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Monsters #1

The Good, The Bad, The Cursed

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Introducing a brand new, dark and dangerous, scary-sexy paranormal romance world by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Heather Killough-Walden.
Read… and step into a universe of unrelenting desire and uncompromising passion, where the inhumanly cursed share a love both frightening and forbidden. Enter a world of Men, Motorcycles, and Monsters, and ultimately submit to the warm, possessive embrace of your most torturous dream, and your most tantalizing nightmare.

Give yourself to him.
Stay with him forever.
Leave the mortal world behind….

Monsters, Book One excerpt:
Cain was quiet while Jake filled his own gas tank. Jake could feel his eyes on him. It was unnerving to be scrutinized by such a perceptive man, even after all this time. Cain was thinking. And Jake had the sinking feeling he knew what about.
"She knows what we are?" Cain finally asked point blank.
Jake didn't have to reply. Cain knew damn well Angel had found out about their true nature. She'd neither set him on fire nor chopped off his head. Given she was a warden, he was considering it a win.
Jake braced one arm on the seat of his bike as he filled the tank.
"So, you baptize this union yet?" Cain asked as he took the fuel pump from Jake's hand and inserted it deep into his own gas tank.
Jake stiffened. He turned and leaned back on the seat of his bike, crossing his arms over his chest and his legs at the ankles. "You serious right now?"
"I've met your girl, Jake," Cain said.
No need to remind me. Even that made Jake mad with jealousy.
"She's one in a billion," Cain continued, "and I'm betting she's under your skin. So if she knows what you are, then what's the hold up?"
Jake looked at the ground and sighed. "I'm not having this discussion with you." But he probably was. Because no one said no to Cain. Sometimes they begged it… but that was different.
Cain replaced the fuel nozzle in its casing at the pump. "Jake, a member of my team is driven to the point of distraction, and I can't have that." His voice was steady and calm as always, but stern. "Angel wants you, right?"
Jake recalled her hitching breaths, the hammering of her heart, and the scent of her arousal as he'd pinned her to the shining black paint of his car. That, at least, she couldn't hide from him. "That isn't the problem," he ground out.
"Well, I know you want her. Hell, we all know that much. So, take her already."
"Damn it, Cain…."
Cain recapped his tank. He studied Jake in silence, and finally draped his muscled forearm across the left handlebar of his bike. "I get it. You're scared shitless. You think you'll lose control and turn her."
No, I don't think I will. I know I will.
"Would that be such a bad thing, Crow?"
If Jake had been drinking, he would have choked. His head snapped up, and his green eyes met eyes of powerful blue. "I wouldn't let her go, Cain." If he turned her, he would keep her. Because there was no way in hell he would let her sink her little fangs into another man's throat.
"I know," said Cain.
Jake's gaze narrowed. "What are you telling me right now?"
Cain straightened, coming around his bike to mount it. Once in the seat, he kicked up the stand with the heel of his boot and rolled the bike backward with strong legs until he was parallel to Jake.
Cain stopped flush with him and looked him in the eye. "Jake, this isn't Neverland. Boys grow into men. And men need women." He nodded at Jake's bike. "That saddle is big enough for two.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2018

212 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Heather Killough-Walden

61 books2,188 followers
Heather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!

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5 stars
201 (61%)
4 stars
87 (26%)
3 stars
25 (7%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Candace Tidwell.
326 reviews36 followers
December 17, 2018
I have been so busy I am, just now, fi fishing this book. That, in no way, says that this book is not stellar. I have just been that incredibly busy.
Now for the review, Heather has a wicked talent. Monsters is the beginning of another series that I have already become addicted to. Prepare for a wild ride and expect the unexpected. Also if you have read the King series then get excited. You just may see some of your favorite characters make an appearance.
Profile Image for Heather.
454 reviews42 followers
December 11, 2020
2.5 stars Kind of torn and disappointed as I usually enjoy this author. However, both of these main characters are just filled with problems. Our "hero" at one point uses his powers plus essentially drugs her to "get answers ". And our red shirted "heroine" whose "not like other girls" because she's stubborn. Yes, super stubborn. So stubborn she'd rather die than call her "all powerful supernatural healing Guardian Angel " to heal her because, you know, Stubborn. Sorry, when did stubborn become synonymous for STUPID?! The world as a whole is an extension of her King series though and their powers are very interesting. Also, the basic premise is interesting. It's ashame the execution is lacking in this installment. Because I liked the King series I'm hoping the 2nd installment is better. If not then I will not go beyond book 2.
Profile Image for Yvonne Malloy.
9 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2018
Excellent read

So excited to start this new series. Exciting new characters but we still get to spend time with some beloved characters as well. Can't wait for the next installment!
66 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2018
I love most of her books but..

