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“Because love is the easiest way to control someone and I needed a way to control you.”
Still mending a broken heart, Matthew has spent a year avoiding incubi and their army of hunters.
Now he has a new goal: lift the shroud on his past. Why had he been turned and abandoned by his sire? Why didn’t he feel the initial bond between sire and child that vampires experience? Who were his parents, and why had they given him up at birth?
Frustrated by dead ends, his luck changes when a teenage girl tracks him down. She’s strange, socially awkward, and she can see the future. Matthew’s future. She’ll help him if he agrees to save her from the darkness…from Tarrick.
With the incubi armies closing in, a mysterious protector appears, swearing his fealty to Matthew. He’s ancient, seductive, and cursed—unable to explain why he keeps calling Matthew ‘my prince’.
Still mending a broken heart, Matthew has spent a year avoiding incubi and their army of hunters.
Now he has a new goal: lift the shroud on his past. Why had he been turned and abandoned by his sire? Why didn’t he feel the initial bond between sire and child that vampires experience? Who were his parents, and why had they given him up at birth?
Frustrated by dead ends, his luck changes when a teenage girl tracks him down. She’s strange, socially awkward, and she can see the future. Matthew’s future. She’ll help him if he agrees to save her from the darkness…from Tarrick.
With the incubi armies closing in, a mysterious protector appears, swearing his fealty to Matthew. He’s ancient, seductive, and cursed—unable to explain why he keeps calling Matthew ‘my prince’.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2016
533 people are currently reading
2755 people want to read
About the author
Jex Lane
9 books2,045 followersQuick update: I don't buzz around Goodreads anymore, but I am really active on Facebook. So if you want to connect with me, you can find me there. Thanks, BeMos!
~~~
I enjoy writing about hidden worlds full of vampire hunters, epic battles, steamy sex, and, of course, beautiful monsters. Join me on Facebook and say hi! I don't bite…I let my vampires do that for me.
Get Pearl and the Dread King for FREE (a short m/f paranormal romance) by signing up for my newsletter at: http://smarturl.it/bemonewsletter
~~~
I enjoy writing about hidden worlds full of vampire hunters, epic battles, steamy sex, and, of course, beautiful monsters. Join me on Facebook and say hi! I don't bite…I let my vampires do that for me.
Get Pearl and the Dread King for FREE (a short m/f paranormal romance) by signing up for my newsletter at: http://smarturl.it/bemonewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 721 reviews
March 18, 2017
MATTHEW WHY. SAM TOLD YOU IT WAS BETTER NOT TO GO, WHYYYYYY.
I'm crying angry tears. This is so unfair. Poor Matthew. Poor Devak. Poor MY HEART.
PS. This book was SO. GOOD.
I'm crying angry tears. This is so unfair. Poor Matthew. Poor Devak. Poor MY HEART.
PS. This book was SO. GOOD.
March 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
WTH, Jex Lane!?! Seriously??? You gave me what I wanted just for crushing it later at the very end!!!! Now I not only hate Tarrick but also hate all of the incubi army for what they did to Matthew, for what they did to his guardian! HATE them! I hope you find a way and have created a witch or a weird creature in book three to resurrect him! Please! I thought Matthew found his happiness, something that he deserved but then at the very end you took that happiness away and replaced it with a lot of grief! You made my heart break. I’m so scared to read the next book but I have to. Told in single POV (Matthew, except the first chapter. It was the guardian’s POV), 3rd person and so well-written and intriguing that I couldn’t put it down and was at the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s the second installment in the "Beautiful Monsters" series, it ends with a huge cliffhanger and must be read in order. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well! Onto the third book!
WTH, Jex Lane!?! Seriously??? You gave me what I wanted just for crushing it later at the very end!!!! Now I not only hate Tarrick but also hate all of the incubi army for what they did to Matthew, for what they did to his guardian! HATE them! I hope you find a way and have created a witch or a weird creature in book three to resurrect him! Please! I thought Matthew found his happiness, something that he deserved but then at the very end you took that happiness away and replaced it with a lot of grief! You made my heart break. I’m so scared to read the next book but I have to. Told in single POV (Matthew, except the first chapter. It was the guardian’s POV), 3rd person and so well-written and intriguing that I couldn’t put it down and was at the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s the second installment in the "Beautiful Monsters" series, it ends with a huge cliffhanger and must be read in order. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well! Onto the third book!
January 19, 2018
I thought the first book rocks and the second one is even better. 😊 We meet with many new characters and the storyline is a bit different from book one. While the first book focused on how Matthew was captured by Incubi and how he fell for assh*le General Tarrick, we now have a new MC who I absolutely adore. 💙 And it picks up right from where the first one ended.
