The Monster Hunter's Librarian

by Lauren Connolly

Navigating the stacks of a sentient library, as well as their simmering attraction to each other, a librarian witch and a monster hunter team up to save a mystical world from destruction.

As the newest hire at the Endless Library, Bells Mortevue finally has access to magic again and a chance to prove that the daughter of criminal necromancers can be trusted with power—even if it’s solely used to seek and sort books upon infinite shelves.

Except a certain monster hunter refuses to let Bells do her job.

Rhett Waltham doesn’t want help. Not when revealing the truth of his research would be a death sentence for his ailing human father. Preparing to risk his own life in a dangerous competition to save his dad, Rhett does not have time for a curious, tantalizing librarian witch who asks too many questions.

It’s clear the Library disagrees, as the sentient space itself forces the two together. Bells warms to the grumpy hunter as she slowly earns his trust, though she starts to suspect a sickness is stirring within the walls of the mystical dimension. And when a deadly magic threatens to consume the entire Library—and the monster hunter’s librarian—Rhett won’t let either of them go without a fight.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 17, 2026

About the author

Lauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads]

A witchy librarian with a dark past? A grumpy monster hunter on a mission?

And a sentient library whose one goal is to get this ship sailing?

YES PLEASE

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, fun, and filled with yearning plus a sentient library.

Honestly this book would get 5 stars just because of the sentient library but of course it has plenty of other 5 star worthy features!

Whats to love…
- necromancy (look I know its weird that this is a favorite of mine, no I don’t care)
- bisexual red-haired MMC with a heart of gold, who can also kick ass and is ridiculously down-bad for the FMC
- female friendships that will make you want to text your bestie and tell them you love them.
- heck friendships in general are fantastic in this one
- interesting world & magic
- TENSION FILLED SWOONY SEXY ROMANCE
- high enough stakes to keep you interested but still feels cozy (imho)
- family forward but also found family
- hot librarian FMC
- side characters that try to steal the show (complementary)
- a murder of crows that guide the librarian through the library.

Whats not to love…
- I’m drawing a blank here. I really had a fantastic time with this book! I guess a downside is that we don’t yet have a book featuring the FMCs sister and the hot scary The Smith?


5⭐️ | IG | TikTok |

Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[angelinabvby ۶ৎ]

✨ 𝖆𝖗𝖈 𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 ✨
the cover is giving assistant to the villain vibes ⋆˚࿔ 💜 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

[✨Julie✨]

A grumpy monster hunter in a sentient library?! Sign me up! 🙋🏼‍♀️

[Nikola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.

I really enjoyed the story of a magical library especially because I think that libraries are amazing. I loved Bells and Rhett and their journey throughout the book. But I especially loved how Bells interacted with the library itself. I feel like she had a special bond with the library and truly cared to be the best librarian she could be. She goes above and beyond her duties by protecting the library and offering all patrons ways to enjoy it. Rhett was very broody at the beginning but I liked it especially since he is trying to hide his secrets. I felt the character development for him was good but I think I was hoping for a bit more background from him and how exactly he trained to be such a well hunter.

[BookishKB]

💫💜 The Monster Hunter's Librarian 💜💫

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Romantasy
• Librarian Witch
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Sentient Library
• Monster Hunter
• Forced Proximity
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: November 17, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY

4.5/5 stars

thank you netgalley for this advanced readers copy! i really enjoyed this story and getting to know bells and rhett. bells is a sexy smart librarian (great representation) and i loved her journey throughout the book. i did feel like her sister, fina, was more like a caricature than a developed character, though, and i feel like she could’ve been fleshed out more. the love story also felt a bit rushed to me, but the two of them are so cute idc! the magic system and the living library was also incredible and i loved all the different rooms. overall, this book has a great story with incredible representation and i loved reading it.

[InsyVinsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lauren’s contemporary books and was so excited to try her fantasy stories, however, this book did not do it for me.
The beginning was gripping and the whole concept of sentient library was very niche. I loved how we get to see different parts and creatures within the Endless Library. I just wished the plot, romance, and characters were as interesting as the unpredictable library.
We have Bells, our FMC, who has been stripped off her witch magic and is now working as a librarian. My biggest issue with Bells was the significant lack of her character growth. Her self pitying monologues got very repetitive after a while and her “good samaritan” personality was very unrealistic. Her fear of losing her job because one single patron isn’t happy with her, was tad overboard and honestly very off putting. What made it worse was that everybody around her doubted her strength, and up until the end it stayed that way. She was physically weak (and I do not mind that), but I don’t see any emotional growth or healing as well.

