Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Chuckles: A horror monster romance: A Monster's Prey

Rate this book

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Kat Bethel

18 books124 followers
Kat Bethel writes omegaverse, paranormal romance, and fantasy romance.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
51 (50%)
4 stars
35 (34%)
3 stars
15 (14%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for ✿ Deanna Lea  ✿.
263 reviews19 followers
February 22, 2026
Omg Kat seriously what do you put in these books!

Esme She’s got that "burn the world down" energy that makes her the ultimate badass witch.

Chuckles, Let’s talk about the clown in the room. He is a sexy, unhinged psycho, and frankly, I’ve never wanted to join a circus more in my life.

The chemistry between them isn't just "sparks flying"—it’s a high-voltage electrical fire in a fireworks factory. Watching them navigate their "ride or die" (mostly die, for everyone else) relationship was pure, unadulterated adrenaline.

The whole story pulled me in and had me guessing and wanting more. Ahhh Kat I need more of this series ✨

If you’re looking for a sweet bedtime story, put this book down and go find a coloring book. But if you’re like me and prefer your romance with a side of arterial spray, Kat has delivered the absolute goods.
Profile Image for Jess Adams.
108 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for this ARC

This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.

I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!

Release date for this book was 10th Feb 2026

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! What a great book AGAIN . The writing is impeccable, the story I loved and the plot, I wish it never ended. What another banger by Kat!

Chuckles is the 2nd in A Monsters Prey series however, you do not need to read book 1 (Echo) to read this book, as both can be read as standard alones.

If you like saucy, spicy, predator and Prey books, you will love this.

There are a lot of triggers in this book, for example:

- Blood

- Gore

- Death

- Murder

- Bodily harm

- predator/ prey

- Demons

- Sexual scenes

- Sexual talk

- Male dominance/ Manipulation

- Witches

- Death of children

- Kidnapping

and more!

Thank you again to BookSirens and Kat Bethel!

p.s please please please write more in this series!! 🙏
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
867 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2026
This book… sits in that space where you never fully get comfortable, and honestly, I don’t think you’re supposed to. From the very beginning, there’s this heavy, almost suffocating feeling that follows you through every page. It’s dark, tense, and just off enough to keep you constantly questioning what you’re reading and who you should trust.


Esme is not an easy character to read in a detached way. Everything about her feels driven by something deeper, something unresolved, and you can feel that in how she moves through the story. There’s a sharpness to her, but also this underlying fragility that never fully goes away. She’s not just reacting to what’s happening around her, she’s carrying something with her the entire time, and it shapes every interaction in a way that makes the emotional side of the story hit harder than expected.


And then there’s Chuckles… and honestly, he’s exactly as unsettling as he sounds, if not more. There’s nothing predictable about him. One moment he feels like pure chaos, the next there’s something almost calculated beneath it, and that inconsistency is what makes him so hard to pin down. You never really know where you stand with him, and that uncertainty bleeds into every scene he’s in. It creates this constant tension that doesn’t let up, because you’re always waiting for something to shift.


The dynamic between them is where the story really leans into its darker edge. It’s not soft, it’s not safe, and it’s definitely not straightforward. There’s a push and pull that feels more like a collision than a connection, and it keeps evolving in ways that are uncomfortable but impossible to ignore. It’s one of those relationships where you’re not necessarily rooting for it in a traditional sense, but you also can’t look away from it either.


The atmosphere plays a huge role here too. There’s this lingering sense of dread woven into everything. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background, it adds to that feeling that something isn’t right, that something has been wrong for a long time. Even in quieter moments, there’s still this underlying tension that never fully disappears. It gives the story a haunting quality that sticks with you while you’re reading.


What stood out the most for me was how the emotional weight and the darker elements are constantly intertwined. Nothing feels separate. The fear, the obsession, the grief, it all blends together in a way that makes the story feel intense without needing to rely on constant action. It’s more about what’s building underneath, and that’s what keeps you locked in.


This is definitely one of those reads that leans all the way into the darker side of romance, where the lines between right and wrong, safe and dangerous, start to blur. It’s not meant to be comfortable, and it doesn’t try to be.


