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Monster's Prey
Rot: A Horror Monster Romance: A Monster's Prey
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.
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
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.
**This book is intended for adults who love spooky and spicy and is part of a standalone series that does not require you to read the other books to enjoy**
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2026
About the author
Kat Bethel
20 books144 followersKat Bethel writes omegaverse, paranormal romance, and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 26, 2026
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
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
July 11, 2026
Dark, unhinged and weirdly hot
Perfect for those who love their monster unhinged.
The chemistry and tension between the characters is delicious ,add to that a touch of mistery and suspense so good that hooked me to the end.
Perfect for those who love their monster unhinged.
The chemistry and tension between the characters is delicious ,add to that a touch of mistery and suspense so good that hooked me to the end.
May 13, 2026
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.
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.
May 10, 2026
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
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
July 1, 2026
This author *really* needs a better editor or to get one if she doesn't have one. The story was fun and interesting, but I get easily distracted by the sheer amount of editing mistakes. I still give it 4 stars because it's fun monster smut.
September 26, 2026
September 2026
Kindle edition
This one was an oh, you're not one of the three. I liked the friendship. The professor creeped me out from the get go, saw that coming. This one was interesting the way they were bound together.
Kindle edition
This one was an oh, you're not one of the three. I liked the friendship. The professor creeped me out from the get go, saw that coming. This one was interesting the way they were bound together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2026
★★★★★
"You can't shoot something that's a part of you."
Well... Kat Bethel has done it again.
At this point I'm convinced she could write a grocery list and I'd still eat it up because her horror romances have me in an absolute chokehold.
This was eerie, creepy, unsettling, emotional, horrifying, sweet, and somehow gave me a giant humanoid crocodile monster that I would happily die for.
I'm obsessed.
Talia is a descendant of the Rinah witches, the same bloodline connected to the events in Echo. She's studying to become a wildlife biologist and joins a field expedition into a remote river swamp with her professor and fellow students. Among them is Shannon, who spends most of the book making everyone's life miserable because apparently being insufferable is a full-time job.
From the moment they arrive, the atmosphere is thick with dread.
Kat Bethel has this incredible way of writing where everything feels cinematic. Every scene plays out like a movie in your head. The swamp feels alive. The river feels dangerous. The isolation is suffocating.
Then Talia is swept away by the current.
And that's when everything changes.
She wakes up in a nest made of bones.
A nest.
Made.
Of bones.
And there she meets him.
Rot.
The infamous Lizardman.
A humanoid crocodile monster who has spent years surviving in the swamp after being created by one of the Rinah witches as one of the so-called "defects." While the others died, Rot survived.
And the second Talia stumbled into his nesting grounds?
The river chose.
She became his mate.
Whether she wanted to or not.
What follows is a beautifully horrifying descent into obsession, fate, survival, and belonging. Rot begins hunting everyone connected to the expedition while Talia slowly uncovers the truth about the monsters the Rinah witches created and the horrifying history buried beneath the swamp.
One thing I absolutely loved was that Rot never stops feeling like a monster.
He isn't a man with scales.
He isn't secretly human.
He is dangerous.
Terrifying.
Violently possessive.
The man—or rather, monster—was out there tearing people apart and then showing up five minutes later making sure his mate had eaten something.
Talia was such a strong heroine too. Underneath everything she carries years of trauma from foster homes, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Watching her slowly confront those wounds while also navigating a bond with a literal monster made her feel incredibly human.
And can we talk about her professor?
Because I have never wanted someone eaten more.
This disgusting excuse for a human being spends the entire book abusing his authority, blackmailing Talia, grooming her, and threatening her future. Every single scene with him made my skin crawl.
Which made his eventual fate feel even more satisfying.
As for Shannon? Girl.
Count your blessings because you survived entirely on luck.
The emotional punch of this book caught me completely off guard. Beneath all the horror, violence, bones, blood, and monster obsession is a story about belonging.