After escaping from the imprisonment of Incubi with the help of vampire Lord Ascelina, Matthew had been roaming around searching for so many unanswered questions in his life. Who is his sire? Who are his birth parents? How is he both an incubus and a vampire? And along the way, our hero acquired a new pet, Jet the Gargoyle. 😁 To make things even more complicated, there’s now an oracle emerging and Matthew found himself needing to rescue her from the Incubi army. While running away, he turned Sam, the oracle, by accident and she became his sired child. And you think things are still not complicated enough? 😂 Meet Devak, the guardian of Matthew who are cursed and can’t answer anything Matthew asked. 😁 The only consistence Matthew gets from Devak is being called “Prince” without any explanation. While running away and trying to protect his accidental sired child, Matthew realized that these Misfits became his family. 😍 He truly cares for Sam and he began to have romantic feelings for Devak. He knows that sleeping with Devak who is his guardian to satiate his Incubus side is not really a wise choice. However, the heart wants what it wants. 😌 Meanwhile, he still can’t let go Tarrick despite the fact that he betrayed him and broke his heart. Can a person love two people at the same time? Or one is just an infatuation and one’s true love? While he has been fighting a battle in his heart, the battle between Vampire and Incubi is not getting better too. Both sides become more violent, ruthless and both trying to annihilate each other. All Matthew wants is to be left alone and be with the family he acquired along his journey. Will he gets what he wants? 😌
I freaking adore Devak in this book. He’s ying to Matthew’s yang. 😍 Matthew absolutely deserves to be happy. They both really love each other and Devak would do anything to protect Matthew and he’d forever cherish him. I’m really glad that there’s another person in Matthew’s life who truly cherishes and loves him. And Sam, the oracle/Matthew’s sired daughter is so witty and bossy and sassy and funny. Cunning, manipulative little minx. 😂👏 And even Jet the gargoyle was super dope. Loves everything about the book. 😘 And it’s truly fascinating and interesting. Kept me on the edge all the time. Except the ending. 😒 I truly hoped Jex Lane’s not going to be that cruel. But she freaking broke my heart. 💔 I’m still not getting over the heartbreak she gave me. Whyyyyy??? Whyyyyyy? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy??????? 😭 Poor Matthew, he deserves to be happy. He truly does. 😭 I’m going to go nuts if Tarrick became his HEA when the series ended. 🤬 I’m so frustrated and still sad now. 😓 Warning: If you can’t handle angst, you are not going to be ok with this one. It made me cry like a baby. 😪 I immediately started reading book 3 after this one and I don’t know how I have to wait until we get the finale book 4. I need answers and I need them now! 😱
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
Blood filled Matthew, delicious and powerful. He drank greedily, his fangs deep in Devak’s beautiful skin. Devak was his. His to possess. His to own. His guardian.
“My prince—” “Matthew,” he corrected him for the millionth time. He let Devak get away with it in bed because it was damned sexy—submissive—but that was over now and here, in this shower, he wanted to be called by his name.
He was endless. Powerful. Unstoppable. An avatar of rage and destruction. Every living thing would die. That was all he knew now. Forever.
Matthew let his vampire take over and struck hard, his fangs sinking deep into Devak’s perfect neck. He owned Devek right now. Wanted him. Needed him. The guardian’s flesh and blood belonged to him. Both Matthew’s vampire and incubus side growled in agreement.
He had fallen for Devak. It frightened him to admit it; it made him vulnerable, but there it was. Those strings he had tried to ignore were tangled around his body. He was in love. There was no doubt now.
“I love you,” Matthew said. “And I you, my prince.” Matthew looked at his daughter. Her tears had turned to blood. “I love you both.”
5 heart-bleeding, sobbing, heart-shattering, whyyyyyyyyyyyy stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After escaping from the imprisonment of Incubi with the help of vampire Lord Ascelina, Matthew had been roaming around searching for so many unanswered questions in his life. Who is his sire? Who are his birth parents? How is he both an incubus and a vampire? And along the way, our hero acquired a new pet, Jet the Gargoyle. 😁 To make things even more complicated, there’s now an oracle emerging and Matthew found himself needing to rescue her from the Incubi army. While running away, he turned Sam, the oracle, by accident and she became his sired child. And you think things are still not complicated enough? 😂 Meet Devak, the guardian of Matthew who are cursed and can’t answer anything Matthew asked. 😁 The only consistence Matthew gets from Devak is being called “Prince” without any explanation. While running away and trying to protect his accidental sired child, Matthew realized that these Misfits became his family. 😍 He truly cares for Sam and he began to have romantic feelings for Devak. He knows that sleeping with Devak who is his guardian to satiate his Incubus side is not really a wise choice. However, the heart wants what it wants. 😌 Meanwhile, he still can’t let go Tarrick despite the fact that he betrayed him and broke his heart. Can a person love two people at the same time? Or one is just an infatuation and one’s true love? While he has been fighting a battle in his heart, the battle between Vampire and Incubi is not getting better too. Both sides become more violent, ruthless and both trying to annihilate each other. All Matthew wants is to be left alone and be with the family he acquired along his journey. Will he gets what he wants? 😌
I freaking adore Devak in this book. He’s ying to Matthew’s yang. 😍 Matthew absolutely deserves to be happy. They both really love each other and Devak would do anything to protect Matthew and he’d forever cherish him. I’m really glad that there’s another person in Matthew’s life who truly cherishes and loves him. And Sam, the oracle/Matthew’s sired daughter is so witty and bossy and sassy and funny. Cunning, manipulative little minx. 😂👏 And even Jet the gargoyle was super dope. Loves everything about the book. 😘 And it’s truly fascinating and interesting. Kept me on the edge all the time. Except the ending. 😒 I truly hoped Jex Lane’s not going to be that cruel. But she freaking broke my heart. 💔 I’m still not getting over the heartbreak she gave me. Whyyyyy??? Whyyyyyy? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy??????? 😭 Poor Matthew, he deserves to be happy. He truly does. 😭 I’m going to go nuts if Tarrick became his HEA when the series ended. 🤬 I’m so frustrated and still sad now. 😓 Warning: If you can’t handle angst, you are not going to be ok with this one. It made me cry like a baby. 😪 I immediately started reading book 3 after this one and I don’t know how I have to wait until we get the finale book 4. I need answers and I need them now! 😱
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
Blood filled Matthew, delicious and powerful. He drank greedily, his fangs deep in Devak’s beautiful skin. Devak was his. His to possess. His to own. His guardian.