If you enjoy horror-leaning romance with a heavy atmosphere, morally gray characters, and dynamics that keep you slightly on edge the entire time, this one will pull you in.


As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading! ✨📚
Profile Image for Rose.
88 reviews
May 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After reading Rot (4/5 stars) and Echo (5/5 stars), I was determined to see how this series tied together, even though the premise of Chuckles had me a bit nervous at first. I wasn't sure how the author was going to make me root for this situation, but I am so glad I stuck with it! Between the incredibly creepy cover art and the dark carnival vibes, this was a twisting, high-stakes ride that kept me completely invested.

Note on Content: As with the rest of this series, please read the trigger warnings. This book handles very heavy themes regarding children and trauma, and it is not for the faint of heart.

My Reactions & Emotions:
The Premise & Mystery: I went into this very skeptical about the MMC, but the way the mystery unfolded was brilliant. The author worked hard to balance the dark elements with a plot that makes sense. I found myself so sucked in that I actually got annoyed when I was interrupted!
The Lore: I loved the deeper dive into the "Rinah witches" and how they draw in supernatural forces. There is a fantastic nod to Echo that ties the world-building together perfectly and makes the series feel like a cohesive, lived-in universe.
The MMC (Chuckles): He is a fascinating, complex character with a very distinct "code" for who he targets. The dynamic between him and the FMC, Esme, is intense—he's a monster who draws the line at very specific things, and watching their relationship evolve through the chaos was gripping.
The FMC: Esme's journey is heartbreaking. Watching her hunt for the truth while navigating the trauma of her past made her an easy character to root for. Her growth into someone who continues the hunt alongside a monster was a very satisfying conclusion.

Final Thoughts:
While this isn't necessarily a comfort reread for me due to the heavy subject matter, it is an undeniable 5/5 for the sheer quality of the storytelling and the emotional payoff. It’s a dark, up-and-down crazy ride that proves this author knows exactly how to subvert expectations. If you’ve been following the series, this is an essential (and intense) piece of the puzzle!
Profile Image for Moonburst.
471 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2026
As a witch of the Rinah line, Esme has been hunting monsters most of her life. But five years ago, her daughter was snatched up by a mysterious creature that lures in children. Now that Esme has gotten closer than ever to her quarry, a deranged clown has started stalking her claiming she belongs to him. Can Esme find the monster who took her daughter in time to save her?

Esme is obsessed with saving her daughter, despite the very real likelihood that she is already dead. Her hunt for the monster has taken over her life and exhausted her. When she discovers a murderous clown at the circus, she's convinced she's found who she's looking for, but as her attempts to kill, banish, or unmake him fail, she's forced to acknowledge that he's something different. While she does reach out to other witches to try to get some help, she largely depends on herself. This, in addition to her exhaustion and obsession results in her making some risky decisions, which are a bit hard to accept given her hardened hunter persona.

Chuckles is an interesting monster. He seems to have multiple personalities and feeds off abusive men. He is intrigued and captivated by Esme's passion and violence, and he decides that she is the one for him. She isn't one to be won over easily, however, and they engage in a lot of fun and violent altercations. As Chuckles continues to pursue Esme, his own dark past comes back to haunt him.

Overall, Chuckles was an engaging horror monster romance. I loved the dangerous dynamic between the two main characters, as well as theme of the hunter becoming the hunted. This book never really lets up, leaving you on the edge of your seat and disturbed in a delicious way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
69 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2026
Chuckles leapt straight into the action from the first page and everything was happening so fast it took me a chapter or two to find my bearings… my god I’m glad I kept reading!

