Wow. A.V. Blackmoor has done it again. That cliffhanger was absolutely brutal. I am still reeling.
Monster’s Claim takes everything from Monster’s Prey and pushes it even further. The first half of this book is pure angst. I teared up so many times. The things Quill goes through, the things Piper endures, the emotional devastation between them, it wrecked me in the best way.
This is not a dark lite romance. Please check your triggers. The darkness here is emotional, psychological, and very physical. Piper is in real danger again and again. She is beaten, kidnapped, threatened, and dragged through multiple factions who either want to use her or kill her. She cannot catch a break, and you feel every second of it.
Quill is still absolutely morally black. Not a broody alpha, but a damaged, psychologically broken man who has never known love or stability. The chapters about his childhood gutted me. The abuse, the manipulation and the way his father weaponized his trauma made so much of his behavior click into place. Watching him unravel and confront the truth about his past was devastating.
His growth in this book is incredible. He starts asking questions, assessing danger, and learning Piper’s limits. He understands how much harm he caused and how long it will take her to heal. For someone like Quill, that kind of growth is huge.
Piper’s arc is just as powerful. Her trauma, fear, and anger all make sense, and watching her slowly break some of those cycles was incredibly satisfying.
And Josh. This man is the MVP of both books. Loyal, steady, and constantly stepping up when Quill cannot.
Plot wise, this book is relentless. Every time things seemed to calm down, something else exploded. The betrayals, the factions, the danger, it was the best kind of chaos.
And that ending. I am already counting down the days until the next book.
Monster’s Claim by A. V. Blackmoor picks up right where Book 1 left off, continuing from that intense cliffhanger. It keeps the same fierce “touch her and die” energy, while also answering many of the questions left hanging in the first installment.
This book dives deeper into Quill’s past, giving more insight into what makes him so unhinged and complex. One of my favorite elements was the developing friendship between Quill and Josh!
I found myself rooting hard for a happy ending for these characters, and thankfully, it delivered. They finally get their HEA… even though the story still manages to end on another cliffhanger!
This duet leans heavily into dark romance, featuring a morally grey male lead and a relationship that’s definitely toxic at times, so checking trigger warnings is a must. That said, I really enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to fans of the genre.
Title: Monster’s Claim Author: A.V. Blackmoor Genre: Dark Revenge Romance Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Main Characters: Quill & Piper & Josh Book Type: Duet
Oh. My. God. This was so freaking good!! It’s dark, intense and made me TENSE!
Quill - his character development in this story grew to be so much more than I thought. While I loved him at the start of this duet, I love him even more now.
Josh - literally one of the best characters in this book. I absolutely loved his part in this book and how him and Quill slowly started becoming best friends. Ugh it just made my heart melt.
Piper - she dorky, quirky and straight weird, but I love her and her and Quill make the best couple. Their push and pull throughout made it worth reading.
Absolutely another top tier book pushed out by A.V. Blackmoor and I HIGHLY recommend you reading!!
✨ Tropes + Triggers ✨ Guilt Revenge Secret Society Kidnapping Primal Play Murder Obsessed MMC Touch Her & Die Secrets Lies Mafia
Piper finds herself waking up to Quill apologizing after he tried to kill her and she told him the truth of what broke them apart. While she now understands why he did what he did, forgiveness is not that simple, especially after the way he destroyed her. But they don’t have time to dwell on the past, as the secret of Piper’s identity is finally revealed, and they realize she’s in more danger now than ever before. As Quill vows to keep her safe, she doesn’t know whether she can trust it, or him, and with him acting so differently, she struggles between wanting to be with the only boy she’s ever loved, and not knowing whether he will turn on her in his next breath. As Quill works to figure out who he can trust back at Devil, he finds an unlikely ally in Josh, and they work together to try save Piper from the different organizations coming after her.
I received an early copy of this book from the author, and after the cliffhanger ending of book one, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this one definitely delivered. I loved how much more self-aware Quill was, realizing exactly how his actions were harmful, even when he wasn’t able to stop himself, but the more he communicated with Piper, the more it was evident how much he loved her. Piper was still her usual quirky self, but somehow she couldn’t be more perfect for Quill. The reveal at the end hinted that there is so much more to this story, and I can’t wait to see what the next duet will bring.
