LedaThey came for me in the night with red eyes and claws.
But my real nightmare began when I woke up, naked and chained. I was in a different world, a place where monsters walked and humans bargained their freedom for magic.
Only I never signed a contract.
I was fighting for my life when he arrived. He stopped me from killing his soldier but brought me under his protection. He promised to help me find my way home, but it would take time.
Living with a monster was nothing like I expected. He took care of me, talked to me, and showed me more kindness than any human ever had.
The longer I stayed, the less I wanted to leave. Except…I may not have a choice.
Bokkan
The moment I saw the human female, I wanted her. She was strong, fierce—and fighting one of my soldiers.
When I discovered she had no contract, I used that excuse to claim her as mine to protect. And bring her under my roof where I could ensure her safety.
Her presence awakened primal instincts within me. The urge to hunt her, mate her, and brand her as mine. With each day that passed, my control frayed.
Until they took her from me and the beast within burst free. Once I find her, neither of us will have a choice.
Born and raised in Texas, C.C. Wood writes saucy paranormal and contemporary romances featuring strong, sassy women and the men that love them. If you ever meet C.C. in person, keep in mind that many of her characters are based on people she knows, so anything you say or do is likely to end up in a book one day.
A self-professed hermit, C.C. loves to stay home, where she reads, writes, cooks, and watches TV. She can usually be found drinking coffee or wine as she spends time with her hubby, daughter, and two beagles.
I would call this a slow burn dark romance which I was not prepared for. There's dark bits and spicy bits. The spicy bits don't happen right away but the intention is there. The tension so to speak. The MMC had such control and his mannerisms towards the FMC were honorable. Well as honorable as daemon fighting mating instincts can be. It was thoughtful and considerate of him to give her time. The majority of the book was lots of tension and build up. I honestly couldn't put it down. I found the plot engrossing. There was not much back story for the MMC and the FMCs were vague at best. The world building was more than enough though. Refenced to lack of character building in the sense of origins. Overall highly recommend you give this a try. Truly enjoyable...
Lastly I did receive this as arc but I'm not obligated to leave this review.
She was stolen into a monster’s world. He became the reason she stayed.
Leda wakes naked, chained, and trapped in a realm where humans are treated like bargains, property, or prizes. She never agreed to any of it, and she’s ready to fight her way home.
Bokkan should be another threat. He’s massive, horned, powerful, and ruled by instincts that push him to protect and claim. But instead of taking from her, he offers shelter, patience, and the one thing no one else in Penumbra will: a choice.
What begins as survival becomes something harder to resist. Leda doesn't trust easily, and Bokkan refuses to force what he wants most. Their connection grows through restraint, vulnerability, danger, and a devotion that softens only in each other's presence.
As outside threats close in, Bokkan's carefully controlled nature is tested, and Leda is forced to decide what freedom truly means. Choosing him doesn't mean giving up herself. It means standing beside someone who values her choices as fiercely as he values her safety.
Leda moves from defensive survival into a place where choosing trust doesn't feel like surrendering herself. Bokkan grows from restrained protector into a devoted mate who learns that love means offering safety without taking away choice. Their relationship becomes a high-heat bond built on consent, care, and chosen belonging.
An ultra-steamy, monster romance with forced proximity, fated mates, touch her and die devotion, primal instincts, size difference, and a fiercely protective hero. It explores trust, autonomy, survival, belonging, vulnerability, choice, identity, healing, and the tension between freedom and connection. It’s about a woman who refuses to be owned, a monster who learns that love cannot be taken, and a bond built through respect, devotion, and the choice to stay.
The Elevator Pitch: Dragged into a realm of monsters and magic, a fiercely independent woman refuses to become anyone's prize, even when the powerful daemon who claims her protection offers kindness instead of chains. As danger closes in and trust slowly replaces fear, she discovers that the greatest threat may not be the world that stole her away, but the possibility of finding something worth staying for. Between survival, devotion, and instincts neither of them fully understand, two stubborn hearts are forced to decide what freedom truly means.
