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Apex: An Apex Club Novel, Book One
He was banned from paradise. Now he's been sent back to burn it down.
Apex is neutral ground — the only place hybrids like Static get to be more than product. Ariella built it. Ariella rules it. And Ariella threw him out the moment he broke one rule too many.
Now Static belongs to Velvet Vitium, where hybrids don't get walls, rules, or mercy — just a price tag. And Vaelor, the jaguar who owns him, wants Apex.
The job is get back in. Earn her trust. Hand her over.
The problem is Static's never wanted to keep anything before. Now he can't stop wanting to keep her.
For fans of Katee Robert's Dark Olympus and CM Nascosta's monster-run underworlds — Apex is a story about what freedom costs in a world built to own you, and whether choosing someone can be the one act no one can control.
Apex is neutral ground — the only place hybrids like Static get to be more than product. Ariella built it. Ariella rules it. And Ariella threw him out the moment he broke one rule too many.
Now Static belongs to Velvet Vitium, where hybrids don't get walls, rules, or mercy — just a price tag. And Vaelor, the jaguar who owns him, wants Apex.
The job is get back in. Earn her trust. Hand her over.
The problem is Static's never wanted to keep anything before. Now he can't stop wanting to keep her.
For fans of Katee Robert's Dark Olympus and CM Nascosta's monster-run underworlds — Apex is a story about what freedom costs in a world built to own you, and whether choosing someone can be the one act no one can control.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Petra Belmont
1 book1 followerI write dark hybrid romance about people you probably shouldn't want and definitely will. My first series, Apex, lives in 2056 Los Angeles, inside a hybrid-exclusive nightclub run by a grad student who is five feet of pure spite and excellent spreadsheets. There are predators in suits. There are feelings with consequences. It's a lot, on purpose. If that's your kind of trouble, the newsletter (Apex After Dark) is where the good stuff lands first: petrabelmont.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was immediately intrigued by the storyline. Very well thought out, very unique and very fun to read. This story had a ton of complex issues that weren't thrown in your face, but laid out for the reader to interpret however they wanted. The politics, and mental health topics felt real and earned along with the bare emotions of the characters. I loved the hybrids and how different they all were based on their species. Static was so much fun to read and Ariella was the perfect person to battle his ego. If you like sci-fi, dystopian, slow burn, enemies to lovers, real life issues, and a touch of dark romance, you will love this book! Definitely recommend!
September 17, 2026
This ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
EXCUSE ME?! THAT ENDING?! 😭 My brain is officially mush, and I’m just sitting here staring into the void trying to process what I just read.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The animal-human hybrids, the mystery surrounding Club APEX, the experiments, the tension—I ate up every second of it.
Static, our MMC fox hybrid, gave me major Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel vibes, and I was immediately obsessed with him. 🦊 His personality, attitude, and dynamic with Ariella had me hooked.
And Ariella?! Our FMC and owner of Club APEX does not put up with an ounce of shit from these 6+ foot hybrids. 😂 Meanwhile, she’s secretly running a two-year experiment involving the club’s patrons, and the deeper we get into what’s actually happening at APEX, the more I needed answers.
This one is definitely plot-heavy with a delicious slow burn, which is exactly how I like it. The story actually gives the tension and mystery time to build instead of rushing everything—and then THAT ENDING came along and absolutely wrecked me.
I need the next book because you cannot just leave me here like this. 😭🦊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
EXCUSE ME?! THAT ENDING?! 😭 My brain is officially mush, and I’m just sitting here staring into the void trying to process what I just read.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The animal-human hybrids, the mystery surrounding Club APEX, the experiments, the tension—I ate up every second of it.
Static, our MMC fox hybrid, gave me major Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel vibes, and I was immediately obsessed with him. 🦊 His personality, attitude, and dynamic with Ariella had me hooked.
And Ariella?! Our FMC and owner of Club APEX does not put up with an ounce of shit from these 6+ foot hybrids. 😂 Meanwhile, she’s secretly running a two-year experiment involving the club’s patrons, and the deeper we get into what’s actually happening at APEX, the more I needed answers.
This one is definitely plot-heavy with a delicious slow burn, which is exactly how I like it. The story actually gives the tension and mystery time to build instead of rushing everything—and then THAT ENDING came along and absolutely wrecked me.
I need the next book because you cannot just leave me here like this. 😭🦊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
***There are spoilers in this review. I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
I love when I come across a book where the plot is so unique to anything I’ve read before. This book is based in LA in the future where both humans and hybrids live amongst each other. Humans made the hybrids but they see them as lesser. I feel like this book has so many parallels to our real world situations right now; racism, prejudices, unfair deportations, abusers in power, etc. And realizing that while reading hit a bit hard.
The human FMC is going for her masters in ecology and studying hybrids for this and to also help them be treated more fairly and have more rights. The Fox hybrid MMC is a - forced into it -smex worker. This book takes us on their journey of going from a sort of enemies to lovers. He is purposely abused and dropped at her door for her to physically help him heal and recover while he is secretly drugging her for his boss. I was pleasantly surprised this book was more in the romance genre as I thought that was initially meant to be more of a sub plot. I love romance and all the things underneath that umbrella so this was a plus for me!
