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A Monstrous Need
Her strength and her vulnerability have tangled themselves together like barbed wire and formed a cage around my heart. And I don’t want it back. It’s hers to do with what she likes. - the monstrous Count Laval
Arianne, a witch born without magic, is searching for something precious to her and is willing to take great risks to find it – including breaking into the beastly Count Laval’s castle.
Mistaking her for an assassin, Count Laval has every intention of confining her there, then killing her. But as he begins to learn more about Arianne and the sorcerers who are after her, he begins to develop a need for her…and it’s a need most monstrous.
Read A Monstrous Need, part of Bonkers Season 4: The Bluebeard Chronicles, now on Backerkit
Arianne, a witch born without magic, is searching for something precious to her and is willing to take great risks to find it – including breaking into the beastly Count Laval’s castle.
Mistaking her for an assassin, Count Laval has every intention of confining her there, then killing her. But as he begins to learn more about Arianne and the sorcerers who are after her, he begins to develop a need for her…and it’s a need most monstrous.
Read A Monstrous Need, part of Bonkers Season 4: The Bluebeard Chronicles, now on Backerkit
279 pages, ebook
Published April 9, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
74 books1,527 followersTop 10 USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Stephens writes books where beastly men—or sometimes just beasts—always get the girl.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 9, 2026
A Monstrous Need, with its seed sacks and non-con elements, was far outside my comfort zone—and I'm so glad i gave it a try!
(Shoutout to kat for talking me through it and soothing my concerns tehe)
This was part of the Bluebeard collection from Bonkers Romance. While i'm not super familiar with that myth, this book also gave mega beauty and the beast vibes—but make it Black, hotter, and darker.
I love how balanced the worldbuilding was with the love story and the individual character arcs. That is hard to do in a short novel and Stephens nailed it.
Arienne is not your typical fantasy romance heroine. She's unpowered in a world that values magick above all else. And, no, that doesn't change, something I really loved given the very easy comparisons to disability (to be fair I'm unsure if Stephens intended this but my disabled ass sure read it as such...same goes for how they have to adapt sex). Of course her power shows up in other ways, namely her determination and ingenuity (another trait so common amongst my fellow disabled baddies). She makes a space for herself in a world that tells her she has no value...and, eventually, finds those who see HER too.
Now this is fairly dark. There's the noncon (both threatened and on page), a brief scene of child abuse with hints of more, and a scary ass bone creature that tbqh i had to skim the descriptions of.
But from that darkness, there is love...and hope...and reclamation.
Giliad's redemption arc is one for the history books. I'm a sucker for the assumed baddie turning out to have *reasons* for their actions and then turning into a big ol' softie for their love and a select group of others—and he more than fits the bill.
There is truly so much depth to this story despite it appearing to be just another monster smut. This is my third or fourth book by Stephens and one thing I love is that she always always brings nuance and care to heavy topics. And, while I'm not sure how to describe her writing from a technical perspective, I do know that I adore it.
I also loved the casual rep in this: this is a queer and poly-normative world and Arienne has limb differences. None of this is made out to be A Thing...it just is.
I recommend this for anyone who craves depth in their monster smut (affectionate), great storytelling, and a unique take on different myths.
(Shoutout to kat for talking me through it and soothing my concerns tehe)
This was part of the Bluebeard collection from Bonkers Romance. While i'm not super familiar with that myth, this book also gave mega beauty and the beast vibes—but make it Black, hotter, and darker.
I love how balanced the worldbuilding was with the love story and the individual character arcs. That is hard to do in a short novel and Stephens nailed it.
Arienne is not your typical fantasy romance heroine. She's unpowered in a world that values magick above all else. And, no, that doesn't change, something I really loved given the very easy comparisons to disability (to be fair I'm unsure if Stephens intended this but my disabled ass sure read it as such...same goes for how they have to adapt sex). Of course her power shows up in other ways, namely her determination and ingenuity (another trait so common amongst my fellow disabled baddies). She makes a space for herself in a world that tells her she has no value...and, eventually, finds those who see HER too.
Now this is fairly dark. There's the noncon (both threatened and on page), a brief scene of child abuse with hints of more, and a scary ass bone creature that tbqh i had to skim the descriptions of.
But from that darkness, there is love...and hope...and reclamation.
Giliad's redemption arc is one for the history books. I'm a sucker for the assumed baddie turning out to have *reasons* for their actions and then turning into a big ol' softie for their love and a select group of others—and he more than fits the bill.
There is truly so much depth to this story despite it appearing to be just another monster smut. This is my third or fourth book by Stephens and one thing I love is that she always always brings nuance and care to heavy topics. And, while I'm not sure how to describe her writing from a technical perspective, I do know that I adore it.
I also loved the casual rep in this: this is a queer and poly-normative world and Arienne has limb differences. None of this is made out to be A Thing...it just is.
I recommend this for anyone who craves depth in their monster smut (affectionate), great storytelling, and a unique take on different myths.
