Rot: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey

by Kat Bethel

He wanted to destroy her. Instead, he claimed her.

Not by fate or choice. Something ancient bound them together when she touched what was his.

Talia Rinah wants two to find a place to call home and finish her thesis.

A simple expedition to declare the swamp a wildlife sanctuary turns catastrophic when the ground falls away, dropping her into a forgotten nest built with bones.

A predator that hates her kind awakens. Now, he’s tracking every step she takes.

Memories Talia buried long ago claw to the surface, revealing that more than one monster lurks in these muddy waters.

Who can she trust? And what parts of her will she have to sacrifice to survive?

Because how do you destroy something that’s already part of you?

You can’t hide from me, Witch.

Genres: Dark Romance, Erotic Horror

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

About the author

Kat Bethel writes omegaverse, paranormal romance, and fantasy romance.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

A witch and a swamp creature are bonded mates, because who needs Tinder when you've got magic?

Talia's on a mission to save the land, but what she didn't expect to find was a guy who's part lizard, part sexy beast. What she really didn't expect was to be totally turned on by him.

This book's got some scary and sad bits, but it's also got some monster romance spice, so check it out! 

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the setting for this story and it was perfect for this sort of monster. I was kind of confused how the title would relate to a character who is basically a lizardman, but the effect of his bite makes the title make complete sense.

Once again the humans end up being a bigger monster than the actual monsters! I kind of felt bad for him, it has to suck being bound to someone you want to hate.

This is definitely a true enemies to lovers dark monster romance with some extremely spicy scenes!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jess Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for this Audio 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 8th May 2026

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶

This is the 3rd of a short Monster Prey story series, you do not need to read the others to understand these. However, as I have read all 3, and in order, it really is nice to have the little influences from the other FMC from the other books. Almost like mini Easter eggs.

There are mentions of the following they may upset some readers:
- death
- guns
- gore
- necrosis (rot)
- natural disasters (floods, storms)
- divorce
- child abuse including sexual (flashbacks in description)
- abuse of power (teacher)
- murder
- missing persons (resulting in murders)
- eating of humans

I am not a fan of animal/ monster romances, but I just cannot get enough of this series so far! Kat does an amazing job at making these oddly matched people believable! Being able to integrate the impossible monster with a human and not lose the story and plot in the process, seems to be the authors superpower!

I really hope Kat carries this series on!

Thank you again to BookSirens And Kat Bethel

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talia learned early that survival comes at a cost. Passed through the brutal machinery of the foster care system, she gave away pieces of herself to the people who were meant to protect her but instead left their marks. Adulthood offers no sanctuary, only fresh predators wearing different faces, and when her professor’s true intentions begin to slither into the light, it becomes painfully clear that monsters rarely announce themselves with claws. I’ll admit, I found Talia’s quiet acceptance frustrating at first. Her willingness to endure yet another violation, another indignity, felt almost unbearable to witness. But then Rot reminds you there are monsters... and then there are monsters. When Talia falls into a nest of bones during an expedition, she doesn’t just disturb the earth, she awakens something ancient, ravenous, and very, very aware of her. Rot watches from the shadows. He is brutal. Violent. Possessive in the most terrifying way. He tears through anything foolish enough to stand between him and what he wants. And what he wants... is Talia. Rot has waited an eternity for his fated mate, and one of the most deliciously unsettling aspects of this story is that there’s no glamorous reveal waiting around the corner. He isn’t some cursed beast who sheds scales or claws to reveal a sculpted man beneath. Rot is exactly what he appears to be—hunger, instinct, appetite, and lots and lots of teeth. Yet somehow, while that makes the attraction all the more disturbing, it is also strangely intoxicating. The swamp itself feels alive, thick with rot, decay, and damp, feverish heat. It presses in from every direction, clinging to skin like a lover’s touch, making it impossible to tell where desire ends and danger begins. The atmosphere is suffocating in the best possible way, becoming as vital to the story as Talia and Rot themselves, balancing beautifully on that razor-thin edge between horror and obsession. As for Talia and Rot’s relationship? It can be summed up in one word: primal. He watches her. Hunts her. Stalks her through the dark like prey already claimed. Every interaction crackles with tension, with fear, with a pull that feels almost feral. Talia’s feelings are understandably far more complicated. After everything she’s endured, surrender doesn’t come easily and I appreciated that her emotional journey wasn’t rushed, even when the physical and instinctual pull was undeniable. So, if you like your romance dripping with dread, obsession, and a little blood on its teeth, I highly recommend Rot, just make sure you read those trigger warnings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Valentia D'Ambroise · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

To all those wonderful people out there who have looked at an alligator and thought "…. there's something sweet and almost kind, but with those teeth and with those scales… but do I really mind?" this is for you.