Rot spent his entire existence being treated like a mistake. A defect. Something that shouldn't exist. Then he finally finds the one person connected to his creation. The one person who belongs with him.
So when the threat of losing Talia becomes real and he begs her to stay?
I was genuinely heartbroken.
Because for all his brutality, Rot wanted her even when he was trying to convince himself he hated her. And Talia is torn between survival and the terrifying possibility that she has finally found somewhere she belongs too.
The ending absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible.
I was rooting for the giant murder crocodile and honestly I have zero regrets.
Kat Bethel has quickly become one of my favorite horror romance authors. She creates monsters that are genuinely monstrous, worlds that feel hauntingly alive, and romances that somehow make me emotional over creatures that should probably be eating me.
This series continues to be everything I want from monster romance:
🐊 Urban legends
🦴 Witch lore
🐊 Swamp horror
🦴 Monster romance
🐊 Atmospheric suspense
🦴 He builds her a nest out of bones!
🐊 A monster who uses his tail during...
🦴 Fated mates
🐊Touch-her-and-die energy
🦴 Possessive MMC
🐊 And my favorite holding her head under water while...
If Kat Bethel keeps writing monsters like this, I'm following her straight into whatever cursed swamp she decides to drop me in next.
"You can't shoot something that's a part of you."
Well... Kat Bethel has done it again.
At this point I'm convinced she could write a grocery list and I'd still eat it up because her horror romances have me in an absolute chokehold.
This was eerie, creepy, unsettling, emotional, horrifying, sweet, and somehow gave me a giant humanoid crocodile monster that I would happily die for.
I'm obsessed.
Talia is a descendant of the Rinah witches, the same bloodline connected to the events in Echo. She's studying to become a wildlife biologist and joins a field expedition into a remote river swamp with her professor and fellow students. Among them is Shannon, who spends most of the book making everyone's life miserable because apparently being insufferable is a full-time job.
From the moment they arrive, the atmosphere is thick with dread.
Kat Bethel has this incredible way of writing where everything feels cinematic. Every scene plays out like a movie in your head. The swamp feels alive. The river feels dangerous. The isolation is suffocating.
Then Talia is swept away by the current.
And that's when everything changes.
She wakes up in a nest made of bones.
A nest.
Made.
Of bones.
And there she meets him.
Rot.
The infamous Lizardman.
A humanoid crocodile monster who has spent years surviving in the swamp after being created by one of the Rinah witches as one of the so-called "defects." While the others died, Rot survived.
And the second Talia stumbled into his nesting grounds?
The river chose.
She became his mate.
Whether she wanted to or not.
What follows is a beautifully horrifying descent into obsession, fate, survival, and belonging. Rot begins hunting everyone connected to the expedition while Talia slowly uncovers the truth about the monsters the Rinah witches created and the horrifying history buried beneath the swamp.
One thing I absolutely loved was that Rot never stops feeling like a monster.
He isn't a man with scales.
He isn't secretly human.
He is dangerous.
Terrifying.
Violently possessive.
The man—or rather, monster—was out there tearing people apart and then showing up five minutes later making sure his mate had eaten something.
Talia was such a strong heroine too. Underneath everything she carries years of trauma from foster homes, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Watching her slowly confront those wounds while also navigating a bond with a literal monster made her feel incredibly human.
And can we talk about her professor?
Because I have never wanted someone eaten more.
This disgusting excuse for a human being spends the entire book abusing his authority, blackmailing Talia, grooming her, and threatening her future. Every single scene with him made my skin crawl.
Which made his eventual fate feel even more satisfying.
As for Shannon? Girl.
Count your blessings because you survived entirely on luck.
The emotional punch of this book caught me completely off guard. Beneath all the horror, violence, bones, blood, and monster obsession is a story about belonging.
Rot spent his entire existence being treated like a mistake. A defect. Something that shouldn't exist. Then he finally finds the one person connected to his creation. The one person who belongs with him.