April 17, 2026
3.5 - ⭐⭐⭐ 💫
“You are beautiful and you are brilliant and you are courageous. You did run, but I caught you, little witch…”
A Monstrous Need is a dark monster romance standalone that is part of a special edition collection called The Bluebeard Chronicles. Written in dual first person POV, the following follows Arianne, a witch born without magic, and Count Laval, a monstrous figure whose mansion may contain secrets to what she desperately is looking for. Yet luck is not on Arianne's side when Count Laval catches her sneaking into his home and it gets worse when the Count believes Arianne is an assassin. He wants to punish her...but what happens when it becomes clear there is so much more to Arianne and the sorcerers she flees. What happens when a monster suddenly needs something?
Okay, first and foremost, this big has very clear trigger warnings to be mindful of when reading. There is non-con in this book on two separate occasions between the two main characters as well as abuse referenced.
Arianne is a survivor. I really liked her as a character because she has been through it and still has the tenacity to keep going. I admired her ability to work through each situation and her curiosity to push boundaries and unravel secrets.
Count Laval (Giliad) is a brute who finds his way. He is prone to following feral instincts and acts before he thinks. I liked his redemption journey as we see him learn to fight for something, for someone, and to want better. He is a villain but there's something to him you can't help wanting to explore.
“Do you believe me know?”
“I always believed you. I’m just an [a]hole.”
In terms of spice I would place this book at 5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are four spicy scenes in this book with the first appearing around the 3% mark. Half the spice scenes are non-con. Spice include oviposition and hunting/prey drives. Spice is explicit and detailed.
The story is fast paced with mystery and investigation. I found the world to be interesting, especially around the cultish sorcerers and haunted portraits. The book starts heavy on the aggression and hate between the characters but as the story progresses we see things grow between them. I like Arianne and how much she persevered to uncover the truth. I found the side characters did a good job in centering us. Giliad is a character you intentionally struggle with in the story but he is also inhuman which leads to a lot of internal dilemmas. The paranormal pieces were fun and up the intensity and I liked seeing it bring the characters together. The climax had a really great twist but it did feel a bit rushed.
Overall, I really like this world! I think we didn't need the non-con but the oviposition was a nice switch up!
Thank you to the author and Bonkers Romance for this e-arc.
“You are beautiful and you are brilliant and you are courageous. You did run, but I caught you, little witch…”
A Monstrous Need is a dark monster romance standalone that is part of a special edition collection called The Bluebeard Chronicles. Written in dual first person POV, the following follows Arianne, a witch born without magic, and Count Laval, a monstrous figure whose mansion may contain secrets to what she desperately is looking for. Yet luck is not on Arianne's side when Count Laval catches her sneaking into his home and it gets worse when the Count believes Arianne is an assassin. He wants to punish her...but what happens when it becomes clear there is so much more to Arianne and the sorcerers she flees. What happens when a monster suddenly needs something?
Okay, first and foremost, this big has very clear trigger warnings to be mindful of when reading. There is non-con in this book on two separate occasions between the two main characters as well as abuse referenced.
Arianne is a survivor. I really liked her as a character because she has been through it and still has the tenacity to keep going. I admired her ability to work through each situation and her curiosity to push boundaries and unravel secrets.
Count Laval (Giliad) is a brute who finds his way. He is prone to following feral instincts and acts before he thinks. I liked his redemption journey as we see him learn to fight for something, for someone, and to want better. He is a villain but there's something to him you can't help wanting to explore.
“Do you believe me know?”
“I always believed you. I’m just an [a]hole.”
In terms of spice I would place this book at 5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are four spicy scenes in this book with the first appearing around the 3% mark. Half the spice scenes are non-con. Spice include oviposition and hunting/prey drives. Spice is explicit and detailed.
The story is fast paced with mystery and investigation. I found the world to be interesting, especially around the cultish sorcerers and haunted portraits. The book starts heavy on the aggression and hate between the characters but as the story progresses we see things grow between them. I like Arianne and how much she persevered to uncover the truth. I found the side characters did a good job in centering us. Giliad is a character you intentionally struggle with in the story but he is also inhuman which leads to a lot of internal dilemmas. The paranormal pieces were fun and up the intensity and I liked seeing it bring the characters together. The climax had a really great twist but it did feel a bit rushed.
Overall, I really like this world! I think we didn't need the non-con but the oviposition was a nice switch up!
Thank you to the author and Bonkers Romance for this e-arc.
April 10, 2026
4.25 stars
Wow! I love Elizabeth Stephens writing so much and she is the queen of giving me a male that I despise and making fall in love with him. Giliad is no exception to this.
Chapter one starts off with a bang and immediately got me hooked on this story and this world. Giliad is a true villain and he does some things that many readers would say is unforgivable, so make sure you check those TW/CWs.
I hadn't heard the story of Bluebeard before this and when I first heard that's what this season of Bonkers was going to be, I did some research and it had me excited to read some of my favorite authors retellings of this story of curiosity with a dash of feminine rage.
Elizabeth was able to pack so much story into these 270ish pages, and I am truly in awe of her, but I would read another 300 pages of these characters.
Wow! I love Elizabeth Stephens writing so much and she is the queen of giving me a male that I despise and making fall in love with him. Giliad is no exception to this.
Chapter one starts off with a bang and immediately got me hooked on this story and this world. Giliad is a true villain and he does some things that many readers would say is unforgivable, so make sure you check those TW/CWs.
