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Monsters: A Love Story
A hilarious debut novel about a perfectly imperfect love story.
Even the smartest people can be stupid at love.
When Stacey Lane writes a feminist take on Frankenstein , she never imagines it will catch the eye of unbelievably sexy Hollywood star Tommy DeMarco. Tommy’s passion for her book—and for her, a recently widowed poet, mom, and certified mess—threatens to turn her life upside down, or maybe right-side up. From their first poolside meeting the two are set on a collision course as they go about making the book into a movie, making each other crazy, and making love, if only in secret. Fueled by desire, love, grief, expertly poured cocktails, and crackling dialogue, A Love Story is a witty portrait of a relationship gone off the rails and two people who are made for each other—even if they’re not so sure they see it that way.
**A Summer Beach Read Pick for Harper’s Bazaar , the Associated Press, Purewow , and Refinery29**
“This fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in the heady feeling of an alcohol-fueled affair with one of the sexiest men alive.” —
“An addictive page-turner, ripe with seduction and charm, that drops insights into this messy, crazy, wonderful thing called love.” — Washington Independent Review of Books
“Entertainingly dyspeptic.” — Vogue
“A perfectly imperfect love story.”— Bookpage
Even the smartest people can be stupid at love.
When Stacey Lane writes a feminist take on Frankenstein , she never imagines it will catch the eye of unbelievably sexy Hollywood star Tommy DeMarco. Tommy’s passion for her book—and for her, a recently widowed poet, mom, and certified mess—threatens to turn her life upside down, or maybe right-side up. From their first poolside meeting the two are set on a collision course as they go about making the book into a movie, making each other crazy, and making love, if only in secret. Fueled by desire, love, grief, expertly poured cocktails, and crackling dialogue, A Love Story is a witty portrait of a relationship gone off the rails and two people who are made for each other—even if they’re not so sure they see it that way.
**A Summer Beach Read Pick for Harper’s Bazaar , the Associated Press, Purewow , and Refinery29**
“This fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in the heady feeling of an alcohol-fueled affair with one of the sexiest men alive.” —
“An addictive page-turner, ripe with seduction and charm, that drops insights into this messy, crazy, wonderful thing called love.” — Washington Independent Review of Books
“Entertainingly dyspeptic.” — Vogue
“A perfectly imperfect love story.”— Bookpage
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
42 people are currently reading
2548 people want to read
About the author
Liz Kay
36 books75 followersLiz's poems have appeared in such journals as Willow Springs, Beloit Poetry Journal, Nimrod, RHINO, and Sugar House Review. She is the author of the poetry chapbook Something to Help Me Sleep and the illustrated collection The Witch Tells The Story And Makes It True. Her debut novel Monsters: A Love Story is disguised as a romance, but it's really about rape culture and the ways we hold women (like Stacey) to account for everything from what they eat and drink to whether they use profanity, while simultaneously letting powerful men (like Tommy) off the hook for egregious behavior, like how he never actually clocks the word "no."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
September 15, 2016
I love when a book comes from out of nowhere and charms you completely. That was definitely the case with
Monsters: A Love Story
. I can't remember how I found out about this book, and although the plot isn't necessarily earth-shattering, it's an enjoyable twist on the traditional love story.
Stacey Lane's world was rocked when her husband Michael died, leaving her alone with their two young boys. Michael was an actuary, a planner, someone who believed in the power of routine, not just in raising children, but in all aspects of life. This is only one area in which Stacey, a poet, feels woefully inadequate. She believes that she and her sons are doing their best to handle their grief, and she's trying to figure out exactly how to carry on.
"It's the boys and I who are floundering. Just in different ways. They want nothing more to change, and I want everything to."
She is tremendously surprised when she gets an email from a producer inquiring about adapting her second book of poetry, Monsters in the Afterlife , for the big screen. While it received some critical acclaim when it was released, this novel-in-verse (a feminist reimagining of sorts of Frankenstein ) doesn't seem particularly commercial. But the next thing she knows, her book has been optioned for film, and she's flying to Turks and Caicos to meet the screenwriter and the film's male star, who also plans to produce the movie, as he's the person who first thought it would make a good movie.
Stacey is utterly unprepared when she realizes the man behind the movie is Tommy DeMarco, a certifiable movie star, utter heartthrob, and total ladies' man. It's easy to be attracted to Tommy, especially when he is such a passionate fan of her work, and of course, Stacey has been feeling lonely since Michael's death. When their intense friendship moves to the next level, the sex is intense and they really enjoy being together, but given that she lives with her family in Nebraska and Tommy lives in LA, and since Tommy has been known to sleep with nearly every younger woman with a pulse, there's no danger of their relationship going anywhere, and that's totally fine with her.
As Stacey and Tommy's friendship deepens and the two get more involved in each other's lives, Stacey still finds it easy to keep him at an emotional distance. After all, she's been warned not to get too serious about him. Yet as she starts dating someone more solid closer to home, she needs to figure out exactly what she wants, and if she really is content with someone who won't make her life bigger, but perhaps will make it more stable.
I really enjoyed this book even as I had a pretty strong feeling about how everything would resolve itself. I liked the way Liz Kay pretty much flipped the gender roles in this relationship, making Stacey the one who really was fine without commitment, the one who sent mixed signals. The dynamics of Stacey and Tommy's relationship worked well, and I enjoyed the book's intellectual side as well as its romantic one.
This is a fun, sweet, moving story about putting your life back together (or trying to), the challenges of single parenthood no matter how old your children are, the creative process, and the importance of trust. You may have seen this story played out before, but it doesn't feel pat or boring, just really enjoyable.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
Stacey Lane's world was rocked when her husband Michael died, leaving her alone with their two young boys. Michael was an actuary, a planner, someone who believed in the power of routine, not just in raising children, but in all aspects of life. This is only one area in which Stacey, a poet, feels woefully inadequate. She believes that she and her sons are doing their best to handle their grief, and she's trying to figure out exactly how to carry on.
"It's the boys and I who are floundering. Just in different ways. They want nothing more to change, and I want everything to."
She is tremendously surprised when she gets an email from a producer inquiring about adapting her second book of poetry, Monsters in the Afterlife , for the big screen. While it received some critical acclaim when it was released, this novel-in-verse (a feminist reimagining of sorts of Frankenstein ) doesn't seem particularly commercial. But the next thing she knows, her book has been optioned for film, and she's flying to Turks and Caicos to meet the screenwriter and the film's male star, who also plans to produce the movie, as he's the person who first thought it would make a good movie.
