A Monster's Best Friend

by M.T. Sommer

Some stories are about being saved. This one's about breaking free.

Melody

I’m lucky. That’s what everyone says, like the story ends there. Like the scholarship, the future handed to me like a present, and the guy that comes along with it are all things I don’t deserve. I’m just lucky enough to have been gifted them.
But that full ride has strings that tie me to all the tomorrows that I didn’t get to choose. Ones I’m not sure I would have chosen. With that guy who feels more like a foregone conclusion than a boyfriend.
I walk that path, chased and corralled by the expectations of the ones who blessed me nipping at my heels.
Then Rix walks into my world like he belongs there. Like he is just stepping into the space that I was holding for him, and he looks at me like he’s already decided I’m his.
But how can I belong to him when I don’t even belong to myself?

Rix

I want Melody the first time I see her.
Not eventually. Not hypothetically. The kind of want that hits hard and doesn’t loosen its grip. The fact that she has a boyfriend doesn’t slow me down. I step closer anyway and make myself part of her world. I let her know exactly what I want.
Her.
At first, I think it’s simple. Remove the guy, get the girl—not necessarily in that order—and keep her forever.
But it seems like I forgot a few steps in the plan because I soon realize that I didn’t break up her relationship. I broke open the cage door.
The cage they want to put her back in.
I won’t let them. I’m not walking away, and I’m not backing off.
Melody is mine.
They can keep their salvation. I’m keeping her.

Trigger warnings include:

-Religious extremism, spiritual abuse, and cult-like coercion
-Graphic violence, including on page murder
-Psychological manipulation and emotional abuse
-Kidnapping and unlawful restraint
-Homophobia / anti LGBTQ+ rhetoric (depicted on page; views not shared by main characters)
-Consensual BDSM and power exchange dynamics (including Daddy kink and dubious consent)

Genres: Dark Romance

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

M.T. Sommer writes dark romance for readers who like their love stories complicated, intense, and a little unhinged. Her books are shaded more grey than black, with a focus on sharp edges, and even sharper humor.

When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found drinking too much coffee, arguing with her pets (she’s never won a round—yet), and overthinking.

Not that it’s helped.

Yet.

Reviews

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Monster’s Best Friend is a dark leaning romance that blends heavy themes with a story about finding your voice, reclaiming control, and breaking free from expectations.

At its core, this book is about Melody’s journey.

Raised under strict, controlling beliefs, her character is centered on questioning everything she’s been taught and learning how to exist for herself. That growth is one of the strongest aspects of the story...it feels emotional, personal, and ultimately empowering.

Rix brings a very different energy. He’s intense, possessive, and unapologetically drawn to Melody from the start. While his approach leans morally gray, his role in the story goes beyond just the romance...he becomes a catalyst for Melody to see herself differently and begin stepping into her own autonomy.

The story doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. Themes of religious extremism, manipulation, and control are present throughout, adding weight to Melody’s journey.

The romance itself moves quickly, with strong attraction early on, but it balances that with emotional development as Melody grows into her own person.

The found family elements also stand out, adding moments of lightness and connection that contrast well with the heavier themes.

If you’re looking for a dark romance that leans more into emotional growth and personal freedom, with a morally gray MMC and a strong character journey, this is worth checking out...just be sure to review content warnings before.

[Mikayla Scherger · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to the author for the ARC of this book!

this book is an incredible start for someone getting into dark romance, as it’s considered grey. it’s got the spice and heavy topics, but it doesn’t cross the line into black and has a happy ending.

the pros:
- we love a possessive MMC, he will make you blush
- the found family with the MMC’s friends was my favourite
- i really liked how the FMC’s confidence grew so much and she found her voice. i was so happy for her 🥹
- the lore with the church was so interesting but sad

the cons:
- the literal only one i can think of is that it was a bit insta-love! would’ve loved a bit more tension 🫶🏻

to the author, your writing is lovely to read, easy to follow, and i can’t wait to read more of your books one day ! thank you again 🤍

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was dark and actually really fun to read too! I liked the story and felt that the concept was strong. I liked the cover. It was very plain and understated. It gave absolutely nothing away. The use of light was excellent. The book is well written and the story flows nicely. It's written in dual POV format. From the perspectives of Melody and Rix. This works well in a romance - dark or not! The setting was good and I enjoyed the world-building. It's a big positive for me. The characters were good. I loved the morally grey trait!!! Melody and Rix were excellent. They were well thought out and developed. I enjoy how these two interacted. I definitely recommend the book.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahh yes! i want more of these guys!!! this was an incredible story that kept me going and wanting to know what was gonna happen next

[C_Reads8811 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every bit of this book, ate it up in one sitting 🙈 I loved the MMC’s possessiveness and FMC’s innocence 🫶💕 the small town cult vibes 👌 the ending 😍, her found family and the HEA 🥰 🌶️ Thank you to the author for the e-ARC #melody #elijah #rix #amonstersbestfriend #mtsommer

[neeshreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

M.T. Sommer is making her debut with A Monster’s Best Friend, which centers around a college student who begins to question everything she was indoctrinated to believe.