***Trigger Warning*** there is many times that grape of a male hybrid is mentioned. It is never described on page. There are a couple times that these scenes fade to black and then mentioned that it happens multiple times outside of that.
I love a book that has representation especially neurodivergent representation since I fall into that category in multiple ways; especially in romance and dark romance since that’s my favorite genre. Going into this book we were told that the MMC had ADHD and the FMC was high functioning autistic. To me, this representation fell short. I think if I wasn’t told beforehand that the FMC was high functioning autistic, I would have been quite surprised when you get to 85% ish through the book and she yells it at the MMC. I understand that high functioning autism cannot be detected by everyone but I feel like it needed to be more prevalent in this story for us as readers to really grasp that it was there.
I enjoyed Statics character arc through the book and he was my favorite character. I loved being inside his head and hearing the struggle of his survival vs what he was starting to realize was morally right. I really liked how the author incorporated fox characteristics into his behaviors; ears moving/twitching, wrapping his tail around the FMC, the height and movement of his tail dependent on how he was feeling. Watching characters grow through a book/series is one of the parts I love the most. I do wish we were given more depth to the FMC; personality wise but also more of her research and past trauma. Ultimately, my favorite part was the ending when we were thrown the plot twist and it had me thinking back over and analyzing almost the entire book in a different way then when I was reading it. I was not expecting that and has me curious to see how the rest of the series plays out but especially book 2!
I love when I come across a book where the plot is so unique to anything I’ve read before. This book is based in LA in the future where both humans and hybrids live amongst each other. Humans made the hybrids but they see them as lesser. I feel like this book has so many parallels to our real world situations right now; racism, prejudices, unfair deportations, abusers in power, etc. And realizing that while reading hit a bit hard.
The human FMC is going for her masters in ecology and studying hybrids for this and to also help them be treated more fairly and have more rights. The Fox hybrid MMC is a - forced into it -smex worker. This book takes us on their journey of going from a sort of enemies to lovers. He is purposely abused and dropped at her door for her to physically help him heal and recover while he is secretly drugging her for his boss. I was pleasantly surprised this book was more in the romance genre as I thought that was initially meant to be more of a sub plot. I love romance and all the things underneath that umbrella so this was a plus for me!
***Trigger Warning*** there is many times that grape of a male hybrid is mentioned. It is never described on page. There are a couple times that these scenes fade to black and then mentioned that it happens multiple times outside of that.
I love a book that has representation especially neurodivergent representation since I fall into that category in multiple ways; especially in romance and dark romance since that’s my favorite genre. Going into this book we were told that the MMC had ADHD and the FMC was high functioning autistic. To me, this representation fell short. I think if I wasn’t told beforehand that the FMC was high functioning autistic, I would have been quite surprised when you get to 85% ish through the book and she yells it at the MMC. I understand that high functioning autism cannot be detected by everyone but I feel like it needed to be more prevalent in this story for us as readers to really grasp that it was there.
I enjoyed Statics character arc through the book and he was my favorite character. I loved being inside his head and hearing the struggle of his survival vs what he was starting to realize was morally right. I really liked how the author incorporated fox characteristics into his behaviors; ears moving/twitching, wrapping his tail around the FMC, the height and movement of his tail dependent on how he was feeling. Watching characters grow through a book/series is one of the parts I love the most. I do wish we were given more depth to the FMC; personality wise but also more of her research and past trauma. Ultimately, my favorite part was the ending when we were thrown the plot twist and it had me thinking back over and analyzing almost the entire book in a different way then when I was reading it. I was not expecting that and has me curious to see how the rest of the series plays out but especially book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy from author:
YALLL THIS BOOK HAUTE DAMN IT WAS A GOOD READ!! i loved the sci-fi far in the future vibe this book gives .It was such a unique perspective for a monster romance .I mean and its why choose ?? Monsters ?? What more could you ask for .pick up this book .it ends of a cliffhanger , I AM PATIENTLY WAITING FOR BOOK 2 😭😭
YALLL THIS BOOK HAUTE DAMN IT WAS A GOOD READ!! i loved the sci-fi far in the future vibe this book gives .It was such a unique perspective for a monster romance .I mean and its why choose ?? Monsters ?? What more could you ask for .pick up this book .it ends of a cliffhanger , I AM PATIENTLY WAITING FOR BOOK 2 😭😭
Did Not Finish
September 27, 2026I didn't rate this because I DNF'd, unfortunately this wasn't for me. I wasn't the targeted audience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every character in this book is morally dysfunctional. I had whiplash going back and forth between wanting to strangle them and crying for them. I love a book that keeps you questioning everything and Apex does that. This is the first book in the series, and while it doesn't end on a true cliffhanger (everyone is safe-ish at the end of book one) the story is far from complete.
This is a semi-dystopian, near future human-animal hybrid sci-fi romance set in LA in 2056. The story follows a graduate student, Ariella, studying man-made hybrids as she navigates a way to improve their lives and save them from extinction. On the surface this sounds very altruistic but leads us to our first moral dilemma where we have to ask, when do the ends justify the means. If you have any knowledge of medical research, you will easily see the parallel of what happens when scientists fail to see their test subjects as human beings. Even Ari ponders the ethics of this as she acknowledges the unethical route she has taken and grows closer to her test subjects.
