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Expected 16 Oct 26Deep in the Sweet River forest, something ancient is watching...
After my life fell apart, a ranger post in my old hometown sounded like the perfect escape. Quiet trails, familiar woods, and enough distance from my past to finally breathe again.
I don’t expect the thing watching me from the trees.
The locals have always whispered about the Lantern Stalkers—horned creatures with skull faces, swinging lanterns, and a trail of disappearances behind them. It’s all just folklore to me until I see the light in the forest and feel him watching me.
Powerful, possessive, and bound to the forest by a forgotten goddess, Onyx is no campfire story. I know I should run from the monster in my woods. Instead, I follow the pull in my blood and discover that being claimed by a monster feels less like ruin and more like coming home.
But Onyx isn’t the only thing hiding in the woods. There’s another creature out here—something that has decided if I belong to Onyx…
Then I belong to him, too.
Hush is a full-length MM dark monster romance and is part of the Mayhem Manuscripts Cryptids shared world collaboration. Kindly note that the cryptid featured on the cover is not a Wendigo.
After my life fell apart, a ranger post in my old hometown sounded like the perfect escape. Quiet trails, familiar woods, and enough distance from my past to finally breathe again.
I don’t expect the thing watching me from the trees.
The locals have always whispered about the Lantern Stalkers—horned creatures with skull faces, swinging lanterns, and a trail of disappearances behind them. It’s all just folklore to me until I see the light in the forest and feel him watching me.
Powerful, possessive, and bound to the forest by a forgotten goddess, Onyx is no campfire story. I know I should run from the monster in my woods. Instead, I follow the pull in my blood and discover that being claimed by a monster feels less like ruin and more like coming home.
But Onyx isn’t the only thing hiding in the woods. There’s another creature out here—something that has decided if I belong to Onyx…
Then I belong to him, too.
Hush is a full-length MM dark monster romance and is part of the Mayhem Manuscripts Cryptids shared world collaboration. Kindly note that the cryptid featured on the cover is not a Wendigo.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I say this every time and probably will continue but this has got to be my top reads from Avery. It literally had everything! A great story build, humor, swoon material, possessiveness, two characters you root for to the very end.
Luca and Onyx have my whole freaking heart! The way loneliness is describe in this for both of them brought tears in my eyes. They truly were just surviving till they found each other. Just two big ole sweethearts falling in love.
And the story build was fantastic from the beginning to end, and I was bawling my little eyes out the last half of the book, and that twist broke my fucking heart!!!!
I hope Avery continues to write monster romance because I will devour each and every one of them!!
Luca and Onyx have my whole freaking heart! The way loneliness is describe in this for both of them brought tears in my eyes. They truly were just surviving till they found each other. Just two big ole sweethearts falling in love.
And the story build was fantastic from the beginning to end, and I was bawling my little eyes out the last half of the book, and that twist broke my fucking heart!!!!
I hope Avery continues to write monster romance because I will devour each and every one of them!!
October 8, 2026
✨May contain spoilers✨
Gosh, I loved this book so much. I have read almost every single one of Avery’s books and I think that’s Hush might be my new favorite. I knew it was going to be epic just because it’s Avery but wow, I just wasn’t expecting it to be this phenomenal.
Onyx and Lucas had my heart from the moment I started the book all the way to the end. If I wasn’t laughing, I was either laughing or tearing up just by how emotional this story was.
Man, those last chapters in the book made me feel so many different feelings. When there is drama, you better be prepared for the utter turmoil to how it’s literally going to make you clutch your kindle in this lovely gem.
This book was full of so much emotion that you just don’t know what to expect. I absolutely loved all the sarcastic banter, the laughable moments and just a book with such hilarious jealousy that it didn’t make sense. I loved their bond because these two were so perfect.
If you’ve been wanting to get into Avery’s books, this is the perfect way to get started.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Gosh, I loved this book so much. I have read almost every single one of Avery’s books and I think that’s Hush might be my new favorite. I knew it was going to be epic just because it’s Avery but wow, I just wasn’t expecting it to be this phenomenal.
Onyx and Lucas had my heart from the moment I started the book all the way to the end. If I wasn’t laughing, I was either laughing or tearing up just by how emotional this story was.
Man, those last chapters in the book made me feel so many different feelings. When there is drama, you better be prepared for the utter turmoil to how it’s literally going to make you clutch your kindle in this lovely gem.