Rhett, our MMC is a hunter looking for a cure for his ailing father and is very grumpy all the time for no particular reason. I don’t mind a grumpy-sunshine romance, but he was trying a bit too hard to be all “I am alpha male, I don’t need anyone.” His character was as one dimensional as it can get, with insta lust and insta love. He never believed in Bells and we never truly get to see their relationship progress. It was a very irregular cycle of dislike, lust, love, omgg I can’t see you hurt, woman of my dreams, and tada bam done, all in a span of few meetings.

The side characters were as bland as they can get. Rhett’s mom randomly appeared in the middle, Bells sister was a cringe wannabe baddie but in reality she was plain annoying, random ghost flirting with necromancer, and few librarians who would come and go as they wish? No seriously, what happened to the head librarian? I don’t remember seeing her end!!

The plot itself was very messy. We have this lore that is not explored. We have random revelations about Bells past happening at around 90%. We have her memories with her Aunt which are so weird and forcefully inserted. And finally, we have some trials happening that have no real reasoning or history and are just mentioned very surface level? It was too much happening and not enough progress at the same time. Of course the ending was so anticlimactic that made me roll my eyes all the way to the back of my head.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. Review provided voluntarily.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley for the advanced copy via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

This was such a magical read! I loved the idea of a sentient library and I felt like it was executed really well. I thought the whole magical world of the book was set up very well. I loved the cast of characters here! I felt that they all worked really well together. I thought Bells and Rhett had good chemistry and the yearning very well done! Overall, a great read for spooky season!

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster Hunter's Librarian
~Lauren Connolly

The Monster Hunter's Librarian by Lauren Connolly isn't the typical fantasy that simply hands you a table of contents and wishes you luck. Instead, it drops you into a library that decides where you're going. It doesn't wait for you to politely wander through the front door. It grabs you by the collar, drags you between towering shelves, and quietly locks the door behind you. Truth be told, by the time it does, you won't want the key anyway.

Belladonna "Bells" Mortevue has spent the last twenty years paying for a crime she never committed. Branded by the sins of her necromancer parents, she was stripped of her magic at just six years old and forced to grow up carrying a burden that was never hers to bear. Now, her only chance at reclaiming both her magic and her place in society comes through the Endless Library. With the approval of the Magical Conclave, she accepts a position as the library's newest librarian, if the library itself deems her worthy.

Equipped with a name badge, enchanted rings unlike any issued before, a pocket watch from the mysterious, and oddly named, The Smith, Bells is granted access to the library's endless corridors and ever-changing magic. But the Endless Library has plans of its own, and those plans keep steering her toward Rhett Waltham.

Rhett is a monster hunter with little patience for distractions, especially one as captivating as Bells. He's racing against time to save his human father, who has been infected by a wraith bite and is slowly transforming into one himself. If Rhett can't uncover a cure hidden somewhere within the library's impossible shelves or win the coveted Chalice of Healing through the warrior trials, the Magical Conclave will have no choice but to execute his father before the transformation is complete.

Both Bells and Rhett are carrying dangerous secrets. Yet while they're busy fighting their own battles, something far more sinister is spreading through the walls of the Endless Library itself. A sickness is quietly consuming the realm, and the library seems determined to force these two reluctant allies together before it's too late.

Connolly's biggest strength is her character work. Bells is the heartbeat of the story, and she earns every bit of that role. She's a woman who endured unimaginable trauma at a young age, lost everything she'd ever known, and learned to keep her hopes small enough to survive disappointment. Watching her slowly grow into someone who proves she's far more than the labels placed upon her is one of the novel's greatest rewards. Everyone sees her perceived weaknesses as liabilities, yet they're ultimately what make her strongest. Because of everything she's endured, Bells has become adaptable, resilient, and far more capable than anyone gives her credit for. My only real irritation was the repetitive worry about losing her job because of one patron refusing her assistance. Still, I understand it served as an important piece of both Bells' and Rhett's character development. A necessary evil, if you will.