Stacey is utterly unprepared when she realizes the man behind the movie is Tommy DeMarco, a certifiable movie star, utter heartthrob, and total ladies' man. It's easy to be attracted to Tommy, especially when he is such a passionate fan of her work, and of course, Stacey has been feeling lonely since Michael's death. When their intense friendship moves to the next level, the sex is intense and they really enjoy being together, but given that she lives with her family in Nebraska and Tommy lives in LA, and since Tommy has been known to sleep with nearly every younger woman with a pulse, there's no danger of their relationship going anywhere, and that's totally fine with her.
As Stacey and Tommy's friendship deepens and the two get more involved in each other's lives, Stacey still finds it easy to keep him at an emotional distance. After all, she's been warned not to get too serious about him. Yet as she starts dating someone more solid closer to home, she needs to figure out exactly what she wants, and if she really is content with someone who won't make her life bigger, but perhaps will make it more stable.
I really enjoyed this book even as I had a pretty strong feeling about how everything would resolve itself. I liked the way Liz Kay pretty much flipped the gender roles in this relationship, making Stacey the one who really was fine without commitment, the one who sent mixed signals. The dynamics of Stacey and Tommy's relationship worked well, and I enjoyed the book's intellectual side as well as its romantic one.
This is a fun, sweet, moving story about putting your life back together (or trying to), the challenges of single parenthood no matter how old your children are, the creative process, and the importance of trust. You may have seen this story played out before, but it doesn't feel pat or boring, just really enjoyable.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
June 6, 2016
So, you pick up a book even though you're not entirely convinced by the description. But you pick it up because you want to get to know it better since you need to talk about it. You start reading at 1AM, precisely because you have low expectations and you expect to put it down after 15 mins so you can get to sleep.
And then it's already 5AM and you're still reading the book. You've tried to put it down several times but you end up picking it up again because you want to know what happens next to the poet and the movie star who can't seem to get their shit together. You want to whack both of them over the head, but you also laugh at their banter. You finally go to sleep when you realize that you can barely read because your eyes are so damn fuzzy and besides, you're no longer in your 20s.
You read the last 150 pages during an afternoon lull in your work emails. You justify it by saying, "I work in publishing, goddammit." You realize you're late for your 4PM appointment because you just HAVE to finish the book and you want to bask in the glow of a great albeit dysfunctional romance. You bask in the glow so much, you decide to reread the last 20 pages, making you even later for that appointment.
You are so happy you took the time to get to know this book.
If the description catches you, great. Go for it. But even if it doesn't, and you're the type who likes adult romance masquerading as contemporary fiction, get to know this book.
And then it's already 5AM and you're still reading the book. You've tried to put it down several times but you end up picking it up again because you want to know what happens next to the poet and the movie star who can't seem to get their shit together. You want to whack both of them over the head, but you also laugh at their banter. You finally go to sleep when you realize that you can barely read because your eyes are so damn fuzzy and besides, you're no longer in your 20s.
You read the last 150 pages during an afternoon lull in your work emails. You justify it by saying, "I work in publishing, goddammit." You realize you're late for your 4PM appointment because you just HAVE to finish the book and you want to bask in the glow of a great albeit dysfunctional romance. You bask in the glow so much, you decide to reread the last 20 pages, making you even later for that appointment.
You are so happy you took the time to get to know this book.
If the description catches you, great. Go for it. But even if it doesn't, and you're the type who likes adult romance masquerading as contemporary fiction, get to know this book.
February 5, 2017
My recommendation: Do not read this book. Do not support this kind of behavior. Do not get sucked in.
I picked up this book because the plot looked interesting, and I needed some lighter fare after all the heavy, wartime fiction I’ve happened to read lately. This book is anything but light. I can’t even get past the horrible main characters to determine if it was good writing or a good plot or anything else. I give the book one star and the author credit only because the people are such train wrecks that I couldn’t look away, and I finished the book against my better judgment.
Stacey doesn’t seem too unhinged in the beginning, despite the fact that she is still grieving her husband’s death. But then, before I knew it, she is all-too-easily hopping into bed with Tommy and wearing promiscuous clothing, yet at the same time telling off characters who accuse her of using her “tits” to get what she wants. She spouts the f-word constantly, particularly to tell Tommy, “F you,” and calls her sister and best friend an a—hole. I found no way to sympathize, empathize, or in any way identify with her.
From the get-go, Tommy is a vicious narcissist who is abusive verbally, emotionally, and sexually. This goes far beyond dysfunction. He coerces Stacey into bed far too many times to count and is flippant about other sexual encounters he is having during the two years he and Stacey are “in a relationship.” He utters words such as, “I think I’ll tell you what’s best for you,” and, “You’re a sweet little ride, but you ain’t worth the f-in’ crazy,” and, “Stacey. Honey. Baby. I really need you to shut up.” He regularly calls her a slut and a whore and an a—hole. Anyone who thinks this is not abusive is as delusional as the characters in this book. This man and his words are absolute poison, and regardless of the ending, he should not be viewed as any sort of romantic ideal, famous hot movie star or not. And people like this DO NOT just flip a switch and become sweethearts all of a sudden.
Nothing about Tommy except his face is ever portrayed as attractive, to the reader or even to Stacey. I can’t even figure out why she got involved with him in the first place, aside from the fact that on the last morning before her husband died, he refused to be intimate with her, and she felt she needed that release. But when Stacey and Tommy were apart, she never sighed wistfully for him, yet she surrendered herself to him sexually EVERY TIME they were together.
And on top of it all, there is SO MUCH ALCOHOL in this book, it’s no wonder everyone consistently acts like children.
This book should be a great study in how a toxic relationship can really mess with your mind and your self-image and basically destroy your life. and to romanticize this is an insult to women everywhere who are trapped in abusive relationships.
I picked up this book because the plot looked interesting, and I needed some lighter fare after all the heavy, wartime fiction I’ve happened to read lately. This book is anything but light. I can’t even get past the horrible main characters to determine if it was good writing or a good plot or anything else. I give the book one star and the author credit only because the people are such train wrecks that I couldn’t look away, and I finished the book against my better judgment.
Stacey doesn’t seem too unhinged in the beginning, despite the fact that she is still grieving her husband’s death. But then, before I knew it, she is all-too-easily hopping into bed with Tommy and wearing promiscuous clothing, yet at the same time telling off characters who accuse her of using her “tits” to get what she wants. She spouts the f-word constantly, particularly to tell Tommy, “F you,” and calls her sister and best friend an a—hole. I found no way to sympathize, empathize, or in any way identify with her.