This one was completely plot driven instead of character driven. I love the female lead, but she kept having absolutely no real choice in anything that happened to her. It was frustrating and made her seem weak when she wasn't. Usually, the author's women characters drive plot. And they are usually kickass. But we never get to see what this one could do.
Profile Image for Khrystal Gargano.
17 reviews
November 13, 2018
Yow!

I’m loving the new series so far!!! Jake and Angel were amazing! So many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end! I’ll be waiting patiently (not patiently) for the next installment! (BRING ON CAIN’s BOOK!!! 😍)
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,127 reviews16 followers
November 28, 2018
First of a spin-off of ‘The Kings’ series.

Wardens are dedicated to protection of humans from evil supernaturals. Jacob Crow is the leader of the Monsters, a Warden clan of misfits who love motorcycles. He’s also a vampire and he’s fallen for ‘Angel’ Clemens, a Warden in the Vega clan. Normally this wouldn’t be a big problem but she hates motorcycles and vampires.

And there’s’ other competition. Lord Malek, of the Taal Unseelie branch has just found out that the answer to their proliferation curse are certain compatible human women and Malek has chosen Angel.

The story is very exciting and busy but I feel sorry for all the torture and that Angel went through. I glad she finally got what she wanted at the end, but I wish there’d been more of a HEA.

Footnote: 1) It is so rude for a woman to openly stare at a man who’s with another woman, even ignoring her. I don’t care how gorgeous he is or how plain she is. How would they feel if someone did that to them. Let’s have better unity for our fellow womanhood.

2) I don’t like it when a man insists the woman to be completely naked while he still has all his clothes on. We like to see them too. And skin on skin feels better than skin on cloth.

Fave scenes: helping Annabelle start a fire, the intercom at the storage facility, the thirteen portals around Malek and Jake’s cleanup of Angel’s office mess.
2,352 reviews86 followers
May 16, 2019
This was a little choppy and hard to follow at times. All the different "bad guy" threats to Angel was crazy. Malek the Taal taking her, Dmitri-an old foe, and of course the surprise at the end with Michael. Between the Vega and Monster clans, Angel is not wanting for male attention. She's attracted to Cain,Gabrial, and Darius but Jake is the one who gets her. His "white wolf" family, his vampire nature-all scare and excite Angel. There were times when I thought Angel was going to hook up with one guy, but her attractions never went further, except with Jake who knew she was his. I liked the King/Queen cameos, the warden and sentinel jobs and how important they are to the supernatural world. Angel is a rare breed-a healer warden, so she is coveted by the clans, and other sups who want her powers. I must comment once again about the love scenes. On the car was amazing, and when Jake changes her-hot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly.
335 reviews
March 24, 2019
Wildly inconsistent

For a while, I thought I'd gotten a book by some other Heather, but this is indeed Killough-Walden. The writing was bad. Pop culture references-names of movies, designers, songs- are sprinkled throughout in a bid to shortcut descriptive writing, but it comes off as stilted and unclear. Lots of repetitive descriptions--is it fangirling if you're squealing over your own character? And the vocabulary is simplistic and often misused.
I'd started out liking the characters, but our smart chickie lost her wits over a chiseled chest, and we don't get enough of Crow to live up to the intriguing prologue. There are too many bad guys for this length of novel; overall it feels rushed and incomplete.
123 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2018
Another 5* read from Heather

Absolutely loved Monsters!! I have been suffering from a nasty withdrawal since the end of The Kings series, impatiently waiting through 'Withered ' for this book to be released. Heather has outdone herself, I loved the fact that old favourite characters popped up in Monsters and I am looking forward to the development of all of the new characters from this new world or the 2 collided world's lol no spoilers from me but if you !I've Heather 's previous series I guarantee that you will love Monsters too, now very impatiently awaiting the next one 😬☺
Profile Image for Laura.
45 reviews
November 15, 2018
Heather Does It Again!

Oh this was delightfully fun! The new Monsters series has appearances from our favorite Kings and Queens - but this is a whole new world. And the Monsters - you got everything right. The focus on muscle cars and vintage bikes was spot on - being a bit of a gear head myself. Heather - please don’t make us wait long for the next one! And who is Cain. . . . . .
Profile Image for L.
249 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2019
Great book...