Rhett is the quintessential grump, testing readers' patience almost immediately, but for good reason. If the truth behind why he's at the Endless Library comes to light, it could cost his father his life. Beneath the prickly exterior lies a man driven by love, guilt, and an aching desire to hold on to the people who matter most. And once Rhett finally claims what is his, he'll move mountains to protect it. That's the kind of devotion readers can't help but root for.

The supporting cast is equally enjoyable. Vale, Daniel, Fina, Uma, Scottie, Arnold, and The Smith all bring something memorable to the story. Scottie, in particular, steals nearly every scene he's in, delivering some of the funniest moments in the book while proving himself to be exactly the best friend Rhett needs. His growing friendship with Bells was another highlight. I sincerely hope Connolly has multiple sequels planned because this world has far too many intriguing characters to leave behind. I'd love to spend more time with Rhett and Bells, Uma and Arnold, Scottie, Fina, Vale and Daniel, and especially The Smith. I'd also love to dive deeper into the histories of The Warrior, The Witch, and The Wanderer, whose lore feels ripe for expansion.

Then there's the Endless Library itself.

For this unapologetic book nerd, the library is the novel's most captivating character. It's a living, breathing, sulking, conspiring entity with a personality all its own. One moment it's warm and welcoming, wrapping itself around its visitors like a favorite reading nook. The next, it's quietly unsettling, its walls humming with a creeping wrongness that gives the entire story a pulse.

The dual POV allows readers to experience both Bells' and Rhett's perspectives, making their growing relationship and individual struggles feel equally important. Bells captures your attention from the very first page, and her chapters transition seamlessly into Rhett's. The pacing remains steady throughout, though readers should know this is very much a slow burn. Rather than nonstop action, the story focuses on building romantic tension, unraveling mysteries, and the steadily spreading sickness threatening both the library and the realm.

If you enjoy slow-burn grumpy-sunshine romances, sentient settings with personalities of their own, found family, and a strong heroine you'll want to add The Monster Hunter's Librarian by Lauren Connolly to your reading list. Releasing on November 17, 2026, it's available now for preorder on Amazon.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Berkley, and Lauren Connolly for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for The Monster Hunter's Librarian. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition, Karen Brooks aka The Tx Lit Chic. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review of The Monster Hunter's Librarian.

 

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not every day you get to read an advanced reader copy as a buddy read. Thanks, RL, for pointing this one out. So glad Netgalley approved both of us for this book.

Look, I loved almost everything about this story. The worldbuilding was phenomenal, the action was fire, and the characters were super fun.

However... the romance? Absolute crap. This book would have been a 5 star if the romance had been better. By the end of the book, we don't even get the male love interest confessing his love to the heroine. Seriously!? Yes, WE as the reader get to know he loves her... but she tells him she loves him multiple times and he says NOTHING. She even makes note that he doesn't say "I love you". You'd think that would mean we would get a meaningful scene with him declaring his love, but nope. Nothing. Not even in the epilogue.

I would definitely read more books in this world. It was well thought out and had some really fun elements. Secret magical library? Yes, please!

Please note that I will be including spoilers... but I don't intend to spoil the overall plot... just my observations of the main characters and their relationship.

We get the story of Bells and Rhett... apart, they are great characters (though Bells is WAY BETTER than Rhett). Bells was stripped of her magic when she was 6 and she gets the chance to be a librarian for the magical community. She is ecstatic and watching her fall in love with the library (and the library fall in love with her) was so fun. She starts noticing things... including the cute new hunter guy... and she goes from sad, neglected person who doesn't feel safe or wanted to a FANTASTIC kickass at the end.

Rhett is trying to save his father from death and he has to do it in secret. He tries to study in the library while not letting anyone know what he's looking for (cause he's dumb and thinks he can do everything on his own), but the library isn't having that and keeps throwing Bells in his way. The matchmaking was SUPER cute... if Rhett wasn't such a macho ass.