So when the threat of losing Talia becomes real and he begs her to stay?
I was genuinely heartbroken.
Because for all his brutality, Rot wanted her even when he was trying to convince himself he hated her. And Talia is torn between survival and the terrifying possibility that she has finally found somewhere she belongs too.
The ending absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible.
I was rooting for the giant murder crocodile and honestly I have zero regrets.
Kat Bethel has quickly become one of my favorite horror romance authors. She creates monsters that are genuinely monstrous, worlds that feel hauntingly alive, and romances that somehow make me emotional over creatures that should probably be eating me.
This series continues to be everything I want from monster romance:
🐊 Urban legends
🦴 Witch lore
🐊 Swamp horror
🦴 Monster romance
🐊 Atmospheric suspense
🦴 He builds her a nest out of bones!
🐊 A monster who uses his tail during...
🦴 Fated mates
🐊Touch-her-and-die energy
🦴 Possessive MMC
🐊 And my favorite holding her head under water while...
If Kat Bethel keeps writing monsters like this, I'm following her straight into whatever cursed swamp she decides to drop me in next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
This book feels like sinking slowly into deep swamp water while something ancient watches from underneath the surface the entire time. Rot is heavy, suffocating, primal, and deeply unsettling in a way that blends horror and monster romance together incredibly well. The atmosphere alone feels alive from the very beginning, and honestly, I think that’s what pulled me in the hardest. The swamp doesn’t just feel like a setting here. It feels hungry.
Talia immediately feels like someone trying to hold onto logic and control in a situation designed to strip both away from her piece by piece. I really liked that she approaches everything with this grounded, practical mindset at first because it makes the horror elements hit even harder once reality starts unraveling around her. There’s this constant tension between what she wants to rationalize and what she physically cannot explain, and watching that psychological shift happen throughout the story creates such an intense atmosphere.
And then there’s Rot… who honestly feels less like a traditional monster romance MMC and more like a force of nature tied directly to the swamp itself. He’s terrifying in this deeply instinctual way. Possessive, predatory, ancient, and emotionally consuming from the second he becomes fully present in the story. What makes him work so well is that the book never tries to make him feel safe or human in a traditional sense. He remains unsettling the entire time, and because of that, every interaction between him and Talia feels loaded with fear, obsession, attraction, and inevitability all at once.
The bond between them honestly creates some of the strongest tension in the book. It doesn’t feel romantic in a soft way. It feels invasive. Primal. Like something neither of them can fully control once it’s awakened. The story leans heavily into that “you belong to me now” energy, but wraps it in body horror, psychological dread, and this overwhelming sense that Talia is slowly being pulled into something much older and darker than she understands.
What really stood out to me is how the horror never disappears just because attraction enters the story. A lot of monster romances soften the fear too quickly, but Rot keeps that unease alive the entire time. Even the intimate moments still carry tension because there’s always this lingering awareness that Rot is dangerous in ways Talia may never fully survive. The relationship constantly walks this line between protection and consumption, and the book uses that emotional imbalance incredibly well.
The swamp atmosphere deserves its own praise honestly because it adds so much to the emotional tone of the story. Everything feels wet, decayed, isolated, and slowly rotting from the inside out. The body horror elements, the infection themes, the ancient family history, and the feeling of being trapped in something alive all build this really oppressive atmosphere that makes the story feel almost feverish at times.
I also appreciated how the story explores different forms of control and exploitation throughout the book. The monster may be the obvious predator, but the human manipulation woven into the story feels just as unsettling in its own way. That parallel between societal control and primal possession gives the story more emotional depth underneath all the horror and spice.