From the get-go, Tommy is a vicious narcissist who is abusive verbally, emotionally, and sexually. This goes far beyond dysfunction. He coerces Stacey into bed far too many times to count and is flippant about other sexual encounters he is having during the two years he and Stacey are “in a relationship.” He utters words such as, “I think I’ll tell you what’s best for you,” and, “You’re a sweet little ride, but you ain’t worth the f-in’ crazy,” and, “Stacey. Honey. Baby. I really need you to shut up.” He regularly calls her a slut and a whore and an a—hole. Anyone who thinks this is not abusive is as delusional as the characters in this book. This man and his words are absolute poison, and regardless of the ending, he should not be viewed as any sort of romantic ideal, famous hot movie star or not. And people like this DO NOT just flip a switch and become sweethearts all of a sudden.
Nothing about Tommy except his face is ever portrayed as attractive, to the reader or even to Stacey. I can’t even figure out why she got involved with him in the first place, aside from the fact that on the last morning before her husband died, he refused to be intimate with her, and she felt she needed that release. But when Stacey and Tommy were apart, she never sighed wistfully for him, yet she surrendered herself to him sexually EVERY TIME they were together.
And on top of it all, there is SO MUCH ALCOHOL in this book, it’s no wonder everyone consistently acts like children.
This book should be a great study in how a toxic relationship can really mess with your mind and your self-image and basically destroy your life. and to romanticize this is an insult to women everywhere who are trapped in abusive relationships.
November 17, 2025
Oh, look. Another book with dashes of adultery thrown in for fun.
What are the odds? Lucky me!
Apparently, most people are drinking the Kool-Aid from all the positive reviews I'm seeing here or maybe its because I didn't drink the Kool-Aid.
I didn't hate this book because hate is a strong word, as my mom likes to remind me and it wasn't badly written.
Remember that scene in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" where Chuck is standing on the stage and screams out loud: "Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?!?"
Now picture me standing on stage in my Chuck Taylors and Ramones t-shirt and screaming:
"Can anyone tell me what Monsters is all about?"
I'm not sure anyone can because the only things I understood was:
1. Stacey is a lousy adulterous mom who is secretly an alcoholic.
Yeah, people make mistakes but I stop caring when they keep doing it over and over again.
2. Tommy is supposed to be this amazing actor but lack of exposition and background just makes him as nothing more than a douche with a pretty face who encourages Stacey to be an adulterer.
Oh, and he likes to pull Christian Grey aggressive sex moves when he's pissy and tries to exert control over his f**k buddy, Stacey, but that's just a petty detail. Oh, and he's also an alcoholic.
3. Too much boozing going on, almost every chapter. Seriously, Stacey, talk to a therapist. Alcohol is not the answer nor is being hungover almost every other chapter.
You're a mom. Grow the f**k up! I get it, you're grieving, you're mourning but you have two sons who depend on you.
I didn't hate Stacey but I really really did not like her.
4. Lines like the following that make me want to vomit Kool-Aid all over myself:
When Tommy pisses Stacey off (again) he takes her out and orders an expensive bottle of wine or as Stacey puts it, "Apology wine."
Once again, what's up with all the drinking? I get it, its social, its part of our culture, no problem, I understand, but what about an apology European vacation for three weeks?
Don't sell yourself short, Stacey. You deserve better.
When Stacey goes on a sushi date with the passive allergist Philip and says that "the whole chopsticks thing is kind of sexy."
Go ahead, look it up. Page 187.
I didn't know whether to laugh or stare fixedly at the page to make sure I read it right. I think I did both.
I do remember that I had briefly wished I drank so I could have a glass of wine to throw down after reading such a line.
Is Stacey trying to sound kooky and smart? She doesn't, at least not to me.
She just sounds like a yokel. Or is that the point?
My point is that this book has no point, no redeeming value, no interesting characters or real story.
I will consider reading Ms. Kay's next book but I may drink a cup of Kool-Aid beforehand.
What are the odds? Lucky me!
Apparently, most people are drinking the Kool-Aid from all the positive reviews I'm seeing here or maybe its because I didn't drink the Kool-Aid.
I didn't hate this book because hate is a strong word, as my mom likes to remind me and it wasn't badly written.
Remember that scene in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" where Chuck is standing on the stage and screams out loud: "Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?!?"
Now picture me standing on stage in my Chuck Taylors and Ramones t-shirt and screaming:
"Can anyone tell me what Monsters is all about?"
I'm not sure anyone can because the only things I understood was:
1. Stacey is a lousy adulterous mom who is secretly an alcoholic.
Yeah, people make mistakes but I stop caring when they keep doing it over and over again.
2. Tommy is supposed to be this amazing actor but lack of exposition and background just makes him as nothing more than a douche with a pretty face who encourages Stacey to be an adulterer.
Oh, and he likes to pull Christian Grey aggressive sex moves when he's pissy and tries to exert control over his f**k buddy, Stacey, but that's just a petty detail. Oh, and he's also an alcoholic.
3. Too much boozing going on, almost every chapter. Seriously, Stacey, talk to a therapist. Alcohol is not the answer nor is being hungover almost every other chapter.
You're a mom. Grow the f**k up! I get it, you're grieving, you're mourning but you have two sons who depend on you.
I didn't hate Stacey but I really really did not like her.
4. Lines like the following that make me want to vomit Kool-Aid all over myself:
When Tommy pisses Stacey off (again) he takes her out and orders an expensive bottle of wine or as Stacey puts it, "Apology wine."
Once again, what's up with all the drinking? I get it, its social, its part of our culture, no problem, I understand, but what about an apology European vacation for three weeks?
Don't sell yourself short, Stacey. You deserve better.
When Stacey goes on a sushi date with the passive allergist Philip and says that "the whole chopsticks thing is kind of sexy."
Go ahead, look it up. Page 187.
I didn't know whether to laugh or stare fixedly at the page to make sure I read it right. I think I did both.
I do remember that I had briefly wished I drank so I could have a glass of wine to throw down after reading such a line.
Is Stacey trying to sound kooky and smart? She doesn't, at least not to me.
She just sounds like a yokel. Or is that the point?
My point is that this book has no point, no redeeming value, no interesting characters or real story.
I will consider reading Ms. Kay's next book but I may drink a cup of Kool-Aid beforehand.