“My prince—” “Matthew,” he corrected him for the millionth time. He let Devak get away with it in bed because it was damned sexy—submissive—but that was over now and here, in this shower, he wanted to be called by his name.
He was endless. Powerful. Unstoppable. An avatar of rage and destruction. Every living thing would die. That was all he knew now. Forever.
Matthew let his vampire take over and struck hard, his fangs sinking deep into Devak’s perfect neck. He owned Devek right now. Wanted him. Needed him. The guardian’s flesh and blood belonged to him. Both Matthew’s vampire and incubus side growled in agreement.
He had fallen for Devak. It frightened him to admit it; it made him vulnerable, but there it was. Those strings he had tried to ignore were tangled around his body. He was in love. There was no doubt now.
“I love you,” Matthew said. “And I you, my prince.” Matthew looked at his daughter. Her tears had turned to blood. “I love you both.”
5 heart-bleeding, sobbing, heart-shattering, whyyyyyyyyyyyy stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
March 7, 2017Sire: Beautiful Monsters Vol. II has been released!
February 23, 2018
5 huge stars
I thought the first book, Captive, was awesome, but the second was even better.
We get a lot of action, so many fights, unexpected turns and less romance. But I loved it way more than the first one. I got to love Devak and Sam. I was so glued to the pages that I sneaked and read on my phone at the office. It's really addictive! When I couldn't read I kept thinking about it. The world building is amazing!
Unfortunately I've stumbled upon some spoilers before finishing the book and I kind of saw it coming. But it still hurt.
If you haven't read the book and you intend to, PLEASE try to refrain from reading any reviews.
It was hard for me not to share much, but it's for the best. There are SO many things I would have shared but I'm afraid I'll ruin it for others. What is safe to say would be how amazingly this book is written and how much I fell for Devak! Oh and Sam was extremely funny. The cute oracle with a smart tongue.
I had to start the next book immediately. I just couldn't accept that ending! Now that I've read more than a half in the third book, Broken, all I can say is that I'm broken too. I just hope we'll get a better ending. Because I don't know if my heart can take any more pain. Right now I'm in pieces and can only hope for the best.
I thought the first book, Captive, was awesome, but the second was even better.
We get a lot of action, so many fights, unexpected turns and less romance. But I loved it way more than the first one. I got to love Devak and Sam. I was so glued to the pages that I sneaked and read on my phone at the office. It's really addictive! When I couldn't read I kept thinking about it. The world building is amazing!
Unfortunately I've stumbled upon some spoilers before finishing the book and I kind of saw it coming. But it still hurt.
If you haven't read the book and you intend to, PLEASE try to refrain from reading any reviews.
It was hard for me not to share much, but it's for the best. There are SO many things I would have shared but I'm afraid I'll ruin it for others. What is safe to say would be how amazingly this book is written and how much I fell for Devak! Oh and Sam was extremely funny. The cute oracle with a smart tongue.
I had to start the next book immediately. I just couldn't accept that ending! Now that I've read more than a half in the third book, Broken, all I can say is that I'm broken too. I just hope we'll get a better ending. Because I don't know if my heart can take any more pain. Right now I'm in pieces and can only hope for the best.
May 10, 2020
It's official. I'm hooked now.
Granted, the first part of the book is slower than Captive but the final 40-50% more than made up for the more sedate pacing.
One word: Carnage.
Second word: Bloodbath.
Third word: Absorbing.
However, I will say the slower pacing delved deep into the character and relationship development of Matthew, Samantha and Devak without which the second half wouldn't have been near as riveting.
Proving once again that Jex Lane has writing chops.
I'll say no more since I'm chomping at the bit to get to Broken except for that ending...
Also, please stop teasing with the dragon references.
Asking for a friend.
Granted, the first part of the book is slower than Captive but the final 40-50% more than made up for the more sedate pacing.
One word: Carnage.
Second word: Bloodbath.
Third word: Absorbing.
However, I will say the slower pacing delved deep into the character and relationship development of Matthew, Samantha and Devak without which the second half wouldn't have been near as riveting.
Proving once again that Jex Lane has writing chops.
I'll say no more since I'm chomping at the bit to get to Broken except for that ending...
Also, please stop teasing with the dragon references.
Asking for a friend.
October 27, 2016
Why!!!!! Why!!!! That ending!!! o___O
Just kill me now!!! Hasn't Matthew suffered enough?!!!! My poor Devak!!!!! (TT)
Please Tarrick!!!! Be useful for once and help our boy!!!!!
I need more!!!!!!
4.5 Stars!!!
Awesome book!!!! If I liked Captive, Sire has stole my heart!!
Love all the action, the mystery and the new characters. The tense moments between our boys, the sweet moments with Sam, and the sexy times with Devak.
But damn, I have suffered with Matthew too.
And that ending, just broke my heart!! (TT)
I can't wait to read the next book!!!
Just kill me now!!! Hasn't Matthew suffered enough?!!!! My poor Devak!!!!! (TT)
Please Tarrick!!!! Be useful for once and help our boy!!!!!
I need more!!!!!!
4.5 Stars!!!
Awesome book!!!! If I liked Captive, Sire has stole my heart!!
Love all the action, the mystery and the new characters. The tense moments between our boys, the sweet moments with Sam, and the sexy times with Devak.
But damn, I have suffered with Matthew too.
And that ending, just broke my heart!! (TT)
I can't wait to read the next book!!!
July 11, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Had expected something...more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
We're back with vampire and incubus, Matthew
“You belong with us. With me,” Tarrick said.