Overall, this is absolutely for readers who enjoy horror-heavy monster romance with deeply possessive creatures, claustrophobic atmosphere, body horror, primal obsession, psychological tension, and relationships that feel more consuming than comforting. If you like your monster romance dark, feral, emotionally intense, and genuinely unsettling, Rot will absolutely pull you straight into the swamp with it.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Talia immediately feels like someone trying to hold onto logic and control in a situation designed to strip both away from her piece by piece. I really liked that she approaches everything with this grounded, practical mindset at first because it makes the horror elements hit even harder once reality starts unraveling around her. There’s this constant tension between what she wants to rationalize and what she physically cannot explain, and watching that psychological shift happen throughout the story creates such an intense atmosphere.
And then there’s Rot… who honestly feels less like a traditional monster romance MMC and more like a force of nature tied directly to the swamp itself. He’s terrifying in this deeply instinctual way. Possessive, predatory, ancient, and emotionally consuming from the second he becomes fully present in the story. What makes him work so well is that the book never tries to make him feel safe or human in a traditional sense. He remains unsettling the entire time, and because of that, every interaction between him and Talia feels loaded with fear, obsession, attraction, and inevitability all at once.
The bond between them honestly creates some of the strongest tension in the book. It doesn’t feel romantic in a soft way. It feels invasive. Primal. Like something neither of them can fully control once it’s awakened. The story leans heavily into that “you belong to me now” energy, but wraps it in body horror, psychological dread, and this overwhelming sense that Talia is slowly being pulled into something much older and darker than she understands.
What really stood out to me is how the horror never disappears just because attraction enters the story. A lot of monster romances soften the fear too quickly, but Rot keeps that unease alive the entire time. Even the intimate moments still carry tension because there’s always this lingering awareness that Rot is dangerous in ways Talia may never fully survive. The relationship constantly walks this line between protection and consumption, and the book uses that emotional imbalance incredibly well.
The swamp atmosphere deserves its own praise honestly because it adds so much to the emotional tone of the story. Everything feels wet, decayed, isolated, and slowly rotting from the inside out. The body horror elements, the infection themes, the ancient family history, and the feeling of being trapped in something alive all build this really oppressive atmosphere that makes the story feel almost feverish at times.
I also appreciated how the story explores different forms of control and exploitation throughout the book. The monster may be the obvious predator, but the human manipulation woven into the story feels just as unsettling in its own way. That parallel between societal control and primal possession gives the story more emotional depth underneath all the horror and spice.
Overall, this is absolutely for readers who enjoy horror-heavy monster romance with deeply possessive creatures, claustrophobic atmosphere, body horror, primal obsession, psychological tension, and relationships that feel more consuming than comforting. If you like your monster romance dark, feral, emotionally intense, and genuinely unsettling, Rot will absolutely pull you straight into the swamp with it.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
May 16, 2026
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.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2026
5+ STARS. ⭐️
Okay, so this is the third book I've read in this series, I'm reading them in publication order. So far, I've read Echo and Chuckles, and I absolutely LOVED both of them. They were both 5-star reads for me.
But this one?
I LOVED IT EVEN MORE.
I refuse to go back and take away stars from the first two, so let's just say this one gets 5+ stars. 😉
I really enjoyed both of these main characters, but I have to say that Talia is, without a doubt, my favorite heroine of the series so far. The other two had their moments where they got on my nerves a little (sorry, ladies 🤣), but Talia? Honestly, she never did.
What I loved most about her was how in touch she was with her emotions. She could acknowledge what she was feeling for Rot without all the wishy-washy back-and-forth that I felt happened so much in the previous books.
SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WANTED, SHE KNEW WHAT SHE DESERVED, AND SHE WANTED A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP.
WE LOVE A WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER WORTH. 👏🏻
These two were both so broken, carrying pasts that I genuinely think a lot of people wouldn't have made it through. They both had their issues and things they needed to work through. But watching them realize that if they wanted to be together, they would have to grow, change, and allow themselves to be vulnerable?
I WAS SCREAMING WITH JOY.