Static is by far the most morally complicated of the characters. At the start of the story, he would appear as a stereotypical caricature of an addict, self-destructive, self-serving and oblivious to the damage he does. At the same time, it is also a fairly accurate portrayal of addiction. He continuously makes the same mistakes and poor choices. When the opportunity for change is given to him, he still takes the least painful path for himself and does everything with an apparent self-interest of how to make his life the least uncomfortable he can. Static also is the character it is obvious has the most character growth. While at the end of the first book, he is still an addict, he is now considering others around himself in his decision process and now instead of how he can make life best for himself, he is starting to look at which action will create the least amount of damage.
Book one focuses on predominantly Ari and Static, I do know the book will eventually be a why choose, but the remaining people in the relationship do not factor heavily in the first book. So, based on this, I am treating the remaining characters as side characters. Even these we see facing moral dilemmas and choices that are testing them and they are often failing. It is interesting as you attempt to determine the true motives behind their actions, was it out of petty jealousy or truly an attempt at revenge for someone they care about?
Finally, we have our villain. Vaelor represents everything we all blame for the evils of the world; he is a hybrid who appears to focus solely on corporate greed forcing others of his species to sell their bodies to survive. He uses illegal and unethical means to do this. As soon as I think perhaps he, like Ari has a higher purpose in mind, he will do something so despicable that it makes it difficult to believe he could ever have a redemption arc. Even in his final scene of the book, I don't understand his motives. I think the thing that makes this book so interesting is that you are always questioning the characters motives.
I will warn you, these characters are often very unlikable and if you are someone that needs to like your characters to enjoy a story, this probably isn't a book you will enjoy. There are a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book, I am still hopeful we will get more world building and backstory in future books, because I like complex characters that keep my emotions cycling. I both cried and laughed at this book and the number of times I was angry with characters I couldn't even tell you.
I did receive an electronic copy of this book as an advanced reader copy from the author; however all opinions are my own.
This is a semi-dystopian, near future human-animal hybrid sci-fi romance set in LA in 2056. The story follows a graduate student, Ariella, studying man-made hybrids as she navigates a way to improve their lives and save them from extinction. On the surface this sounds very altruistic but leads us to our first moral dilemma where we have to ask, when do the ends justify the means. If you have any knowledge of medical research, you will easily see the parallel of what happens when scientists fail to see their test subjects as human beings. Even Ari ponders the ethics of this as she acknowledges the unethical route she has taken and grows closer to her test subjects.
Static is by far the most morally complicated of the characters. At the start of the story, he would appear as a stereotypical caricature of an addict, self-destructive, self-serving and oblivious to the damage he does. At the same time, it is also a fairly accurate portrayal of addiction. He continuously makes the same mistakes and poor choices. When the opportunity for change is given to him, he still takes the least painful path for himself and does everything with an apparent self-interest of how to make his life the least uncomfortable he can. Static also is the character it is obvious has the most character growth. While at the end of the first book, he is still an addict, he is now considering others around himself in his decision process and now instead of how he can make life best for himself, he is starting to look at which action will create the least amount of damage.
Book one focuses on predominantly Ari and Static, I do know the book will eventually be a why choose, but the remaining people in the relationship do not factor heavily in the first book. So, based on this, I am treating the remaining characters as side characters. Even these we see facing moral dilemmas and choices that are testing them and they are often failing. It is interesting as you attempt to determine the true motives behind their actions, was it out of petty jealousy or truly an attempt at revenge for someone they care about?
Finally, we have our villain. Vaelor represents everything we all blame for the evils of the world; he is a hybrid who appears to focus solely on corporate greed forcing others of his species to sell their bodies to survive. He uses illegal and unethical means to do this. As soon as I think perhaps he, like Ari has a higher purpose in mind, he will do something so despicable that it makes it difficult to believe he could ever have a redemption arc. Even in his final scene of the book, I don't understand his motives. I think the thing that makes this book so interesting is that you are always questioning the characters motives.
I will warn you, these characters are often very unlikable and if you are someone that needs to like your characters to enjoy a story, this probably isn't a book you will enjoy. There are a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book, I am still hopeful we will get more world building and backstory in future books, because I like complex characters that keep my emotions cycling. I both cried and laughed at this book and the number of times I was angry with characters I couldn't even tell you.
I did receive an electronic copy of this book as an advanced reader copy from the author; however all opinions are my own.
October 10, 2026
5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual POV
Book 1 in series
Listen, it’s spooky season and this book is begging for you to pick it up immediately! It’s the perfect time to read this one. But honestly, any time of the year is fine because this book was so damn good!
APEX is a dark hybrid romance with dystopian, political, and a smidge of mafia elements. The world building was fascinating, especially with the hybrids fighting against discrimination, exploitation, and for their freedom. There’s so much more happening beneath the surface than just romance.