September 20, 2016
Monsters: A Love Story is Liz Kay’s debut in the fiction genre. I viewed this novel as a mixture of contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. Monsters follows lead character: Stacey Lane as she moves on as a woman and parent during a very new widowship. Life drops some unexpected career and romance opportunities in her lap that she slowly navigates through. Like Liz Kay herself, Stacey is a poet and in this novel one of her works is gaining national attention. Although the reader is never exposed to the poem word for word, the general themes are discussed and mirrored throughout Monsters which offered some much needed depth to a storyline that feels a bit superficial at first glance.
Overall, I liked Monsters and I remained easily engaged throughout. My only annoyance was that the storyline seemed to border on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous after a while which got old real quick for me, but it didn't stop me from finishing the book so my enjoyment obviously outweighed my eyerolls. While reviewing some of the author's online interviews, I learned how successful of a poet she is, so if nothing else, this reading experience has lead me to some fresh material to add to my TBR list. If you enjoy checking out new authors and if you frequent any of the genres listed, then check out Monsters: A Love Story!
My favorite quote:
“So what you're saying is you want me to share my feelings more, except for those times when my feelings might make you uncomfortable?” He laughs. “That would be perfect. Can you do that?” “Of course,” I say. “How do you think I stayed married so long?”
Overall, I liked Monsters and I remained easily engaged throughout. My only annoyance was that the storyline seemed to border on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous after a while which got old real quick for me, but it didn't stop me from finishing the book so my enjoyment obviously outweighed my eyerolls. While reviewing some of the author's online interviews, I learned how successful of a poet she is, so if nothing else, this reading experience has lead me to some fresh material to add to my TBR list. If you enjoy checking out new authors and if you frequent any of the genres listed, then check out Monsters: A Love Story!
My favorite quote:
“So what you're saying is you want me to share my feelings more, except for those times when my feelings might make you uncomfortable?” He laughs. “That would be perfect. Can you do that?” “Of course,” I say. “How do you think I stayed married so long?”
December 30, 2020
A friend recommended Monsters to me, one who I’m beginning to think knows my book tastes even better than I do. She seemed a little nervous with the recommendation because the reviews are quite mixed. But she needn’t have worried because, as per usual, she was right.
Monsters is an atypical Hollywood Romance that follows poet, Stacey Lane, as she rebuilds her life after loss. Heavy premise aside, it’s chock full of laugh-till-you-cry moments. It’s also a little sad, a little angsty, a little cringeworthy, and a lot swoony.
First, I love the writing. It was so familiar to me that I actually lost sleep trying to figure out who it reminds me of. I’ve narrowed it down to a cross between Taylor Jenkins Reid in Forever, Interrupted and, I don’t know, maybe a little TJ Klune in Wolfsong?? I’m probably way off, so if you’ve read this and have any clue who/what I’m trying to think of, by all means…
Second, I love how authentic the characters are. Years ago when I read Thoughtless by SC Stephens, someone warned me to “heed the title.” Great advice. This book is aptly named. Tommy DeMarco is no saint and Stacey is a hot mess of mistakes, but somehow, they just work. Despite their faults—and they have many—you can’t help but root for them. It just goes to show, two wrongs really can make a right.
Thank you, T. for the rec! I loved every single second.
Monsters is an atypical Hollywood Romance that follows poet, Stacey Lane, as she rebuilds her life after loss. Heavy premise aside, it’s chock full of laugh-till-you-cry moments. It’s also a little sad, a little angsty, a little cringeworthy, and a lot swoony.
First, I love the writing. It was so familiar to me that I actually lost sleep trying to figure out who it reminds me of. I’ve narrowed it down to a cross between Taylor Jenkins Reid in Forever, Interrupted and, I don’t know, maybe a little TJ Klune in Wolfsong?? I’m probably way off, so if you’ve read this and have any clue who/what I’m trying to think of, by all means…
Second, I love how authentic the characters are. Years ago when I read Thoughtless by SC Stephens, someone warned me to “heed the title.” Great advice. This book is aptly named. Tommy DeMarco is no saint and Stacey is a hot mess of mistakes, but somehow, they just work. Despite their faults—and they have many—you can’t help but root for them. It just goes to show, two wrongs really can make a right.
Thank you, T. for the rec! I loved every single second.
February 14, 2021
This is one of my favorite love stories of all time, and it makes me sad that more people haven't read it. Me? I've read it like four times since last February alone. It's honestly such a hidden gem.
September 18, 2016
Well written and relatable, but manipulation and sexual violence have no place in anyone's love story.
June 14, 2016
This was one of the best contemporary love stories I have ever read. Five stars, just stunning, I cannot believe it is a debut novel. The writing blew me away ... though I love first person, present tense in general, this style was so sharp and just slayed me with the rythmic beauty. I just wanted more. I wanted every single detail of their lives. How I could so relate to a woman so not me, I have no idea. It was the ultimate fantasy, but also a nightmare, and also just completely raw and gorgeous. I didn't want it to end, yet couldn't stop flying to the final pages because I was so invested, so scared, so terrified and ultimately so utterly relieved. I was in tears. Both sad and happy ones. I love that author gave me a real, true love story. It was everything I hoped when I read the blurb, and more.
Read
December 30, 2020This is a fun literary romance novel. It was the perfect zippy read for me this past weekend. I enjoyed getting lost in this twisted, addictive story about a widowed Nebraskan poetess and an arrogant promiscuous Hollywood actor. I can understand some of the protests about the nature of the relationship, but it was the kind of book I didn't think too hard about and just let myself enjoy.
August 15, 2016
Monsters: A Love Story was one of those books that I picked up on a whim and then couldn't stop reading/listening to it. Stacey and Tommy's relationship is explosive and destructive, funny and sweet all at the same time. While there were several moments where I felt completely frustrated as a reader, the entertainment level was really high.
Stacey is a widowed mother of two whose best selling novel gets the chance at the big screen. Tommy DeMarco, one of Hollywoods hottest actors, purchased the rights and is on board to produce the movie. Traveling between meetings in Los Angeles and her quiet home of Omaha, Nebraska, Stacey has to balance these two opposite versions of herself—her role as a mother and her "something" with Tommy. These two major chemistry together but their time together is brief but heavy and very real. The thing is neither of them can admit to each other their true feelings.
This book is high on angst and romantic tension but also on depth. Liz Kay explores Stacey's journey as a single mom and how she struggles to overcome her grief while parenting two sons and trying further her career. It's not easy and I think she captures that difficulty well. Tommy's character is more the cliche movie star who sleeps around type of guy—not that original. He has a teenage daughter with her own issues and he is have a hard time knowing how to parent her.