I will put it front and centre that it is necessary that in deepest darkest depths of your soul you find something attractive about an alligator. I--weirdly--am--apparently--not not one of these people…. apparently.

Thus in the spirit of learning more about oneself I highly, highly recommend this book. I don't know what kind of magic is afoot--especially since the magic system wasn't fully explored to my complete satisfaction within this book--but I will say that I'm very charmed by this book.

It is no small feat to condense a tale in such a way. We get a few consecutive days in a swamp with "something in the water" that is both magical and organic in a way that feels more scientific than magical and yet somehow it works. Also this magnificent author somehow managed to strike--for me--the perfect balance in the hated fated mates bond trope thingy.

Also that fore-last chapter was for absolute catharsis for all the little girls out there and the grown women who would have loved to plunge the knife right where it hurts.

Although, something that I've noticed now that I'm getting slightly older is that Disney movies move at an incredible speed--the pacing is perfected to not overwhelm, get all the plot beats in and yet it feels sometimes just a tad rushed. This book at times felt just the same. All the pacing was neigh on perfect with some of these small moments were I would have really wished the author let the moment happen in more than a few sentences.

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

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things go sideways on a swamp expedition when Talia falls into a strange nest made of bones. Now a horribly humanoid lizard man is shadowing her every move and preying upon the others in her group. But it's not Talia's first brush with a monster. Can she survive her current predicament, or will she have to sacrifice herself yet again?

Talia has a very dark past from being preyed upon as a child in the foster system. She knows how to endure to survive, but her coping mechanisms force her to continually sacrifice parts of herself to appease those abusing her. As an adult, she is trying to obtain stability by finishing her degree, but her professor has made it clear he has inappropriate plans for her as her studies continue. Instead of fighting this, Talia has just accepted this to be an inescapable fact of life, and she resents that her classmate Shannon can simply worry about her studies. As Talia and Shannon have to work together to survive the swamp, an unlikely friendship develops, and Talia is forced to confront her own learned helplessness as she fights for herself and others against the inescapable monster of the swamp.

I loved the dynamic between Talia and Shannon, as well as the major personal growth Talia undergoes as she finally decides to choose herself.

An unusual monster romance that delves into dark themes while still maintaining a surprising amount of heart.

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

[Teresa Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all… I never thought I’d be this into a lizard man, but here we are 😮‍🔥
Rot completely pulled me in with its dark, monstrous romance and refused to let go. What really got me was how Rot is truly a monster—brutal, violent, and absolutely unapologetic about it—yet when it comes to Talia, he’s protective, devoted, and so careful with her. That contrast? Yeah… it worked.
Even though this is a shorter read, it doesn’t feel lacking at all. We get meaningful backstory for both Rot and Talia, and it adds so much depth to their connection. Rot waiting so long for his mate was both beautiful and heartbreaking—I genuinely felt for him. And Talia? Her past is just as heavy, and it makes you root for her even more. She’s been through way too much, especially dealing with a certain teacher who made my skin crawl.
Shannon deserves her own shoutout because she was such a solid character and added a great dynamic to the story—I would absolutely read a book centered around her 👀
And yes… the spice is there. It’s unique, it’s bold, and it leans fully into the monster aspect in a way that makes you go “okay girl, I see you” 😏
Everything comes together in a really satisfying way by the end, and for a horror monster romance, it hits that perfect balance of dark, emotional, and steamy.
Huge thank you to Kat Bethel for the opportunity to read and review this—such a wild and addictive ride 🖤

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

The first thing that drew me to Rot was the stunningly dark cover art and the intriguing summary, but once I cracked it open, I found a story that was far more intense than I initially anticipated. Set in the oppressive, atmospheric heat of a South Carolina swamp, this book is a journey through heavy themes and deep-seated trauma. I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in, as the author does not pull any punches when it comes to the protagonist's history and the challenges she faces.