Static (MMC) is an absolute menace! He’s sarcastic, chaotic, and constantly pushing the FMC’s buttons. Their banter had me laughing, but underneath all that humor is a character carrying soooo much trauma. My heart genuinely hurt for him.
I really enjoyed Ariella (FMC) too! She’s strong, protective, sharp tongue, and has secrets of her own. The tension and slow burn romance between these two had me completely all in!
What I loved most was how this story balanced darker themes with humor, romance, emotional moments, and relating to real world topics. One minute I was laughing and then the next my heart was breaking.
Tropes + atmosphere:
Dark romance
Monster romance
Dystopian
Mafia elements
Politics
Hybrid x humans
Sassy/bratty fox hybrid
Strong FMC
She tends to his wounds
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
“Good girl” 😏
Biting k!nk
ADHD/Autism/Mental health rep
Trauma
Lots of banter
Dark secrets
MAJOR CLIFFHANGER
If you enjoy dark monster romance, dystopian elements, morally grey characters, enemies to lovers tension, and sharp banter then definitely add this one to your TBR!
Wonderful debut for this indie author and I cannot wait for more! A big thank you to the author for the eARC.
"Static-are you-is that? Are you purring?" A pause, then corrects herself. "Or, if I remember my bio courses, isn't it called a 'murr?’”
"You taste like a cup of coffee that's filled to the brim."
"All this tension, all this control. You need someone to help you release some of it before you spill."
"Keep holding on, and kiss me."
"You're just looking at me. Not what I can do for you. Just me."
"Maybe nothing. But I'm still going to give you something you need. You just don't know it yet."
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual POV
Book 1 in series
Listen, it’s spooky season and this book is begging for you to pick it up immediately! It’s the perfect time to read this one. But honestly, any time of the year is fine because this book was so damn good!
APEX is a dark hybrid romance with dystopian, political, and a smidge of mafia elements. The world building was fascinating, especially with the hybrids fighting against discrimination, exploitation, and for their freedom. There’s so much more happening beneath the surface than just romance.
Static (MMC) is an absolute menace! He’s sarcastic, chaotic, and constantly pushing the FMC’s buttons. Their banter had me laughing, but underneath all that humor is a character carrying soooo much trauma. My heart genuinely hurt for him.
I really enjoyed Ariella (FMC) too! She’s strong, protective, sharp tongue, and has secrets of her own. The tension and slow burn romance between these two had me completely all in!
What I loved most was how this story balanced darker themes with humor, romance, emotional moments, and relating to real world topics. One minute I was laughing and then the next my heart was breaking.
Tropes + atmosphere:
Dark romance
Monster romance
Dystopian
Mafia elements
Politics
Hybrid x humans
Sassy/bratty fox hybrid
Strong FMC
She tends to his wounds
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
“Good girl” 😏
Biting k!nk
ADHD/Autism/Mental health rep
Trauma
Lots of banter
Dark secrets
MAJOR CLIFFHANGER
If you enjoy dark monster romance, dystopian elements, morally grey characters, enemies to lovers tension, and sharp banter then definitely add this one to your TBR!
Wonderful debut for this indie author and I cannot wait for more! A big thank you to the author for the eARC.
"Static-are you-is that? Are you purring?" A pause, then corrects herself. "Or, if I remember my bio courses, isn't it called a 'murr?’”
"You taste like a cup of coffee that's filled to the brim."
"All this tension, all this control. You need someone to help you release some of it before you spill."
"Keep holding on, and kiss me."
"You're just looking at me. Not what I can do for you. Just me."
"Maybe nothing. But I'm still going to give you something you need. You just don't know it yet."
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a freaking read. 🦊💚 I went into APEX expecting a dark, spicy hybrid romance, but I wasn't prepared for how much emotion, trauma, humor, and heartbreak would be packed into this story.
The world immediately grabbed me. In this near future Los Angeles, HYBRIDs are fighting for acceptance and freedom while still facing exploitation and discrimination. At the center of it is Ariella DeSilvre, who owns Apex, a nightclub designed as a safe space for HYBRIDs while she studies predator behavior in HYBRIDs. Ariella is intelligent, controlled, stubborn, compassionate, and fiercely protective of the people she considers hers.
And then there's Static. 😂🦊
This fox HYBRID is an absolute menace. He's sarcastic, inappropriate, unpredictable, ridiculously funny, and determined to push every single one of Ariella's buttons. Their banter was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. They can go from arguing and insulting each other to having an unexpectedly vulnerable conversation that completely changes how you see them.
But Static is also where this book gets DARK.
Behind all that swagger is someone who has spent years being exploited and controlled by Vaelor and Velvet Vitium. His addiction to LUME, his complicated relationship with his own identity, and the things he's endured make his behavior much more complicated than it initially appears. There were moments when I wanted to shake him and others when I just wanted someone to protect him. 😭
If you enjoy dark romance, HYBRIDs, enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, morally gray characters, high spice, found family, dystopian elements, addiction/recovery themes, emotional damage, and romances where you genuinely don't know how the characters are going to find their way out of the mess they're in, put APEX on your radar.
⭐ 5/5 for me.
🌶️ Very spicy.
⚠️ Definitely check the trigger warnings.