This has a fabulously eerie vibe, with a vengeful witch, a creepy clown, a possessed teddy bear, and a doting exterminator. Esme is desperately trying to protect the children in her town from a paranormal entity, after failing to save her own daughter years before. Attracting the interest of two men; sweet Sebastian the exterminator, and a killer clown she believes is involved in the childrens disappearances, complicates matters further in the most delicious ways… I’m halfway through and absolutely hooked, turns out I have a thing for delectably murderous clowns 🤡

UPDATE: Yes. Just yes to everything. This was creepy, dark, eerie, heartbreaking, violent, and gory, with lots of dark humour and lots of spice. This is a super dark take on the tale of the pied piper, so if anything to do with children is a trigger to you, please steer clear as it deals with abduction, loss, and possession. This was well written (there were some errors but I’d never let that get in the way of a good story) with great twists. I originally gave this four stars but I think I need to adjust it to five, because this was a creepy, dirty, bl00ds0aked ride and I enjoyed the h3ll out of it!
Profile Image for RoseReads.
271 reviews
February 23, 2026
STORY: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This story started off really strong IMO. The story is about a mother, Esme, whose daughter was taken five years ago and has been hunting the creature ever since. She moves to a town where children are disappearing. She believes that she will find her daughter and continues day in and day out to find her and the demon. She meets a man, Jonathan, during a street festival who she has an interest in... During the their first date, they go to a circus where strange events begin to happen... this is where she meets Chuckles. Chuckles quickly becomes obsessed with Esme and starts leaving her "gruesome" gifts to show his interest.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***

While she is drawn to Chuckles, she still continues seeing Jonathan... Chuckles makes his expectations of their "connection" clear... He will destroy anyone who she sees that isn't him. I found the dark romance aspect very well done in this book, however Chuckles, throughout the story, becomes almost humanized when he is a demon/entity who is absolutely psychotic and twisted. The dynamic between Chuckles, Esme and Jonathan shifts during the climax of the book and Esme's tenacity and truth is tested.

This book is well written, characters and world are well developed, but I would have loved to see more horror elements and less humanization of Chuckles. Overall, this was entertaining and a quick read that checked a few of my favourite tropes/boxes.
Profile Image for Summer R Jones.
341 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2026
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!

Well I can say one thing if you have a thing for clowns this book is definitely for you. It was definitely a book for me. I truly enjoyed the monster that was Chuckles and the woman that Esme is. This book is a wild ride full of emotions. There are missing children, monsters, sex, death and so much more. The chemistry between Chuuckles and Esme was just perfect. I couldn't stop reading this book until it was over. I wish it hadn't ended. With every good book in this case there is a villain and boy did I root for his demise the entire time.

I absolutely loved Chuckles. I loved how dark, creepy, eccentric and just how unique he is. I enjoyed learning about him and Esme as the book went on. Its definitely a book i will read again once I have the time.

There is death, gore,and very dark themes in this book. There is a warning page at the beginning so be warned. I enjoyed every moment of it so I guess that just means im a pretty messed up person. We all are in a way but who cares.
111 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2026
"Chuckles" by Kat Bethel is a compelling read that masterfully blends mystery with emotional depth. The story follows a complex set of characters, each with their own hidden burdens and secrets, set against a backdrop that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
​Key Highlights of the Book:
​Intricate Character Development: Bethel excels at creating characters who feel authentic and deeply human, each grappling with their own past and present struggles.
​Atmospheric Storytelling: The author’s descriptive prose vividly brings the setting to life, creating a palpable sense of tension and curiosity throughout the narrative.
​Thematic Richness: Beyond its primary plot, the book explores profound themes such as resilience, the impact of secrets on relationships, and the search for truth.
​Overall, "Chuckles" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that is sure to resonate with fans of character-driven mysteries. It is a testament to Kat Bethel's ability to weave a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hash.
120 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2026
This was a fun witchy horror story and had a few twists that make it a good read.

Our FMC is trailing her missing daughter, fighting someone who keeps taking children from the community they move to. But she is no one ordinary, she is a witch, trained in taking out paranormal evil monsters.

Yet when she comes across a man who seems to push all the right romantic buttons for her, she can't help feeling it is too good to be true.

It doesn't help that their first date takes her to a carnival where she believes the monster who stole her daughter is residing. And Chuckles the clown, after spotting her, is intent on her being his.

But there is something a bit off about Chuckles, besides being huge, strong & slightly terrifying. Children keep disappearing yet she witnesses Chuckles being caring & patient with children, only to show up on her doorstep after killing a neighbor.