He ignores Bells over and over and over again. But is totally sexually attracted to her. He finally makes his move because he's jealous of another guy. And their relationship pretty much goes immediately physical. He willfully ignores everything he's ever observed about Bells and constantly treats her like she doesn't have agency. It's written like he's just being protective, but it really didn't make me feel okay for their relationship.

We even get to the end of the book where, once again, he's ignored her agency... but got jealous. They get way too physical and she tells him she loves him... and HE DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING BACK!!! Other than telling her h's going to sex her up. UGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!! Dude.

But... the mystery/action/adventure was fun. I loved the ending with Bells (not the romance) and I would highly recommend it if you don't care about relationship development.

Safety deets
- Sadly, we hear about Rhett sleeping around with pretty much anyone... he's not picky, except he doesn't want any commitment. Gag me. I don't need to hear about how promiscuous a love interest is. Thankfully, we don't meet any of his ex-lovers... but they really could be anywhere.
- Bells has had sex before... I think. No details. (so why did we need so many details about Rhett?)
- This is kinda a happy for now ending. I actually would be happy if they broke up and Bells ended up with someone else that could love her better... though she always maintains a relationship with Rhett's dad, cause he's a treasure.
- Supportive sisters are the best... and friends.
- Great side characters, including Scottie... and The Smith.

[Teresa (blewballoon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

I absolutely loved the sentient Library and Bells Mortevue. She's capable, clever, and compassionate. I adored her little bowties and her sweet relationship with the Library and its patrons. The library truly felt magical, with so many beautiful descriptions of the different rooms and features.

I kind of hated Rhett Waltham in the first half of the book. I did appreciate the bisexual representation and I could sympathize with his situation, but he was such a jerk and so unnecessarily. I also felt like his shift from totally rude to devoted and affectionate was too abrupt. I think it kind of makes sense with his character portrayal as someone who keeps people away by default, but if you get past that wall and become one of his chosen few then he's going to be intense about it.

There were many other fun and intriguing side characters, I wonder if any of them are cameos from other stories (this is my first book by this author) or potential set up for future stories. I really liked the mushroom girl and the portal station with many cats. I also loved the relationship between Bells and her roommate and her roommate's boyfriend. Rhett's relationship with his father was super sweet, reminded me a bit of Kip's dad from Heated Rivalry the show.

I didn't care for Fina, her dialogue often read as awkward and immersion-breaking to me as it was trying too hard to be sassy. Similarly, some of Scottie's dialogue and antics came off as more annoying than funny, but to much less of a degree than Fina.

The mystery around the library and the tension of the Warrior trials was well blended and well paced. I think overall the story felt long, but I don't necessarily think much of it could be cut (except for that extended sequence of Fina trying to banter with The Smith). I would absolutely not want to sacrifice any of the scenes of Bells and the Library, since I think those are the highlight of the book and make one of the climactic scenes feel well earned.

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Abandonment, Sexual harassment

[Dominique Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC gifted in exchange for review.

I had the most wonderful time reading this book. The world building was phenomenal. I loved the idea of this endless sentient magical library. I felt so protective of Bells from the first time I encountered her. The way the magical conclave punished her and her sister for their parents’ crimes was sick. I get why Fina hated them so much and why Bells didn’t want to tell her that she had gotten the interview and job at the library.

Rhett took longer to grow on me but now he’s one of my favorite characters. Under that gruff exterior, he’s just a big old marshmallow with a heart of gold.

There was some absolutely delicious spice in this story that was so well done.

The slow build of their romance was so fun to watch but my favorite part was definitely watching Bells form the relationship she did with the library, and its inhabitants. There was such a special bond there from day one and I loved that. I loved how kind her heart was, and how she formed her own special relationship with Scotty even when she and Rhett didn’t get along.

The way Lauren was able to convey how abandoned, touch starved and lonely Bells felt from childhood to adulthood was so poignant. She always had to shrink herself to be more acceptable and more palatable. She finally found the place that loved her questions, and a man who wanted to entertain all her curiosity, who saw her scars and kissed them because they were a part of her, and subsequently beautiful to to him. Rhett and Bells needed each other, and complimented each other so well. She helped him heal from all the guilt he felt about his role in Scotty’s death.


I hope we get to see more of this world and I will definitely be recommending this to all my friends.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster Hunter's Librarian
by Lauren Connolly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: Nov. 17, 2026

First of all, thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read The Monster Hunter's Librarian.

