OUT), which means that he cannot feel any pain whatsoever. I was very intrigued by this!
This is also more mafia-adjacent than mafia but the dark part is in it so be aware.
I loved Penn. He was given away by his own parents because he was different from other kids and his parents basically didn't know what to do with him when he was very young so that made him very reserved and unattached from other people until a Lady named Tennessee comes along and takes him under her wing. I loved that lady too! She was there for Penn in his more important years of his life and she shaped him to be the type of person he is when he meets Gideon.
Gideon enters the chat because "batman" saved his 2 kids and nephew and since then, he has been searching everywhere for this person to thank him except his enemy is also after the same person.
I very much liked everything leading to it especially the first time these two met.
I loved how Owen & Olivia, Gideon's kids, are immediately in love with Penn.
I also loved that Gid showed his other side by the end of it and I enjoyed it because what they did to Penn was NOT it. I was actually very happy Penn couldn't feel a thing.
I liked where the story went but i wish it had something more.
I was a bit thrown off by the fact that Gid and Penn got acquainted with their private parts the second time they met and it came kind of out of nowhere. I didn't feel enough s*xual tension there for it to happen right away so I wish they could have had another encounter to show that there was tension there before spice happens.
Other than that tho, I have no complaints. I loved all the characters in this and I had a really lovely time. You guys should know by now that i read everything this lady writes and I liked them all, I just like some more than others but that doesn't take away the fact that every single time I read one of her stories, i just feel good. My time is not wasted, some faith is restored in humanity if you can even believe it and they all are happy, sweet stories which in turn makes me happy as well.
* I read an arc of this book."
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