This is a love story, albeit one with a long road with lots of curves and potholes. But where both characters ended up was in a good place (I will neither confirm nor deny a HEA). The romance is sweet and steamy and like Stacey, I couldn't wait for her to see Tommy again. This novel spans two years, from the time they meet until things end, which isn't what I had expected but ended up liking.
I didn't like either of these characters at many times because I was so freaking frustrated with them. They are self-destructive and make dumb decisions as grown adults. Like I've said before, I don't have a problem with unlikable characters, but I do need to understand their motivations. Here, some of the things Stacey did to avoid her feelings I did not get at all. It just didn't make sense to me. The same can be said for Tommy. And while we're on the subject of character traits—what was up with Stacey's obsession with health food? I was bombarded with food comments at every corner.
Monsters in the Afterlife is the novel-in-verse inside of this novel, the themes of which is feminism and sexual politics. The author translated those themes into this novel, but I felt like it was heavy-handed at times. I don't mind books with these types of messages but I need it to be woven into the story and not feel like it was so "in your face."
Bottomline: I would totally recommend this story to romance readers who enjoy angst and the back-and-forth but also want a story with depth. This has that age-old trope of woman falls in love with a movie star but here the woman doesn't fall at his feet; she makes him work for it. The synopsis describes this book as a "cracklingly funny" but I didn't think it was, but maybe it just wasn't my brand of humor.
Audiobook comments:
I don't really have much to say audiobook wise. This audiobook was narrated by Allyson Ryan and she did a great job. This isn't an audiobook where the narrator will ruin it for you. I love Allyson's narration. Her male character voice for Tommy was easily distinguished between her voice for Stacey and it didn't sound ridiculous like some female narrators' male character voices. I highly recommend this audiobook and this narrator!
* I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.
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★★UPCOMING BOOK RELEASES★★
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October 2, 2016
It's only fair, given I'm a fellow Omahan, that I defend my rating of Monsters… I don't know much about Kay, but that I saw her read a selection of poems based on news articles, this being perhaps eight years ago. I deeply admired her work, at that time.
To read her novel and find it void of the same lyrical qualities, to find Kay badmouthing the town she lives and writes in, to discover her apparent contempt of narrative form, it's as if she published her novel to insult novelists, to express hate for her community.
I am not saying a writer can't craft a character who diverges from the writer's beliefs and opinions, but I am saying that a good writer, someone who cares about narrative form, finds ways to complicate a character's point of view and to implicate readers in a story's twists and turns.
Kay makes it too easy to pick sides in her commercial romance novel, and she spends far too long belaboring the obvious: that her two principle characters, soulless egotists, deserve each other wholly.
The book ends as it should, but that is no justification for dragging readers through 357 pages of anorexic, alcoholic misery.
To read her novel and find it void of the same lyrical qualities, to find Kay badmouthing the town she lives and writes in, to discover her apparent contempt of narrative form, it's as if she published her novel to insult novelists, to express hate for her community.
I am not saying a writer can't craft a character who diverges from the writer's beliefs and opinions, but I am saying that a good writer, someone who cares about narrative form, finds ways to complicate a character's point of view and to implicate readers in a story's twists and turns.
Kay makes it too easy to pick sides in her commercial romance novel, and she spends far too long belaboring the obvious: that her two principle characters, soulless egotists, deserve each other wholly.
The book ends as it should, but that is no justification for dragging readers through 357 pages of anorexic, alcoholic misery.
August 5, 2022
2nd Read: 5/28/20 - 5+ Stars!
After my second read of Monsters, A Love Story, I've bumped it up to 5+ Stars! I rarely re-read books and simply re-reading this one warrants a rating bump. It's a given when the experience is even better the second time around. The characters and their story are messy, but at the same time, very real. I hope that this isn't the last women’s fiction novel we see from this author.
1st Read: 3/8/17 - 4.5 Stars!
As much as I thought some of the behaviors of the characters were abhorrent, I was inexplicably drawn into the story and couldn't stop reading. There were so many facets to the plot that weren't relatable to me, besides the obvious (movie stars, Hollywood, LA life-style,) but it all worked. It could be that I found it fascinating since it's far outside my way of thinking or acting? I can't honestly say. Overall, I found the story and the characters compelling, the writing style enjoyable and unique, the dialogue poignant and amusing, and a romance that I wanted (at times, against better judgement) to root for. The mark of a good writer.
June 29, 2016
Stacy, widowed mother of two small boys and author, is given an opportunity when actor Tony decides to make a movie of her book. I must say that at first I didn't think I was going to like this book. Tony seemed like the cliche heart-throb actor and Stacy seemed somewhat out of character for a mother. Somehow, Liz Kay made this one work. I started liking the characters despite their extremely obvious flaws and found this book to be quite a page-turner. While on the surface things seem to unrealistic, this novel deals with some very real issues, making it a bit deeper than your average chick-lit.
August 20, 2016
I can't understand how an "A-List" movie star could fall for a grouchy alcoholic woman whose vocabulary consists mostly of f**k and a$$hole.
July 28, 2016
For the first two hundred or two hundred and fifty pages, this is a painfully incompetent book. Most of the characters fall well short of being believable and their motivations are often transparently secondary to the need to advance the plot; the prose is bland; the pacing is jumpy; in a total amateur move, the main character bears a number of marked similarities to the author but is not a self-criticism or anything along those lines; the book's central metaphor (the novel-within-a-novel) manages to be both distressingly insubstantial and egregiously heavy-handed; the gender politics never advance beyond the color-by-numbers phase; and very little seems to happen. To be clear: I would not recommend buying or reading this book.
That having been said, if for some reason you find that you can't go another day without picking this one up, don't lose all hope. The last hundred pages or so are noticeably better than the rest of the book. Many of the book's earlier problems remain unfixed (the flatness of some characters, the failure of the novel-within-a-novel concept, etc.), but its closing does at the very least present some kind of emotionally interesting, semi-believable story.
Ultimately, then, the novel "Monsters" is not unlike a full-length record that only has four or five listenable songs on it. You know by the end that the artist in question has some promise, but you also know that they're in way over their head in a longer format. "Monsters" could conceivably have been a decent (if uninspiring) short story or novella; really, there's nothing wrong with releasing a good EP instead of a mediocre LP. But given that "Monsters" is a full-length novel - and given that, unlike a record, you can't fast-forward through or skip the bad parts of a text - it's not worth your time.