Okay, first things first... this cover is absolutely giving Assistant to the Villain vibes, and I was immediately intrigued I freaking love those books
Thankfully, the inside delivered.

I had such a wonderful time with this book. Bells completely stole my heart. A smart, capable librarian FMC? Yes please. I loved watching her find a place where her curiosity and kindness were celebrated instead of something she needed to hide.

The living magical library was easily my favorite part of the story. The concept was incredible, and I loved the different rooms, secrets, and personalities that made it feel like a character all on its own.

Rhett took a little longer to win me over, but once he did, I was fully invested. Beneath the gruff monster hunter exterior is a total softie, and I loved the way he and Bells balanced each other. Their romance was sweet, spicy, and full of healing, even if I did wish it had developed a little more slowly.

I also really appreciated the themes of finding a place where you belong and being loved exactly as you are. Bells’ journey of learning she didn’t need to shrink herself was such a meaningful part of the story.

My only small critique was that I wanted more depth from Fina, as I felt there was so much potential there.

Overall, The Monster Hunter's Librarian was a magical, cozy, and romantic read filled with incredible world-building, a fantastic FMC, and a grumpy monster hunter with a heart of gold.

I desperately hope we get more from this world because I am not ready to leave this library behind.

[September Withers]

The Monster Hunter’s Librarian is a whimsical and emotionally engaging fantasy romance that blends magical mystery, slow burning attraction, and a richly imagined sentient setting into a highly immersive reading experience. Lauren Connolly crafts a world that feels both imaginative and emotionally grounded, drawing readers into the Endless Library and its shifting, magical atmosphere.

At the center of the story is the evolving dynamic between Bells Mortevue and Rhett Waltham. Their relationship begins with resistance and mistrust, shaped by secrets, responsibility, and personal burdens, but gradually transforms into a deeper emotional connection built on understanding and shared vulnerability.

The sentient library itself becomes a powerful narrative force, influencing events and intensifying the characters’ emotional journeys. This unique setting adds depth, mystery, and a sense of unpredictability, making the story feel alive and constantly evolving.

Lauren Connolly delivers a fantasy romance that balances warmth, tension, and magical intrigue with confidence. The Monster Hunter’s Librarian is a compelling and atmospheric read that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy magical libraries, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and slow burn paranormal romance with emotional depth.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Burn Romance
• Sunshine Heroine
• Protective Hero
• Enchanted Library
• Supernatural Fantasy
• Found Family
• Trials & Challenges
• Cozy Fantasy

I really enjoyed The Monster Hunter’s Librarian! At first, I had a bit of a hard time getting into it because I wasn’t fully understanding the world and concept, but once everything started coming together, I was hooked.

Bell gave me major Belle-from-Beauty and the Beast vibes with her love for books and her endless library. I loved the enchanted library setting and all the supernatural elements woven throughout the story. Rhett enters the trials to save his father from a wraith bite, and his determination, loyalty, and protective nature made him such a lovable character.

The romance is a slow burn, but Bell’s sunshine personality balanced perfectly with Rhett’s honorable and protective side. I also adored the side characters, especially Scotty the ghost, who always brought humor to the story, and Bell’s sister Fina, who was spunky, hilarious, and completely unapologetic.

The magical world, monsters, mystery, and romance kept me turning the pages. Once I got invested, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Definitely a great read for anyone who loves cozy fantasy, enchanted libraries, supernatural adventures, and slow-burn romance.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dual POV, fantastically written, and a detailed, complex, contemporary fantasy romance between Bells (Belladonna), the female witch librarian lead whose powers were bound due to parental actions, and Rhett, the male homeschooled guardian warrior lead who is only now starting to interact with mainstream magical society. I enjoyed the plot which had both characters working through complex situations with some overlap. I enjoyed Bells’ persistence despite the difficulty of her childhood, and the care she had for those around her. I appreciated the clearly acknowledged mental/emotional scars she carried. I enjoyed Rhett’s dedication to his cause and his love for his family. I enjoyed that interacting with Bells forced him to develop emotionally. I adored the contrast between his warrior mother and his calmer, gentle tinkerer father. I enjoyed the building relationship between Rhett and Bells, including the steamy intimate scenes. I adored the engaged and interactive secondary characters. I was intrigued by the world building and hope that the author plans to write more - I would love to see a story for Bella’ sister and for several other characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - A witch librarian who can't do magic and a homeschooled slayer who whose Mother is missing and father is dying team up to stop the chaos occurring in the endless library and in their lives. It's a fun, interesting, and faced paced magical world. The main characters, Bells and Rhett, as well as their friends and families are just a blast to follow. The romance did feel a bit insta-lovey, but I enjoyed it none the less. I read this in one sitting and I would definitely read another book set in this world, if the author made it a series. Read this if you're looking for a fun adventure with a bit of romance.