Matthew swallowed hard. None of what Tarrick said was real. It was all a ploy to get Matthew to turn himself over. But…he wanted to believe it, even if it was for just a few moments. Eventually, he worked up the courage to say something. “You always tell such beautiful lies.”
He ended the call.
More tears escaped as he sat against the tree. The sky began to lighten but he couldn’t bring himself to move.
Overall, I had sorta expected more. Sure, my expectations weren't high, as book one wasn't exactly great - though not a bad read either - but I had expected more than what I got. I tried to keep away from spoilers and reviews, but the further into the book I got the more I had to fight the urge to read the reviews. I cracked, of course, and saw a spoiler I didn't want to see; . And as one who had himself been under someone's command, I had expected Matthew to be different. He wasn't. Then there's the Tarrick situation... I hate love-triangles and though this one didn't really have one, it did show potential that there could be, yet same the book one, we get no...depth for Tarrick's character. Are we meant to love the guy or? Is he a love interested? <-- A weird question to ask as Matthew loves the guy, but one: Tarrick was barely in the book, two: there was no show of love from his side. So I'm confused when it comes to that. Also the ending confused me more: So many questions...!
Matthew felt weak…he had for a long time. He had a broken heart, a daughter to protect, an army after them…combined with not fully feeding, it wore him down. He wanted to feel strong again.
Other characters:
Blood filled Matthew, delicious and powerful. He drank greedily, his fangs deep in Devak’s beautiful skin.
Devak was his. His to possess. His to own. His guardian.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Devak.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure, I guess.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
April 12, 2023
(Ironía de la vida: se me borró el libro del Kindle con las citas. Jodete Elena pero siéntelo como una señal).
Me ha costado, pero me he dado cuenta que estos libros no son para mí, me alegro para aquellos que sean su tipo de lectura, o su “guilty pleasure”, se los regalo, tengo mejores historias que leer. Asimismo, debería tener más autocontrol y abandonar las cosas cuando sea necesario, pero como no lo hago, asumo las consecuencias y me quemo más mentalmente de lo que ya estoy.
He de admitir que la historia mejora, al menos para mí, porque no es tan abusiva como en el primer libro (básicamente porque no sale cierto personaje que la autora pretende hacernos creer que eso es amor). Pero, sigue habiendo “cositas” que no me han gustado nada.
Lo que más me da rabia es que el argumento es bueno, dentro de lo que cabe, sin embargo, viéndolo desde una perspectiva general, la novela apenas cuenta nada y la mitad de páginas son relleno
En fin otros libros serán.
Me ha costado, pero me he dado cuenta que estos libros no son para mí, me alegro para aquellos que sean su tipo de lectura, o su “guilty pleasure”, se los regalo, tengo mejores historias que leer. Asimismo, debería tener más autocontrol y abandonar las cosas cuando sea necesario, pero como no lo hago, asumo las consecuencias y me quemo más mentalmente de lo que ya estoy.
He de admitir que la historia mejora, al menos para mí, porque no es tan abusiva como en el primer libro (básicamente porque no sale cierto personaje que la autora pretende hacernos creer que eso es amor). Pero, sigue habiendo “cositas” que no me han gustado nada.
Lo que más me da rabia es que el argumento es bueno, dentro de lo que cabe, sin embargo, viéndolo desde una perspectiva general, la novela apenas cuenta nada y la mitad de páginas son relleno
En fin otros libros serán.
February 25, 2018
This review is going to be short because I seriously need to start the next book now.
Sire is probably even better than the previous book Captive (and yes you must read Captive first).
This book has all the best elements of the previous book plus Devak (who’s brilliant) and Samantha (who’s cute and funny) plus Jet (who’s adorable).
It’s brilliant, it never lets up and yes Matthew finds his sire and discovers the identity of his mother.
The ending is awful, seriously awful and if the next book wasn’t available for me to start reading straight away I would be seriously annoyed.
I’m holding out hope that things are not as they seem. This is not an easy read but it’s exciting and addictive.
November 4, 2019
Well holy.fucking.shit
What a fucking ride. This book was even better than the last, way way way better imo.
And I don't know about you, but I'm shipping Matthew with Devak. I rarely ever ship the main character with someone who was later added into the series, but fucking hell if Tarrick isn't a piece of hot shit. I don't know why but overtime, the more that I read, the more this "relationship" between Tarrick and Matthew feels like an abusive one than one that is made out of feeling of love.
A lot of people say that Tarrick reminds them a lot of Laurent from Captive Prince, but I disagree. With Laurent, you see his character progress into something more agreeable and you see some feelings in the guy. Tarrick is just pure shit. A sexy shit, sure. But a piece of brown, clumpy, disgusting shit all the same. There is simply nothing redeemable about the man. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if the man even has a heart at all.
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November 2, 2016
Argh, terrible cliffhanger! And someone I grew to love in the story died! Poor Matthew, he still never catches a break. Lots of action in this story, less romance, but the story was so good anyway. Have to wait for the third book to be released early next year. This book was so way better than the first one, despite the way it ended. I hope Matthew will get his love story somehow in the next book.
June 24, 2021
4.5 Stars
Sire continues to follow Matthew in his quest to just live his life, after escaping the incubi. He's not interested in the war between the vampires and the incubi, and he wants to know his history. Who his parents were. Who his Sire was. Why he was abandoned by both. Still reeling and angry from the betrayal of those he was coming to see as family and friends, especially Tarrick, he wants very little to do with anyone. Considering almost everyone sees him as a tool they can use, I don't blame him.
A chance (or was it) encounter with a seemingly crazy young woman brings him back into the fray of it all, and we see him start to come into his power.
We're introduced to a couple new main characters, Samantha and Devak. I really like the both of them.