*Check your TWs – the romance itself falls into the gray category, but the religious trauma is not shied away from and a prominent aspect to the character’s development.*

🩶Small Town Girl
⚫️Obsessive, Morally Gray MMC
🩶He Falls First
⚫️Damsel in Distress
🩶Her First Time
⚫️Religious Trauma & Cult Vibes
🩶Found Family
⚫️Touch Her & ☠️
🩶Power Exchange, DubCøn & Daddy K!nk

Melody has walked the path that has been set out for her ever since the pastor’s son decided to ask her out on a date. Her life decisions have been made for her, from the scholarship bestowed on her by her church, to the respectable major chosen on her behalf, and how she presents herself to the world. But what happens when Rix walks into her life like he belongs there? He looks at her like she’s already his and shows her that she’s allowed to unapologetically take up space, that she matters, and he’s determined to set her free from the cage she was placed in…

Melody has lived a sheltered existence in her small town, and has desperately felt like an outsider, despite attempting to meet others’ expectations. When given the opportunity to go to college, she finds that the world is bigger than she imagined, but her light is dimmed by the weight of being confined to the path laid out for her. When Rix spots Melody? He’s determined to make her his and he is unhinged – his thoughts are slightly chaotic, but he’s so damn charming you’ll be giggling and rooting for his brand of crazy. We love a man who has a one-track mind once he finds his love, and his following for her protection is cute in that morally gray, fictional book boyfriend way. While Rix is focused on making Melody his, he also ensures that she sees herself the way he does. Rix is a calm and steadfast presence and support while Melody works through her world view, and he doesn’t try to change her beliefs – Melody is able to find her voice and a way in which faith makes her feel whole, an aspect to her character development that was handled extremely well. I enjoyed the found family aspect – Brett and Ky were lovable and ride or die for one another. And the spice? Well, Rix has a filthy mouth, a dominating personality and knew exactly what Melody needed to get out of her head.

[Jessika S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one surprised me in the best way.

A Monster’s Best Friend leans into dark romance, but it sits comfortably in that morally gray space. Heavy themes, real stakes, but still grounded in emotional growth and a satisfying HEA.

At its core, this story belongs to Melody.

Her journey hit the hardest for me. Raised under strict, controlling beliefs, she starts out shaped by expectations that were never really hers to begin with. Watching her slowly question everything, find her voice, and step into her own autonomy was honestly so emotional and rewarding. You feel that shift with her and by the end, I was just so proud of her 🥹

And then there’s Rix.

He is intense from the very first moment; no hesitation, no confusion, just “her.” That kind of immediate, unwavering want. He’s possessive, a little unhinged, definitely morally gray… but there’s something about him that works because, at the end of the day, he doesn’t try to control Melody; he pushes her to see herself differently.

Their dynamic isn’t soft it’s charged, fast-moving, and full of tension in a different way. More “breaking chains” than “will-they-won’t-they.”

The found family aspect?? One of my FAVORITE parts. Rix’s circle adds warmth and balance to the story, giving Melody a glimpse of what real support and connection can look like, and it contrasts so well with the heavier elements surrounding her past.

And speaking of heavy, this book does not shy away from difficult topics. The themes of religious extremism, manipulation, and control add a lot of weight to the story and really shape Melody’s arc. It’s dark in a way that feels grounded and purposeful.

If I had one small note, it’s that the romance leans a bit insta-love. I would have loved just a little more tension or build before everything fully clicked, but the emotional journey helps balance that out.

Overall, this is a strong, emotional read about reclaiming yourself, breaking free from control, and learning to choose your own life.

If you’re looking for a dark romance that focuses just as much on personal growth as it does the relationship- with a possessive MMC, found family, and heavier themes- this is definitely one to check out.

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 out of 5 ⭐️

From what I can tell, this is a debut novel. It’s a pretty solid debut. But, if religious extremism is a trigger, this may not be for you.

Our FMC, Melody, grew up on the wrong side of town. One day, the town golden boy (and pastor’s son), Elijah, asks her on a date. He introduces her to religion and God. The next few years of her life are spent under his and his pastor father’s thumbs.