If I could live or work in the endless library, I assure you, I would. I would love to learn more about this world. The book mentions plenty of other magical creatures that we don't encounter, it might be interesting to explore the world through their eyes. I also could see us following Fina, Scottie, or Dante next. A ghost/necromancer romance adventure sounds like a good next step.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll read anything Lauren Connolly writes because she always knows how to deliver a romance filled with incredible tension, and this book was no exception. While it was a little different from her usual stories by leaning more into paranormal elements, it still had the same emotional, character-driven vibes that I love from her.

One of my favorite parts was following the main character's journey, especially watching them slowly form new feelings and navigate everything happening around them. The emotional growth felt genuine, and I loved seeing how those relationships developed alongside the romance.

The mystery surrounding the trails around the university was another highlight. It kept me invested from beginning to end, adding just the right amount of suspense to balance the romance and paranormal aspects. I was constantly trying to piece together what was really going on, which made it hard to put the book down.

If you're looking for a paranormal romance with great tension, compelling character development, and an intriguing mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster Hunter's Librarian has an ENDLESS LIBRARY with shifting rooms and unpredictable magic. Bells had her own powers bound as a child, and she finally gets to access a little bit of magic when she starts working as a librarian. She's so eager to do a good job and yet can't seem to get past the walls of the (hot!) mysterious monster hunter that showed up on her first day.

Rhett is in the library researching a sensitive topic that he is unwilling to share with anyone... including the eager librarian he can't seem to stay away from. The library keeps leading Bells (via crows!!!) right back to his table.

Bells and Rhett have more in common than they realize, and they slowly begin to develop a relationship beyond the initial attraction. By the time Bells finds herself in danger, Rhett is willing to drop everything and run to his librarian's side.

There was a surprising amount of plot in this paranormal romance, and I'm really excited to see Lauren Connolly's writing continue to evolve. The Monster Hunter's Librarian is by far my favorite so far.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for ARC access 💕

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took me over a month to start, (the 500+ page length had me nervous) but once I did start reading, I couldn't put it down! This was SO fun! And if you love sentient libraries, you're going to LOVE The Endless Library (and the library guides!) I really hope this isn't going to be a standalone (I almost never say that, I love standalones!) because I would love more in this universe. The world building was so well done and didn't feel drawn out and the magic system made sense. Our MC's are adorable. He falls hard, she's got abandonment issues and he's got overprotective control freak issues. The side characters all get personalities (thrilled to see FMC's have actual friends and motivations beyond the love story) and their own stories. It's sexy, dark, and has elements of both a cozy romance and a dark academia romantasy. It made me think of a slightly immature All Souls/Discovery of Witches and the Enchanted Greenhouse.

Thank you to the publishers (shoutout Tara at Berkley PRH!) and NetGalley for my gifted EARC!

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Addictive prose, enchanting characters, and a gripping mystery. The characters were compelling and deep. Bells’ sunshine personality was endearing. Rhett was an honorable man, protective and guarded, but loyal to a fault to those he considers his. The Library was a character itself, quirky and funny. Fina, Dante, Vale, Scottie and all secondary characters were interesting too, and had depth to them. The lore of the world was intriguing, yet simple, and I hope that this continues as a series and we get to explore other parts of this world. The mystery was pretty well done, the clues dropped along the story without giving too much away, and the twist at the end did surprise me a little. It was very easy to read, and once I started I just couldn’t stop reading. The last third was action-packed, and I just wanted to know what happened.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading an ARC copy. This review is voluntary.