Oh, man, that ending, though! My heart is breaking, right now. I really hope Malarath dies a painful death. I hate him. Still not sure what to think about Tarrick. I don't exactly trust him and he seems very much to have his own agenda. And the hunters...well, they seem to be very dutiful, though there are one or 2 I really want to see brought down a few pegs. Ugh.
Onto book 3.
Sire continues to follow Matthew in his quest to just live his life, after escaping the incubi. He's not interested in the war between the vampires and the incubi, and he wants to know his history. Who his parents were. Who his Sire was. Why he was abandoned by both. Still reeling and angry from the betrayal of those he was coming to see as family and friends, especially Tarrick, he wants very little to do with anyone. Considering almost everyone sees him as a tool they can use, I don't blame him.
A chance (or was it) encounter with a seemingly crazy young woman brings him back into the fray of it all, and we see him start to come into his power.
We're introduced to a couple new main characters, Samantha and Devak. I really like the both of them.
Oh, man, that ending, though! My heart is breaking, right now. I really hope Malarath dies a painful death. I hate him. Still not sure what to think about Tarrick. I don't exactly trust him and he seems very much to have his own agenda. And the hunters...well, they seem to be very dutiful, though there are one or 2 I really want to see brought down a few pegs. Ugh.
Onto book 3.
December 28, 2017
This series is very original. Book 1 Wowed me, book #2 still held my interest & I will be moving forward in this series. I did love Captive more than Sire. However the author still found twist & managed to surprise me. Have loved seeing the development in characters. This book is still one of the more interesting books I've read. There were things I loved, things I didn't. But that happens with most books. Start this series. You won't be disappointed.
January 23, 2018
After starting book one this morning and finishing it, I could not wait to start book two, I had to order in because I couldn't spend the few minutes I needed to cook away from this book. I loved Devark, I don't even know what else to say. After that ending I was reading to jump into book three but I see book four is yet to be released, I am going to try my best to put off reading book three until there's a release date for it. It's not hard to do because right now my heart is broken. Thanks a lot, Jex Lane.
May 25, 2018
4.5 Stars
So, I liked the first one; I thought the world-building and mythology was very interesting and the characters engaging (even if I wasn't impressed with the Matthew/Tarrick "relationship")...but I wasn't really feeling the overwhelming adoration for this series that seemed to come from every reviewer on my feed.
Yeah, I totally get it now.
Where I was meandering through Book 1, never really all that invested, with this one OMFG I couldn't put it down, even though I was dog tired. I fell asleep reading it; my Kindle flopped onto my face, waking me long enough to get in another chapter before I dozed off again. (That actually happened twice.) The action was hella graphic (be prepared for the violence) and sometimes a bit too detailed, but it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat (er, bed?) and where book 1 seemed to drag a bit, in book 2 the pacing was perfect.
I also appreciated the less graphic MF sexual exploits (necessary, on occasion because Matthew is also an Incubus) and that the story didn't go there with Samantha (eww...just ewww) - even though that IS a typical trope in the Vampire genre and the other Vampire characters saw nothing wrong with the practice.
And I knew, just knew, given some of Samantha's comments that things were not going to end well...and I thought I was prepared.
I was not prepared.
I'm a little broken and desperately hoping that one of my challenges calls for another Vampire book (or anything else I can even tangentially shove the next book onto a list or shelf for) because I am DYING to know how Matthew deals (if he even does) with what happened there at the end. *cries* (This is a PNR/SPN book, so I'm hoping that ? If that doesn't happen, don't spoil it for me; I'd rather live in fantasy land until I know for certain.)
*runs to see if new BINGO cat fits book 3*
So, I liked the first one; I thought the world-building and mythology was very interesting and the characters engaging (even if I wasn't impressed with the Matthew/Tarrick "relationship")...but I wasn't really feeling the overwhelming adoration for this series that seemed to come from every reviewer on my feed.
Yeah, I totally get it now.
Where I was meandering through Book 1, never really all that invested, with this one OMFG I couldn't put it down, even though I was dog tired. I fell asleep reading it; my Kindle flopped onto my face, waking me long enough to get in another chapter before I dozed off again. (That actually happened twice.) The action was hella graphic (be prepared for the violence) and sometimes a bit too detailed, but it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat (er, bed?) and where book 1 seemed to drag a bit, in book 2 the pacing was perfect.
I also appreciated the less graphic MF sexual exploits (necessary, on occasion because Matthew is also an Incubus) and that the story didn't go there with Samantha (eww...just ewww) - even though that IS a typical trope in the Vampire genre and the other Vampire characters saw nothing wrong with the practice.
And I knew, just knew, given some of Samantha's comments that things were not going to end well...and I thought I was prepared.
I was not prepared.
I'm a little broken and desperately hoping that one of my challenges calls for another Vampire book (or anything else I can even tangentially shove the next book onto a list or shelf for) because I am DYING to know how Matthew deals (if he even does) with what happened there at the end. *cries* (This is a PNR/SPN book, so I'm hoping that ? If that doesn't happen, don't spoil it for me; I'd rather live in fantasy land until I know for certain.)
*runs to see if new BINGO cat fits book 3*
July 27, 2019
Hands down, Jex Lane has built a world equal to the greatest authors of the paranormal genre. This series came as a referral from a friend who pushed me to read. Thankfully, I listened because I was so clearly missing out. This entire series is full of twists and turns that Jex so artfully lays out, I just flat don't see them coming - the Beautiful Monsters series is so great and so original and so consuming, I recommend you stop what you are reading and give this series a try whether you're a paranormal reader or not.