Enter Melody’s college years. She finds life is different outside their small town. Rix, the president of a popular frat on campus, spots Melody and has to have her. Despite stalking her, he really just wants to protect her and help her reach her potential. This does not sit well with Elijah or his father.

Melody is written well as a small town girl who found an extremist religion. She works through her harsh religious teachings and broadens her world views with the help of Rix. Rix is well written as a supportive and caring boyfriend. He doesn’t force Melody to expand how she thinks or force her into dropping her religious views.

A couple things I wasn’t a huge fan of (but that may not be a problem for others): The pet name “Daddy”. I just don’t like “Daddy” for a romantic partner. This bothered me, but I know others like it. And I felt like the epilogue was a little unnecessary. It felt a little rushed and forced, in my opinion. And some of the dialogue during it just read a bit awkward, in a way. Again, just my opinion. Some people may love that kind of talk.

Like I said, overall it’s a pretty solid debut. I would read future books from this author to see how her voice and writing grows.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[Alyssa Estep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melody is 16 when she catches the eye of the preacher's son, and she is living every girl's dream. When she goes to college on a scholarship awarded to her by his parents, she can't help but notice the school's Playboy at every turn she makes. Faced with a tough decision from a religious point of view, and what the heart wants. She must choose to follow the straight and narrow as she has always done or follow the path where the future is of her own making.

Rix is a playboy by nature, a rich boy by birth, and a frat president by design. He spares no feelings, but those closest to him. He doesn't date, and he definitely doesn't chase until the day he passes her. What turns into curiosity has him following her on campus until he just happens to meet her in the library. He decides he must have her; the only problem? She has a boyfriend, and one that isn't willing to give her up so easily.

I wanted to love this book, but I felt it was rushed. It went from one scene to another without much thought or context. For example, the FMC jumped without a second thought and trusted the first person who showed interest besides the one she was dating, and ran with it. I love dark romance, and I just felt the story lacked depth and fell short in a lot of areas.

Thank you so much to the author M.T. Sommer for providing me with an ARC.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for A Monster's Best Friend by M.T. Sommer
I really liked this book, but always see what the triggers are in case you have triggers. The triggers for this book are as follows:

Religious 
spiritual abuse
cult
coercion violence
on page murder
emotional abuse
kidnapping
use of unlawful restraint
Homophobia
BDSM
consensual
 along with power exchange
small-town girl
first times
Stories like this can be hard to tell at times. M.T. Sommer did a fantastic job making it believable. I loved the way M.T. Sommer wrote this story about becoming who they are, breaking out of who they were. We all wish we could do this more often in life, so reading that it can happen makes it easier to think maybe you could also. Melody has always been told what her future will be. She is to be with the pastor's son and to listen to what is told to her, not to live for who she wants to be. All that changes when Rix comes into her life and fits right in. I loved the way this author wrote this world; it was so believable, it was real. To me, that shows how gifted they are at making this world in our life quite realistic, if only lol. This is a newer author for me, so I look forward to reading more by M.T. Sommer.

Nicole Harvey

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ 3.5🌶
Religion as both a carrot and cudgel is the theme here. So if it's a trigger skip this book, but if you're like me, then you'll enjoy this viewpoint.

The main FMC Melody is a bit sheltered and naive. A small town girl from the wrong side of the tracks looking to make a change for herself. Elijah is the town preacher's son. He is a welcome bit of relief. They're coming of age together and planning a righteous future. When they go away to college, the world becomes a bigger and brighter place. Rix, spots Melody on campus and is determined to make her his.

Control and stalking by the mmc's, and Melody's working through of her world view is done well. I also enjoyed the side characters of Brett and Ky, their love story is very sweet. The strict fanatical religious fervor that can befall those in a small town and the rot that those who use religion as a tool is well done.

Tropes and triggers: first time, found family, obsession, jealousy, stalking, religion, bdsm, "daddy", poor girl, coming of age, murder

I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[S. R. Langstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

* A Monsters best friend by @mtsommerstories *

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I can honestly say that this book was unlike anything I've ever read. The themes and main struggle our FMC goes through is something that I have never read about in a book for enjoyment but I have definitely seen in movies, shows and or on the local news (to an extent) I really enjoyed this book.
Melody our FMC is groomed from the age of 16 by the Pastors sun, he shapes her into being exactly what his fathers wants her to be and she goes along with it until she meets Rex (our MMC).
However. It's important to note that she does internalize when something feels "off" she just doesn't know what or how to fix it.
The themes in this book may not be suitable for all audiences, please be advised and read the content warning before reading this book.
Enjoy the story of a girl struggling with her relationship with the church while trying to not only be good in gods eyes but true to herself as she slowly discovers who that "self" is.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark-ish Vibes With Heart

Ok Besties… this one sits in that dark-ish but still easy-to-digest lane... and honestly? I ended up enjoying it!