Because loving someone isn't always enough on its own. Sometimes you have to be willing to face the ugly parts of yourself, do the hard work, and learn how to love someone the right way. And watching these two make that choice for themselves and for each other was SO satisfying.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, PEOPLE. WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
And I absolutely have to give Shannon a shout-out because she was such an amazing addition to this story! I loved watching her friendship with Talia develop and flourish. Give me genuine female friendships that add something meaningful to the story EVERY TIME. ❤️
So yeah. Three books into this series, and somehow Kat Bethel just keeps getting better for me. I already loved the first two, but Rot managed to take everything I was enjoying and give me even more of what I wanted.
5+ STARS. ⭐️
Okay, so this is the third book I've read in this series, I'm reading them in publication order. So far, I've read Echo and Chuckles, and I absolutely LOVED both of them. They were both 5-star reads for me.
But this one?
I LOVED IT EVEN MORE.
I refuse to go back and take away stars from the first two, so let's just say this one gets 5+ stars. 😉
I really enjoyed both of these main characters, but I have to say that Talia is, without a doubt, my favorite heroine of the series so far. The other two had their moments where they got on my nerves a little (sorry, ladies 🤣), but Talia? Honestly, she never did.
What I loved most about her was how in touch she was with her emotions. She could acknowledge what she was feeling for Rot without all the wishy-washy back-and-forth that I felt happened so much in the previous books.
SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WANTED, SHE KNEW WHAT SHE DESERVED, AND SHE WANTED A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP.
WE LOVE A WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER WORTH. 👏🏻
These two were both so broken, carrying pasts that I genuinely think a lot of people wouldn't have made it through. They both had their issues and things they needed to work through. But watching them realize that if they wanted to be together, they would have to grow, change, and allow themselves to be vulnerable?
I WAS SCREAMING WITH JOY.
Because loving someone isn't always enough on its own. Sometimes you have to be willing to face the ugly parts of yourself, do the hard work, and learn how to love someone the right way. And watching these two make that choice for themselves and for each other was SO satisfying.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, PEOPLE. WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
And I absolutely have to give Shannon a shout-out because she was such an amazing addition to this story! I loved watching her friendship with Talia develop and flourish. Give me genuine female friendships that add something meaningful to the story EVERY TIME. ❤️
So yeah. Three books into this series, and somehow Kat Bethel just keeps getting better for me. I already loved the first two, but Rot managed to take everything I was enjoying and give me even more of what I wanted.
5+ STARS. ⭐️
May 28, 2026
4.5*
God this author is fucked up and I LOVE IT.
Truly, this is not for the faint of heart, and I say that without even addressing the monster fuckery going on here. This was a heartbreaking, devastating, truth remaking read.
Serious heads up, please go seek out trigger warnings if you are sensitive to any specific topics because if this one hits you close to home, it will be a bumpy ride. But wow am I here for it.
The foils are foiling, holy. It's been a minute since I read the first two in this series, but damn, all three are going back on my TBR. They're beautiful albeit heartbreaking (truly soul wrenching shit here) but finishing one just feels so good. I feel accomplished now for whatever reason. Having come off of a pretty disappointing DNF immediately prior to this (as in about fourteen minutes give or take), the writing, the characters, the world, the imagery, the scene setting, the action, the twisted inner monologue? All of it was thick, juicy, tender, succulent. Truly a feast for the senses. Am I gushing? Yeah, one hundred percent, for sure. Am I overreacting? Maaaaaybe, if I squint a little. But still. Even if I react more sedately, this was fully worth the read and a total package.
The emotional angst was fully there. The flashbacks, truly haunting. The horrifying way that even though everything is relived, next to nothing is described and that almost makes it worse, more traumatic. The disgusting realizations she makes about herself and her past and the people around her. The internalized self loathing, the fear, the resignation, the code switching.
The way she handles that one injured guy, when she pulls the right amount instead of what she contemplates for a little too long. The way she complements her classmate that one time. Ugh I want to spoil spoil spoil but I won't.
I love the ending. It does feel a bit like a bow is being tied on but good god do these poor characters deserve that and more.
God this author is fucked up and I LOVE IT.