I hadn't heard the story of Bluebeard before this and when I first heard that's what this season of Bonkers was going to be, I did some research and it had me excited to read some of my favorite authors retellings of this story of curiosity with a dash of feminine rage.
Elizabeth was able to pack so much story into these 270ish pages, and I am truly in awe of her, but I would read another 300 pages of these characters.
April 23, 2026
Check your trigger warnings for this one because the beginning is ROUGH (the author also lists them in the beginning). But I was already mentally prepared for it and so it did not personally bother me, but I could see how it would for others. I actually had an enjoyable time overall! There was just a few choice of verbiage towards the end of the story that felt too ... I dont even know the right word for it, almost like modern slang-ish? that took me out of the story since it didn't really fit the tone of the book and made me go huh. But besides that, I felt like if I didn't have vacation I would've binged this book under 48 hours.
I don't know if this is a book I can recommend to everyone, because like I said the beginning is rough, but if you enjoy Elizabeth Stephens previous work, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this one too 🥰
rating: 3.5/5
I don't know if this is a book I can recommend to everyone, because like I said the beginning is rough, but if you enjoy Elizabeth Stephens previous work, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this one too 🥰
rating: 3.5/5
April 18, 2026
There was quite a bit more plot than I was expecting, and I think there was something about the writing that didn't quite work for me as much as I wanted it to.
April 11, 2026
Arianne and Count Giliad Laval's M/F story-
This book is like if the raw bones of the story of Beauty and the Beast had a love child with The Picture of Dorian Gray, but add in magic and a quest to find a lost sister. (Content warnings listed at the end)
One of the best books I have read all year, and I am so, so grateful for the advance copy of it! Elizabeth Stephens is a top auto buy author for me, her fantasy works are so well written, they suck you into the world she had created, and slowly lull you into safety within the pages, before she rips the rug out from under you and flips your world upside down!
Arianne is a witch born into a community of witches with magic. Except she is the only one without magic, and it wears on her every single day not to be "good enough" and not wanted because of her perceived defect. On the night of the Fang Moon- the once a year event when all three moons appear in the sky at the same time-everyone is required to stay in their homes. Her plan is to break into the castle of the Mage Count Laval, murder him, and rescue her sister.
Back home, under the thumb of Father Fraywar, the most powerful sorcerer of the Summoning and the ruler of Arcana House where Arianne and her mother and sister live, she is treated like a pariah, uncared for, and quickly cast aside. Her life isn't completely miserable, but it certainly isn't great.
Count Giliad Laval, a creature the size of a horse, the chest the size of a bear, and legs as massive as a lion's. He rules his kingdom by fear. He has a snarling wolf snout, sleek blue-black fur all over, and deadly sharp canines. The only part of him that appears human are his eyes. On the night of the Fang Moon, he is in full rut, and instead of killing her, he took her, planted his seeds in her. Claimed her. But with her magic potion, she knocked him unconscious and off the cliff she had been scaling. When he woke, he went to find her in her village, abducted her, and took her back to his castle with an oath.
For every time she tried to kill him and was unsuccessful, he would get to have her, in any way that he wanted.
He would even give her full access to his entire home thus giving her ample opportunity to find what she has been searching for, and to leave his house for good.
While there, she continues the hunt for her sister, but comes across a much more sinister revelation instead. The paintings have eyes, they are a horror show that speak to her, and she desperately tries to get them to stop, all while trying to ignore her growing attraction to the Count. She also is learning more and more about potions day by day, and falling in love with the staff in the castle. It becomes more of a safe haven and home than where she grew up. She has real friends for the first time.
But when the paintings' voices become too loud, and and evil presence descends over the castle, Arianna knows she can no longer block out the truth any longer.
This book was such a gorgeous composition of Elizabeth's unique story telling skills, and her beautifully crafted world building, along with the masterful characters she creates. She adds colorful imagery that helps you connect with the story, but isn't so thick and complicated as to bog down the journey. I love the way the world building washes over you like a gentle wave as you read through the book, and it isn't dumped into your brain like an abrupt tsunami, full force, and drowning you in all this information you can't possibly retain all at once or even really need right at the beginning of a book. Elizabeth parses it out in small bites, you don't even realize you are completely immersed by the time she through with you!!!
I love that this is a twist on the Bluebeard story, with that splash of feminine rage, with all of the pizzazz and sparkle that Elizabeth delivers in her novels. I also LOVE that as an author of color, she writes characters of color, and also writes other diverse characters as well! In this story specifically, the main female Arianna is given braids multiple times, and the braids are adorned with beautiful shells. One of the men's hair is also talked about as braided at one point! I am grateful for the chance to read of people who are different from me, whether in real world settings or fantasy, because even in fantasy we can all learn something about life from a different perspective.
Tropes, triggers, and content
This book is like if the raw bones of the story of Beauty and the Beast had a love child with The Picture of Dorian Gray, but add in magic and a quest to find a lost sister. (Content warnings listed at the end)
One of the best books I have read all year, and I am so, so grateful for the advance copy of it! Elizabeth Stephens is a top auto buy author for me, her fantasy works are so well written, they suck you into the world she had created, and slowly lull you into safety within the pages, before she rips the rug out from under you and flips your world upside down!