(...and I should mention that I received this book for free via this site's giveaway program)
That having been said, if for some reason you find that you can't go another day without picking this one up, don't lose all hope. The last hundred pages or so are noticeably better than the rest of the book. Many of the book's earlier problems remain unfixed (the flatness of some characters, the failure of the novel-within-a-novel concept, etc.), but its closing does at the very least present some kind of emotionally interesting, semi-believable story.
Ultimately, then, the novel "Monsters" is not unlike a full-length record that only has four or five listenable songs on it. You know by the end that the artist in question has some promise, but you also know that they're in way over their head in a longer format. "Monsters" could conceivably have been a decent (if uninspiring) short story or novella; really, there's nothing wrong with releasing a good EP instead of a mediocre LP. But given that "Monsters" is a full-length novel - and given that, unlike a record, you can't fast-forward through or skip the bad parts of a text - it's not worth your time.
(...and I should mention that I received this book for free via this site's giveaway program)
February 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book!!! Even being sleep deprived with a newborn I finished it pretty quickly and wanted to continue reading any chance I got. The storyline of adapting a book (of poetry) into a movie was interesting and I was glad that the novel spanned a long period of time so we got to see every aspect of it as it came into fruition. I liked the blocked chapters and writing style a lot - it made for a really easy read. The characters were interesting, but definitely drove me crazy at times. I loved Tommy (actor/movie producer) but honestly didn't find Stacey (author of the book being adapted) very likable. Her narration came off as very detached to me. Even with that I did care about the two as a couple and rooted for them even through their moments of stupid.
September 6, 2016
The start of this book was so promising. About 1/2 way in the "relationship" drama started to ruin the story for me. If this had been YA or New Adult, I would not have been so irritated by all the miscommunication or lack of communication and the immaturity. The main characters are in their 39's and have children. That makes me less tolerant of all the drama.
July 8, 2018
I tried my hardest to read this and got a little under half way but it was a struggle to even get there so I'm calling it quits at this point.
It started interesting enough and with a good premise as Stacey is dealing with the death of her husband and attempting to keep a normal routine for her two kids when she gets a call about a film adaptation for a book she wrote.
Unfortunately I got a train wreck.
Neither Stacey or Tommy, the other main character, are characters that should be looked up to as anything more than vicious and narcassistic; they're both dysfunctional and not just towards each other. I lost count on how many times Stacey tells someone to go f- themselves or the amount of times that Tommy is literally a douche both in his manner of talking and actions toward Stacey.
On top of this, was all the drinking; little wonder they're horrible to everyone when it reads as if all they do is drink and fight. I get it, Stacey is grieving but even that feels like a copout because how much of her actions are driven by grief vs the alcoholic binge drinking is unknown but nothing can excuse the actions of these two "adults" in the pages I did read.
Maybe later on they could be redeemed by some action ot maybe they get their shit together but I'm okay in not knowing because there's no way I'm going to finish this book.
I got suckered in by a pretty pop of color and good use of type to pick this up and wish I had left behind at the library.
It started interesting enough and with a good premise as Stacey is dealing with the death of her husband and attempting to keep a normal routine for her two kids when she gets a call about a film adaptation for a book she wrote.
Unfortunately I got a train wreck.
Neither Stacey or Tommy, the other main character, are characters that should be looked up to as anything more than vicious and narcassistic; they're both dysfunctional and not just towards each other. I lost count on how many times Stacey tells someone to go f- themselves or the amount of times that Tommy is literally a douche both in his manner of talking and actions toward Stacey.
On top of this, was all the drinking; little wonder they're horrible to everyone when it reads as if all they do is drink and fight. I get it, Stacey is grieving but even that feels like a copout because how much of her actions are driven by grief vs the alcoholic binge drinking is unknown but nothing can excuse the actions of these two "adults" in the pages I did read.
Maybe later on they could be redeemed by some action ot maybe they get their shit together but I'm okay in not knowing because there's no way I'm going to finish this book.
I got suckered in by a pretty pop of color and good use of type to pick this up and wish I had left behind at the library.
August 15, 2016
I went back and forth with 4 or 5 stars. Ultimately I gave it 5 because this romp of a read isn't missing anything and I wouldn't want to change anything (I think I finally figured out my criteria for stars-I'm so stingy giving 5- if something is missing, feels off, needs to be changed, etc, even from a good read, then no 5 stars).
From the story (although if I'm honest, the set-up is a tad unlikely- but then, life does throw crazy things at you), to the writing, to the really quite fascinating characters, I had a hard time putting this one down. It's not a literary masterpiece in the traditional sense, but the writing is so solid. The messy, screwed-up characters feel so real. Plus this was soooo fun.
Huge caveats for some friends- lots of cussing and inappropriate behaviors, so if you don't like bad language and seriously questionable life choices, this isn't for you. But for the rest? Great summer read.
From the story (although if I'm honest, the set-up is a tad unlikely- but then, life does throw crazy things at you), to the writing, to the really quite fascinating characters, I had a hard time putting this one down. It's not a literary masterpiece in the traditional sense, but the writing is so solid. The messy, screwed-up characters feel so real. Plus this was soooo fun.
Huge caveats for some friends- lots of cussing and inappropriate behaviors, so if you don't like bad language and seriously questionable life choices, this isn't for you. But for the rest? Great summer read.
June 9, 2020
This is such a hard book to rate. The writing was fabulous, but the characters were deplorable. The thing is, I don’t need to love my characters to like a book, but I need to connect with them or empathize with them just a tiny bit. That didn’t happen here.
What I loved about the book was the story within a story. The parallels between Stacey’s book/movie to her relationship with Tommy were so interesting. That connection was this book’s strength. Definitely a subject best discussed with fellow readers. Had the ending of the book gone a specific direction, I think this book would have been amazing. Again (without spoiling) I wish the connection between the two stories had been carried out through the end.
Definitely a thought provoking story. I can’t say that I don’t recommend it. It’s just that I didn’t enjoy it.
What I loved about the book was the story within a story. The parallels between Stacey’s book/movie to her relationship with Tommy were so interesting. That connection was this book’s strength. Definitely a subject best discussed with fellow readers. Had the ending of the book gone a specific direction, I think this book would have been amazing. Again (without spoiling) I wish the connection between the two stories had been carried out through the end.
Definitely a thought provoking story. I can’t say that I don’t recommend it. It’s just that I didn’t enjoy it.