Truly, this is not for the faint of heart, and I say that without even addressing the monster fuckery going on here. This was a heartbreaking, devastating, truth remaking read.
Serious heads up, please go seek out trigger warnings if you are sensitive to any specific topics because if this one hits you close to home, it will be a bumpy ride. But wow am I here for it.
The foils are foiling, holy. It's been a minute since I read the first two in this series, but damn, all three are going back on my TBR. They're beautiful albeit heartbreaking (truly soul wrenching shit here) but finishing one just feels so good. I feel accomplished now for whatever reason. Having come off of a pretty disappointing DNF immediately prior to this (as in about fourteen minutes give or take), the writing, the characters, the world, the imagery, the scene setting, the action, the twisted inner monologue? All of it was thick, juicy, tender, succulent. Truly a feast for the senses. Am I gushing? Yeah, one hundred percent, for sure. Am I overreacting? Maaaaaybe, if I squint a little. But still. Even if I react more sedately, this was fully worth the read and a total package.
The emotional angst was fully there. The flashbacks, truly haunting. The horrifying way that even though everything is relived, next to nothing is described and that almost makes it worse, more traumatic. The disgusting realizations she makes about herself and her past and the people around her. The internalized self loathing, the fear, the resignation, the code switching.
The way she handles that one injured guy, when she pulls the right amount instead of what she contemplates for a little too long. The way she complements her classmate that one time. Ugh I want to spoil spoil spoil but I won't.
I love the ending. It does feel a bit like a bow is being tied on but good god do these poor characters deserve that and more.
August 19, 2026
Well… Kat Bethel has done it again. 😳🖤 Rot is dark, eerie, twisted and packed with the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like something is lurking just out of sight.
Talia Rinah begins with what should be a fairly straightforward expedition, hoping to help establish the swamp as a wildlife sanctuary while working toward her thesis. Instead, she discovers something buried beneath the surface that was never meant to be found—and awakens a predator with a very personal reason to hate her kind.
From there, everything changes.
I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Talia's past and the way forgotten memories begin creeping back into the present. Just when she thinks she understands what she's dealing with, another layer is revealed, leaving her—and us—questioning who can actually be trusted.
The swamp setting was one of my favourite parts. It creates such a creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the forgotten nest built with bones immediately sets the tone for just how dark this story is going to become. 🌿🦴
Talia is also a character I really enjoyed following. She's trying to build a life for herself while being forced to confront things she doesn't fully understand, and watching her piece together the truth kept me invested.
And then there's the mysterious predator stalking her every move. The tension surrounding him, Talia and the ancient connection between them adds another fascinating layer to the story.
If you enjoy dark romance, monsters, supernatural mysteries, eerie settings, dangerous secrets, forced proximity and characters trying to uncover the truth behind their own past, Rot is definitely one to pick up.
Kat Bethel creates another wonderfully unsettling story where the line between monster and victim becomes increasingly difficult to see.
Dark, mysterious, atmospheric and seriously addictive. Sometimes the thing you're running from is already a part of you. 🖤🌿
Talia Rinah begins with what should be a fairly straightforward expedition, hoping to help establish the swamp as a wildlife sanctuary while working toward her thesis. Instead, she discovers something buried beneath the surface that was never meant to be found—and awakens a predator with a very personal reason to hate her kind.
From there, everything changes.
I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Talia's past and the way forgotten memories begin creeping back into the present. Just when she thinks she understands what she's dealing with, another layer is revealed, leaving her—and us—questioning who can actually be trusted.
The swamp setting was one of my favourite parts. It creates such a creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the forgotten nest built with bones immediately sets the tone for just how dark this story is going to become. 🌿🦴
Talia is also a character I really enjoyed following. She's trying to build a life for herself while being forced to confront things she doesn't fully understand, and watching her piece together the truth kept me invested.
And then there's the mysterious predator stalking her every move. The tension surrounding him, Talia and the ancient connection between them adds another fascinating layer to the story.