Arianne is a witch born into a community of witches with magic. Except she is the only one without magic, and it wears on her every single day not to be "good enough" and not wanted because of her perceived defect. On the night of the Fang Moon- the once a year event when all three moons appear in the sky at the same time-everyone is required to stay in their homes. Her plan is to break into the castle of the Mage Count Laval, murder him, and rescue her sister.
Back home, under the thumb of Father Fraywar, the most powerful sorcerer of the Summoning and the ruler of Arcana House where Arianne and her mother and sister live, she is treated like a pariah, uncared for, and quickly cast aside. Her life isn't completely miserable, but it certainly isn't great.
Count Giliad Laval, a creature the size of a horse, the chest the size of a bear, and legs as massive as a lion's. He rules his kingdom by fear. He has a snarling wolf snout, sleek blue-black fur all over, and deadly sharp canines. The only part of him that appears human are his eyes. On the night of the Fang Moon, he is in full rut, and instead of killing her, he took her, planted his seeds in her. Claimed her. But with her magic potion, she knocked him unconscious and off the cliff she had been scaling. When he woke, he went to find her in her village, abducted her, and took her back to his castle with an oath.
For every time she tried to kill him and was unsuccessful, he would get to have her, in any way that he wanted.
He would even give her full access to his entire home thus giving her ample opportunity to find what she has been searching for, and to leave his house for good.
While there, she continues the hunt for her sister, but comes across a much more sinister revelation instead. The paintings have eyes, they are a horror show that speak to her, and she desperately tries to get them to stop, all while trying to ignore her growing attraction to the Count. She also is learning more and more about potions day by day, and falling in love with the staff in the castle. It becomes more of a safe haven and home than where she grew up. She has real friends for the first time.
But when the paintings' voices become too loud, and and evil presence descends over the castle, Arianna knows she can no longer block out the truth any longer.
This book was such a gorgeous composition of Elizabeth's unique story telling skills, and her beautifully crafted world building, along with the masterful characters she creates. She adds colorful imagery that helps you connect with the story, but isn't so thick and complicated as to bog down the journey. I love the way the world building washes over you like a gentle wave as you read through the book, and it isn't dumped into your brain like an abrupt tsunami, full force, and drowning you in all this information you can't possibly retain all at once or even really need right at the beginning of a book. Elizabeth parses it out in small bites, you don't even realize you are completely immersed by the time she through with you!!!
I love that this is a twist on the Bluebeard story, with that splash of feminine rage, with all of the pizzazz and sparkle that Elizabeth delivers in her novels. I also LOVE that as an author of color, she writes characters of color, and also writes other diverse characters as well! In this story specifically, the main female Arianna is given braids multiple times, and the braids are adorned with beautiful shells. One of the men's hair is also talked about as braided at one point! I am grateful for the chance to read of people who are different from me, whether in real world settings or fantasy, because even in fantasy we can all learn something about life from a different perspective.
Tropes, triggers, and content
April 12, 2026
2.75 - 3 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | eARC | Paranormal Romance
A Monstrous Need follows non-magical witch, Arianne, on her journey to locate her missing sister, that sees her captured by the monstrous Count of Laval. This book is whimsical, dark, and spicy. Heavy on the triggers, so please please please check them before you read .
Okay, so this was my first read of Elizabeth’s, and I was quite excited. The concept for the story was great, the world is deeply complex, and it’s a paranormal romance 🤷🏼♀️🤣 - HOWEVER, I don’t know if this one just needed another round of edits, but it fell a bit.. flat? For me.
Starting off with the storyline - the start of the book hits you hard, and there is quite graphic non-con from the MMC, and honestly I had a hard time moving past it. It felt unnecessary to the storyline.. like, it didn’t have to go that far. That being said, that is likely a personal preference thing for me.
The world is COMPLEX and deeply fantastical, and while Elizabeth does a good job of creating it, I feel like there were certain areas that felt under-explained. I think everything was well developed, but as a reader, I could have used a titch more guidance from the author. I was so excited to learn more about the world, the creatures, and how everything works - and I felt I missed out a bit. I would read another book in the same world to learn more!!!
The characters - let’s start with Arianne. I liked Arianne’s character, I think she is spunky, stubborn, and I like that she comes to trust herself more as the book progresses. That being said, I think she forgives Giliad for the non con too easily… like, there’s no discussion, nothing.
Giliad, I would have liked to learn more about his background, and of his parents. I think the whole storyline with the former Countess was well developed in the author’s head, but again could use some additional translation to the pages. However, I like Giliad’s journey in the book as well.
What I loved - all of the side characters, the complexity of the different types of magical beings, and the realm!
What missed the mark for me - the spicy bits… there are some components of the magical world that just icked me out.. and I honestly was cringing as I read through all of the scenes, consensual and otherwise.
Final thoughts - while I loved the realm the author created and the concept for the story, the execution missed the mark for me and fell a bit flat. I would not read this one again, but I would be curious to read another book from the same author to compare.
A Monstrous Need follows non-magical witch, Arianne, on her journey to locate her missing sister, that sees her captured by the monstrous Count of Laval. This book is whimsical, dark, and spicy. Heavy on the triggers, so please please please check them before you read .