August 12, 2017
This was just so thoroughly engaging. I think it's the writing, while the plot is a tad predictable the dialogue and scenery are so realistic and sharp I couldn't help myself from devouring this one and loving every minute of it.
August 3, 2016
A book full of disfunctional people saying and thinking believable things. I was sorry to see it end.
August 7, 2016
Boy did I dislike Stacey. I kept reading, though, to see if this story would end as predicted. Even at the end I still didn't like Stacey.
June 10, 2018
FIVE STARS!! We SO cannot control our heart or the way we become physically attracted to others. It’s unexplainable how we fall for the “bad guy” even when we tell ourselves we haven’t or can’t. And sometimes, the bad guy just needed the right girl.
I could not put this book down. Kay’s writing style is exactly to my liking. *note: lots of expletives so if you aren’t able to handle them, you might want to rethink it.
But God, it’s so good that part way though, I HAD to set it down because I wanted to savor it, wanted for the story to last forever. I wanted to go back to LA with Stacey over and over again. I wanted Tommy to be her guy, even when it didn’t make sense to any one.
I recently read an article written by Liz Kay (where I serendipitously discovered her work AND the fact that she lives in my home state of Nebraska!) In it she wrote how we don’t need to be talking about how to be a woman in be world, but rather, about the world were being a woman IN.
This book shows that struggle. I cherished every real word of it.
I could not put this book down. Kay’s writing style is exactly to my liking. *note: lots of expletives so if you aren’t able to handle them, you might want to rethink it.
But God, it’s so good that part way though, I HAD to set it down because I wanted to savor it, wanted for the story to last forever. I wanted to go back to LA with Stacey over and over again. I wanted Tommy to be her guy, even when it didn’t make sense to any one.
I recently read an article written by Liz Kay (where I serendipitously discovered her work AND the fact that she lives in my home state of Nebraska!) In it she wrote how we don’t need to be talking about how to be a woman in be world, but rather, about the world were being a woman IN.
This book shows that struggle. I cherished every real word of it.
January 10, 2017
I would have given this book 3 stars only because it was entertaining enough that I didn't put it down immediately. However, I almost wish I had put it down because the more I read the less I liked it; so, I will settle for a fair 2 stars. The writing is mediocre at best. Almost like something I can imagine Kardashian-Family devotees would find to be "Uhmazing!". I know that sounds a bit snobby but let me explain. This is the story of a recent widow who lives in the exciting (sarcasm) metropolis of Omaha, Nebraska. I've been there and trust me when I say although it is a nice place to drive by it is the furthest thing from an "exciting metropolis". Stacy, the recent widow, has 2 little boys and is a published poet. Hollywood picks up her anthology of poems based on the Frankenstein monster and wants to make it into a movie. This right here gave me pause as I have never heard of a poem being made into a movie. It almost seems unnatural. I can see a poem being an inspiration for characters and/or a plot but to base a movie on a poem... hmm. Poetry-to-Hollywood-blockbuster confusion aside, Stacy finds herself spending a great deal of time traveling from Omaha to Los Angeles to work on the movie. Tommy is the Hollywood superstar/stud who is pushing the project as star and producer. Tommy DeMarco is the stereotypical Hollywood bad boy - he sleeps around with his co-stars and with woman much younger than he should be even looking at. He drinks heavy and excessively, he parties like he is 21, he likes being adored by his fans to the point where it is how he defines his value, he has the vocabulary of a corny 1950's used car salesman. Every time he says "honey" to refer to any woman, including Stacy, it got so under my skin. Not because he used it as a term of affection but because he used it in a very "macho-man" kind of way. The way he seduces Stacy was a combination of sleazy sales man and Don Juan-like gigolo. UHG!!! So gross. And, she falls line, hook and sinker for the sleaze. She's supposed to be this intelligent, confident woman, and instead, to me, she comes off as an immature, needy woman lacking any kind of self-respect. She has a back and forth relationship with Tommy in which they exchanges a lot "f*ck you" and "f*ck that" until she or he says "f*ck me" and they do! Super shallow and based on no amount of mature, relationship building reality. I'm not a prude, but a sexual relationship is just that and Stacy seems to sit around just waiting for the sex to magically turn into a "real" relationship. To make the situation even more ridiculous, Stacy meets a really nice guy in Omaha who dotes on her and seems to be a real adult with an adult job (a doctor) and she does nothing but string him along while she hangs on Tommy's every word. What a loser! Finally, her relationship with her children and her own family is less than admirable. She ignores her children, although they need her more than ever now that their father has passed away, she leaves them with her sister to raise them more often than not so she can travel to LA every time Tommy needs her. Then there is Tommy's dysfunctional, teenage daughter whom Stacy spends more time consoling for her shallow and loser angsty behavior than she even spends with her own kids who truly need her. UGH!! UGH!! UGH!! These characters are so immature and if this is a reflection of any true people in the world I can't help but think what a pathetic bunch. I finished it but I really don't think this book is worth the 3.6 rating it currently holds. Shallow, shallow, shallow. Just not for me.
August 5, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★ / All the dysfunctional stars!!!
REVIEW: This book is my new best friend test. No, seriously. I want to administer this book to all potential new friends because if you can understand why I absolutely love Monsters: A Love Story then clearly are hearts and souls are on the same wavelength and we were meant to be best friends!
Okay, where to begin and what to say? ... You haven't made this easy Liz Kay, because I want to tell everyone every last thing that I love about your book but I pride myself on giving the best spoiler free reviews I can (throws hands in the air in exasperation). ... So I'll start with the writing. Loved it. Every word. This book takes place over the span of years. Each chapter is a new month moving forward, leaving chunks of time unexplored because they didn't need to be explored. Because that's how we actually live life most of the time. We have exciting moments and stories to tell but the time in between isn't always noteworthy. This style of writing kept the character progression, not just moving, but increasingly believable, allowing Stacey and Tommy room to move and grow.
Speaking of our main characters, Stacey and Tommy, man oh man are they flawed individuals. And I hung on every moment of their messed up relationships, not just with each other, but with all the secondary characters too. I mean, I don't think I am like either character in any way and yet I found myself relating to one or the other throughout the entire book. There is this inherent vulnerability in both of them that drives them to protect their hearts to the detriment of all else. While it would be easy to slap labels on them, dislike them and move on, I found myself breaking through Stacey's denial or Tommy's bravado, to look deeper and really connect with the characters. Plus all the dysfunction was just darn good fun!