Miscellaneous thoughts:
1) I'm not into horror being inside my paranormal, my friend is. Jex has created a story so complex, its absorbing. I'm satisfied, the friend is satisfied, which says a lot to Jex's storytelling ability.
1.5) Jex has taken the time to understand all the different aspects involved in the paranormal world. I've read lots of old school paranormal authors, and Jex is teaching me things I've never learned before.
2) The story unfolds from the main character's life experience. Jex does this so well, you live the life of discovery with Matthew. Nothing is rushed, nothing feels repetitive. I found myself hurting where I was supposed to hurt, happy when things went well and just rooting for the main character's well being.
3) Possible spoiler: The king is not my favorite.
4) I want to turn into a vampire and go be Matthew's friend.
5) One POV, third person.
6) The writing improves and improves and improves.
7) I'd love to live in this author's head for a while. This is artfully told and well-thought-out story, Jex has a fan for life. Someone needs to help me meet her so I can gush and gush.
Miscellaneous thoughts:
1) I'm not into horror being inside my paranormal, my friend is. Jex has created a story so complex, its absorbing. I'm satisfied, the friend is satisfied, which says a lot to Jex's storytelling ability.
1.5) Jex has taken the time to understand all the different aspects involved in the paranormal world. I've read lots of old school paranormal authors, and Jex is teaching me things I've never learned before.
2) The story unfolds from the main character's life experience. Jex does this so well, you live the life of discovery with Matthew. Nothing is rushed, nothing feels repetitive. I found myself hurting where I was supposed to hurt, happy when things went well and just rooting for the main character's well being.
3) Possible spoiler: The king is not my favorite.
4) I want to turn into a vampire and go be Matthew's friend.
5) One POV, third person.
6) The writing improves and improves and improves.
7) I'd love to live in this author's head for a while. This is artfully told and well-thought-out story, Jex has a fan for life. Someone needs to help me meet her so I can gush and gush.
August 7, 2018
3.5 stars
F THIS BOOK!
F THIS ENDING!
F TARRICK & F MATTHEW!!
Why? Why? Why?!!
Dammit bring on book 3...
F THIS BOOK!
F THIS ENDING!
F TARRICK & F MATTHEW!!
Why? Why? Why?!!
Dammit bring on book 3...
August 30, 2018
5 Stars!!!
February 22, 2019
My star rating may change in a few days. I think I have the post-good book glow & my emotions are running high. So a year or 2 ago, I read the 1st book in this series & despised it. Matthew is literally tortured by Tarrick but ends up falling in love with him. I genuinely hate the trope of someone falling for their abuser. So Idk what the hell made me read this book... but... it pains me to admit it... but I’m glad I did? I mean the action, the gore, the adventure, the suspense, there’s just a lot of shit going on in this book & it made for a low key but really high key fun ride that hooked me... hard. It’s written well. There’s a tiny bit of diversity in the characters & we stan authors that note that not everyone in the world ever is white. There are just a lot of things going for this book. Although I will say a big thing that annoyed me shitless was that Matthew goes on these obnoxious tirades where he professes his love for the same 3 people over and over and over again. I feel like it would’ve been cute & endearing if it was done sparingly but it happened after like every 4th page & honestly at a point it made me want the author to kill every character off & start the fuck over 😂 WHICH BRINGS ME TO M0TH3RFUCK!NG DEVAK. 1. How god damn dare. 2. I wanted to see him in full in full strength & hitting bitches but he’s freed for the 7 paragraphs before we got to the conclusion of his plot line & I just mean wtf. So much time was spent on how badass he use to be AND I WANTED TO SEE IT. Anyway, fuck Tarrick. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
May 24, 2023
I promised a review to Captive, and I intend to write one about Sire’s reread too, but I need to continue the story. This ending is cruel 🥹
January 16, 2022
#1 captive — 4.25 ✧
#2 sire — 4.5 ✧
#3 broken — 4.25 ✧
#4 blood prince — tbr
❝“The galaxy will tremble when they see the blood,” she continued. “They kneel and yet you still want more. Forgiveness carries a heavy price.”❞
fuck tarrick and this cliffhanger. all my homies hate tarrick and this cliffhanger.
JEX LANE WHY??? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME 😭
𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ⇢ 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
January 3, 2018
I'm a picky reader. I can't help it. Because I spend my days writing/editing, I'm very difficult to please when it comes to reading. At the end of 2017, I DNF a lot of books that I don't track on GR for obvious reasons. I was in a reading slump and it sucked.
But this series...? Dayam, it's SO good. Thank you, Jex Lane, for creating a fabulous world and populating it with tantalizing characters. The writing is superb, the pace is perfect (not too fast, not too slow - never a dull moment), it's not padded with fluff and THANK THE WRITING GODS it's been edited and proofread! So many authors skip that last part and lose readers because of it.
Jex Lane has worked on her craft and it shows.
So, if you like sexy paranormals, you've got to give this series a try.
But this series...? Dayam, it's SO good. Thank you, Jex Lane, for creating a fabulous world and populating it with tantalizing characters. The writing is superb, the pace is perfect (not too fast, not too slow - never a dull moment), it's not padded with fluff and THANK THE WRITING GODS it's been edited and proofread! So many authors skip that last part and lose readers because of it.
Jex Lane has worked on her craft and it shows.
So, if you like sexy paranormals, you've got to give this series a try.
May 16, 2017
Amazing. Unstoppable action with lots of heartache but little romance. There's a love triangle that spiced things up (when the action didn't, which was seldom anyway). I've been unable to put these books down all weekend and I'm moving right now to the next one. Once more though, this is
not a series for anyone, there's a lot of gore,violence and sleeping around with any genre -male or female- going on.
not a series for anyone, there's a lot of gore,violence and sleeping around with any genre -male or female- going on.