🦊 And prepare yourself for Static.
The world immediately grabbed me. In this near future Los Angeles, HYBRIDs are fighting for acceptance and freedom while still facing exploitation and discrimination. At the center of it is Ariella DeSilvre, who owns Apex, a nightclub designed as a safe space for HYBRIDs while she studies predator behavior in HYBRIDs. Ariella is intelligent, controlled, stubborn, compassionate, and fiercely protective of the people she considers hers.
And then there's Static. 😂🦊
This fox HYBRID is an absolute menace. He's sarcastic, inappropriate, unpredictable, ridiculously funny, and determined to push every single one of Ariella's buttons. Their banter was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. They can go from arguing and insulting each other to having an unexpectedly vulnerable conversation that completely changes how you see them.
But Static is also where this book gets DARK.
Behind all that swagger is someone who has spent years being exploited and controlled by Vaelor and Velvet Vitium. His addiction to LUME, his complicated relationship with his own identity, and the things he's endured make his behavior much more complicated than it initially appears. There were moments when I wanted to shake him and others when I just wanted someone to protect him. 😭
If you enjoy dark romance, HYBRIDs, enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, morally gray characters, high spice, found family, dystopian elements, addiction/recovery themes, emotional damage, and romances where you genuinely don't know how the characters are going to find their way out of the mess they're in, put APEX on your radar.
⭐ 5/5 for me.
🌶️ Very spicy.
⚠️ Definitely check the trigger warnings.
🦊 And prepare yourself for Static.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had absolutely no idea what to expect going into this book, and I ate up every second of it!
This takes place in a future where human/animal hybrids have been lab-created, and the politics and fallout surrounding that scientific development were such a unique part of the story. The hybrids are facing so much prejudice that their options for survival are incredibly limited, and unfortunately, many of them end up being exploited and trapped in situations they can’t escape.
It’s one of those books that makes you sit back and think, okay, but what if this actually happened?
Our MMC, Static, is one of those hybrids. He’s essentially trapped in an industry he can’t escape, and in an attempt to free himself from what is basically servitude, he agrees to do something he absolutely should not do.
Enter Ariella, our FMC and resident hybrid sympathizer. She runs a nightclub that caters to hybrids and has earned the trust of many of them.
At the beginning of the book, these two cannot stand each other. Static has spent years causing Ariella problems purely out of spite, while Ariella sees him as the absolute menace he is. Watching their relationship develop gave me ALL the enemies-to-lovers vibes, and I was hastily flipping pages because I needed to see where this was going.
And then there’s Spider Daddy. Listen. If you had told me before reading this book that I would ever look at a spider-human hybrid and think, damn, he’s hot, I would have laughed directly in your face. But Bind? Bind can get it.
Honestly, I would not be mad at all if this somehow turned into a why-choose situation. Just saying.
The cliffhanger was BRUTAL. I am simultaneously going to be patient and absolutely not patient while waiting for Book 2.
This takes place in a future where human/animal hybrids have been lab-created, and the politics and fallout surrounding that scientific development were such a unique part of the story. The hybrids are facing so much prejudice that their options for survival are incredibly limited, and unfortunately, many of them end up being exploited and trapped in situations they can’t escape.
It’s one of those books that makes you sit back and think, okay, but what if this actually happened?
Our MMC, Static, is one of those hybrids. He’s essentially trapped in an industry he can’t escape, and in an attempt to free himself from what is basically servitude, he agrees to do something he absolutely should not do.
Enter Ariella, our FMC and resident hybrid sympathizer. She runs a nightclub that caters to hybrids and has earned the trust of many of them.
At the beginning of the book, these two cannot stand each other. Static has spent years causing Ariella problems purely out of spite, while Ariella sees him as the absolute menace he is. Watching their relationship develop gave me ALL the enemies-to-lovers vibes, and I was hastily flipping pages because I needed to see where this was going.
And then there’s Spider Daddy. Listen. If you had told me before reading this book that I would ever look at a spider-human hybrid and think, damn, he’s hot, I would have laughed directly in your face. But Bind? Bind can get it.
Honestly, I would not be mad at all if this somehow turned into a why-choose situation. Just saying.
The cliffhanger was BRUTAL. I am simultaneously going to be patient and absolutely not patient while waiting for Book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ariella is a graduate student studying hybrids and she also owns Apex, a hybrid club in Los Angeles exclusive to Velvet Vitium, an adult hybrid entertainment company. Static, a fox hybrid and consistent pain in her butt, vandalizes a VIP box and is banned again. The head of Velvet Vitium sets him a task: dose the human owner of Apex and earn his freedom.
Wow, I really enjoyed this one, and it's a debut. The author describes this as dark hybrid romance; the hybrids have animal traits, but do not shift, they are constantly in the same form. What you have here is a bit of a dystopian lens for sci-fi. In the background of the world and directly connected to our main characters, you have the government legislating hybrids and making their lives harder. Ariella is working on her finish research, but in a manner that's not disclosed to her patrons. Meanwhile Static has it very rough on terms of how he's treated and what he gets coerced into doing. The ending is devastating after those final few chapters (what do you mean I have to wait?!). I'm so ready to learn more about the other characters introduced in this story and see where things go.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 focused towards the end
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own. This book will be released on 10/13/26.