The story has all the angst and emotion of a New Adult genre romance but with better dialogue and without the forced affectation of jadedness, because these characters are actually old enough to have experienced life in such a way that being world-weary isn't just a cliche. That being said, it's not all downhill...you'll just have to read it and find out.
If you haven't deduced it by now, I highly recommend Monsters: A Love Story. And if you end up loving it just as much as I do, shoot me an email, we might be destined to be best friends!
REVIEW: This book is my new best friend test. No, seriously. I want to administer this book to all potential new friends because if you can understand why I absolutely love Monsters: A Love Story then clearly are hearts and souls are on the same wavelength and we were meant to be best friends!
Okay, where to begin and what to say? ... You haven't made this easy Liz Kay, because I want to tell everyone every last thing that I love about your book but I pride myself on giving the best spoiler free reviews I can (throws hands in the air in exasperation). ... So I'll start with the writing. Loved it. Every word. This book takes place over the span of years. Each chapter is a new month moving forward, leaving chunks of time unexplored because they didn't need to be explored. Because that's how we actually live life most of the time. We have exciting moments and stories to tell but the time in between isn't always noteworthy. This style of writing kept the character progression, not just moving, but increasingly believable, allowing Stacey and Tommy room to move and grow.
Speaking of our main characters, Stacey and Tommy, man oh man are they flawed individuals. And I hung on every moment of their messed up relationships, not just with each other, but with all the secondary characters too. I mean, I don't think I am like either character in any way and yet I found myself relating to one or the other throughout the entire book. There is this inherent vulnerability in both of them that drives them to protect their hearts to the detriment of all else. While it would be easy to slap labels on them, dislike them and move on, I found myself breaking through Stacey's denial or Tommy's bravado, to look deeper and really connect with the characters. Plus all the dysfunction was just darn good fun!
The story has all the angst and emotion of a New Adult genre romance but with better dialogue and without the forced affectation of jadedness, because these characters are actually old enough to have experienced life in such a way that being world-weary isn't just a cliche. That being said, it's not all downhill...you'll just have to read it and find out.
If you haven't deduced it by now, I highly recommend Monsters: A Love Story. And if you end up loving it just as much as I do, shoot me an email, we might be destined to be best friends!
September 12, 2016
This is not a one-star book. This is actual garbage. I don't understand all the positive reviews at all, though I've noticed that none of those positive reviews mention the fact that
Instead, the book really did seem to say that Tommy and Stacey were equally monstrous.
This is not a fucked-up love story, any more than Lolita is. But Monsters is no Lolita.
Instead, the book really did seem to say that Tommy and Stacey were equally monstrous.
This is not a fucked-up love story, any more than Lolita is. But Monsters is no Lolita.
September 20, 2016
Enjoyable, entertaining, and just plain addictive.
I feel I can’t give anyting less than 5 stars, if only for the sole reason that I could not put this book down. I started it on a Saturday evening and found myself completely glued to it, telling myself “just one more chapter,” “just one more page,”until I could no longer keep my eyes open. Then first thing Sunday morning my nose was back in the book until I turned the last page. This does not happen often for me, and in fact it is quite rare, with few books having captured my attention in such a way.
It’s a simple story about a woman named Stacey who is grieving the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband and raising two young boys. She is a poet with several published collections, however at this point in her life she finds herself unable to write and is feeling quite stuck. One day, she receives an email about interest and an offer to make one of her books of poetry, Monsters in the Afterlife into a movie. This sets up a series of trips and encounters with A-list movie star, Tommy DeMarco, resulting in a tumultuous relationship.
This is not a sweet or romantic “love story,” but rather a story of two screwed up individuals who find a kind of solace in each other, and what unfolds is a highly dysfunctional relationship. Stacey and Tommy are not particularly likeable characters, and as the title suggests, there are monstrous qualities to both individuals. It is not a relationship you necessarily root for or against, but rather keep turning the pages to see how and where the rollercoaster will go. Because, even though the two characters may have unlikable qualities, they are compelling. Monsters: A Love Story is a highly enjoyable novel and the perfect escape read.
https://aboutabookreviews.com
I feel I can’t give anyting less than 5 stars, if only for the sole reason that I could not put this book down. I started it on a Saturday evening and found myself completely glued to it, telling myself “just one more chapter,” “just one more page,”until I could no longer keep my eyes open. Then first thing Sunday morning my nose was back in the book until I turned the last page. This does not happen often for me, and in fact it is quite rare, with few books having captured my attention in such a way.
It’s a simple story about a woman named Stacey who is grieving the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband and raising two young boys. She is a poet with several published collections, however at this point in her life she finds herself unable to write and is feeling quite stuck. One day, she receives an email about interest and an offer to make one of her books of poetry, Monsters in the Afterlife into a movie. This sets up a series of trips and encounters with A-list movie star, Tommy DeMarco, resulting in a tumultuous relationship.
This is not a sweet or romantic “love story,” but rather a story of two screwed up individuals who find a kind of solace in each other, and what unfolds is a highly dysfunctional relationship. Stacey and Tommy are not particularly likeable characters, and as the title suggests, there are monstrous qualities to both individuals. It is not a relationship you necessarily root for or against, but rather keep turning the pages to see how and where the rollercoaster will go. Because, even though the two characters may have unlikable qualities, they are compelling. Monsters: A Love Story is a highly enjoyable novel and the perfect escape read.
https://aboutabookreviews.com
February 2, 2025
While on the surface we seem to be focused on a slowly developing relationship, there's a lot of darkness under the surface of this book. It's not all darkness, and I enjoyed spending 2-3 years in the lives of the characters because it really gives time for all the friendships and relationships to develop naturally. However, the characters are deeply flawed and realistic and reveal their good and bad characteristics as you get to know them. The bad personality traits are pretty serious though and there’s a dark controlling undercurrent tugging at the romance in the book.
Also, there's an Escher-esk quality to it because the themes of the fictional epic poem are the themes of the real novel, Monsters. The main character Stacey is a poet and she has an epic poem that is being developed into a movie. The epic poem is about feminism, control, and mythological power, and the things that are happening during the development of the movie are decidedly not feminist, all the while the characters are fighting for creative and romantic control.
Also, there's an Escher-esk quality to it because the themes of the fictional epic poem are the themes of the real novel, Monsters. The main character Stacey is a poet and she has an epic poem that is being developed into a movie. The epic poem is about feminism, control, and mythological power, and the things that are happening during the development of the movie are decidedly not feminist, all the while the characters are fighting for creative and romantic control.
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