This book was full of so much emotion that you just don’t know what to expect. I absolutely loved all the sarcastic banter, the laughable moments and just a book with such hilarious jealousy that it didn’t make sense. I loved their bond because these two were so perfect.
If you’ve been wanting to get into Avery’s books, this is the perfect way to get started.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶🌶🌶🌶
Monster/human
Park Ranger
So, I went into this not knowing what to expect out of this author. Never read any of her books
Now, I am excited to tell you about it because this is now my top read of the year for me
The world building with everything that she wrote in here was spot on.
Explanations of the characters, definitions of the certain words for the book were so nicely done. I loved it. It was not overly done. It was just perfect
I felt the chemistry, the bond, I felt EVERYTHING. I can say with the utmost certainty I would highly recommend this book for people who love MM romance books with monster/human elements in it.
With lots of laughter and definitely a little sadness. It was so well written i could talk about how much I really like all-day long.
Onyx and Lucas are my new monster/human book couple of this year.
When this is released I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH and read your trigger warnings. There are some scenes in here that might not be for you.
For those of you that love it all .. Enjoy 😉.
Spice🌶🌶🌶🌶
Monster/human
Park Ranger
So, I went into this not knowing what to expect out of this author. Never read any of her books
Now, I am excited to tell you about it because this is now my top read of the year for me
The world building with everything that she wrote in here was spot on.
Explanations of the characters, definitions of the certain words for the book were so nicely done. I loved it. It was not overly done. It was just perfect
I felt the chemistry, the bond, I felt EVERYTHING. I can say with the utmost certainty I would highly recommend this book for people who love MM romance books with monster/human elements in it.
With lots of laughter and definitely a little sadness. It was so well written i could talk about how much I really like all-day long.
Onyx and Lucas are my new monster/human book couple of this year.
When this is released I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH and read your trigger warnings. There are some scenes in here that might not be for you.
For those of you that love it all .. Enjoy 😉.
Review of advance copy received from Author
These two were cute from the beginning. Onyx’s feelings about Lucas’ den, the smug refrigerator and job were hilarious. I liked their dynamic and the fact that Lucas never backed down when it came to expressing what he wanted and needed when dealing with Onyx. They both learned one another and created a relationship that worked for them. I enjoyed this!
🧡ARC REVIEW💙
🧡ARC REVIEW💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was magnificent! I can’t describe the feelings I have towards this book! Lucas & Onyx, just wow! They are true mates I just love them so much. I love Onyx’s dry humour & his hatred towards the fridge & Lucas bad choice of clothes. The emotions I had whilst reading this, oh my goodness .. them last chapters had me in there grip and I could not stop reading! The rawness I felt as if I was actually witness the breakdown the emotion the sadness! The wholesome meaningful moments! 10/10 it’s going to take me some time to get over this one! Also I need all the art of all the things 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beta Review
RTC 🦌
Please Note: I read an early copy of this book for my honest feedback and criticism!
RTC 🦌
Please Note: I read an early copy of this book for my honest feedback and criticism!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Onyx and Lucas’s story was one I didn’t expect to pull me in so much.
Monster romances are something I need to be in the mood to read. I’ve found some amazing stories that I’ve loved but none of them have made me sob like this one did.
My goodness, I couldn’t stop the tears at some points. While this isn’t a sad story there’s definitely moments that don’t just grip your heart, but yank it. Onyx and Lucas as characters were so well written. Their emotions could be felt throughout the story regardless of whose pov you were reading.
Onyx is what Lucas’s town calls a Lanter Stalker. Something that carries a light you should never follow as well as some menacing campfire stories to go with it. He couldn’t be farther from those stories. From the moment I started reading his pov, my heart melted for him. I’ve never experienced cuteness aggression toward a fictional character before. He changed that. Ohhh, he was so precious and sweet.
The way he was with Lucas at the start of the book and throughout only further melted my heart and his nickname for Lucas. 😍🫠 His pov was so much fun to read. Seeing the world through his eyes and knowing just how much it’s changed over time was fascinating and beautiful. The descriptions of those moments alone were enough to pull you further into the story.