Wow, I really enjoyed this one, and it's a debut. The author describes this as dark hybrid romance; the hybrids have animal traits, but do not shift, they are constantly in the same form. What you have here is a bit of a dystopian lens for sci-fi. In the background of the world and directly connected to our main characters, you have the government legislating hybrids and making their lives harder. Ariella is working on her finish research, but in a manner that's not disclosed to her patrons. Meanwhile Static has it very rough on terms of how he's treated and what he gets coerced into doing. The ending is devastating after those final few chapters (what do you mean I have to wait?!). I'm so ready to learn more about the other characters introduced in this story and see where things go.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 focused towards the end
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own. This book will be released on 10/13/26.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤ARC REVIEW🖤
This was such an addictive read!! At first I was really interested in the whole hybrid concept and the world surrounding them but the deeper I got into the story the more I realized how much was actually going on underneath everything. There’s a lot about control, freedom, exploitation, trust and what it really means to care about someone. Ariella and Static were such an interesting pair to follow because their dynamic could go from genuinely funny to tense to emotional so quickly. Their banter had me laughing more than once, not that the other characters didn’t but there was always this darker layer underneath their relationship that made everything feel way more complicated. I also really liked that the story didn’t make the hybrids feel like they were just in the background. Their treatment, rights and the way society views them actually matter to the plot and give the book a lot more weight as to the whole story. As for the ending I finished it needing to know what happens next!!!🖤
This was such an addictive read!! At first I was really interested in the whole hybrid concept and the world surrounding them but the deeper I got into the story the more I realized how much was actually going on underneath everything. There’s a lot about control, freedom, exploitation, trust and what it really means to care about someone. Ariella and Static were such an interesting pair to follow because their dynamic could go from genuinely funny to tense to emotional so quickly. Their banter had me laughing more than once, not that the other characters didn’t but there was always this darker layer underneath their relationship that made everything feel way more complicated. I also really liked that the story didn’t make the hybrids feel like they were just in the background. Their treatment, rights and the way society views them actually matter to the plot and give the book a lot more weight as to the whole story. As for the ending I finished it needing to know what happens next!!!🖤
September 22, 2026
Okay, this was such a FUN read! 👀
I actually really enjoyed the hybrid aspect of this one because it gave the story something different and I was completely here for it. Static is such an interesting character, especially watching him go from being used as a product to realizing he actually wants something for himself.
And of course… that something is Ariella. 😂
The whole “get back in, earn her trust, betray her” situation had me like 👀 because we all KNOW things are not going to go according to plan.
I loved the whole Apex/Velvet Vitium setup, the hybrids, the power dynamics, and watching Static slowly realize that maybe he doesn’t actually want to walk away this time.
Definitely a fun, different read with a hybrid twist that I ended up really enjoying!
I actually really enjoyed the hybrid aspect of this one because it gave the story something different and I was completely here for it. Static is such an interesting character, especially watching him go from being used as a product to realizing he actually wants something for himself.
And of course… that something is Ariella. 😂
The whole “get back in, earn her trust, betray her” situation had me like 👀 because we all KNOW things are not going to go according to plan.
I loved the whole Apex/Velvet Vitium setup, the hybrids, the power dynamics, and watching Static slowly realize that maybe he doesn’t actually want to walk away this time.
Definitely a fun, different read with a hybrid twist that I ended up really enjoying!
November 10, 2026
What a wild ride, APEX had me hooked from the beginning. The story was unlike anything I've read lately, with plenty of twists, danger, and unexpected emotional depth.
Static absolutely stole the show for me. He's impossible, hilarious, and the kind of character you want to strangle one minute and wrap in a hug the next. I loved that Ariella could give it right back to him. Neither one makes things easy for the other, which made watching their relationship develop even better.
I loved how the author balanced the darker parts of the story with moments that made me smile. The characters felt real, the stakes kept getting higher, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I can't wait for the next one.
Static absolutely stole the show for me. He's impossible, hilarious, and the kind of character you want to strangle one minute and wrap in a hug the next. I loved that Ariella could give it right back to him. Neither one makes things easy for the other, which made watching their relationship develop even better.
I loved how the author balanced the darker parts of the story with moments that made me smile. The characters felt real, the stakes kept getting higher, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I can't wait for the next one.
October 28, 2026
Animal/Human Hybrid C ornstars sign me up!
This book was a ride for sure. I don't know if I love or hate static but I feel for him. I can't wait to see more of Bind because there is always room for a spider daddy on my big red couch lol
Let's talk plot... Petra does a great job at getting you inside the character's head. I love the concept that Apex is a large scale research project. The forbidden romance/forced proximity was great...I won't be mad if this turns into a WC/RH situation because all of the male characters in this book are so different and I love them all in a different way! Fingers crossed we get Gambit soon!