I am obsessed with the devil's universe and this book is no different. Obsession,possessive, unhinged pitch black romance. He was her bully for years and tormentor for more. He tried to make her hate him until he finds out the truth. Then he wants nothing more to make her forgive him. An extremely heart breaking, spicy hate, tormented romance and im here for it. Can't wait to finish any other books in this universe.
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book. It is my first time reading anything by A.V. Blackmoor and I am hooked.
Where do I even begin with Quill and Piper? Holy toxic but holy goooood. I am a SUCKER for a good bully romance and Quill checks those boxes. Honestly, after the first book I really was wondering how in the world he was going to come back from what he did but boy did he ever. And don’t we love a man who grovels but grovels in his own way? Yes, yes we do 👏🏼 for a man to hate the world and be such a psychopath, he sure does love Piper and hold her above all else. I loved watching him, in a way, learn to love her. He was always obsessed with her but to watch him feel the things he did for her that he never knew he could feel was one of my favorite parts in this duet. Piper was so freaking funny and was just so “human.” She felt all the things and was just a pure soul who didn’t deserve the situations she went through but always loved Quill despite it all.
The spice was sooo good (a 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 for me). Sometimes the plot can get drown out or just not exist due to the spice but that’s not the case here. The story is constantly flowing and the spice honestly shows their characters so much more. I could just imagine his “smirk” he gives her all the time while I was reading and I suddenly wanted to cook in the kitchen with Quill (IYKYK 😏)
Solid duet. Solid read. I cannot wait to see what she does with the side characters and the continuation of this story. Because let’s not forget that Josh deserves the moooooon and was one of my faborite characters in this book 👏🏼🫶🏼 you won’t regret picking this one up!
Happy Reading 📚🖤
Dual 1st POV Bully Romance Found family Think about her and ☠️
I don't even know where to start. AV Blackmoor picked up exactly where book one left off and somehow made everything bigger, darker, and more gut-wrenching. I finished this in one sitting and sat there staring at the ceiling for a good ten minutes after.
Piper is everything. Watching her find out the truth about who she actually is while simultaneously being hunted from every direction — I was stressed on her behalf the entire time. She has so much thrown at her in this book, and she handles it in the most real, messy, human way possible. Quill broke my heart about fifteen times. He is terrible and damaged and I understood every awful decision he made even when I wanted to shake him. The way he loves Piper — possessive and clumsy and desperate — felt so specific to his character. Blackmoor never lets him off the hook, which is exactly why it works.
Logan and Damien added layers I wasn't expecting. Every scene they were in landed differently, and their dynamic with the rest of the group felt genuine rather than just background noise. And the Devil Founders? The lore around them and this decades-long war had me fully invested in the world beyond just the romance. It elevated the whole story.
This book is dark, messy, and completely earned its HEA. If you loved book one, just go ahead and clear your schedule.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author: A.V. Blackmoor Release Date: April 29, 2026 Genre: Pitch Black Romance
This is the 2nd book in the Monster Duet. Not as dark as book 1, but we get more character background and development this go round. We get a better understanding of what shaped Quinn and how the Devil came to be. Left on a cliffhanger in book 1, we find Quinn & Piper are still in a rough spot. Both the MMC & FMC frustrated me to no end through both books but not in a bad way. It has the perfect amount of story mixed with spice if you are looking for a dark romance that not just full on smut and offers mystery, morally grey characters and revenge. I thought there was more to ‘just Josh’ but he easily became my favourite ‘side kick’ his character was such a great addition to the tension. The plot did not feel rushed, with a few “what the?” moments sprinkled throughout. I’m looking forward to the next duet in the series…you’ll have to read the epilogue to find out who it’s about.
Triggers: as someone who has no triggers I strongly recommend that you always check your triggers and be good to yourself I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 2nd half of the Monster Duet & a good conclusion to the story!! I'm so glad that it ends in a HEA since the 1st book left in a huge cliffhanger. I would definitely recommend reading the books one after another!!! 😃
Piper & Quinn both have traumatic pasts & I enjoyed seeing some glimpses into their past, which helps you understand them a bit better. I enjoyed watching them fall in love a bit more & seeing their relationship get a bit healthier...