Talia, our FMC, is a character who has been through a lifetime of pain, and my heart broke for her from the very first chapter. The author captured that "horror movie" tension perfectly—that sinking feeling in your gut when a character senses something is wrong but feels compelled to move forward anyway. The "Beauty and the Beast" dynamic that eventually develops between Talia and the creature known as Rot is primal and complex. It’s less of a fairytale and more of a gritty, "enemies-to-entwined" survival story. The book sits solidly in the romantic horror genre, thanks to the visceral and unflinching horror details; the depictions of rotting flesh and the physical reality of the "rot" itself provide a dark, macabre backdrop to the unfolding relationship.

Constructive Criticism:
While the emotional depth was impressive, I found the angst to be a bit too drawn-out in the middle of the book. The protagonist’s internal back-and-forth regarding her feelings and her situation became a bit repetitive, which occasionally stalled the momentum of the plot. While her indecision is completely understandable given her extensive trauma, from a pacing perspective, it made certain sections feel a bit stagnant.

What would have earned 5 stars:
To reach that 5-star mark, I was looking for a more consistent sense of forward momentum. While the atmospheric world-building was excellent, a tighter narrative pace in the second act—balancing the heavy emotional processing with more active progression—would have kept me even more gripped. I would have also loved to see Talia reclaiming her agency a bit earlier to smooth out the transition from victim to survivor. However, the ending was deeply satisfying; seeing her finally find a chosen family and achieve her professional goals despite the odds was a high point.

This is a wild, unpredictable ride that I would definitely recommend to monster-romance lovers who enjoy a story with significant bite and a lot of emotional grit!

[Summer R Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

This is the third book in this series and I definitely enjoyed it. You can read all the books as standalones, but I did notice the author might be starting to connect the books together. That's all ill say about that. The way this author creates these monsters they are just so interesting. They definitely keep me coming back for more each time. I just wish i could learn more about them. I always want more. Im a greedy girl. The characters I always enjoy. Each one is unique in their own ways and Talia definitely didn't disappoint nor did Rot. They were perfect for one another.

I also like that we did get to learn about Rot and some about Talia. Everyone should know by now, and if your new, im such a fan of lore, and learning anything about the characters I love. The good and the bad its all good to me.

Another thing is all this happens in one place and not in a bunch of places. You know how some books will spread events out over a bunch of locations? I mean it works but in all these books this author has written for this series it stays in one location and thats kinda nice. Maybe im jusr weird. Anyways, I just like it.

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I think calling this a romance is a bit of a stretch because it was really just a one-sided obsession for almost the entirety of the book. The romance was there in the epilogue and the last chapter or 2.

I liked the beginning and end, but the middle was all over the place. There was a lot of gore but nothing really happened plot-wise. It felt more like a slasher in the middle as the plot was put on hold. That said, I was here for Shannon's character arc. I was really surprised by the way the friendship developed and changed.

I LOVED the epilogue. I laughed out loud and loved the playfulness of their "fucked up foreplay" and wish there had been more of it throughout the book.

This can be read as a standalone, but there is an underlying storyline that is starting to tie the books together. I read Book 1 and skipped Book 2 and was still able to follow along. There were some brief mentions of events and characters that I assume are from Book 2, but they don't impact this story at all.

Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Bethel for the free eARC.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 3🌶

What could possibly go wrong on an exploration to the swamps of South Carolina? Talia, her doctoral classmate Shannon and a few others are about to find out. When the locals won't go out to a location at night despite their bus crashing, you know that something isn't quite right.

This story starts with crash, but takes off from there. I really enjoy the dynamics between the characters. The slow reveal of the creature. The backstory on creation #3. The history surrounding that swamp. This tale blends the fear and dread of being hunted with the submission to the creature very well. I dug the vibes in this story and will definitely go check out the author's back catalog.