This book was a ride for sure. I don't know if I love or hate static but I feel for him. I can't wait to see more of Bind because there is always room for a spider daddy on my big red couch lol
Let's talk plot... Petra does a great job at getting you inside the character's head. I love the concept that Apex is a large scale research project. The forbidden romance/forced proximity was great...I won't be mad if this turns into a WC/RH situation because all of the male characters in this book are so different and I love them all in a different way! Fingers crossed we get Gambit soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stressed me the F out in such a great way!
This book made laugh, feel sad, stressed, and at one point giggly. Like kick my feet giggly.
The pacing was on point, because I could not stop reading it. I just had to know what was next.
Dual POVs between Static and Ariella ✔️
Annoyance to lovers ✔️
All of the trauma, triggery things ✔️
This book had both sci-fi elements as well as a dystopian feel. This is what happens when science does things that are bad, and then persecutes the results.
Need. Book. 2! That cliffhanger, respectfully was f’ing rude. 😁
This book made laugh, feel sad, stressed, and at one point giggly. Like kick my feet giggly.
The pacing was on point, because I could not stop reading it. I just had to know what was next.
Dual POVs between Static and Ariella ✔️
Annoyance to lovers ✔️
All of the trauma, triggery things ✔️
This book had both sci-fi elements as well as a dystopian feel. This is what happens when science does things that are bad, and then persecutes the results.
Need. Book. 2! That cliffhanger, respectfully was f’ing rude. 😁
October 14, 2026
Apex is a dark romantasy unlike anything I have read before. The animal/human hybrid concept is so unique, and I love that this story explores their interactions in society, as well as the prejudices against them.
Petra does an amazing job at creating vivid settings, images, and characters. Buddy is the bestest boy, and I hope we get much more of him.
My only complaint was the ending felt sudden and unexpected. I will say the cliffhanger at the end is insane. I do not know how it will be reconciled going forward. It’s going to be a long, hard-fought journey for our MMC.
Petra does an amazing job at creating vivid settings, images, and characters. Buddy is the bestest boy, and I hope we get much more of him.
My only complaint was the ending felt sudden and unexpected. I will say the cliffhanger at the end is insane. I do not know how it will be reconciled going forward. It’s going to be a long, hard-fought journey for our MMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can not even begin to explain the feelings I went through reading this! The way your heart breaks for the hybrids, but then you wanna beat Statics tail, but then you just wanna hug him! But then beat him again! It's all so unfair and beautifully written! I finished this in 1 day because I couldn't stop coming back for more! And on top of the wonderfully shattering storyline, the spice....I mean....*fans self* delightful!!!
October 22, 2026
loved it !! what a great start for this new series !!! love Static and Ariella... this is their story... a fun and heartbreaking fast paced rom/drama set in a world gone beyond horrible...! he's a hybrid and has had a very tough life.. used and abused... she owns Apex.. a night club for hybrids... she's studying them for her thesis... she kicked him out... now, he needs back in... to be set free... this was intense and the cliff hanger is right there !!! please don't throw your kindle screaming !!! yeah, it's so like that !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is such a unique concept, it’s not aliens or monsters- they’re hybrids (human/ animal). Our main mmc for this book Static is very loveable but also very traumatized and will tug on your heart strings the entirety of the book. It’s impossible not to love the hybrids. Ariella the fmc is their protector in a sense but has secrets I’m curious to know and I won’t say more bc I don’t wanna give anything away. Had a good time reading this but after the cliff hanger ending I’m worried for them all, believe me when I say it’s gonna be a hard earned HEA lmao!
November 2, 2026
I could not put it down! Love it when there are truly morally grey characters, more so by the circumstances life dealt them , they are truly trap in this What can I do, There’s no way out of this. The way it’s written it’s so effective, I was really really engaged. Read until midnight, woke up and hour before and kept reading it.
Can wait to know what happens next.
Can wait to know what happens next.
September 27, 2026
ARC Review -
Human-animal hybrids? I’ve never read anything like this and now i have to look for more books with the hybrid trope?? Static and Ari were so fun to get to know, and i loved the mental health representation throughout! Now i will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book 🫣
Human-animal hybrids? I’ve never read anything like this and now i have to look for more books with the hybrid trope?? Static and Ari were so fun to get to know, and i loved the mental health representation throughout! Now i will be (im)patiently waiting for the next book 🫣
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I became attached to so many of the characters. The author clearly put a lot of time and thought into how they planned this all out. It feels like actual research was done for this dystopian sci-fi world. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ate this book up! I couldn't put it down.
Definitely check youre triggers on this one though
I am obsessed with both the fmc and mmc. I love this world that the author put together.
Definitely check youre triggers on this one though
I am obsessed with both the fmc and mmc. I love this world that the author put together.
October 27, 2026
sci fi romance
I have no words. I went into this book blind and expected none what happened in this book. It was so good!