Okay, so this was my first read of Elizabeth’s, and I was quite excited. The concept for the story was great, the world is deeply complex, and it’s a paranormal romance 🤷🏼♀️🤣 - HOWEVER, I don’t know if this one just needed another round of edits, but it fell a bit.. flat? For me.
Starting off with the storyline - the start of the book hits you hard, and there is quite graphic non-con from the MMC, and honestly I had a hard time moving past it. It felt unnecessary to the storyline.. like, it didn’t have to go that far. That being said, that is likely a personal preference thing for me.
The world is COMPLEX and deeply fantastical, and while Elizabeth does a good job of creating it, I feel like there were certain areas that felt under-explained. I think everything was well developed, but as a reader, I could have used a titch more guidance from the author. I was so excited to learn more about the world, the creatures, and how everything works - and I felt I missed out a bit. I would read another book in the same world to learn more!!!
The characters - let’s start with Arianne. I liked Arianne’s character, I think she is spunky, stubborn, and I like that she comes to trust herself more as the book progresses. That being said, I think she forgives Giliad for the non con too easily… like, there’s no discussion, nothing.
Giliad, I would have liked to learn more about his background, and of his parents. I think the whole storyline with the former Countess was well developed in the author’s head, but again could use some additional translation to the pages. However, I like Giliad’s journey in the book as well.
What I loved - all of the side characters, the complexity of the different types of magical beings, and the realm!
What missed the mark for me - the spicy bits… there are some components of the magical world that just icked me out.. and I honestly was cringing as I read through all of the scenes, consensual and otherwise.
Final thoughts - while I loved the realm the author created and the concept for the story, the execution missed the mark for me and fell a bit flat. I would not read this one again, but I would be curious to read another book from the same author to compare.
May 20, 2026
This is the first book available in the Bluebeard retellings by Bonkers season 4, an indie author collaboration around a central theme or retelling. I'm in love with the art by Finn Frei, and I'm excited to see all the authors' takes on bluebeard.
This is a great start to the series. It was a fun, spicy, dark fairytale retelling.
In this book, our freckled FMC Arienne (god, I love body freckles) is a witch searching for her lost sister in the lands of the dangerous mage Count Laval, a blue-furred humanoid beast, who has some paranormal features like biting, danger/lusty venom, and, I can only imagine uniquely, cum sacks that inflate with magic and pleasure when popped.
Arienne is fierce, loyal, and good-hearted, and she's been othered her whole life. Count Laval is worn down by conflict, trying to be a good leader to his people, but Arienne's people keep sending assassins to kill him, and he's become callous and violent toward them.
This book is a bruleed cinnamon roll--it has a soft, gooey center. But it's also has dark, crispy edges. It interrogates harmful dominance through violence and submission through tenderness. It's playful, but it's also asking whether a character can be redeemed after such violence, while graying out the edges with desire.
Here's what's interesting about this book and I'll not sugarcoat it: Laval assaults Arienne at the beginning of this book, and while she feels pleasure, it's non-con. He takes her captive, and then it shifts into a slow burn (well, a lusty slow burn), in which they challenge their assumptions about each other, grow a fragile friendship, and tender love. That trajectory may not be for everyone, but I found it compelling and sensitively written.
This is a great start to the series. It was a fun, spicy, dark fairytale retelling.
In this book, our freckled FMC Arienne (god, I love body freckles) is a witch searching for her lost sister in the lands of the dangerous mage Count Laval, a blue-furred humanoid beast, who has some paranormal features like biting, danger/lusty venom, and, I can only imagine uniquely, cum sacks that inflate with magic and pleasure when popped.
Arienne is fierce, loyal, and good-hearted, and she's been othered her whole life. Count Laval is worn down by conflict, trying to be a good leader to his people, but Arienne's people keep sending assassins to kill him, and he's become callous and violent toward them.
This book is a bruleed cinnamon roll--it has a soft, gooey center. But it's also has dark, crispy edges. It interrogates harmful dominance through violence and submission through tenderness. It's playful, but it's also asking whether a character can be redeemed after such violence, while graying out the edges with desire.
Here's what's interesting about this book and I'll not sugarcoat it: Laval assaults Arienne at the beginning of this book, and while she feels pleasure, it's non-con. He takes her captive, and then it shifts into a slow burn (well, a lusty slow burn), in which they challenge their assumptions about each other, grow a fragile friendship, and tender love. That trajectory may not be for everyone, but I found it compelling and sensitively written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
2,5-3⭐️ - I was so ready for a steamy monster Romance :( I was surprised there was quite a bit of plot which I actually welcomed, I just didn’t expect a “romance“ to come out of non-con. This probably would‘ve been a 4⭐️ read if it wasn‘t for the grape trope. Yes it was mentioned in the triggers and no it was not cnc. Since we can read ther internal thoughts, the FMC clearly didn‘t consent nor enjoyed any second of it…both times…and to make it even better, she kept calling the MMC grapist until later on the “romance“ started to develop. For the rest of the book the MMC just kept whining about what he did to her and how he regretted it.
That part alone dropped my rating for this book immensely. It‘s obvious it was just added for shock value and to make it a “Dark romance“, which spoiler, it didn‘t. It also didn‘t add anything to the plot at all.