Okayyyy… this was exactly the kind of monster romance I love. I went in expecting spice (and don’t worry, it’s there 🥵), but I wasn’t expecting to get so invested in Bokkan and Leda’s relationship. This is def more of a slow burn, and honestly, I think it worked better because of it. Every lingering glance, every moment Bokkan had to fight his instincts, and every ounce of trust Leda slowly gave him made the payoff so much sweeter.
Bokkan completely stole this book for me. He’s this massive, intimidating daemon who could easily take whatever he wants, but instead he spends the entire book making sure Leda always has a choice. That respect for her autonomy made him ten times hotter than if he’d simply given in to his mating instincts. The tension between them was absolutely delicious, and once the spice finally hit… whew. C.C. Wood definitely knows how to write erotica in the most unhinged way because I was fanning myself more than once.
I also loved that Leda never lost herself. Even after being kidnapped, auctioned, and thrown into a world she didn’t understand, she stayed scrappy and determined to find her own path. Watching her slowly realize that choosing Bokkan wasn’t giving up her freedom but finding someone who would protect it was probably my favorite part of the story.
Favorite quotes: “I gave my word, and I am a male of honor.” “She will never be safe here. She will never have the same freedom a female daemon has.” “He views you as his potential mate. He is fighting those instincts every day because he knows you do not feel the same way.”
This paranormal romance immediately drew me in with its detailed world-building and compelling premise. The heroine is abducted from her home, taken to the demon realm, and sold into slavery. However, she's far from a helpless victim—she's a highly trained fighter whose skills quickly attract the attention of some of the most powerful demons.
What I enjoyed most was the depth of the world. The demon realm feels complex and well developed, with its own rules, politics, and power struggles. Because the heroine is one of the few humans without a bargain binding her, she becomes the center of attention, creating plenty of tension and unexpected twists throughout the story.
The romance develops alongside a much larger plot, and I appreciated that there was always something happening beyond the relationship itself. The fated mate element is balanced with action, intrigue, and the heroine's determination to survive in a dangerous world.
Overall, this is an engaging paranormal romance with a unique storyline, memorable characters, and excellent world-building. If you enjoy fantasy romances that combine action, romance, and intricate lore, this book is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven't read this genre in a long time, and as soon as I started reading The Monsters Captive by CC. Wood, I realized that I missed it a lot.
I'm glad that this book drew me back into a fantasy world full of monsters, demons and magic. This world of demons was very well-developed, described and I devoured every new sensation like a sponge.
Leda - oh, I really liked Leda. She wasn't afraid of what happened to her, or anyone around her, which I really appreciate in FMC. A very nicely crafted character. Although we didn't really learn what she was like before the kidnapping, I still liked her very much, especially with her fighting spirit and wit, which definitely won me over.
Bokkan - he was just a sweetheart and definitely not an evil demon, of course, if someone wasn't around his mate. Then .... ☠️
Very solidly written, the chemistry between L and B worked, the other characters were incredibly good and fit into the story. The plot was head and heel.
I look forward to more adventures from that universe.
2,8⭐️/5 If I had known that the writing would be so YA like I wouldn’t have picked up this book 🥲
The premise was really interesting, a really strong woman pushed in a situation where she has to face her lack of resources against a situation so much bigger than her. A male/man living life day to day who finally find a purpose after meeting the FMC.
But the writing really ruined everything for me. That and the YA approach to everything. I don’t know where that tendency to over describe comes from. But if I wanted to read a movie script, I would do just that not a book !! Also the fact that as soon as a problem appeared a solution would follow just as fast, didn’t make it possible to truly feel any tension or urgency regarding “challenges” met by the couple. “Oh no the FMC/MMC is faced with a struggle let’s insert an easy solution, only 3 pages after introducing that problem” (the author I guess)
Overall a cute story, but really not for me. Not what I expect when I open a monster romance book.