Lucas comes back to his home town with a heavy heart and broken trust. Not wanting to dwell on why he’s back in his home town he throws himself into his job and enjoys being back in the forest he grew up walking and learning. While there he starts to feel like someone’s watching him and later he discovers exactly who has been watching him.
There were so many moments in this story that had me clutching my kindle. Not all in a bad way. More in emotion. Onyx’s chapters got me every single time I read them especially when you get about 70% in. Goodness those chapters from him had me bawling and don’t even get me started on the epilogue.
These two are individuals I won’t be forgetting any time. The banter between them was hilarious at times. Onyx really had me doubled over with his descriptions of certain human inventions and his annoyance with one in particular. Goodness, I don’t I’ll be able to look at it and not think of him. 🤣🤣🤣
Onyx and Lucas’s story is full of so much love but also tension and a few ‘oh my god no!!!’ moments. These two are going to wrap their way around your heart and make it bleed when you get to the plot twist and damn was that a plot twist. I knew something was going to happen but I wasn’t expecting THAT!!
I went from being so happy and excited to absolutely raging and devastated 😭😭😭. It was an excellent twist but goodness my heart broke over and over again.
Onyx and Lucas’s story was one I didn’t expect to pull me in so much.
Monster romances are something I need to be in the mood to read. I’ve found some amazing stories that I’ve loved but none of them have made me sob like this one did.
My goodness, I couldn’t stop the tears at some points. While this isn’t a sad story there’s definitely moments that don’t just grip your heart, but yank it. Onyx and Lucas as characters were so well written. Their emotions could be felt throughout the story regardless of whose pov you were reading.
Onyx is what Lucas’s town calls a Lanter Stalker. Something that carries a light you should never follow as well as some menacing campfire stories to go with it. He couldn’t be farther from those stories. From the moment I started reading his pov, my heart melted for him. I’ve never experienced cuteness aggression toward a fictional character before. He changed that. Ohhh, he was so precious and sweet.
The way he was with Lucas at the start of the book and throughout only further melted my heart and his nickname for Lucas. 😍🫠 His pov was so much fun to read. Seeing the world through his eyes and knowing just how much it’s changed over time was fascinating and beautiful. The descriptions of those moments alone were enough to pull you further into the story.
Lucas comes back to his home town with a heavy heart and broken trust. Not wanting to dwell on why he’s back in his home town he throws himself into his job and enjoys being back in the forest he grew up walking and learning. While there he starts to feel like someone’s watching him and later he discovers exactly who has been watching him.
There were so many moments in this story that had me clutching my kindle. Not all in a bad way. More in emotion. Onyx’s chapters got me every single time I read them especially when you get about 70% in. Goodness those chapters from him had me bawling and don’t even get me started on the epilogue.
These two are individuals I won’t be forgetting any time. The banter between them was hilarious at times. Onyx really had me doubled over with his descriptions of certain human inventions and his annoyance with one in particular. Goodness, I don’t I’ll be able to look at it and not think of him. 🤣🤣🤣
Onyx and Lucas’s story is full of so much love but also tension and a few ‘oh my god no!!!’ moments. These two are going to wrap their way around your heart and make it bleed when you get to the plot twist and damn was that a plot twist. I knew something was going to happen but I wasn’t expecting THAT!!
I went from being so happy and excited to absolutely raging and devastated 😭😭😭. It was an excellent twist but goodness my heart broke over and over again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not expect to be so emotionally invested in a monster romance, this is really why Avery Collins is one of my favorite authors. She has such a way with words that I usually have half the book highlighted when I’m done. This was equally spicy, tender and emotionally devastating and now one of my all time favorite monster romances.
Lucas returns to his home town with a broken heart, accepting the local ranger position. Everyone in his town has heard of the lantern stalkers and not to follow the blue light into the woods… But he quickly realizes the “monster” in the woods isn’t as nefarious as the town thinks. But something else is also hiding in the woods.
Im not going to lie after reading the glossary and reading the definition of an “opening” I knew I was going to love this book 😭. Although I did not expect such a hauntingly beautiful story. This is one of the most heartfelt monster romances I’ve ever read with long spicy scenes that are next level written in the most beautiful language imaginable.
The lore behind Onyx is honestly genius. This was so creative and I really enjoyed learning about him. These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The connection between them is so beautiful & the banter between them was raw, sincere and even hilarious at times. Onyx learning sarcasm will forever be one of my favorite things. I really loved how the lore behind Onyx is heavily rooted in nature. Lucas accepts Onyx for who he truly is and wow was that so beautiful and exactly what this lonely Cryptids heart needed.