We could argue about other viral Dark romance books having the same trope, there‘s a HUGE difference between cnc and non-con tho. It‘s subjective I guess and what you like in your MMC‘s.
Judging this book without this trope, I actually quite enjoyed the story and the plot and the magic system. Although sometimes the way things were written confused me. I liked the wardrobe of the MMC, he probably slayed that vampire count look. The spicy scenes just left me feeling icked out ngl😭 the cover is GORGEAUS tho and I can‘t wait to see it in it’s physical form!
That part alone dropped my rating for this book immensely. It‘s obvious it was just added for shock value and to make it a “Dark romance“, which spoiler, it didn‘t. It also didn‘t add anything to the plot at all.
We could argue about other viral Dark romance books having the same trope, there‘s a HUGE difference between cnc and non-con tho. It‘s subjective I guess and what you like in your MMC‘s.
Judging this book without this trope, I actually quite enjoyed the story and the plot and the magic system. Although sometimes the way things were written confused me. I liked the wardrobe of the MMC, he probably slayed that vampire count look. The spicy scenes just left me feeling icked out ngl😭 the cover is GORGEAUS tho and I can‘t wait to see it in it’s physical form!
April 13, 2026
A wonderfully monstrous surprise!
Having never read any of your books before, I had no real idea what I was getting myself in for when this came through as an early read from the Bluebeard Chronicles…
I’ve LOVED it. I’ve not long developed a taste for monster romances and this was a great addition. The beginning took me back a little and I felt trepidation towards the male mc for a huge part of the book. But I love that that in itself connected me to journey of the FMC more…
Arianne had a much-warranted character development throughout the story and was written wonderfully. She was strong, held her own morals and didn’t just cave in for anyone or anything. We love a trauma to triumph kind of girl and the confidence and family she gained was everything.
The whole plot was brilliant and I love that all the loose ends were tied up well. I believe a certain character should have had it a whole lot worse at the end but nothing’s perfect!
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this and it was written incredibly well. I will never get over cumflation for my entire life 🙈 but I will most definitely be checking out more of your books in the near-future!
Having never read any of your books before, I had no real idea what I was getting myself in for when this came through as an early read from the Bluebeard Chronicles…
I’ve LOVED it. I’ve not long developed a taste for monster romances and this was a great addition. The beginning took me back a little and I felt trepidation towards the male mc for a huge part of the book. But I love that that in itself connected me to journey of the FMC more…
Arianne had a much-warranted character development throughout the story and was written wonderfully. She was strong, held her own morals and didn’t just cave in for anyone or anything. We love a trauma to triumph kind of girl and the confidence and family she gained was everything.
The whole plot was brilliant and I love that all the loose ends were tied up well. I believe a certain character should have had it a whole lot worse at the end but nothing’s perfect!
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this and it was written incredibly well. I will never get over cumflation for my entire life 🙈 but I will most definitely be checking out more of your books in the near-future!
April 26, 2026
Beauty & the Beast + Bluebeard
*Please check TW/CW*
The author lists them right at the front, and one of the major ones happens within the first few chapters
A Monstrous Need focuses on Arianne, a non magic witch fleeing a cult, and Giliad, a sorcerer Count who is feared by the cult. When Arianne escapes the cult and finds the Count, she gets swept away to a Gothic mansion that may be a tad haunted and stuck with the mercurial Count.
This was definitely more Gothic Romance than I was expecting (if the house is lowkey sentient and characters get haunted by figures in paintings, I’m calling it gothic). This book was interesting and I did end up liking Arianne and Giliad’s relationship despite the VERY rocky start*
All in all, this was the first in the multi author Bluebeard series and I did end up liking the story line and world of this!
*check the trigger warnings. Their first meeting involved Not sure how they got past that but they did somehow.
*Please check TW/CW*
The author lists them right at the front, and one of the major ones happens within the first few chapters
A Monstrous Need focuses on Arianne, a non magic witch fleeing a cult, and Giliad, a sorcerer Count who is feared by the cult. When Arianne escapes the cult and finds the Count, she gets swept away to a Gothic mansion that may be a tad haunted and stuck with the mercurial Count.
This was definitely more Gothic Romance than I was expecting (if the house is lowkey sentient and characters get haunted by figures in paintings, I’m calling it gothic). This book was interesting and I did end up liking Arianne and Giliad’s relationship despite the VERY rocky start*
All in all, this was the first in the multi author Bluebeard series and I did end up liking the story line and world of this!
*check the trigger warnings. Their first meeting involved Not sure how they got past that but they did somehow.
April 19, 2026
"They gave you such extraordinary strength, Arianne, such an extraordinary gift.”
Elizabeth gets bolder and bolder, and this is definitely one of her most challenging starts to a love story yet. It starts off violent and cruel, and for some unforgivable.
Yet for me and Arianne, willing to hear Giliad out! It is obvious that they are a couple that has to work for their HEA, but they get there and I was rooting for them!
This world is so enchanting and I loved seeing Arianne grow into her own here. She was always strong, but seeing how she truly blossoms when in a place that only seems to nurture her curiosity and talent. The whole crew was a lot of fun!