Heather usually does a great job. The Kings series is really good and it appears Monsters will be too. All of the old characters that made appearances in Monsters were consistent with their original personalities and mixed in well with the new folk introduced in this book. The pace is good and I think most readers familiar with Heather's writing style will enjoy Monsters.
11 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2020
Confusing and Disjointed

This book was disjointed and confusing. I expected it to kind of start where Withered left off, but it didn’t. Instead it jumped forward, alluding to the issues left open at the end of Withered being resolved, but not really explaining how. Maybe those explanations will happen in subsequent books? The book also struggled with too many characters and very little character development and too many bad guys.
9 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2021
Loved it!

Heather has done it again! This book is the first of a spin-off of "The Kings" series. Loving that we are able to enjoy some of our beloved characters from that series and have some amazing new ones as well. I really enjoyed Angel and her take no prisoners attitude, and of course I thoroughly adored Jake and Cain! I love the idea of the withered it's really an interesting little twist to our paranormal world. I can't wait to get lost in the next book!
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,454 reviews45 followers
November 8, 2018
Angel

Who are the real Monsters in this book is the question Angel ask : human,vampire or other. In this spin off from the King series. If you are a fan of the Kings don't miss this newest book. Filled with magic,love and excitement. Looking forward to see where this series goes next.
Profile Image for Dawn.
409 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2018
Book was an offshoot of The Kings series, which I stopped reading a long time ago. Now I realize why. The book was bogged down w so many unnecessary subplots involving the same person —the heroine, it was ridiculous. So many people were after this young lady, and really most of the reasoning was nonsensical or glossed over. Hard pressed to continue this series.
1 review
November 4, 2018
Best book I’ve EVER read!

This book........ just wow! And I really didn’t think that Heather could get anymore amazing. But just wow.

Literally I am at a loss for words, so just do yourself a favor and read it. Enough said.
9 reviews
November 10, 2018
Not as good

I love every series she has out but I was not impressed with the first book in this new series. It was disjointed, repetative, and I just could not seem to get invested in the characters. I hope the next one is better!
Profile Image for Marjolijn.
12 reviews
November 25, 2018
Really really really loved this start of a brand new series of my favourite author! It's fast paced, gritty and of course there is romance too. 😊 seriously can't wait for the next one in this series!!
16 reviews
December 18, 2018
Can't wait for more

I have loved all of Heather's books and this new series is definitely up to par. (Was a little sad that Kings was ending but if this debut is any indication then I will be just as wrapped up in this series😍). I can't wait for the next installment of Monsters!
Profile Image for Mhollie.
705 reviews38 followers
February 25, 2019
I'm Hooked!

HKW did it again with the new Monster's series. Nabbed me hook, line & sinker! Awesome read! Fantastic new world building. Deep, well sculpted characters. She had me with the introduction of Jacob Crow. HOLY CROW!
15 reviews
December 30, 2020
Sexy monsters

I'm so excited to dive back into this world! Heather is a master at building the story, until you're so immersed you just CANNOT physically put the book down! 😁 The characters jump off the page and take you along on their journey. You HAVE to know what happens next. Starting #2 right now.
Profile Image for Angela Monk.
2 reviews
November 2, 2018
OMG

All I can say is, Heather is an absolutely phenomenal writer. She’s one of my all time favorites 😊 totally recommend all of her work to anyone.
29 reviews
November 7, 2018
Awesome

Awesome as always , just finished it and may have a read it again, can not wait to see what is to come 😁
Profile Image for Anneliese Windlebourne.
8 reviews
November 11, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Monsters, and was addicted from the start. Definitely can’t wait to see what the next installment will bring. Thank you
176 reviews
December 1, 2018
Brilliant new series

Really enjoyed this book. Didn't think i would because the kings got a bit boring for me after no 9. More passion inn this book look forward to seeing more
5 reviews
December 4, 2018
5 Stars

Why did I chose 5 stars.... read the series to understand the story. You will not be able to put the books down awesome ride.
13 reviews
January 10, 2019
Love the Monsters

Really good. Love Jake & Angel. Glad the Kings are still around. Monsters are very intriguing & I want to know what's going on with Cain.
Profile Image for Lauri  McNabb.
34 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2019
So good

I've fallen in love with this new universe and new cast of characters. The Monsters will be fun to follow as we get to know each of them better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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