The Monster's Captive is a fabulous fantasy read. This is a brand new series in the Penumbra realm. Book 1 and im hooked and cannot wait for more. This one pulled me in from the very start and I could not put it down. Leda is a human kidnapped to the Penumbra realm. She is a fighter and so strong. Bokkan is a retired general for the King who trains soldiers. He feels a pull instantly when he sees Leda battling one of his men. You are going to love his gentle caring side when it comes to Leda. The chemistry is slow burn as Bokkan gains Leda's trust and learns more about the female humans than his own kind. Leda is scrappy and you'll just love it. I loved how Bokkan fights his mating instincts. I could not get enough of Leda and Bokkan. You will be fanning yourself over these two as they both have that mine moments. I cannot wait for more to cone in this series. You need to one click this today.
The Monster's Captive is a dark, paranormal, fated mate, monster romance.
It's a full-length romance that has action, danger, heat, and, of course, heated chemistry.
I liked the characters a lot, to me they were really good characters, and they fit great together in my opinion. Their unique journey to love was something neither of them thought was going to happen, but when fate comes for you, you can't really fight it.
She's a strong heroine who is willing to fight to get home, but she now has a big hero that will go feral if anything or anyone tries to hurt her ot take her from him.
For sure, a book I recommend checking out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fantasy book really pulled me in to the story. You meet Leda who is a human that was kidnapped and brought into another realm as a slave to be auctioned off. Bokkan is a retired General for the King and sees this little human fighting with one of his men. He takes Leda under his protection and as his guest to protect her. As Bokkan fights his attraction to her, Leda faces challenges in this unknown realm which later leads her to being kidnapped again. I was on the edge of my seat when she was attempting to get away. Little did Leda expect that she would fall in love with Bokkan and his life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This new series by C.C. Wood is captivating and highly entertaining.
Leda is kidnapped and taken to an alternate realm where monsters exist. She’s a tough cookie and is defending herself when Bokkan steps in and takes her under his protection. Now he has to keep his mating instincts under control. When someone takes Leda from him, no one will be safe from his rath. Leda is his and he will conquer realms to get her back.
Really enjoyed this new series! Hoping for more books in the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of Penumbra. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'With each day that passed, my control frayed. Until they took her from me and the beast within burst free. Once I find her, neither of us will have a choice. She will be mine.'
The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! 🤩 looovveeeed! From the detail about the world to the emotions the characters both felt and their thoughts, they were so well written y ou literally get lost in the story, the flow was almost perfection, constantly not sure if I’m gonna be pissed, worried, happy, sappy or needy if ya catch my drift was really a rollercoaster . By the time I was over half way thru the book I was already feeling and thinking ok what’s next and I keep getting more surprises.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an engaging forced proximity, dark paranormal monster romance with fated mates. My name is Leda, formerly of Earth, and I learned that humans end up in the daemon realm after signing a contract. Of course, this was after I was kidnapped, stripped, chained and ready to be auctioned off by monsters. I just want to go home, I don't belong here; but I'll find and I'll escape and find my way home-- because I don't belong here.
I received an arc copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Horns, tail, and fangs….. say less! CC, can I have a daemon???
Bokkan sat the bar so high! Not to mention Leda is a B@d@$$. With how the story plays out their dynamic fits so well together. Leda is pushed to her limits in a new realm. While Bokkan is pushed to his limits for her.
I loved every minute of this book, even with this being her longest book it was so hard to put down!
POV: dual - first person Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I received an advance review copy for free (thank you CC and Booksprout!), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have followed this author since the Bitten series and I can truly say this book did not disappoint. We all love a bad a$$ FMC who can take care of herself and kick tail when needed. I loved how Leda was not portrayed as a weakling and the fact that she went toe to toe with the males made this all the better. This book does star off a touch of darkness with a kidnapping but when the possessive MMC rolls out, well let’s just say I want a BO too. lol. Great book, amazing character build and will definitely be following for the next in this series.