The plot had so many layers that came together for some incredible payoffs. I was SAT from the first early snippets and was so happy with how Elizabeth wrapped everything up! Would love to come back to this world👀👀
"...Nothing will ever hurt you again within these walls, not if I can help it. Not even me.”
Elizabeth gets bolder and bolder, and this is definitely one of her most challenging starts to a love story yet. It starts off violent and cruel, and for some unforgivable.
Yet for me and Arianne, willing to hear Giliad out! It is obvious that they are a couple that has to work for their HEA, but they get there and I was rooting for them!
This world is so enchanting and I loved seeing Arianne grow into her own here. She was always strong, but seeing how she truly blossoms when in a place that only seems to nurture her curiosity and talent. The whole crew was a lot of fun!
The plot had so many layers that came together for some incredible payoffs. I was SAT from the first early snippets and was so happy with how Elizabeth wrapped everything up! Would love to come back to this world👀👀
"...Nothing will ever hurt you again within these walls, not if I can help it. Not even me.”
April 15, 2026
Listen, some people like non-con, others don't but in all honesty, as a fellow writer, the non-con was wholly unnecessary. I didn't even know it was in here (thanks Kindle app) until four pages in when the MMC was hurting her. Both non-con scenes felt forced into the book for shock value rather than something significant. You can have a dark romance without non-con, I promise. Stop forcing it for the sake of marketing or trends. But for the MMC to do what he did and then spend the rest of the book disgusted by the thought of himself hurting the FMC....my guy you already did it. Stop. Get some help.
The FMC was alright. Very damsel. I don't mind it but it felt excessive. There's a lot of rush to explain the world and magic systems that left me flipping back to try to understand what was going on at points.
This book is just kind of a shrug. Okay, alright, nothing special.
The FMC was alright. Very damsel. I don't mind it but it felt excessive. There's a lot of rush to explain the world and magic systems that left me flipping back to try to understand what was going on at points.
This book is just kind of a shrug. Okay, alright, nothing special.
May 2, 2026
Was lucky enough to read this as an ARC for backing Bonkers Season 4. It's not my typical go-to but holy heck it might be a new guilty pleasure.
Elizabeth Stephens manages to take a character that by all means we should hate, and make fall in love with him. And he admits his faults. At first I was thinking here's this Count who knows his shortcomings and does it anyway, but it's the little nobody witch who makes him *realize* that being aware of the bad things he's done is not enough.
I love seeing such a diverse set of characters, including a FMC learning to adapt to an injury many would find completely disabling and having it NOT be such a massive part of the book. It happened, it absolutely sucks, but she is strong enough to heal and persevere.
I'm so happy to have read this book. Thank you for broadening my horizons.
Elizabeth Stephens manages to take a character that by all means we should hate, and make fall in love with him. And he admits his faults. At first I was thinking here's this Count who knows his shortcomings and does it anyway, but it's the little nobody witch who makes him *realize* that being aware of the bad things he's done is not enough.
I love seeing such a diverse set of characters, including a FMC learning to adapt to an injury many would find completely disabling and having it NOT be such a massive part of the book. It happened, it absolutely sucks, but she is strong enough to heal and persevere.
I'm so happy to have read this book. Thank you for broadening my horizons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
A Monstrous Need is a beautifully crafted story with magical world building that has it all. Steam, sacks, horror and intrigue, what doesn't this book have? Arianne is a witch with no magic and when she is out on the night of the fang moon she encounters the mysterious beast from the mountain Count Laval. This hooked me from the get go and I couldn't put it down. What was Adrianne looking for on the mountain that night? Will she survive this monstrous man? Such good plot that ensnares you and drives your need for answers. This hooked me from the get go and I couldn't put it down. Another fabulous story from Elizabeth Stephens.
**Please check trigger warnings**
-Part of the Bonkers Romance season 4: The Bluebeard Chronicles (Standalone story)
**Please check trigger warnings**
-Part of the Bonkers Romance season 4: The Bluebeard Chronicles (Standalone story)
May 21, 2026
Okay so I'm not even sure where to begin other than holy crap what a wild ride!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was my first story by Elizabeth Stephens and I'm kinda thrilled it was because I love the tale of Bluebeard so much. And this retelling was *chef's kiss*. I will caution you to read your trigger warnings and make sure you're okay with them before moving forward because while it's listed, some people might still get upset moving forward with the non-con things.
I was pleasantly surprised that this story had more plot than I was expecting and I loved the way Stephens wove her story together. I would love more stories about Giliad and Arianne, Serenity, Holgar, Lothar, Minerva, etc.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was my first story by Elizabeth Stephens and I'm kinda thrilled it was because I love the tale of Bluebeard so much. And this retelling was *chef's kiss*. I will caution you to read your trigger warnings and make sure you're okay with them before moving forward because while it's listed, some people might still get upset moving forward with the non-con things.
I was pleasantly surprised that this story had more plot than I was expecting and I loved the way Stephens wove her story together. I would love more stories about Giliad and Arianne, Serenity, Holgar, Lothar, Minerva, etc.
May 22, 2026
So glad I was able to support the kickstarter project for this series!