Tropes and triggers: ancient magic, witchcraft, touch her and ☠️, forced proximity, primal play, breeding

I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[🥀Katica🥀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt as if it was written by another person :/ the first two were so good and the storyline was strong. The pacing for this wasn’t consistent throughout the story. The FMC became too much for me. The back and forth with her own emotions just was too much since it went on and on till the end the of the book. It wasn’t fair on either party that they were stuck together but it took her way too long to realize that the MMC also didn’t want this bond.

From all the FMC has experienced and the way she behaves in the story it feels as if she has a split personality. I wish I liked her but I just couldn’t. She was selfish and even though was highly educated she wasn’t smart.

This one let me down but it’s ok. I liked the premise of it and perhaps there will be another one. I truly enjoyed the first two and loved how tough the fmcs were in those books.

[Andrea Freeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoilers maybe?*

Wow just wow! I have no words..just kidding I do! This book was amazing..I mean if your into monster smut like I am lol. Talia (TMC) was just trying to survive and she was dealt a really messed up hand in life but she was strong and kept on surviving...she goes on a expedition so to speak to the swamp with a group of college people as well to try to save said swamp..the bus breaks down and the town is superstitious and they wont come out to help until morning..so they have to stay in said swamp..eventually Talia ends up stumbling upon something she shouldn't and instantly unlocks something she can't take back..then enters Rot..a crocodile man and well things get intense but this book does have a happily ever after. I will definitely be reading more of this authors books. I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.

[stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first 2 books before reading Rot. Basically coming in blind so to speak. This book can definitely be read as a standalone with no issue. I do plan on reading books 1 and 2 as well.

The ending I wasn’t expecting at all. Especially with how Talia ( FMC ) feels off and on regarding Rot ( MMC ). I felt part of it was like a stalker after his prey so to speak. It is a page turner to me and I did enjoy it. While reading it I was able to picture the characters, different scenes, etc. The relationship between Talia and Shannon definitely wasn’t expected but really loved.

If you enjoy dark, some spicy, killing and monster/human ( which is how it felt ) then you’d enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author Kat Bethel for an ARC. This review is completely voluntary.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rot! Where do I even start?! I read Chuckles and absolutely devoured it and I devoured Rot just the same (I hope Talia & Rot would be proud🤣) I loved the setting here, the swamp and the alligator vibes, Rot’s nest was an interesting feature for me; we need more monster men with nests that they want to eat you in! I loved how Shannon and Talia grew closer too! Talk about badass ladies in STEM! The ending was so satisfying and left me wanting for of the Rinah Witches! I’m going to go back and read the first book and then reread the second! Manifesting ten more books in this series please and thank you 🙏🏼

Features;
🐍Rinah Witch/Monster
🐊Horrormance
🖤They complete each other
🦴Healing Journey
🔪Tail Play
🐸Scarousal

Thank you to BookSirens & Kat Bethel for the advance review copy 💚

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this wasn't horror monster smut, I wouldn't have liked the heroine. It's so cliche like a woman with daddy issues. Then again, you'd need a pretty tough heroine to tackle a fucked up monster. The heroine's traumatic background aside, the environment and setting was well drawn out, instantly transporting the reader into this fictional world.

The story had a lot of room for improvement, especially in terms of romantic development, but then again, it's a fucked up story, so I suppose I shouldn't be too greedy.

The complexities of both characters were amazing - a psychiatrist will have more than a field day with Talia and Rot.

Overall, this feels less romantic but more primal lust, and two monsters recognizing and understanding their wants or needs within each other.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best story of the three

I loved Rot so much. I loved that there was a background story and it wasn't just a broken woman falling for a monster. That the real monster was actually a human. I love the one year later and the complete acceptance from both the mmc and the fmc. I love that the fmc didn't have to lose anything and gained everything with this relationship. I love the devotion of the mmc despite the complete broken state of his emotional and mental state from the casual cruelty he has suffered. I love that the fmc is strong and fights for herself in the end. That no one saved her. She saved herself and chose her monster despite having other, easier options. I'm here humbly asking the author to give us more monster romances. But please, no more clowns.