May 30, 2017
5 stars.
HOLY SHIT.
WHAT. NO.
OMG.
*sobs*
Poor Devak. And Matthew.
My f*cking heart is shattered.
I just can't deal with anything right now. *sobs even harder*
This series is one of the best I've read this year, hands down.
HOLY SHIT.
WHAT. NO.
OMG.
*sobs*
Poor Devak. And Matthew.
My f*cking heart is shattered.
I just can't deal with anything right now. *sobs even harder*
This series is one of the best I've read this year, hands down.
November 10, 2018
5 'My Prince' stars
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would totally do that. Truly, there are no words to describe how much I love this series. Everything about it is perfect and amazing and every other shiny adjective that you can imagine. And characters... I think I'm in love with all of them (with one or two exceptions). I'm serious, they are all so loveable.
My Matthew, my poor heartbroken Matthew. He's the kind of person you just want to be close by and take care of him and maybe snuggle with him a little. I wish that everybody would stop trying to take advantage of him. He really does not deserve how he's been treated all the time. I'm so glad that he found Samatha. At least she is not manipulating with him (not often anyway). And she is such a cute cookie, like a rainbow unicorn or something. And then there's Devak. I was fangirling over him quite I bit in my updates already. His wings... le sigh. I'm a complete sucker for wings and his are magnificent. Also, his weapons are a completely new level of badass. Just saying. And I stopped being mad at Tarrick. I was kind of furious at him at the end of the previous book but I understand his actions. Being the general and protector of his race, he doesn't have much say in some matters. Needs of incubi race are before his desires. And he's even more gorgeous than he was in the first book. I can't wait to see him in the next. Let's not forget Jet - grumpy gargoyle who likes to turn into a rottweiler. What can I say, he's awesome. Hiroto is still cute and fluffy. Very strange combination for a deadly assassin but I would totally have him for cuddling. Of course, I have to mention Bryson as well. He is also one of the new characters and yes, I'm all hot for him too. (I guess I'm probably turning into an incubus because I would jump just about every person in this book.) It's a shame he's is so young. I imagine him being a few centuries older, then Tarrick would really find himself in who's the better general competition.
Now, I urge you to stop reading this review and go find this series and start reading it immediately if you haven't already. I'm serious, what are you waiting for. Go!
The book ends with a huge cliffhanger but me being a cheater I already check the next one. *hide in shame* All I can say for myself is that I couldn't live with not knowing. I needed to comfort myself that I wouldn't die of heart attack or something. So now I can process this book in peace and calmly prepare myself for the following one. I can tell you, it's one hell of a ride. *wink*
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would totally do that. Truly, there are no words to describe how much I love this series. Everything about it is perfect and amazing and every other shiny adjective that you can imagine. And characters... I think I'm in love with all of them (with one or two exceptions). I'm serious, they are all so loveable.
My Matthew, my poor heartbroken Matthew. He's the kind of person you just want to be close by and take care of him and maybe snuggle with him a little. I wish that everybody would stop trying to take advantage of him. He really does not deserve how he's been treated all the time. I'm so glad that he found Samatha. At least she is not manipulating with him (not often anyway). And she is such a cute cookie, like a rainbow unicorn or something. And then there's Devak. I was fangirling over him quite I bit in my updates already. His wings... le sigh. I'm a complete sucker for wings and his are magnificent. Also, his weapons are a completely new level of badass. Just saying. And I stopped being mad at Tarrick. I was kind of furious at him at the end of the previous book but I understand his actions. Being the general and protector of his race, he doesn't have much say in some matters. Needs of incubi race are before his desires. And he's even more gorgeous than he was in the first book. I can't wait to see him in the next. Let's not forget Jet - grumpy gargoyle who likes to turn into a rottweiler. What can I say, he's awesome. Hiroto is still cute and fluffy. Very strange combination for a deadly assassin but I would totally have him for cuddling. Of course, I have to mention Bryson as well. He is also one of the new characters and yes, I'm all hot for him too. (I guess I'm probably turning into an incubus because I would jump just about every person in this book.) It's a shame he's is so young. I imagine him being a few centuries older, then Tarrick would really find himself in who's the better general competition.
Now, I urge you to stop reading this review and go find this series and start reading it immediately if you haven't already. I'm serious, what are you waiting for. Go!
The book ends with a huge cliffhanger but me being a cheater I already check the next one. *hide in shame* All I can say for myself is that I couldn't live with not knowing. I needed to comfort myself that I wouldn't die of heart attack or something. So now I can process this book in peace and calmly prepare myself for the following one. I can tell you, it's one hell of a ride. *wink*
December 20, 2018
THIS BOOK! GAH! SOOO GOOOOOOD!
I absolutely loved everything about it! It drained me so emotionally that at that very heartbreaking end, I teared up. It was so friggin sad that Just when Matthew seems to be getting happy, everything goes to hell.
And with that CLIFFHANGER as an ending, I’m moving right on to the next.. I’m so glad I have book 3 at hand because I don’t know what I would’ve done to myself had it not been already available...
I absolutely loved everything about it! It drained me so emotionally that at that very heartbreaking end, I teared up. It was so friggin sad that Just when Matthew seems to be getting happy, everything goes to hell.
And with that CLIFFHANGER as an ending, I’m moving right on to the next.. I’m so glad I have book 3 at hand because I don’t know what I would’ve done to myself had it not been already available...