I will read anything Elizabeth Stephens writes 🙂↕️
This definitely gave like a darker short version of beauty and the beast and I had some fun with it. Arianne is a really great protagonist, who stands out given her bravery and kindness. She was definitely my favorite character in this book.
Giliad is quite the monstrous character, I can’t necessarily call myself a fan of his but he def had his moments.
This was definitely BONKERS.
This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it has some non-con scenes and some pretty dark themes related to child abuse. Please read trigger warnings before picking this up!
I will read anything Elizabeth Stephens writes 🙂↕️
This definitely gave like a darker short version of beauty and the beast and I had some fun with it. Arianne is a really great protagonist, who stands out given her bravery and kindness. She was definitely my favorite character in this book.
Giliad is quite the monstrous character, I can’t necessarily call myself a fan of his but he def had his moments.
This was definitely BONKERS.
This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it has some non-con scenes and some pretty dark themes related to child abuse. Please read trigger warnings before picking this up!
April 12, 2026
A Monstrous Need by Elizabeth Stephens
Wow, I really liked this. I hated the hero at the start, but he eventually grew on me. The heroine, however, was great from the beginning.
I was pulled into the story almost immediately and found it very immersive once I started. It is a short story, but it held my attention throughout.
I want to read more from this author and will be looking into their audiobooks since there are quite a few available. I can see a binge read or listen coming soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
Wow, I really liked this. I hated the hero at the start, but he eventually grew on me. The heroine, however, was great from the beginning.
I was pulled into the story almost immediately and found it very immersive once I started. It is a short story, but it held my attention throughout.
I want to read more from this author and will be looking into their audiobooks since there are quite a few available. I can see a binge read or listen coming soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
April 13, 2026
2.0 ⭐️ | I really wanted to dive into a slutty little monster romance but this just wasn't it.
I hated how the main characters met, honestly didn't enjoy the smut or how their relationship "developed", and the plot was really confusing at times. It felt like I was missing half of the information or there should have been a prequel to explain the world, magic, and creatures that lived within.
It gets 2 stars from me because I was intrigued by the whole haunted painting aspect and it kept me in the game.
I hated how the main characters met, honestly didn't enjoy the smut or how their relationship "developed", and the plot was really confusing at times. It felt like I was missing half of the information or there should have been a prequel to explain the world, magic, and creatures that lived within.
It gets 2 stars from me because I was intrigued by the whole haunted painting aspect and it kept me in the game.
May 15, 2026
TRIGGER WARNING-
ARC read- I loved this book! I wasn’t sure in the beginning because there is sexual assault, but there is also healing, forgiveness, and an incredible amount of character growth all throughout the book. I thought it was written so well. The magic system was interesting. The characters!! So much representation both of cultural and sexual diversity. I immediately went and purchased two of her other books!
ARC read- I loved this book! I wasn’t sure in the beginning because there is sexual assault, but there is also healing, forgiveness, and an incredible amount of character growth all throughout the book. I thought it was written so well. The magic system was interesting. The characters!! So much representation both of cultural and sexual diversity. I immediately went and purchased two of her other books!
April 14, 2026
3.5 rounded up
I was genuinely surprised there was a whole ass plot to this book. The beginning honestly had me rethinking my decision, the non-con being a bit too much right off the bat, but then the plot jumped out and got me. Both MCs were okay, they matched each other well. Regardless of how much I love a monster, our FMC got past and forgave the non-con very quickly.
I was genuinely surprised there was a whole ass plot to this book. The beginning honestly had me rethinking my decision, the non-con being a bit too much right off the bat, but then the plot jumped out and got me. Both MCs were okay, they matched each other well. Regardless of how much I love a monster, our FMC got past and forgave the non-con very quickly.
April 27, 2026
For the most part I enjoyed the book. It was well written and engaging. Some of it not really for me but that's okay. What is really ircking me is the cover. Home girl has three to many digits. Maybe if they'd fixed her hand id be okay with it, but they never did so the cover isn't right and that annoys me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2026
Sooooo that was dark. A lot darker than I was expecting from Elizabeth but I loved it.
This was a fun take on beauty and the beast. I was in the edge of my seat the whole time. I’m so excited to read the rest of these!
This was a fun take on beauty and the beast. I was in the edge of my seat the whole time. I’m so excited to read the rest of these!
April 19, 2026
Loved everything about this book. It was nice reading a romance about an older couple.
I loved the FMC and how she slowly grew into herself. The MMC was monster but slowly became her monster so it worked out.
I loved the FMC and how she slowly grew into herself. The MMC was monster but slowly became her monster so it worked out.
April 12, 2026
Very good!!
April 23, 2026
elizabeth stephens you’re crazy i love you for it
May 19, 2026
Ughh I can’t wait for the rest of the Bluebeard Chronicles!! This was so good and such an easy read.
April 29, 2026
At this point there’s NO TROPE I wouldn’t trust Ms. Elizabeth with. I’ve intentionally avoided books up until this point featuring NC/**** but gave this a chance because I’ll read anything she puts out and boy was my trust rewarded.
This was a tough, considered and well handled read. The world she built was vast, the connections deep and I just ate this up.
This was a tough, considered and well handled read. The world she built was vast, the connections deep and I just ate this up.
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