There are quite a few unexpected plot twists in this book, which I really enjoyed (can't say more without spoilers, trust me, you'll want to read the books!! They're quite well written!)
I really enjoyed seeing more of the characters from the Devil books, A. V. Blackmoor does a good job of writing interconnected books & I really like the characters & their complexities.
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*DARK romance (pitch black...but this book ends in a HEA!!!) *morally grey characters *interconnected books *part of the DEVIL universe & the 2nd half of the Monster Duet *there are a lot of dark & traumatic things covered, including death of loved ones and rape (multiple times), & attempted rape. The author does a good job listing trigger warnings, so read her list!!
Thank you to the author (A. V. Blackmoor) for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the first book in the Monster Duet but the second book didn't quite land for me in the same ways.
Something about the relationship between Piper and Quill was just not working for me and I found myself not really liking Piper's character as the story went on. I will say that I do appreciate a story where your characters have their own anxieties and struggles with mental health. I liked that you saw that in both of them which is what made their pairing seem like they were meant for one another.
Josh continues to be a great sidekick and brings the right amount of entertainment to what is otherwise a very dark and troubling world.
We don't have as many flashbacks in the second book so you are really focused on the here and now. There are definitely moments of action and violence. There is a good bit of spice but prepare yourself to see Piper and Quill embrace their kinks.
I appreciated the ending and the set up for the potential of future books in the Devil universe.
Thanks to the author for this ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
This was a 2.5-star read for me, and I’m being generous. Honestly, how many times can one person be kidnapped?
I love smut in my stories as much as anyone, but here it became repetitive and, eventually, boring. And what happened to Quill in this book—did he get a brain transplant? Because suddenly he seems very stupid and unable to put two and two together. In the first book, Quill is established as a calculated, albeit psychopathic, predator who is always two steps ahead. Here, because he’s being manipulated by those around him and because his emotions for Piper cloud his judgment, he loses that predator edge and comes off more like a puppy.
It felt like everyone either wanted to kill Piper, or something close to it, and she gets taken in almost every chapter. By the time we finally started getting answers, I just didn’t care anymore. The ending is a bit interesting, setting up a new duet, but I don’t think I’ll continue with this universe.
And did I mention the parents weren’t buried? They just… disappeared after the crime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book !!!
“Alright, little cricket. Ready for your punishment?”
Unhinged. Even more than the first book in this duet. Crazy. Impossibly good. Dark like the worst trigger warnings you can find on the planet. Loving in a way you are not expecting. Understanding in a way that works only for them. Spicy in a way that will both satisfy you and devastate you. But the comeback is worth it. Considering everything we have been through in book one, this second part of the duet was what we needed to finally allow the characters to experience the happy ending they had been denied for so long. Unconventional? Most definitely. But it’s theirs. And I think it was even sweeter than what I was expecting from Quill and Piper and the way they started things. But I can’t complain. Am I excited for what comes next? Yeah. I really am!! But for now, I’m excited to see this book come to life!
“I’m yours. I’ll always be yours. You own me” “Yes … But not as much as you own me”
4.7/5 Please check your trigger warnings prior to reading, “The Monster Duet”.
I did find the first book more Darker than this one. This book starts off where the first book left off. I recommend reading the first book before this book. This is a Duet. The first book leaves off on a cliffhanger. You think Piper has been shot or possibly dead in the first book.
This book “Monster’s Claim” goes into characters past. You get a look into Quill’s backstory. You learn more about the characters and discover why people want Piper dead. You find out her real identity. She had no idea she was a descendant of the Moretti family and a threat to many. They want her dead. Then you have the twisted chemistry between Piper and Quill. He wants to protect her and he’s unhinged. Enemies become allies to protect her from being murdered.
This was a rollercoaster of a story. I enjoyed reading this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
⭐️ARC Review ⭐️ With all the twists and secrets and captures - I was wracking my brain on how we would we get a HEA! The Logan and Piper twist? Did NOT see that coming. Shook doesn’t even cover it. And Piper really went through a lot physically - from the unwanted beatings to the very much wanted spankings, iykyk 😏 Quill broke my whole heart. I just wanted to hug him and tell him don’t worry. His dad is actually the worst human alive — the damage he did to Quill & Piper is devastating. The car scene/confrontation made me spiral - I was THIS close to throwing my Kindle across the room. Josh!! I love him even more than I did in the last book! He’s so sweet and so much more stronger! He is the perfect best friend and sidekick! Logan though — I am still so deprived. I need his story now. Yes I know it’s coming soon but he’s my favorite so forgive me! That cliffhanger though?? Hello?? Excuse me??