November 1, 2016
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has in no way influenced my review. Quotes used in this review were from an ARC and may be different in the final book.*
This book was kind of different from the first because, whereas the first book was all sex and violence and torture and not knowing who to trust, this one was kind of quirky and funny and focused more on Matthew's newly acquired ragtag band of misfits/strange little family. And though this book took an unexpected turn at the beginning *SPOILER ALERT (it happens within the first 15%, but it wasn't in the blurb)* *END SPOILER ALERT*, I certainly didn't enjoy it any less. If anything, I might've enjoyed it more because it had more touching character dynamics.
That being said, it still had plenty of action and fighting and gore and awful situations, so don't go into this expecting something cute.
And of course the book also had lots of sexy times because how could it not with so many vampire and incubus characters? I actually liked these sex scenes better than those in the first book because they had a little more emotional connection and weren't all slave/master-y.
Matthew did seem a little overdramatically lovelorn at times though. *SPOILER ALERT (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER ALERT* I'm not saying that men, or Matthew, can't have emotion (Matthew has never been emotionless), just that that part seemed out of character for him.
Matthew has also been a little too amazing at everything, but, since he's had so much terrible stuff thrown at him and has still ended up in bad situations anyway, I can let that slide. And other parts of him were still human and realistic enough that I felt for him and could relate. And I really did feel awful for him. Jex Lane sure does take the whole "put your character up in a tree and throw rocks at him" writing advice thing to heart. *whispers* Does she know she's also supposed to get them down again?
Anyway, to wrap this up, I really did enjoy this book just as much, if not more than, the first. It had action and violence but also some quirky and sweet character moments, and I'm looking forward to more Matthew in the next book!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Jex Lane's Beautiful Monsters series. Anyone who likes vampires, incubi, sex, and violence, plus some emotional conflict and touching moments.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has in no way influenced my review. Quotes used in this review were from an ARC and may be different in the final book.*
This book was kind of different from the first because, whereas the first book was all sex and violence and torture and not knowing who to trust, this one was kind of quirky and funny and focused more on Matthew's newly acquired ragtag band of misfits/strange little family. And though this book took an unexpected turn at the beginning *SPOILER ALERT (it happens within the first 15%, but it wasn't in the blurb)* *END SPOILER ALERT*, I certainly didn't enjoy it any less. If anything, I might've enjoyed it more because it had more touching character dynamics.
That being said, it still had plenty of action and fighting and gore and awful situations, so don't go into this expecting something cute.
And of course the book also had lots of sexy times because how could it not with so many vampire and incubus characters? I actually liked these sex scenes better than those in the first book because they had a little more emotional connection and weren't all slave/master-y.
I also still just liked Matthew himself and found myself cracking up at his dialogue and thoughts, especially since I think I would've felt the same in his situation.
“Okay, here are some rules. You seriously need to stop calling me ‘my prince’, it’ll make us stand out and—really—since I don’t know why you are doing it, it’s pissing me off."
Matthew did seem a little overdramatically lovelorn at times though. *SPOILER ALERT (for Book 1)* *END SPOILER ALERT* I'm not saying that men, or Matthew, can't have emotion (Matthew has never been emotionless), just that that part seemed out of character for him.
Matthew has also been a little too amazing at everything, but, since he's had so much terrible stuff thrown at him and has still ended up in bad situations anyway, I can let that slide. And other parts of him were still human and realistic enough that I felt for him and could relate. And I really did feel awful for him. Jex Lane sure does take the whole "put your character up in a tree and throw rocks at him" writing advice thing to heart. *whispers* Does she know she's also supposed to get them down again?
Anyway, to wrap this up, I really did enjoy this book just as much, if not more than, the first. It had action and violence but also some quirky and sweet character moments, and I'm looking forward to more Matthew in the next book!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Jex Lane's Beautiful Monsters series. Anyone who likes vampires, incubi, sex, and violence, plus some emotional conflict and touching moments.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 15, 2019
This was book 2 in the
" Beautiful Monsters"
series. Matthew has spent a year avoiding incubi and their army of hunters because he has a broken heart. This was a really good read that I liked this series only got better with this book. This book introduced some new characters like Devak "the blood guardian". I really liked them together and how Devak was so submissive to Matthew, despite being so powerful himself. I also liked Sam the oracle I liked her and most of the things predicted came true. When the vampires think of making Mathew their leader, he's concerned about whether or not he'll get to wear jeans anymore. This was a good read with a cliffhanger at the end of it. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 9, 2025
A diferencia del anterior, este mejoró un poco en las escenas de acción, en la trama en sí, porque M. ya no está cautivo y tampoco solo, sin embargo, sigue luchando por sobrevivir en un mundo donde quieren cazarlo y unirlo a sus filas. La verdad, es una historia que si bien es simple, Jex Lane tiene una forma de escribir bastante adictiva y el personaje de Matthew te hace empatizar demasiado.
Esta vez estoy releyendo con una amiga y quizá sea porque estamos comentando al mismo tiempo y tal, pero he disfrutado bastante la lectura. La primera vez que lo leí Devak me disgustó (no sé porqué) pero me ha gustado su personaje, aunque hay ciertas cosas interesantes por ahí. Este libro es muy intenso y plantea cosas más arriesgadas que el anterior.
Esta vez estoy releyendo con una amiga y quizá sea porque estamos comentando al mismo tiempo y tal, pero he disfrutado bastante la lectura. La primera vez que lo leí Devak me disgustó (no sé porqué) pero me ha gustado su personaje, aunque hay ciertas cosas interesantes por ahí. Este libro es muy intenso y plantea cosas más arriesgadas que el anterior.
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