[✿ Deanna Lea ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget swiping right; just head straight to the swamp. If you thought your dating life was a mess, try being bonded to a literal force of nature who’s more interested in devouring your enemies than sending a "u up?" text.

Omg can this series can any better, I’m hooked and craving more of these monsters and their sassy woman.

I never expected a lizard man to ruin my standards for fictional men, but here we are. This book is a dark, swampy fever dream that I never want to wake up from.
If you like your romance with a side of scales, shadows, and a hero who would literally eat anyone who looks at you wrong, put this at the top of your TBR.

I’m officially hooked. Bring on the next monster, because I’m starving for more. 🐍🔥💀

[Breezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies and gents!!!!

Let me rave about this book if you’re into some freaky shiz!!

The FMC has had an incredibly hard life with abuse and just wants to be normal.

The MMC didn’t choose her or this life but would kill anything to have her with him forever.

The need for answers kept me hooked until the final page and I could not get enough of this
Monster and his mate.
The duo are stubborn and resilient. They are strong and believe in one another but the end.

This was immaculate. 10/10 would read again!

I was given the amazing opportunity to read this book prior to release and I could not be more grateful!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wild reading experience in the best way.

It has this really strong atmospheric pull to it where everything feels a little eerie, a little tense, and constantly shifting. I was fully in it pretty quickly because the vibe is just so immersive.

I also really liked how the connection between the characters builds in this really intense, almost instinctive way. It’s not soft or gradual, it’s more like everything is just heightened from the start and keeps escalating.

And honestly the whole thing just feels really gripping. There’s always this sense that something bigger is happening underneath everything, which kept me really engaged the whole time.

[Peta Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so intersting. Super messed up but still intersting. I never would have thought that a creature like this could have been a passable interest but Rot was described so well I could see it. This has many triggers so be sure to check those out but if you enjoy your monsters dark, brutal and smutty then you'll like this. It was a good read. Hopefully there will be more added to the series because they are all good so far.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Dark Monster Romance.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS.

Very dark twist to some of the monster romances I have read. I liked the plot and how over time we get to know the characters on how they came to be what they are. The vibes of this book kind of reminds me of the movie The Shape of Water. Just way more darker and gruesome. It was definitely a good read kept me interested through out. Definitely no dull moments.

[Melissa Castle Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of this series did not disappoint. The author has a knack for building a world that grabs you by the first chapter and doesn't let go. I loved the pacing—it’s the perfect blend of high-stakes plot and 'just right' spice. I am officially a fan and will be keeping a close eye on future releases from this author!


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

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really have to like “monster” romance and dark horror type stuff for this standalone series. I love the dark humor and banter. The original ideas and matches this author comes up with…. “Too much time on your hands” to think up weird stuff is such a positive for this author. LOVE!!!! Keep these books coming.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia hadnt had an easy life, having been preyed on in the system and even working towards her degree, her professor has plans. when she ends up at the swamp and finds herself in a nest of bones she gains a stalker in Rot, this dark twisting tale will have you hooked  fast paced  dark themes, monster romance, stalker and more

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster's prey series got me hook to a point of obsession. Humans are the real monsters and monsters are made by human. They had to evolve or die, that's how they are made. You will root for the monster and definitely will cry.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aya Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this one 3.5 rounded up. I enjoyed the story and the characters but a lot of editing needs to be done. Also, I would have loved it to be more fleshed out in some areas. Over all it was entertaining and I a great addition to the series. Looking forward to more. Maybe C.H.U.Ds (ref. 1984 horror movie not current slang) or dogmen or something Bigfoot yeti.. so many options...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not gonna lie, I was kinda unsure, I adore monster smut, but is there a line to stop? Probably, but it’s not here at swamp Monsters. This was a super quick easy read. I enjoyed the gore and the overall story. I’d like more from these characters.

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
A true enemies to lovers.

Wow. Talk about a hate hookup. Being bound to someone you hate due to pasts that traumatized you both. It's dark. It's messy. It's feral. It's definitely not a traditional love story, and I adore that.

[Kayla B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the detail that was used to build the scene. It was a great read. It's got heat and the lizard 🤭 Glad to see Shannon growth. Id definitely recommend it. Takes you on a rollercoaster but its a fun ride 😏🔥