*********ARC REVIEW******** Quill and Piper? Absolutely feral, beautifully broken, and *dangerously addictive*. This is toxic done right—dark, obsessive, and impossible to look away from. Quill is chaos in human form, a full-blown menace, but the way he unravels for Piper? Sinful. His version of groveling isn’t soft—it’s sharp, possessive, and dripping with obsession.
Piper, somehow still light in all that darkness, is raw, real, and way too good for the world she’s thrown into—but she loves him anyway. And watching him *learn* how to love her back? Twisted perfection.
Less past, more present—so the stakes hit harder, the violence cuts deeper, and the spice? Dark, daring, and not for the faint of heart. They lean into every edge of their desires.
And that twist?? I’m still reeling. Piper goes through hell—pain, power, and pleasure all tangled together. Messed up, magnetic, and completely unforgettable. 😏
I’m still recovering from this one because WHAT did I just put myself through 😵💫 This book is chaos from start to finish. No breaks. No peace. Just Quill being completely unhinged and Piper making decisions that had me questioning everything—but I could not look away. Their dynamic? Messy, intense, and wildly addictive. He’s not a “fixable” kind of character, and the story doesn’t pretend otherwise. But the way everything unfolds between them keeps you hooked in the best (and most stressful) way. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the twists just keep coming. I genuinely had moments where I had to stop and just process what happened because EXCUSE ME?? Quill absolutely wrecked me in this one. Piper goes through so much, and the emotional weight hits hard. And that reveal?? I did not see it coming at all. 4.25⭐ — chaotic, intense, and impossible to put down. Thank you A.V. for the ARC 🖤
Where do I even begin… I absolutely loved this book! It was intense, emotional, and completely gripping from start to finish. Watching the characters grow, especially over the duet, was so satisfying.
Quill low-key frustrated me in the first book, but in this one, he truly proves how deeply he loves Piper, and that growth made everything hit even harder. And Piper… wow. The revelations about her had me completely shocked! I could not put this book down!
This story had me hooked the entire time. Every twist kept me guessing, and I never knew what was coming next. It’s one of those books that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
I seriously can’t wait to read more from A.V. Blackmoor, her writing is captivating, emotional, and so well done.
This is Book 2 in the Monster Duet. I do recommend reading the Devil Duet first as this book does link in with that story and i feel it leads in better with the full knowledge
Again this is dark lots of triggers so check that before going into this world.
We pick up where we left off in book 1 and straight into the fast paced constant twists and turns with sooo many revelations and explanations on why Piper is in so much danger
This poor girl is on the constant verge of being hurt or murdered that she even starts to find humour init
The love that is between Quill and her is a roller-coaster and from the outside totally toxic but they are exactly what each other need, he is a touch her and d!e type and she is the damsel that needs constant rescuing even though she tries really hard not to be
And the revelation at the end.... there is so much more to this world and the possibilities seem endless, can't wait for more
Now that duet didn't just end on a cliffhanger?…. IT DID!!!!
No, no, nope you can't do that….
This book answered so many questions for me after reading book one only to leave me with lots more questions!!!!
The plot was awesome, didnt expect the part of why Piper was important to so many people dead ir alive.
The blossoming friendship between Quill and Josh was fantastic, considering Quill thought he was too messed up to ever have friends or care about anyone other than his little cricket.
The spice was definitely spicing, which i love in a dark romance.
Back to that ending though, i need that story stat!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received my copy of monsters claim as an arc by the author. After the cliffhanger from the first part of this duet I was so excited to get into the second half. This half has a great redemption arc and answers a lot of questions that I had after the first book. Quill definitely ends up becoming a golden retriever when he finally learns what really happens. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the nexts books, as there’s clearly more to this universe. I can’t wait to learn Lia and Logan’s story. I personally would not consider this book pitch black, but definitely check the trigger waning list and do what’s best for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book in the Monster Duet series, and Quill is truly put to the test throughout this story. I really liked the themes of found family and the growth in relationships — it added a lot more depth compared to the first book.