What I truly loved about this book and why I rated it 6 stars is because of the ending. There was a plot twist I didn’t anticipate but the way we truly get to see these two happy at the end was everything I could have wanted as a reader.
Lucas returns to his home town with a broken heart, accepting the local ranger position. Everyone in his town has heard of the lantern stalkers and not to follow the blue light into the woods… But he quickly realizes the “monster” in the woods isn’t as nefarious as the town thinks. But something else is also hiding in the woods.
Im not going to lie after reading the glossary and reading the definition of an “opening” I knew I was going to love this book 😭. Although I did not expect such a hauntingly beautiful story. This is one of the most heartfelt monster romances I’ve ever read with long spicy scenes that are next level written in the most beautiful language imaginable.
The lore behind Onyx is honestly genius. This was so creative and I really enjoyed learning about him. These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The connection between them is so beautiful & the banter between them was raw, sincere and even hilarious at times. Onyx learning sarcasm will forever be one of my favorite things. I really loved how the lore behind Onyx is heavily rooted in nature. Lucas accepts Onyx for who he truly is and wow was that so beautiful and exactly what this lonely Cryptids heart needed.
What I truly loved about this book and why I rated it 6 stars is because of the ending. There was a plot twist I didn’t anticipate but the way we truly get to see these two happy at the end was everything I could have wanted as a reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love that everything that Avery writes but this book...oh my god, it has shot straight to the top of my favourites. It had an amazing plot, banter, obsessive and possessive behaviours, spicy and two characters that you genuinely care about and want to see succeed.
For an ancient being, Onyx had me in a chokehold, his loneliness and desire for Lucas was off the chart, I absolutely loved this cryptid and how far he goes for the man he loves. The way Avery wrote him, gave him so much depth that he was more than just a 'monster'. He was so incredibly human at times with his emotions and his way of communicating with Lucas brought tears to my eyes.
Lucas was just a sweetheart, wanting to escape another life where he was cheated on and taking up the ranger job in his old town. He never once expected to meet Onyx but damn once he did and got over his shock, he was all in.
The way this book built up it's plot was phenomenal and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout. The last half had me reaching for hankies and some ugly sobbing which I didn't expect whatsoever but it was worth it.
This was a different type of book for Avery and damn, I really don't want it to be here last as this was amazing.
For an ancient being, Onyx had me in a chokehold, his loneliness and desire for Lucas was off the chart, I absolutely loved this cryptid and how far he goes for the man he loves. The way Avery wrote him, gave him so much depth that he was more than just a 'monster'. He was so incredibly human at times with his emotions and his way of communicating with Lucas brought tears to my eyes.
Lucas was just a sweetheart, wanting to escape another life where he was cheated on and taking up the ranger job in his old town. He never once expected to meet Onyx but damn once he did and got over his shock, he was all in.
The way this book built up it's plot was phenomenal and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout. The last half had me reaching for hankies and some ugly sobbing which I didn't expect whatsoever but it was worth it.
This was a different type of book for Avery and damn, I really don't want it to be here last as this was amazing.
October 12, 2026
What a ride that was! An unexpectedly emotional monster romance that had me laughing, swooning, and sobbing. SOBBING. My poor Lucas is already broken when I’m he returns to his hometown. I love the way he came alive under Onyx’s protection and care. Onyx is completely swoon-worthy. His devotion, is caretaking, and the way he’s always surprised when Lucas calls him beautiful. The spice was amazing and emotional. The banter had me giggling. I was completely destroyed but then gently put back together. A well deserved 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I even start! This book was so so good! It was sweet watching their relationship grow and change and watching them learn one another. It will make you laugh, make you swoon and then make you sob like the world is ending before making it all better! Seriously this book took me by surprise! I am in awe and won’t be letting it go anytime soon! This book will live rent free in my head for a long time!
October 7, 2026
This was a beautifully woven story and I enjoyed the uniqueness of it. The description of everything was on par, you really grab onto it and see it in your head, the imagery, everything. I also enjoyed the banter, definitely had me crackin' up. It made me awe seeing Onyx integrate in with the family. I loved every bit of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC ⭐
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