If you enjoy dark romance, monsters, supernatural mysteries, eerie settings, dangerous secrets, forced proximity and characters trying to uncover the truth behind their own past, Rot is definitely one to pick up.
Kat Bethel creates another wonderfully unsettling story where the line between monster and victim becomes increasingly difficult to see.
Dark, mysterious, atmospheric and seriously addictive. Sometimes the thing you're running from is already a part of you. 🖤🌿
May 13, 2026
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.
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.
August 4, 2026
Thank you BookSirens for an eArc. All opinions remain 100% genuine.
Actual rating: 3.5 / 5
This was another entertaining book in the A Monsters Prey series and I loved getting Talia's perspective. I had an inkling of an idea of who she was and was so excited and happy when it was confirmed.
I liked that she gave herself her chance to take back her fear and turn it into something else, as well as exploring her trauma and trying to break through it and heal.
It was a harder storyline to stomach though, due to the hardships and abuse that Talia faced as a child.
The flashback scenes (though murky with a child's confusion and suppression) were quite disturbing and upsetting to read about, made more challenging due to it being from a child. So please check your triggers.
The monster love interest in this one wasn't my favourite but I enjoyed the diary entry chapters about his origins and kind of wanted more from that. Rot didn't feel as fleshed out as the other MMCs have been. He was pretty flat as a character and I felt like Talia really carried the lead. I also had it in my head that he'd be a sort of zombie creature because of the name, so was a bit wavey on where the story would go.
Poor Talia getting dragged around the swamp every other page! It made me think of total wipeout or the final of I'm a celeb, which was pretty funny.
I really felt like I could smell the swamp and feel the heat of the thick atmosphere. It was a very immersive story in that way.
I think (funnily enough) this would be my third favourite book so far, in the series, and it's the third book! Still a good read, just not as addictive as the first two have been!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Actual rating: 3.5 / 5
This was another entertaining book in the A Monsters Prey series and I loved getting Talia's perspective. I had an inkling of an idea of who she was and was so excited and happy when it was confirmed.
I liked that she gave herself her chance to take back her fear and turn it into something else, as well as exploring her trauma and trying to break through it and heal.
It was a harder storyline to stomach though, due to the hardships and abuse that Talia faced as a child.
The flashback scenes (though murky with a child's confusion and suppression) were quite disturbing and upsetting to read about, made more challenging due to it being from a child. So please check your triggers.
The monster love interest in this one wasn't my favourite but I enjoyed the diary entry chapters about his origins and kind of wanted more from that. Rot didn't feel as fleshed out as the other MMCs have been. He was pretty flat as a character and I felt like Talia really carried the lead. I also had it in my head that he'd be a sort of zombie creature because of the name, so was a bit wavey on where the story would go.
Poor Talia getting dragged around the swamp every other page! It made me think of total wipeout or the final of I'm a celeb, which was pretty funny.
I really felt like I could smell the swamp and feel the heat of the thick atmosphere. It was a very immersive story in that way.
I think (funnily enough) this would be my third favourite book so far, in the series, and it's the third book! Still a good read, just not as addictive as the first two have been!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 🖤
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 🖤
Review of advance copy
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!
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!
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
October 21, 2026
So I was hoping for a lot more with this book but it was a disappointment. Firstly so many grammar errors as well as straight up parts where things are switched in the descriptions. Like did she get back to her camp site with no pants or did she randomly have extra pants on her. I kinda forgot that she was an ancestor of a witch lineage and kinda felt like this would work without the witch angle. Like it even said that they bonded cause she went into the nest which doesn't make the most sense but it's at least an explanation. I feel like Shannon was the only good character surprisingly especially when we get introduced to her and her giving off entitled rich bitch energy. I also felt like the monster should have had some kinda art for him cause I had trouble picturing him and I thought their romance dynamic felt it was missing a lot and skipping a lot of vital romance development. Like why did he expect her to choose him when he didn't give her a reason to stay and why did she choose him anyway?! Like a lot of this just didn't make sense to me. I swear Shannon carried this story. Also lastly was his dick in the same hole as his tail??? Like I was so confused with positions in general when anyone was on her.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
May 9, 2026
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2026
*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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2026
Maybe more of a 3.75? I really liked this dark monster romance. There was a good amount of blood and gore and violence, and some really good monster spice. Definitely check the trigger warnings. The antagonistic bond between Talia and Rot was great. And I loved the unexpected ending.