This one also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger lol, but overall I felt more satisfied with the character development here. You can really see the growth, especially with Quill.
The FMC was a little harder for me to connect with, but the writing was strong enough that Quill’s perspective helped fill in the gaps and made the story more enjoyable and easier to stick with.
I have unintentionally been on a bully romance kick lately and I am not at all mad about it. This duet was fantastic.
We left off hanging off the biggest cliff in book 1 and this one picks up right where that left off. This duet is emotional and shocking literally the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat. There were so many twists I never saw coming.
I fell in love with these characters in book 1 and even more in love in this book. Their growth together and independently was perfect.
Absolutely loved this. BUT please check your triggers and if bully or pitch black romance isn't your thing, just keep on moving.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and was so excited to read it and finish Quill and Piper’s story. This book was a wild ride from start to finish. The cliffhanger picking up in the beginning is just the start. The ending was perfect. Now, when I say I love a book with character growth- this is what I mean! I was not Quill’s biggest fan in the first book but by the end of this book, I was hooked. The spice in these two books are next level. It was even better in this book because of that change. I can’t say enough good things about this book and the duology. Perfect book for Haunting Adeline fans who love a secret society/mafia romance.
I wanted to throw my kindle across the room at this book!!! Absolutely devoured it. loved it. I need more. wanted to throttle the FMC. Wanted to love and stab the MMC.
This book is a Pitch-Black romance. Darker then dark romance. I was hooked on book 1 and so glad I was selected to read Book 2 as an ARC reader again but omg.... the twists that this book had, had me raging at the end.. 😭😭.
Pitch Black Romace. Touch her or look at her or talk about her and you literally die. Talks of S/A so fair warning. Dark CNC (it is all consensual and discussed many of times but it might be to much for some) Revenge focused MMC No other relationships. Only MF. Twists and turns in all directions.
Quill was Pipers tormentor, but also the man she couldnt be without until he crosses the line of no return. Secret revelations unravel before her about just who she is, and everything she thought she knew spirals, Quill was once the man she could rely on to protect her, but now hes the one she cant stand to be near despite her bodys reactions, but Quill cant live without her, but will forcing her push her even further away? Well written the epic conclusion to the pairs story is filled with action drama, desires, twists and more
I absolutely devoured this book within a day. Book 1 was great but book 2 is even better.
The amount of curveballs in this book were great. Nothing that I had written out in my head was correct. I like being kept on my toes. I also appreciated the character development throughout this book. It definitely makes me want to read the other books in the Devil series to learn more about them.
The spice was good, dark, and often. I was surprised they had the time to do so many activities given the situation that was happening to them.
Wow. What an ending to this duet. This book had it all. It had emotion, drama, suspense, spice, just everything you want. It was a great ending from the first book. I fell more in love with the FMC in this book with how strong she is. I also love her attitude and humor. Caught myself chuckling a few times during the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of the mmc in the first book but I definitely fell more in love with him in this book. I loved the couple of plot twists this book had as well, kept this story interesting. Great duet!
This was definitely an edge of your set dark romance. I couldn't put it down and I was totally obsessed with the characters. The more that I read, I was determined to guess what will happen next. The emotional upheaval that Piper and Quill faced had me rooting for them to heal. The twist and turns were so good that I never saw them coming. Definitely a page turner for me and it was good from start to finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We pick up right where book 1 left us devastatedly hanging. I don't think anything could have prepared me for all the emotional turmoil this book put me through. It is DARK ya'll. Dare I say, darker than book 1? Piper and Quill go through all kinds of hell before they get to their HEA. But the journey they went through kept me compelled and turning pages. Intense, twisted, unhinged, and completely unexpected keeping me engaged and on the edge-of-my-seat. Dark romance readers, this series is a must, and I can't wait for the next duet coming soon.
So Quill isn’t completely unredeemable but he’s still pretty close. I love that this relationship is perfect for them and they are both able to get what they need from it. It seems like we never know where the next threat will come from so it’s hard to trust anyone, except for Josh. Josh is solid and I adore him. I really enjoyed seeing more of Logan in this book also, even if I didn’t trust him, seeing his softer side along with his ruthless one was fun.