"A Monster’s Best Friend" starts with a slower, heavier buildup centered around religious extremism, which at times felt a bit overwhelming for me. The way Melody is controlled and made to feel small? Heartbreaking and very well written. You feel her struggle.

Then Rix shows up and… yeah, that man wastes 🚫 time. The connection definitely leans insta-fast on his side, and once they get together, things move quick. I do wish the pacing had been smoothed out a bit.

Now listen... Ky and Brett? Absolute chaos in the best way! 😂 Their banter had me giggling, and “MK69”?! I was DONE!

What I loved most was Melody finding herself. Watching her open up, breathe, and finally step into her own power? That was the real win. And Rix being fully locked in on her? Obsessed energy, but not overwhelmingly dark.

Overall, this was an emotional, slightly edgy, but still lighter dark romance that’s definitely worth adding to your TBR.

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4/5  ▪︎  🥵 3/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Amy -coldbrew.fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes yes yes! M.T. Sommer has delivered an incredible debut novel that is a perfect introduction for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of dark romance. The storyline is gripping and the character building is so good! I found myself deeply invested not just in the main characters, but also in the lovable secondary characters who added so much heart! As for the heat, the spice is absolutely yummy! This book sits comfortably in that grey area rather than going full black out dark. It’s rare to find a debut that feels this polished, and I’m already waiting to see what Sommer writes next!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love, love, love Rix and Melody... this is their story... a fast paced disturbing rom/drama... Melody was told how lucky she was !! she comes from the wrong side of the tracks in a very small town... she gets a full ride scholarship, a bright future with a handsome guy.. her life is all planned out but, not by her...at college, Rix sees her and falls head over heels for her and will do everything to make her his... and her boyfriend is not stopping him... and what he finds out is .... and he will free her !!! so good !!!.

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

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank M.T Sommer for the opportunity to read this ARC!

A dark Romance centered around weaponized religion. The concept weights heavy but on the scale of Dark Romance it is very light.

lots of fast spice, an FMC who learns to find her voice after years of submission. A possessive FMC who is golden retriever energy for her.

An overall enjoyable read and easy to folow along plot.
if you're looking for a book to dip your toes into the dark romance genre this is a good starting point!

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! She's a new to me author & this is Melody & Rix's story. She's grown up very sheltered & with her life already planned for her & is a part of a "church". When she starts college, he sees her & he falls hard & fast for her. Unfortunately, she's in a relationship already. He sets out to change her mind; the "church" she's involved with is very shady & she makes him work hard to win her over. I really loved this story; the spice was fantastic! This does have extreme religious undertones, so please keep that in mind. Recommend this book & author!

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you prefer heroes with a bit of a bite, A Monster’s Best Friend is the dark, delicious escape you’ve been looking for. I thoroughly enjoyed this possessive, fast-paced, ‘burn-the-world-down-for-her’ read, and I’d recommend it for anyone who loves a story that proves sometimes the ‘monster’ is the only one honest enough to tell you that you're in a cage. This isn't a story about being rescued; it’s a story about being unleashed.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Taneshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rix & Melody, phew 😮‍💨 Rix is the ultimate simp idc what anyone says, and I LOVE IT. He knew what he wanted and got it. Melody, my sweet sweet girl, just wanting to be close with God but has satan claiming her as his gf. Forever grateful for Rix. Kyler & Brett are added to my list of favorite gays, next to Ilya & Shane 🙌🏾😂 The book definitely makes you wanna fight fictional characters, and that’s my favorite haha I now hate anyone with the name Tate. The spice is hitting all the spots btw 🫣🥵

[Shelby B Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Advanced Copy Review***

I would have finished this in one sitting if I dint have children to care for. From the moment I started A Monster’s Best Friend, I was hooked. I fell head over heels for Rix and Kylar. Because yes at the same d@mn time, please! I loved how grey this story was and I loved that she kept her faith. Literally ate it up.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤯 <<< that’s all there is to say… This was intense, obsessive, and I’m left without words. The Melody ands Rix pulled me into a very dark world. I was asked, I was dragged in, told to sit down, and enjoy the ride. This bill was wild and twisted. And I was there for it. Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading A Monster's Best Friend, I didn't want to put it down. The storyline grabbed me from the very start and held my interest all the way through. Great book!.

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

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific instalove romance. I love a good morally gray male character. Rix is awesome and he doesn’t back down to obstacles that get in his way. He wants Melody and he’s going to have her, no matter if she has a boyfriend. Great story.