This is an excellent read, with daemon’s, imps, betrayal, romance and intrigue. Bokkan is an absolute sweetheart, even though he is supposed to be the “monster”. He has morals, honour and common decency. Leda is a strong both mentally and physically and surprises a great many daemon’s along the way. I love their chemistry as it sizzles and their banter lights up the page. If feel that what we have seen from this world so far, is a mere drop in the ocean, and much more can be revealed as the series continues. This is a well thought out story that I feel, is entertaining from start to finish.
I need to say this first, this cover is GORGEOUS. Now to the story. Leda is a strong willed, fiercely strong, stubborn woman with snark and sass who can hold her own against anyone. I love FMC like this. Then we have Bokkan, a strong well respected leader, Daemon, and totally smitten with Leda. I love the dynamics between these two. I love how determined yet respectful Bokkan is with Leda even though he WANTS her desperately. I also love the fight scenes in this. Overall, great book. Monster romance can be hard for me to jump into depending on the monster. Bokkan is a monster that I love.
Leda and Bokkan deliver a gripping monster romance full of danger, heat, and unexpected tenderness. What begins as captivity and survival slowly shifts into protection, devotion, and a powerful bond that feels both primal and deeply emotional, making their connection impossible to resist. With a fierce heroine, an all-consuming alpha hero, and a world that blends darkness with care, this is a steamy, absorbing read for anyone who loves possessive monsters and heartfelt escape.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was on pins and needles from the first word to the last🫣! This fantasy/ romance is an original plot with intense enter action and electric chemistry. Leda is a woman who finds herself in an unimaginable world with very controlling inhabitants. Bokkan is immediately attracted to Leda. He decides to place her under his protection. How do you do more than just exist when your world is turned upside down? This story is but one possible explanation.
This review contains my thoughts and feelings about this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was good. I loved Bokkan and the way he protected Leda. Finding out there was no contract on her allowed him to rescue her and claim her. She was kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken to another world. While after stated with Bokkan things started to change between them. Until she was taken from him. It got really intense at that point. He wasn’t having it at all. Loved this story. It had everything I’d Hope for in a good monster romance.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved how strong & independent the MFC was. I love that the MMC fell first and treated her with respect and took care of her needs. He put her needs & desires first, even if it would hurt him. This story was steamy with a HEA. I am looking forward to reading more in this universe.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely love the strength of the FMC and how she is portrayed not taking any crap from anyone and standing up for herself. Showing the MMC as a cuddly male wanting nothing more than the safety and happiness of his headstrong FMC. Love the whole building up and super steamy scenes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me hooked from page 1! While it was insta-love, the tension and the yearning had me on the edge of my seat and nearly throwing things for these two to just admit their feelings and get together. The spice was HOT, the banter was fantastic, and I always love me a stabby FMC with a cinnamon roll MMC. I loved this book, and can't wait to read book two!
This was such a fun read. I basically inhaled it in one sitting! Who doesn’t want powerful daemon obsessed with them? Cinnamon roll MMC and black car FMC is a perfect combo! Classic case of: she got kidnapped into another realm and he fell hard. Mating bite and all! Loved it!
Loved it. It was a great balance between the intense primal monster vibes and also sweet and caring. I loved how she fought to stand up for herself and he supported her in doing that. He didn't try to make her smaller but loved her as she was. Great read, everything I am looking for in a monster romance.
Major skim on this one - underdeveloped characters, a heroine that’s powerful right away despite it making no sense to the story and a hero whose only real purpose is to have sex with her.
Extremely tropey for all the wrong reasons.
Looked at the reviews and it looks like mostly ARC 5s so take them with a grain of salt. Luckily this was KU.
When I say this book stole my heart from all other monster romance isn't am being honest. The way they interact, how they finally come together, I have no words. It melted my heart in the best way possible.