[Kori Arkfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley, Lauren Connolly, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for honest opinion.

This was so cute! The story was so original and now I need an Endless Library and some cute magical rings in my life. The characters were so lovable (including the library and its crows and yes even the ghosts). The magic system was not overly complicated and it was easy to understand. I wanted more spice because I just know Rhett has a filthy mouth and I wanted more of it LOL. My only issue was the pacing felt off. The beginning could have been cut and maybe more of Rhett and Bells relationship stretched out. It just felt drawn out in some places and not long enough in others. Overall this was a cute story with just the right amount of magic. I feel like there could be more in the series. Either developing Bells and Rhett’s relationship, maybe seeing them go to school and solve more mysteries or a spinoff with some of the side characters like Piper, Mae, Fina, or even Scottie!

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and Lauren Connolly for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I love trying a new Lauren Connolly read and getting to read this one with a friend who also received an advance copy, even better!

Full RTC closer to publication, but Elizabeth has hers up now.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Librarian x Hunter
☆ Paranormal romance with secret dimensions
☆ MMC with magic
☆ FMC stripped of magic
☆ Grumpy/sunshine
☆ FMC with traumatic backstory
☆ MMC with current trauma
☆ Complicated fears and hang-ups
☆ New job, who dis?
☆ Magical competition plot line
☆ High stakes all over the place
☆ Unknown threats and dangers
☆ Cozy, magical, book loving setting
☆ Side characters that pop off the page
☆ Positive parent rep AND horrendous parent recollections
☆ Shout out to the magical animal companions
☆ Slow burn

[Maggie Griswold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider this my formal request to join the staff at the Endless Library pls!!! My two favorite things about this book were 1) the setting of the library—all the charm and oddities of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but it’s a magical library with thousands of rooms and creatures to lead you to your desired location. Obsessed. Want to live there. and 2) an FMC who’s convinced the MMC hates her when he’s actually so down bad it physically hurts to be around her.

Ok ALSO the side characters were a treat! Scottie is my angel (well…ghost) and by the end, I was kinda into The Smith dare I say. Also loved Vale and Fina and even Dante (why’s he kinda hot) and honestly would read books about each of them.

You will have such a fun time with this one 🐦‍⬛📚

TYSM to NetGalley & Berkeley for the copy xo

[Megan Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a Lauren Connolly book before and loved it. I was so excited to get this e-arc. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group.

Loved the library and the magic the library possessed. It was light and fun and just hit in all the best ways. Probably my favorite thing in this book.

The characters were alright. I didn't feel like they had a lot of growth to who they were when the story started out.

Pacing for me was a little off. The beginning really hooked me and I was very excited to read. I feel like the story slowed down after that and didn't pick up until about half way through. After that I had no issues.

I enjoyed this and would love a spin off book following the FMC's sister. I found her to be very interesting.

[CWilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fresh take on grumpy/sunshine and I loved it. The setting was gorgeous and made you desperately want to visit the Endless Library. Bells was very relatable as someone given a second chance that she is determined to not waste. Understanding customer service, I can totally see how she quickly became everyone’s favorite librarian. Part of me was shouting at Rhett to trust her sooner; but, I do think that it was paced well and the conflict was held to the right time. I hope this becomes a series because I’d love to spend more time in this world.

Thank you Berkeley Publishing Group for sending this book for my review consideration. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delight to read! The world building and magic system were unique and kept me engaged. The tension between the two main characters was *whoo*. I loved that they were both evenly matched (if that makes sense)? I felt like both characters were their own person and their connection wasn't heavily focused on a flaw of theirs.

Other things I enjoyed at this book:
Scottie- the ghost bestie was funny and added a fun element
The Library - a character in of itself
The suspenseful ending
The Forced Proximity trope was done well

So much good stuff in this book!!!

[✨Poppy✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley & NetGalley for this ARC!
I discovered this author this year, and I was delighted to dive into her new story! I'm not usually a fantasy or romantasy reader, so this felt like foreign territory for me. I guess if you're used to the genre, you'll be more familiar with the lingo and tropes. I loved the story: the world where the characters evolve is well explained, and the love story is engaging. Overall, I had a very good time with this book!