Only a Rayna witch can get to the bottom of this mess. So long as she can survive it.
Profile Image for Sally.
807 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2026
While the opening is great for a horror clown romance, it loses steam as the MMC becomes increasingly humanised as the plot progresses. Similarly, the plot opens and it’s a whirl of investigation and romance and misdirection at all sides however I was able to put the pieces together substantially quicker than our FMC so the remaining plot started to drag and become tedious with the bickering and manipulations.

As far as the relationship goes, it’s built entirely on lust with the characters not spending enough time together free from accusations to build to anything more. It had good bones but needs something more to have a solid framework built off of them.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Joanna.
68 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2026
What an interesting read! As a lover of clowns, dark magic, witches & fictional serial killers this book ticked a lot of boxes for me. I liked the story (mostly), the FMC (for the most part) and how her & Chuckles ended up together in the end. The gore & the lust/spice were fun & the sensory descriptions were really good.
I felt some of it started to drag and parts of it could have been replaced with the main characters getting to know each other more. A couple of grammatical errors.
Overall I enjoyed it and would be interested to read more by this author. Thank you for the opportunity BookSirens & Kat Bethel 🖤🤡
Profile Image for Katie-lou.
54 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2026
This was the definition of perfect monster romance 😍. Esme is a witch on the hunt for revenge but stumbles upon Jack or Chuckles as she refers to him, and man, are they hot together! The shared trauma builds bonds that can't be broken and the fit together so blissfully dark! This is such an addictive read, one i couldn't put down. I finished this in one sitting. The authors writing was captivating, and the creativity behind the story was genuinely genius 👌 This was my first time reading Kat, and I assure you I will be reading everything she writes. I absolutely loved this book and deserve more than 5 stars. An absolute masterpiece 👏 🖤 This is a must-read for all monster romance lovers
Profile Image for Aaron.
266 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2026
** spoiler alert ** This is the first book of Kat Bethel’s that I’ve ever read and now I know I have to check out more of their work! I loved the setting to start with, I loved the Rinah Witch lore and the journey Esme went on with accepting the loss of her child, there was a real depth for me with the characters. Overall, Chuckles was a fun, spicy clown featuring read, it balanced spooky, spicy and emotional really well and I’d love to see more books in this world!

Check this out if you like;

🤡 Clown Monster
❤️ Monster Hunter Witch FMC
🧺 Dark/Heavy Themes
🪴Healing After Loss
🎃 HEA
👻 Kinkiness
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amie Derricott.
179 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2026
This was an okay horror/romance book but it definitely didnt make me go "wow" at any point. It starts off pretty strong and has a pretty decent mix of spice and plot, but I did find myself feeling a bit meh as the story carried on. The plot got a bit repetitive at points - her questioning him about something that has happened, him denying it and then the same the next time the same thing happens (trying not to spolier!) I liked the idea of a monster romance that involved a clown but it just didn't quite do it for me in the end
Profile Image for Nicole Lobato.
335 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2026
I love Chuckles

I love Chuckles. He is dark and twisted but has a heart. This book had me guessing and on the edge of my seat the whole time. Honestly though I love all books by this author and it was pretty much an auto buy for me. I will continue to get her books because she has never disappointed me.
Profile Image for Latrice Henderson.
18 reviews
March 24, 2026
Here for Chuckles 🤭

It took me longer to read this book than I wanted. Not because it was bad I just kept getting annoyed with Esme. But Chuckles…..I love him😂😂. He was funny and gave the book what it needed. I love the Rinah witches as a whole and would love more books but Esme just wasn’t it for me. But I do recommend you all to read the book. The story was great
Profile Image for The Literary Chimera.
214 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Dark, depraved, insane, gory, gruesome, and raunchy in all the best ways.

Kat Bethel takes us deep into the insanity where it's hard to tell truth from reality and where pain is pleasure. "Chuckles" is everything I wanted and more. I absolutely could not put this book down. Well done!
Profile Image for Natalie Carlisle.
5 reviews
May 14, 2026
A very well written and twisted horror monster romance. Couldn’t put it down it gripped me from the beginning.
Check your trigger warnings especially if you have issues with anything child related. If you have no trigger warnings it’s definitely for you.