I have no words. I went into this book blind and expected none what happened in this book. It was so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy. All thought and opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVED this book!! But let’s talk about the MMC…ugh I loved him so freaking much! He completely stole the show! His personality and dynamic with the FMC had me completely invested. I just love a book that has that one character that PULLS you in and makes you drool 🖤🤤
I cannot WAIT for the next book! I didn’t want this story to end yet 😭
I absolutely LOVED this book!! But let’s talk about the MMC…ugh I loved him so freaking much! He completely stole the show! His personality and dynamic with the FMC had me completely invested. I just love a book that has that one character that PULLS you in and makes you drool 🖤🤤
I cannot WAIT for the next book! I didn’t want this story to end yet 😭
October 20, 2026
This is a slow-burn treat, with a strong female and tricky male. Ariella is powerful and does not back down. She is head-strong, vibrant and gives the determined Static something to think about. I love their banter, emotion and how each scene draws out the tension as much as possible. This is a great read and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, that was a wild ride.
Definitely check your triggers before reading this story.
Static is a star of a certain type of videos, along with the other characters.
Ariella, a human, has an exclusive nightclub just for hybrids that work as these stars.
What Static did was downright dirty though.
Definitely check your triggers before reading this story.
Static is a star of a certain type of videos, along with the other characters.
Ariella, a human, has an exclusive nightclub just for hybrids that work as these stars.
What Static did was downright dirty though.
October 13, 2026
I read an advanced copy of this book directly from the author . && when I say I was intrigued as soon as I read chapter 1 . The character build and plot was great if you’re looking for a dark fantasy read I definitely recommend . I’m not giving any spoilers out but this book is definitely worth the read .
Review of advance copy
I did get this as an ARC, but my opinion is completely unbiased.
This series is going to be amazing. I just know it. With a debut that starts like this? Read it. Just. Read. It.
This book has so much going for it. A unique concept that isn't played out, well thought of characters that are so realistic they are scary relatable, political adjacent issues that seem to skim our real life problems, f*ck it moment, slow burn, situations that make you question their morality, scenes that can make you laugh out loud (or smother a laugh in the middle of the night so as not to wake the spouse sleeping next to you), scenes that make you shed tears for all the feels, and so much more. Must read. The only (current) downside is book two isn't out yet!
Ari seems so conflicted over utilizing her friends for her school work. And. She means well. But of course, good intentions and all that.
Bind is so damn cute. Gentlemanly. Gives me.... daddy dom energy. Lol Spider daddy dom. He knows when he's wrong and doesn't shy away from admitting it to the people he hurt. Sometimes, literally. That doesn't mean I have mixed feelings about him right now.
Static is....Static. But his growth potential is there because he has so far to climb. Most would stop at rock bottom, but as a fox, he seemed to need to dig himself a den under rock bottom.
Vortex. Well. We need more of him. But that goes without saying.
This book is hands down going on my favorite books of the year.
This series is going to be amazing. I just know it. With a debut that starts like this? Read it. Just. Read. It.
This book has so much going for it. A unique concept that isn't played out, well thought of characters that are so realistic they are scary relatable, political adjacent issues that seem to skim our real life problems, f*ck it moment, slow burn, situations that make you question their morality, scenes that can make you laugh out loud (or smother a laugh in the middle of the night so as not to wake the spouse sleeping next to you), scenes that make you shed tears for all the feels, and so much more. Must read. The only (current) downside is book two isn't out yet!
Ari seems so conflicted over utilizing her friends for her school work. And. She means well. But of course, good intentions and all that.
Bind is so damn cute. Gentlemanly. Gives me.... daddy dom energy. Lol Spider daddy dom. He knows when he's wrong and doesn't shy away from admitting it to the people he hurt. Sometimes, literally. That doesn't mean I have mixed feelings about him right now.
Static is....Static. But his growth potential is there because he has so far to climb. Most would stop at rock bottom, but as a fox, he seemed to need to dig himself a den under rock bottom.
Vortex. Well. We need more of him. But that goes without saying.
This book is hands down going on my favorite books of the year.
October 9, 2026
This was an ARC that the author was amazing enough to let me read before release day.
Without spoiling too much, this is now one of my favorite books and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Static is absolutely amazing and has so much depth to who he is, and Bind is very much a second close favorite.
I love that it is told from bouncing perspectives between Static and Ari. We know so much that the two of them don’t know about the other. The way that it is written you can tell they have a distinct voice to where you can pull a page from either of their chapters and know whose perspective it is.
I haven’t been this excited about something I had read probably since the fourth wing series or the into darkness series. I cried 3 times, the ending broke me, and all I want to do is give Static the biggest hug he has ever gotten in his life.
In a fun and creative way this book also touches on very real world issues. Overall I have been recommending this book to all my friends, and I hope they read it so I can yap about it to them.
Again, love Static. He will forever be in my heart 🩷
Without spoiling too much, this is now one of my favorite books and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Static is absolutely amazing and has so much depth to who he is, and Bind is very much a second close favorite.
I love that it is told from bouncing perspectives between Static and Ari. We know so much that the two of them don’t know about the other. The way that it is written you can tell they have a distinct voice to where you can pull a page from either of their chapters and know whose perspective it is.
I haven’t been this excited about something I had read probably since the fourth wing series or the into darkness series. I cried 3 times, the ending broke me, and all I want to do is give Static the biggest hug he has ever gotten in his life.
In a fun and creative way this book also touches on very real world issues. Overall I have been recommending this book to all my friends, and I hope they read it so I can yap about it to them.
Again, love Static. He will forever be in my heart 🩷
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