I did find some of the dialogue to be a bit stilted. And monster aside, I found a lot of this to be a bit unrealistic. Like, there's a monster out there, get your butts out of the swamp. I don't want to say any more and give away spoilers, but I did roll my eyes a few times. Still didn't take away from me enjoying the story.
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I definitely will. Highly recommend this one.
**Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this free ebook. All opinions are my own.**
I did find some of the dialogue to be a bit stilted. And monster aside, I found a lot of this to be a bit unrealistic. Like, there's a monster out there, get your butts out of the swamp. I don't want to say any more and give away spoilers, but I did roll my eyes a few times. Still didn't take away from me enjoying the story.
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I definitely will. Highly recommend this one.
**Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this free ebook. All opinions are my own.**
June 16, 2026
4 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Just a heads up that this book 3 of Monster Prey story series, but you don’t need to read the others to start this one.
Rot was such a weirdly addictive read. The swamp setting created an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that perfectly matched the horror elements, and I found myself hooked from the opening pages.
I really enjoyed the slow reveal of the creature and learning more about the history and lore surrounding the swamp. The blend of horror, suspense, and “romance” worked well for me, and the forced proximity added plenty of tension.
Tropes & atmosphere:
Paranormal
Curses
Science involved
Obsessive MMC
Forced proximity
Gore
Monster smut
HEA
If you’re looking for a short monster romance with horror vibes, primal energy, and a unique setting, this one is definitely worth checking out.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Just a heads up that this book 3 of Monster Prey story series, but you don’t need to read the others to start this one.
Rot was such a weirdly addictive read. The swamp setting created an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that perfectly matched the horror elements, and I found myself hooked from the opening pages.
I really enjoyed the slow reveal of the creature and learning more about the history and lore surrounding the swamp. The blend of horror, suspense, and “romance” worked well for me, and the forced proximity added plenty of tension.
Tropes & atmosphere:
Paranormal
Curses
Science involved
Obsessive MMC
Forced proximity
Gore
Monster smut
HEA
If you’re looking for a short monster romance with horror vibes, primal energy, and a unique setting, this one is definitely worth checking out.
September 7, 2026
Story 4 ⭐
Spice 3.5 🌶️
Rot is book 3 in the A Monster's Prey horror romance series. Be sure to check the warnings if needed as it is dark and contains plenty of dark themes.
Rot is a very possessive swamp monster type creature and Talia is a grad student focused on completing her PHD with the worst possible graduate advisor one could have.
This story demonstrates that the true monsters are not always going to be the literal monster standing in front of you eating those around you.
The FMC doesn not experience any form of insta-lust with the MMC, which is not something you would want in this story, so that works perfectly. There is a HEA with an ending that fits the characters very well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice 3.5 🌶️
Rot is book 3 in the A Monster's Prey horror romance series. Be sure to check the warnings if needed as it is dark and contains plenty of dark themes.
Rot is a very possessive swamp monster type creature and Talia is a grad student focused on completing her PHD with the worst possible graduate advisor one could have.
This story demonstrates that the true monsters are not always going to be the literal monster standing in front of you eating those around you.
The FMC doesn not experience any form of insta-lust with the MMC, which is not something you would want in this story, so that works perfectly. There is a HEA with an ending that fits the characters very well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
May 11, 2026
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 💚
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 💚
May 12, 2026
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.
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.
May 23, 2026
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.
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.
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