Clown MMC, witch FMC, horror elements, gore,
84 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
Great read

Loss of star for poor editing. Key background characters name is typed repeatedly, several typos through book and a few incorrect words that look like a sentence was half edited and not checked.

Otherwise it was an enjoyable read
Profile Image for Diana Dunlap-lewis.
152 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2026
This was absolutely a Fabulous Read. I love Chuckles. He’s Dark, Creepy,Twisted and wow, he’s a bit insane and yes there’s some spice. What more could you want. I highly recommend.i can’t wait for the paperback to add to my collection. I already snagged “Echo” on paperback and kindle.
193 reviews
March 9, 2026
This was juicy.

It was semi predictable but because of the specific magic involved, it wasn't boring or TOO predictable.

I like a good psycho Mmc, and I love a good unhinged Fmc. The two were a good match, though I wish there was more about Ira and how she and Jack functioned together.
991 reviews24 followers
March 12, 2026
Wow this gripped me and yanked me in right from the start! I HATE clowns but I love to read about them lol. So set me up with a touch her and die sexy possessive clown, you're talking my language! This book did not disappoint! I want more!
151 reviews
March 17, 2026
Totally obsessed!!!! This one took me by surprise, I will never see clowns with the same eyes. Holy Baby Jesus and everything that is holy and profane. In need of circus show but asap.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for McKenzie.
10 reviews
February 16, 2026
Echo & Chuckles sucked me in right from the beginning. For a book under 300 pages, it’s packed full of emotions and plot. I can’t get enough of Kat Bethel’s books
Profile Image for Kyana.
489 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2026
This book had an interesting aspect with a clown. This is a continuation about the Rinah witches. Thank you Kat Bethel & book sirens for the arc.
Profile Image for Mickey.
107 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2026
Chuckles by Kat Bethel was an unexpectedly deep, smutty paranormal story. From the cover, I incorrectly assumed it was an “It” or Pennywise retelling. This was not that, though there are a lot of clowns and the carnival is involved, but more of a Pied Piper retelling. Not as spicy as I'd hoped, it didn’t detract from or add to the story. I enjoyed the complexity of the female and male main characters as their lives are woven together. A twisted mystery, meets paranormal horror, with a dash of spice, this story kept me hooked and excited to read more. Who knew I would fall for the carnie right along with our leading witch?! For those who read a more popular series and spinoff featuring a girl raised by a cult who went crazy, this gives that kind of vibe, but way better! This was everything I had wanted in Sibby and more!
Profile Image for Krystal.
170 reviews
May 14, 2026
Chapters 6-10

This clown is giving me whiplash good clown,bad clown,good clown.Esme is such a strong female character and I love how she takes care of herself.

There is love triangle with Esme and one gentleman caller and a clown.We get a little insight on what the clown whom we find out his name is Chuckles,and why he does what he does and to whom.

Will Esme find out Chuckles weakness or will he continue to stalk her and give her "presents"?

I CAN'T WAIT to read more


Kat Bethel is one of my favorite authors and I just had to read this book as well.
This is an ARC book and of course my honest review.

Chapters 1-5

Right off the bat I get the vibe of the movie and book(which I never watched read but heard of ) "IT".
I love the name Esme and I am seeing her as Christina Ricci,
Sebastian I am seeing him as Jared Lento
Jack The Clown I see him as : Taylor Rotunda

Esme takes on an adventure with her to find someone,
someone very special to her. She gives us a little bit so far
of her past and you will feel bad for her and that someone.

The banter between Esme and Sebastian is so cute.
I wonder what he would think if he knew what she was really doing? The carnival scenes takes me back to Pretty Little Liars/Rosewood the tv shows.

I love how Kat has Esme in one scene all lovey dovey and in the next she is Xena Warrior Princess or Stephanie Vaquer you can pick for yourself once you read this amazing book.

The scenes between Esme and Jack,Kat has you thinking one thing and she throws a curve ball.
I love the description of Jack and what's going on with his character.

I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews