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My Beautiful Monsters #1
Monster Whisperer
My clients at my vet clinic have always called me an animal whisperer. I’ve never questioned it. Until I started hearing monsters too.
A man came in right at closing with a sick dog. The dog told me why he was sick and I was able to treat him. I had no idea his owner would kidnap me. I had no idea his owner had an entire dungeon of monsters he wanted me to treat. I’ve met a minotaur, a mysterious kraken, a phoenix, and this really massive spider.
I can hear them too. If monsters are real and I can talk to them, then what am I?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
1493 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Trepagnier
123 books814 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author JB Trepagnier is secretly 30 feral cats in a trench coat and combat boots writing romance with a shared feral cat hive mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
July 24, 2020
The pacing in this book is very weird, it jumps so fast I had to keep rereading the page to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Dnf @ 38%
River is a animal whisperer, a veritable Dr Doolittle. She has her own Vet Clinic. She is approached one day by a man with a very strange dog, after successfully diagnosing the dog, she is kidnapped. The man turns out to be Hades and the dog, Cerebrus. River is rightfully frightened, for like 2 more lines then she accepts everything. Cerebrus has 3 heads, ok, Hades is real, ok, the Greek gods are fighting with each other, ok. It was so unbelievable. She is told that by her helping he would reveal how she can do what she does.
She is asked to treat other animals, monsters in captivity because Demeter and Hades are at war over Persephone. Immediately she meets them she has a visceral hatred for Demeter and vows to take her down. I know people love animals and pets and I'd imagine it would even be nicer is we could hear them but she had just met a Minatour, a Phoenix, a Kraken and a massive Black Widow Spider. There is no fear that they might harm her or general wariness of what they are. She jumps into vengeance mode.
Not only that, when she meets them she spills her entire life story, it was weird. One of the monsters hated her, there was no level of intimacy that warranted that whole spiel yet. Then several pages later, she is told that her dad is on Hades sides and she she is precious cargo being tested by a random human resident of Hell, C'mon son. River's reaction is "Great. My deadbeat dad had a test for me, and he was in cahoots with Hades. I had to beat a Goddess to prove myself to my father. Everyone here said I wasn't a demigod, so what was with this shit?".
Rivers said previously that she didn't know her dad and that her mother had never spoken of him. The tone of the statement was off. How does she know her dad is a deadbeat if her mother never spoke of him, for all she knows her mother never even told her dad about her. I would have expected shock that her father might be a god instead I get nonchalance.
Next, I don't know if I missed it but nobody had called her a demigod and even if they did and I missed it there was no reaction to it at all that I read. If someone comes to me with a theory about I being the love child of Zeus and Hera, I would spazz and scoff with disbelief, this is me that reads fantasy on a regular. River would hear an outlandish theory and just shrug her shoulder, there was no reason for it.
The monsters are all into her of course,they call her pets names already. Different ones because they can't just agree to call her one and stick with it. One of the monsters doesn't like her, par the course for RH. There is a woman among the monster who is a lesbian , I think, so that's different.
I am only at the first half of the book and I can't take it any longer.
Dnf @ 38%
River is a animal whisperer, a veritable Dr Doolittle. She has her own Vet Clinic. She is approached one day by a man with a very strange dog, after successfully diagnosing the dog, she is kidnapped. The man turns out to be Hades and the dog, Cerebrus. River is rightfully frightened, for like 2 more lines then she accepts everything. Cerebrus has 3 heads, ok, Hades is real, ok, the Greek gods are fighting with each other, ok. It was so unbelievable. She is told that by her helping he would reveal how she can do what she does.
She is asked to treat other animals, monsters in captivity because Demeter and Hades are at war over Persephone. Immediately she meets them she has a visceral hatred for Demeter and vows to take her down. I know people love animals and pets and I'd imagine it would even be nicer is we could hear them but she had just met a Minatour, a Phoenix, a Kraken and a massive Black Widow Spider. There is no fear that they might harm her or general wariness of what they are. She jumps into vengeance mode.
Not only that, when she meets them she spills her entire life story, it was weird. One of the monsters hated her, there was no level of intimacy that warranted that whole spiel yet. Then several pages later, she is told that her dad is on Hades sides and she she is precious cargo being tested by a random human resident of Hell, C'mon son. River's reaction is "Great. My deadbeat dad had a test for me, and he was in cahoots with Hades. I had to beat a Goddess to prove myself to my father. Everyone here said I wasn't a demigod, so what was with this shit?".
Rivers said previously that she didn't know her dad and that her mother had never spoken of him. The tone of the statement was off. How does she know her dad is a deadbeat if her mother never spoke of him, for all she knows her mother never even told her dad about her. I would have expected shock that her father might be a god instead I get nonchalance.
Next, I don't know if I missed it but nobody had called her a demigod and even if they did and I missed it there was no reaction to it at all that I read. If someone comes to me with a theory about I being the love child of Zeus and Hera, I would spazz and scoff with disbelief, this is me that reads fantasy on a regular. River would hear an outlandish theory and just shrug her shoulder, there was no reason for it.
The monsters are all into her of course,they call her pets names already. Different ones because they can't just agree to call her one and stick with it. One of the monsters doesn't like her, par the course for RH. There is a woman among the monster who is a lesbian , I think, so that's different.
I am only at the first half of the book and I can't take it any longer.
August 31, 2020
I finished this book super quickly not only cause it was a small book but also because I was so desperate to finish it and get onto better books.
I picked up the book on kindle unlimited because the premise sounded intriguing but I sorely wished I hadn’t. The book was rushed which meant that the protagonist had no character or charisma and neither did any one else. The plot was also terribly developed and everything happened so quickly meaning also that there was no chemistry or interest in ANY of the dialogue. There were no moments that made me feel connected to the characters and it felt like I was being told information by each of the characters in an entirely unrewarding way.
Let’s just say I was relieved when the book finally came to it’s unsatisfying end and am grateful that I didn’t have to pay for it as I would certainly be wanting my money back.
Edit: I do not normally leave reviews, and I know I did nothing to summarise the ‘plot’ but found it necessary to potentially save others from having to endure it, as I know that if the book was any longer I would not of bothered to finish it.
I picked up the book on kindle unlimited because the premise sounded intriguing but I sorely wished I hadn’t. The book was rushed which meant that the protagonist had no character or charisma and neither did any one else. The plot was also terribly developed and everything happened so quickly meaning also that there was no chemistry or interest in ANY of the dialogue. There were no moments that made me feel connected to the characters and it felt like I was being told information by each of the characters in an entirely unrewarding way.
Let’s just say I was relieved when the book finally came to it’s unsatisfying end and am grateful that I didn’t have to pay for it as I would certainly be wanting my money back.
Edit: I do not normally leave reviews, and I know I did nothing to summarise the ‘plot’ but found it necessary to potentially save others from having to endure it, as I know that if the book was any longer I would not of bothered to finish it.
November 2, 2020
This was so easy to devour.
The Monster Whisperer introduces you to River. Now she definitely reminded me of the female version of Dr. Dolittle. Which, hey, I can get behind one hundred percent since I love all kinds of animals. Dogs are #1 in my heart though, always and forever.
Back to River, it was really interesting that she could communicate with all sorts of animals just through her thoughts. It was always highly entertaining to see their discussions and whether or not they trusted or lusted for her.
Even though I didn't think a lot of action happened, and I did want more, it was still a fun book to dive into. I'm wondering what's going to happen now after that little cliffhanger and I guess I will just have to sacrifice my time and dive into it.
The Monster Whisperer introduces you to River. Now she definitely reminded me of the female version of Dr. Dolittle. Which, hey, I can get behind one hundred percent since I love all kinds of animals. Dogs are #1 in my heart though, always and forever.
Back to River, it was really interesting that she could communicate with all sorts of animals just through her thoughts. It was always highly entertaining to see their discussions and whether or not they trusted or lusted for her.
Even though I didn't think a lot of action happened, and I did want more, it was still a fun book to dive into. I'm wondering what's going to happen now after that little cliffhanger and I guess I will just have to sacrifice my time and dive into it.
November 26, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, it was great. So fun and even LOL hilarious at times. We all think talking to animals would be awesome but what about animals and monsters, sort of makes them less scary and threatening when you can communicate with them. And River is such a awesome heroine I cannot wait to see how the series will play out. It started with a bang and ended the same way. We meet so many cool monsters that will clearly become her mates, three badass men and a woman who is scarier than hades himself lol. I can’t ruin the surprise of what they are because it was so fun meeting them and watching them fall one after the other for River. My favorite by far I think is Tryphon. Who’d expect a to be such a softie. This was a great RH read and I’m so ready for the next book I can’t even do this review justice. Give it a try, so far it’s been a gret start.
I really enjoyed this book, it was great. So fun and even LOL hilarious at times. We all think talking to animals would be awesome but what about animals and monsters, sort of makes them less scary and threatening when you can communicate with them. And River is such a awesome heroine I cannot wait to see how the series will play out. It started with a bang and ended the same way. We meet so many cool monsters that will clearly become her mates, three badass men and a woman who is scarier than hades himself lol. I can’t ruin the surprise of what they are because it was so fun meeting them and watching them fall one after the other for River. My favorite by far I think is Tryphon. Who’d expect a to be such a softie. This was a great RH read and I’m so ready for the next book I can’t even do this review justice. Give it a try, so far it’s been a gret start.
November 2, 2020
Q: “You can call me Plouton, and my dog is Cerberus.” (c)
Q: I mean, I was glad he was feeling better, but he now had two extra heads. (c)
Q: Hades was trying to put the fire in his trousers out. (c) Ouchworthy.
Q: Who knew a three-headed dog was such a cockblocker? ...
There was probably something seriously wrong with me. I was checking out a minotaur in a towel and wishing the towel would just disappear. (c) Yeah, there probably was.
River gets to get fecal samples from Cerberus. That's the high point of her day if not career. Then we have a distraught Plouton/Hades threatening her with a gun. Then he kidnaps her off to Tartarus to improve her clientelle (with a minotaur, a horse-sized spider, a phoenix, Tryphon the Kraken ... ) and proceeeds being an ass (I didn't say that! It was Ceerberus and he must have a great insight being the insider to Hades' domain!).
Demeter gets badmouthed a lot (eyeroll!) and a lot of monsters finally have someone to chat to.
Monsters need River's help. Pretty please.
Hades going undercover as Plouton. Hmmm.... Very stealthy.
Tryphon and his *shudder* comfortingly smooth wet tentacles... And he seems quite touchy-feely. Ughhhh. Can I unread it?
Have I mentioned how horrible the cover is?
Blocky, choppy writing. Plot holes the size of Kraken. Very immature and even unpolished text... Not to be a snob but this is a 1 star read, if I am in a very very very good grading mood.
I can't believe how harebrained the whole setting is. Demeter betting? Who she's betting against? If against other gods, then it's a zero-sum game for the Olympus and wealth stays the same overall.
Q: What was with all these horny monsters? Even the spider was hitting on me. (c) Goash.
The setting:
Q:
I became a vet because of a gift I could never explain. I’d read everything I could about horse and dog whisperers, but it seemed to be more about reading signals. I could hear them in my head as if we were having a conversation. All I had to do was ask, and they would tell me where it hurt and sometimes why. (c) Ah-huh.
Oh, gosh:
Q:
My last relationship ended so badly, I’d rather listen to a Schnauzer tell me his anal glands were full than even think about dating again. No, I’d squeeze all that stinky anal gland juice from a dog’s butthole before I even thought about looking twice at a cute guy. (c) Not for the squeamish, right?
Lovely, right?
Q:
“What kind of dog is he, anyway?”
“A special one that I brought to you for treatment.” (c) I'm pretty sure any veterinatian would be satisfied with this non-answer.
Other fun stuff:
Q:
I had a three-headed dog standing in front of me, so this guy had to be Hades. (c) Very logical.
Q:
I would say this for Hades. He certainly kidnapped me in style. (c) Sure, the style of kidnapping is of utmost importance.
Q:
I was pretty sure Hades was evil incarnate, despite what Cerberus said, but he had exquisite taste in clothes. (c) Very important thing to note.
Q:
This is your domain. You’re the king here. I think it’s about high time you explain what the fuck is going on. (c)
Q:
“Tryphon eats wicked people. I wouldn’t even try to cook for him. He’s not going to touch it unless it’s a person and he’s done the tentacle test that they are an evil person.” (c)
Q:
Do you even know how to treat a phoenix, legs?”
...
“I don’t need to treat you. I can just kill you, and you’ll come back good as new. Problem solved.” (c)
Q:
“What about you, Pavlina? What do you want?”
“I want to wrap Demos in a nice web and eat him slowly.”
“What do you want that doesn’t involve eating Demos?”
“I wouldn’t mind eating Demeter, either.” (c)
Q:
Have you ever tried dating a guy, and he takes you home, and his dog or cat spills all his dirty secrets? (c)
Q:
“I wasn’t the first, asshole. I was just the first you caught her in the act with.”
“In my fucking bed! You left your nasty webs all over the place.”
“I got there just as a hippogriff was leaving.” (c)
Q: What about you, Tryphon? What can I get you?”
“Swim naked in my pool with me, pet.”
“Let’s build up to that, okay? We only just met. (c)
Q:
I swear, if he ended up in Tartarus with the Titans, I would find a way to get him back. I mean, the monster called me baby bird and wanted to snuggle. (c) Ughhhh.
Q:
Have you ever seen a bull smile before? It’s a little weird. (c) I'm sure it is.
Q:
The man in the pool had stopped screaming, but Pavlina appeared to be still playing with her food. (c) Ughhhh...
Q:
“Anatolia is crazier than I am, Tryphon,” Pavlina said. ...
“Did you fuck her and leave her too?”
“I don’t fuck crazy, pigeon. I went to her for a vision, and she started stalking me. I would have just eaten her, but she’s God touched.”
“I can vouch for the craziness. She stalked me too,” Kimon said. (c) Quite the rep.
Q: I mean, I was glad he was feeling better, but he now had two extra heads. (c)
Q: Hades was trying to put the fire in his trousers out. (c) Ouchworthy.
Q: Who knew a three-headed dog was such a cockblocker? ...
There was probably something seriously wrong with me. I was checking out a minotaur in a towel and wishing the towel would just disappear. (c) Yeah, there probably was.
River gets to get fecal samples from Cerberus. That's the high point of her day if not career. Then we have a distraught Plouton/Hades threatening her with a gun. Then he kidnaps her off to Tartarus to improve her clientelle (with a minotaur, a horse-sized spider, a phoenix, Tryphon the Kraken ... ) and proceeeds being an ass (I didn't say that! It was Ceerberus and he must have a great insight being the insider to Hades' domain!).
Demeter gets badmouthed a lot (eyeroll!) and a lot of monsters finally have someone to chat to.
Monsters need River's help. Pretty please.
Hades going undercover as Plouton. Hmmm.... Very stealthy.
Tryphon and his *shudder* comfortingly smooth wet tentacles... And he seems quite touchy-feely. Ughhhh. Can I unread it?
Have I mentioned how horrible the cover is?
Blocky, choppy writing. Plot holes the size of Kraken. Very immature and even unpolished text... Not to be a snob but this is a 1 star read, if I am in a very very very good grading mood.
I can't believe how harebrained the whole setting is. Demeter betting? Who she's betting against? If against other gods, then it's a zero-sum game for the Olympus and wealth stays the same overall.
Q: What was with all these horny monsters? Even the spider was hitting on me. (c) Goash.
The setting:
Q:
I became a vet because of a gift I could never explain. I’d read everything I could about horse and dog whisperers, but it seemed to be more about reading signals. I could hear them in my head as if we were having a conversation. All I had to do was ask, and they would tell me where it hurt and sometimes why. (c) Ah-huh.
Oh, gosh:
Q:
My last relationship ended so badly, I’d rather listen to a Schnauzer tell me his anal glands were full than even think about dating again. No, I’d squeeze all that stinky anal gland juice from a dog’s butthole before I even thought about looking twice at a cute guy. (c) Not for the squeamish, right?
Lovely, right?
Q:
“What kind of dog is he, anyway?”
“A special one that I brought to you for treatment.” (c) I'm pretty sure any veterinatian would be satisfied with this non-answer.
Other fun stuff:
Q:
I had a three-headed dog standing in front of me, so this guy had to be Hades. (c) Very logical.
Q:
I would say this for Hades. He certainly kidnapped me in style. (c) Sure, the style of kidnapping is of utmost importance.
Q:
I was pretty sure Hades was evil incarnate, despite what Cerberus said, but he had exquisite taste in clothes. (c) Very important thing to note.
Q:
This is your domain. You’re the king here. I think it’s about high time you explain what the fuck is going on. (c)
Q:
“Tryphon eats wicked people. I wouldn’t even try to cook for him. He’s not going to touch it unless it’s a person and he’s done the tentacle test that they are an evil person.” (c)
Q:
Do you even know how to treat a phoenix, legs?”
...
“I don’t need to treat you. I can just kill you, and you’ll come back good as new. Problem solved.” (c)
Q:
“What about you, Pavlina? What do you want?”
“I want to wrap Demos in a nice web and eat him slowly.”
“What do you want that doesn’t involve eating Demos?”
“I wouldn’t mind eating Demeter, either.” (c)
Q:
Have you ever tried dating a guy, and he takes you home, and his dog or cat spills all his dirty secrets? (c)
Q:
“I wasn’t the first, asshole. I was just the first you caught her in the act with.”
“In my fucking bed! You left your nasty webs all over the place.”
“I got there just as a hippogriff was leaving.” (c)
Q: What about you, Tryphon? What can I get you?”
“Swim naked in my pool with me, pet.”
“Let’s build up to that, okay? We only just met. (c)
Q:
I swear, if he ended up in Tartarus with the Titans, I would find a way to get him back. I mean, the monster called me baby bird and wanted to snuggle. (c) Ughhhh.
Q:
Have you ever seen a bull smile before? It’s a little weird. (c) I'm sure it is.
Q:
The man in the pool had stopped screaming, but Pavlina appeared to be still playing with her food. (c) Ughhhh...
Q:
“Anatolia is crazier than I am, Tryphon,” Pavlina said. ...
“Did you fuck her and leave her too?”
“I don’t fuck crazy, pigeon. I went to her for a vision, and she started stalking me. I would have just eaten her, but she’s God touched.”
“I can vouch for the craziness. She stalked me too,” Kimon said. (c) Quite the rep.
December 23, 2021
Not a fan of the cover but intrigued enough by the plot, I gave this one a go and it was quite good and entertaining. A bit repetitive at times but I like where this is going.
October 9, 2020
DNF at 28% when Kimon the minotaur has to leave for a fight.
I'm usually a sucker for stories about people who can communicate with animals, but there really wasn't much to redeem the book after we started interacting with the different monsters that would end up in the FMC River's harem. The pacing was incredibly fast, their backstories were just regurgitated in a single scene, and River seemed waaaaaaaaaaay too accepting about her kidnapping and finding out about gods and monsters even given that she knew about the existence of supernaturals due to her own mysterious powers. Additionally, I found it off-putting that the gods and monsters were using modern vernacular, e.g. shitty, bitch, asshole, what the fuck. I would have expected ancient immortals to have more formal dialogue instead.
As a warning, the spider in the harem is a female black widow, so I would predict some F/F in the future, for those that care.
Al's review goes much more into detail into bigger issues with the novel. I'm passing on this series.
I'm usually a sucker for stories about people who can communicate with animals, but there really wasn't much to redeem the book after we started interacting with the different monsters that would end up in the FMC River's harem. The pacing was incredibly fast, their backstories were just regurgitated in a single scene, and River seemed waaaaaaaaaaay too accepting about her kidnapping and finding out about gods and monsters even given that she knew about the existence of supernaturals due to her own mysterious powers. Additionally, I found it off-putting that the gods and monsters were using modern vernacular, e.g. shitty, bitch, asshole, what the fuck. I would have expected ancient immortals to have more formal dialogue instead.
As a warning, the spider in the harem is a female black widow, so I would predict some F/F in the future, for those that care.
Al's review goes much more into detail into bigger issues with the novel. I'm passing on this series.
October 2, 2020
DNF at chapter 3. I just can’t handle the writing style. Seems to blocky like a first draft not a polished novel. Decent idea, meh execution.
October 29, 2025
Reverse harem, but feels like it's written by a teenager. Bonus points for one of the love interests being a woman.
January 27, 2024
I loved this one it was amazing. The monsters are my favorite part of this book. They are so cool and who doesn't want to talk to animal. I would love to be able to do that.
December 13, 2020
I picked up this book for a book club read and it seemed interesting enough. Maybe not something I’d jump into if it wasn’t chosen for me. There are 2 more books in this series and it’s interesting enough for me to continue on, but honestly the book could’ve been better.
I liked the idea of the story, but I think everything escalated too quickly. By 7% I was like... okay, we’re already going there? Sure.
I’m not really into the Greek mythology and all that so the backstory was a little confusing for me. Hades and Persephone and Demeter, then mentioning Hephaestus and Ares and Aphrodite. Meh.
The monsters and River are what I wanted to get behind. River is half human and half something else, can talk to animals and they can talk to her - and apparently this works with monsters too. Which is why Hades kidnaps her to the underworld to help with the monsters that are trapped there. They apparently have a human form but they were trapped with a collar that makes them stay in their monster form and they can’t change back. That’s where River comes in - to talk to them and communicate between the monsters and Hades.
So all of the monsters like her and she starts to like them. There wasn’t really enough time in this book for them all to really connect with River in that way. It would come across better if it was longer and more scenes of them all interacting together.
River’s father was a mystery and the book made it out to be like he could’ve been someone super important. Maybe someone from Hell we would recognize? But that reveal felt disappointing to me...
The highlight was the dog, Cerberus. I loved him immediately. He was so cute! For a three-headed beast, anyway. 😆😆 The whole interaction with the other female Hellhound, Lis, made me literally laugh out loud.
I also want River to add the sexy god Hephaestus to her harem. Let’s hope he makes more appearances in the next book, hm?!?
So overall I’d give this 3.5⭐️. It’s good enough to continue the series but not so much as I’d want to read this again over and over.
I liked the idea of the story, but I think everything escalated too quickly. By 7% I was like... okay, we’re already going there? Sure.
I’m not really into the Greek mythology and all that so the backstory was a little confusing for me. Hades and Persephone and Demeter, then mentioning Hephaestus and Ares and Aphrodite. Meh.
The monsters and River are what I wanted to get behind. River is half human and half something else, can talk to animals and they can talk to her - and apparently this works with monsters too. Which is why Hades kidnaps her to the underworld to help with the monsters that are trapped there. They apparently have a human form but they were trapped with a collar that makes them stay in their monster form and they can’t change back. That’s where River comes in - to talk to them and communicate between the monsters and Hades.
So all of the monsters like her and she starts to like them. There wasn’t really enough time in this book for them all to really connect with River in that way. It would come across better if it was longer and more scenes of them all interacting together.
River’s father was a mystery and the book made it out to be like he could’ve been someone super important. Maybe someone from Hell we would recognize? But that reveal felt disappointing to me...
The highlight was the dog, Cerberus. I loved him immediately. He was so cute! For a three-headed beast, anyway. 😆😆 The whole interaction with the other female Hellhound, Lis, made me literally laugh out loud.
I also want River to add the sexy god Hephaestus to her harem. Let’s hope he makes more appearances in the next book, hm?!?
So overall I’d give this 3.5⭐️. It’s good enough to continue the series but not so much as I’d want to read this again over and over.
April 2, 2021
Some things I liked, some I didn't. It was a pretty quick read and it does focus on one of my favorite things. A main character that can talk to animals. Thanks to some collars, it lasts until the end of the book. Its a Hades and Persephone book, so when it was revealed to be Hades and Cerberus that were the kidnappers, It was an oh another one feeling. What I liked about it is that Hades isn't a love interest and the main plot is to take down Demeter and help Hades save his wife.
This leads to River meeting monsters stuck in their monster forms, imprisoned and forced into gladiator style death matches. It does feel like insta love, with the way everyone likes and wants her, with the exception of the Phoenix. I did like the variety of monsters. Minotaur, Phoenix, Black widow and Kraken. I don't like nicknames and everyone of them has one for her, so that got annoying pretty quickly.
Its felt a little too easy. Everyone knows her father except for her and its like a game of keep away. River isn't subtle in the slightest, yet she's succeeding in her missions. It left me questioning whether it was a trap or if Demeter is just really that arrogant. The other thing is the monsters are hot cliche, including H. There's no case of loving them for who they are. It was interesting and I'd give the next one a go, just for the naked swim with the Kraken.
This leads to River meeting monsters stuck in their monster forms, imprisoned and forced into gladiator style death matches. It does feel like insta love, with the way everyone likes and wants her, with the exception of the Phoenix. I did like the variety of monsters. Minotaur, Phoenix, Black widow and Kraken. I don't like nicknames and everyone of them has one for her, so that got annoying pretty quickly.
Its felt a little too easy. Everyone knows her father except for her and its like a game of keep away. River isn't subtle in the slightest, yet she's succeeding in her missions. It left me questioning whether it was a trap or if Demeter is just really that arrogant. The other thing is the monsters are hot cliche, including H. There's no case of loving them for who they are. It was interesting and I'd give the next one a go, just for the naked swim with the Kraken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
7/29/22 - reread - I picked this series up again to do a quick reread so I can dive into book three. A refresher never hurts right?! FMC River is great. I love his stubborn she can be. I mean she gets kidnapped by Hades and just accepts it and finds ways to help him instead of sulking and arguing. I stil agree with my original 4 star rating. It’s a great, quick read with unique and and interesting characters.
The cover is stunning and eye-catching to start.
I have to admit that a book about Greek gods and monsters probably isn’t something I would have picked up on my own. BUT the book fit a reading prompt I needed to fill for a reading challenge.
It started off a little slow and rocky for me. It’s a book I should have easily been able to finish in a few hours, but I couldn’t force myself past the first few chapters initially. I’m glad I finally did though!
Once River got to the Underworld; things heated up a bit. The monsters featured in this book are all interesting and unique. They’re also a female monster thrown into this reverse harem which is amazing and caught my eye.
It’s a super slow burn though. Which I’m assuming will speed up in the second book. Overall? I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would and will be reading the next in thE series.
The cover is stunning and eye-catching to start.
I have to admit that a book about Greek gods and monsters probably isn’t something I would have picked up on my own. BUT the book fit a reading prompt I needed to fill for a reading challenge.
It started off a little slow and rocky for me. It’s a book I should have easily been able to finish in a few hours, but I couldn’t force myself past the first few chapters initially. I’m glad I finally did though!
Once River got to the Underworld; things heated up a bit. The monsters featured in this book are all interesting and unique. They’re also a female monster thrown into this reverse harem which is amazing and caught my eye.
It’s a super slow burn though. Which I’m assuming will speed up in the second book. Overall? I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would and will be reading the next in thE series.
April 25, 2021
Not too bad
Quick easy not too dark or bad. I like the monsters, and I like the dogs. Even Hades isn’t so bad. It’s interesting though how River is able to pull one over on a goddess. So we shall see what this new news means for her now that she learns of her heritage.
Quick easy not too dark or bad. I like the monsters, and I like the dogs. Even Hades isn’t so bad. It’s interesting though how River is able to pull one over on a goddess. So we shall see what this new news means for her now that she learns of her heritage.
January 10, 2022
The experience of reading this book was equivalent to what this security guard experienced
It was as obvious the book was terrible and not going to get better as it was that a heavy roller (steamroller) was headed toward the security guard. It was also obvious I could/should have stopped after the first couple of chapters. But just like the security guard, I did not stop. I did not get out of the way. In fact, I read the whole series. The entire time I was reading the series I kept telling myself to just stop.... please, just stop.... why haven't I stopped.
To me, a really good book is similar to an intricate woven tapestry or a complex jigsaw puzzle. When an author gets all the components to work together to support, strengthen, enhance, assist the story, the story in its own way becomes a work of art. If this book/series was a jigsaw puzzle it would look something like this.
Some of the components were there but they didn't work all that well together. The few components that were used were big, awkward, and as obvious as that steamroller. To make it an even more painful reading experience those same few components were used over and over and over again.
There was very little world building. The few things that were conveyed were stated over and over and over again. There was so much repetitive exposition that over explained simple things, not to mention the amount of mansplaining.
The reason I read the book and finished the series, is that it's one of the few that I have found where the FMC is bisexual in the reverse harem paranormal genre. As a bisexual woman, I enjoy reading this small sub-group of the RH paranormal genre. I liked that the f/f relation wasn't a separate relationship from any of the men. That some of the f/f steam scenes occurred with men participating.
It was as obvious the book was terrible and not going to get better as it was that a heavy roller (steamroller) was headed toward the security guard. It was also obvious I could/should have stopped after the first couple of chapters. But just like the security guard, I did not stop. I did not get out of the way. In fact, I read the whole series. The entire time I was reading the series I kept telling myself to just stop.... please, just stop.... why haven't I stopped.
To me, a really good book is similar to an intricate woven tapestry or a complex jigsaw puzzle. When an author gets all the components to work together to support, strengthen, enhance, assist the story, the story in its own way becomes a work of art. If this book/series was a jigsaw puzzle it would look something like this.
Some of the components were there but they didn't work all that well together. The few components that were used were big, awkward, and as obvious as that steamroller. To make it an even more painful reading experience those same few components were used over and over and over again.
There was very little world building. The few things that were conveyed were stated over and over and over again. There was so much repetitive exposition that over explained simple things, not to mention the amount of mansplaining.
The reason I read the book and finished the series, is that it's one of the few that I have found where the FMC is bisexual in the reverse harem paranormal genre. As a bisexual woman, I enjoy reading this small sub-group of the RH paranormal genre. I liked that the f/f relation wasn't a separate relationship from any of the men. That some of the f/f steam scenes occurred with men participating.
September 15, 2020
2.5 stars
Misleading cover, did not fit the book at all, but it conned me into borrowing it on KU. This story is a rushed job, the plot points just popped out of nowhere. The story was poorly told, and it was all superficial. I don't know about you, but if I found out I had powers, I would try more than just one time to make them work. I would keep at it to perfect it all, especially after being abducted and forced into a role of savior of sorts. Just missed the marks and lost common sense.
Misleading cover, did not fit the book at all, but it conned me into borrowing it on KU. This story is a rushed job, the plot points just popped out of nowhere. The story was poorly told, and it was all superficial. I don't know about you, but if I found out I had powers, I would try more than just one time to make them work. I would keep at it to perfect it all, especially after being abducted and forced into a role of savior of sorts. Just missed the marks and lost common sense.
July 14, 2020
It was quite interesting story. Story line is pretty unique, the idea really interesting. Characters created for this story are interesting as well. It all is so simple and easy going. I liked River and they way she adjust to the situation. And I liked how greek mythology is coming to life in here. I liked it but didn’t fall head over hills for it.
July 18, 2020
Enjoyable
Cute and catching, I'll be the first to say this book has really no finesse, not sure if this is a new author? but with all that being said I really enjoyed this little read, I loved the characters, I even liked the storyline, a few places didn't really make sense, but I said freak it!! And kept going! I definitely want to continue reading on with this series.
Cute and catching, I'll be the first to say this book has really no finesse, not sure if this is a new author? but with all that being said I really enjoyed this little read, I loved the characters, I even liked the storyline, a few places didn't really make sense, but I said freak it!! And kept going! I definitely want to continue reading on with this series.
November 28, 2021
I really liked this book! The concept was SO unique and the characters were too! They each captured my heart from the moment I met them and I am very eager to see them develop from here!
I loved every moment of this book and I ended up devouring it in one sitting! I can’t wait to continue on with the next one!
I loved every moment of this book and I ended up devouring it in one sitting! I can’t wait to continue on with the next one!
November 9, 2020
Veterinarian River has always been able to communicate with animals, a skill she uses in healing dogs, cats and other pets at her veterinary practice. Until one day, when a man brings his dog in for an emergency, and ends up kidnapping River because of her gifts. He's really Hades, and he needs her to talk to a different non-humans -- the permanently shifted "monsters" in his hellish domain.
This book was definitely rushed in places, and would have benefited from some elaboration, especially when River first gets to the Underworld. I like the characters, and the premise is very interesting -- the demonic Dr. Doolittle idea is fresh and unique. All in all, I think this series has a lot of promise.
This book was definitely rushed in places, and would have benefited from some elaboration, especially when River first gets to the Underworld. I like the characters, and the premise is very interesting -- the demonic Dr. Doolittle idea is fresh and unique. All in all, I think this series has a lot of promise.
December 4, 2020
Not Dark and Twisted
~My Thoughts~
It was intriguing from the moment she got kidnapped. I loved the fact that the main character used her ability throughout the whole story and not just that one-time thing.
~Story~
While the story is that she gets kidnapped to help creatures, there's more to the plotline, she feels for what is happening and understands why she is needed.
I don't want to give too much away but read at your own risk. This involves gods and many other creatures.
~My Thoughts~
It was intriguing from the moment she got kidnapped. I loved the fact that the main character used her ability throughout the whole story and not just that one-time thing.
~Story~
While the story is that she gets kidnapped to help creatures, there's more to the plotline, she feels for what is happening and understands why she is needed.
I don't want to give too much away but read at your own risk. This involves gods and many other creatures.
October 31, 2020
Well this had some very good points. I loved the monsters and how she could talk to them. I liked the flirting which started up. I like the fact that we had to find out what she was and wasn't just given the answer straight up. i felt she was very accepting of the world and the monsters she didn't freak out which seemed a little weird. it'll be interesting to see where this goes.
July 16, 2020
👍👍😈
I picked this book at first because of the beautiful cover art. I am proud to say the story is just as good. Loved the characters and the entire book. I can't wait to see what happens with River next.
I picked this book at first because of the beautiful cover art. I am proud to say the story is just as good. Loved the characters and the entire book. I can't wait to see what happens with River next.
November 12, 2020
2.5 stars
January 28, 2022
Interesting
Reading the blurb, I didn't understand this book talks about Greek mythology😳
So, we follow the story of River, a human (maybe not so human) veterinarian who can communicate with animals. One day, she's kidnapped by a man who brings her to the Underworld. The guy is Hades and he needs her help to take care of his monster friends: a minotaur, a phoenix, a giant black widow, and a kraken. But it appears that the Underworld is under the threat of Demeter who helds hostage her daughter Persephon, the wife of Hades
The reinterpretation of the Greek mythology and the mix with Hell, Fae, and demons is interesting.
The read was entertaining but very slow burn in this volume😕. I appreciate that for one time the FMC has interest in women which means we'll have F/F steam🔥!
However the pace was a bit awkward at times: too slow and then too fast...🧐
Well, I wish there will be more steam in the next book and more consistency in the pace.
Reading the blurb, I didn't understand this book talks about Greek mythology😳
So, we follow the story of River, a human (maybe not so human) veterinarian who can communicate with animals. One day, she's kidnapped by a man who brings her to the Underworld. The guy is Hades and he needs her help to take care of his monster friends: a minotaur, a phoenix, a giant black widow, and a kraken. But it appears that the Underworld is under the threat of Demeter who helds hostage her daughter Persephon, the wife of Hades
The reinterpretation of the Greek mythology and the mix with Hell, Fae, and demons is interesting.
The read was entertaining but very slow burn in this volume😕. I appreciate that for one time the FMC has interest in women which means we'll have F/F steam🔥!
However the pace was a bit awkward at times: too slow and then too fast...🧐
Well, I wish there will be more steam in the next book and more consistency in the pace.
January 22, 2022
Needs More
*****Spoilers*****
My interest in how the story would progress kept my attention, that part was great. Raven is a special veterinarian because she can communicate with the pets she works on to discover from them exactly what's wrong and treat them accordingly though she learned early on to hide her abilities. Hades, who is unknown to Raven, stops in to have Raven treat Cerebus, his "dog" that's sick. Raven does it by talking to Cerebus and finds out Cerebus is sick because of the homemade spicy food that Hades began feeding him. Diet change and hydration are what the doctor orders, Hades knows what Raven did to her there, and next thing Raven knows, she's in the Underworld and an unwilling guest of Hades who wants her to treat the monsters that are forced to fight to the death. Better said, Underworld inhabitants stuck in their human forms because of a collar Demeter was able to convince them to put on their necks. Why? To save Persephone from death by Demeter, also her mother. Persephone is beloved in the Underworld and no one wants her to die so everyone complies. Hades wants his wife back and is using Raven to get what he needs. Raven is game because she sees and talks to the four monsters in cells, they're Persephone's bodyguards. Raven doesn't talk to the other monsters in the pit at all.
In any case, the book ends with Raven finding out the truth of the collars that do nothing more than keep the Underworld folks in their monster forms instead of all of the horrible stuff Demeter said they did. She also scores a potion to allow 10 monsters to take their human forms from Hephaestus along with a commination device that she can use to speak with him. He also promised to leave the mountain he never leaves to help Raven and friends. Everything going on in this book is done in about a week and change tops which makes it all the more unbelievable. Oh, and Raven's father is a Duke of Hell which makes her royalty.
Sighs. It was a little too easy pretty much everything in this book. Kidnapped? No problem, a punch to Hades' jaw is payback enough. Find out the Underworld, gods, and monster creatures are real? No worries, just go with it. Find out that your dad is from Hell and you're half human? All good. Trick Demeter to take you to Hephaestus's forge within a volcano? Easy as pie. Three male and a female monster who're romantically interested in you? Sounds great.
I could go on but it was just all too easy and barely believable. Demeter's plot was elementary and flawed along with her reasons for taking over the Underworld. Raven had some good ideas but sheesh, could she at least face some adversity other than the threat to not be returned home to the earth realm for 6 months? There weren't enough explanations or descriptions, the characters kind of sounded similar except Demos and that's because he was contrarian. It could've been such a good series. I'm not sure if I'll read the next one but maybe because I'm hopeful and still curious.
*****Spoilers*****
My interest in how the story would progress kept my attention, that part was great. Raven is a special veterinarian because she can communicate with the pets she works on to discover from them exactly what's wrong and treat them accordingly though she learned early on to hide her abilities. Hades, who is unknown to Raven, stops in to have Raven treat Cerebus, his "dog" that's sick. Raven does it by talking to Cerebus and finds out Cerebus is sick because of the homemade spicy food that Hades began feeding him. Diet change and hydration are what the doctor orders, Hades knows what Raven did to her there, and next thing Raven knows, she's in the Underworld and an unwilling guest of Hades who wants her to treat the monsters that are forced to fight to the death. Better said, Underworld inhabitants stuck in their human forms because of a collar Demeter was able to convince them to put on their necks. Why? To save Persephone from death by Demeter, also her mother. Persephone is beloved in the Underworld and no one wants her to die so everyone complies. Hades wants his wife back and is using Raven to get what he needs. Raven is game because she sees and talks to the four monsters in cells, they're Persephone's bodyguards. Raven doesn't talk to the other monsters in the pit at all.
In any case, the book ends with Raven finding out the truth of the collars that do nothing more than keep the Underworld folks in their monster forms instead of all of the horrible stuff Demeter said they did. She also scores a potion to allow 10 monsters to take their human forms from Hephaestus along with a commination device that she can use to speak with him. He also promised to leave the mountain he never leaves to help Raven and friends. Everything going on in this book is done in about a week and change tops which makes it all the more unbelievable. Oh, and Raven's father is a Duke of Hell which makes her royalty.
Sighs. It was a little too easy pretty much everything in this book. Kidnapped? No problem, a punch to Hades' jaw is payback enough. Find out the Underworld, gods, and monster creatures are real? No worries, just go with it. Find out that your dad is from Hell and you're half human? All good. Trick Demeter to take you to Hephaestus's forge within a volcano? Easy as pie. Three male and a female monster who're romantically interested in you? Sounds great.
I could go on but it was just all too easy and barely believable. Demeter's plot was elementary and flawed along with her reasons for taking over the Underworld. Raven had some good ideas but sheesh, could she at least face some adversity other than the threat to not be returned home to the earth realm for 6 months? There weren't enough explanations or descriptions, the characters kind of sounded similar except Demos and that's because he was contrarian. It could've been such a good series. I'm not sure if I'll read the next one but maybe because I'm hopeful and still curious.
August 2, 2020
Mixed mythology reverse harem
First I want to stay I LOVED the story line. River was kidnapped by Hades(not a love interest), can talk to animals/monsters, and has some other nifty powers. River was kidnapped to help Hades kidnap Persephone, who was kidnapped by Demeter. Demeter had tricked all the monsters into chains that stuck them in their monster form. The 4 "head" monsters are the love interest. Now the bad parts, installed and chemistry. The monsters all instantly fell in love with her. Like as soon as they were introducted. (Ok..there was one who didn't but just barely). Maybe it was because of that but I didn't feel any connection between river and the others. I'm going to read the next one because I really enjoyed the concept but I'm hoping for more development.
First I want to stay I LOVED the story line. River was kidnapped by Hades(not a love interest), can talk to animals/monsters, and has some other nifty powers. River was kidnapped to help Hades kidnap Persephone, who was kidnapped by Demeter. Demeter had tricked all the monsters into chains that stuck them in their monster form. The 4 "head" monsters are the love interest. Now the bad parts, installed and chemistry. The monsters all instantly fell in love with her. Like as soon as they were introducted. (Ok..there was one who didn't but just barely). Maybe it was because of that but I didn't feel any connection between river and the others. I'm going to read the next one because I really enjoyed the concept but I'm hoping for more development.
August 8, 2021
This was a fast and easy read. Is it the most creative and well-written piece? ... No, but was it an entertaining read for a couple of hours? ... Yes. It's a trilogy, and I've already downloaded book 2, so it's got enough of a story hook to have pulled me in.
We meet River, our heroine, at her veterinary practice. She gets a last-minute emergency case, which turns out to be Cerberus. After figuring out what was wrong with him - through her animal talking powers - she gets kidnapped and taken to the Underworld by Hades, Cerberus' owner.
Things have gone a bit pear-shaped down below with Demeter having kidnapped Hades' wife Persephone and basically gone on a genocide gladiator mission against monsters by threatening Persephone's life.
Hades grabs River to try to take care of some of the monsters from the gladiator fighting ring. By taking care of them and being able to talk to them, they may be able to figure out how to save Persephone and get Demeter out of the Underworld.
The Harem!
We have a harem of monsters here: a Kraken, a minotaur, a phoenix and a black widow. We learn about their pasts and how each of them relates to each other. They all have a fascination with River, so it'll be interesting to see how they all come together
If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure that has some Greek mythology thrown in this is one for you.
We meet River, our heroine, at her veterinary practice. She gets a last-minute emergency case, which turns out to be Cerberus. After figuring out what was wrong with him - through her animal talking powers - she gets kidnapped and taken to the Underworld by Hades, Cerberus' owner.
Things have gone a bit pear-shaped down below with Demeter having kidnapped Hades' wife Persephone and basically gone on a genocide gladiator mission against monsters by threatening Persephone's life.
Hades grabs River to try to take care of some of the monsters from the gladiator fighting ring. By taking care of them and being able to talk to them, they may be able to figure out how to save Persephone and get Demeter out of the Underworld.
The Harem!
We have a harem of monsters here: a Kraken, a minotaur, a phoenix and a black widow. We learn about their pasts and how each of them relates to each other. They all have a fascination with River, so it'll be interesting to see how they all come together
If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure that has some Greek mythology thrown in this is one for you.
May 23, 2021
This was an amazing start to a new series! I loved the world building, mix of different mythologies, and the spin that JB put on it. I was hooked from the encounter with Hades, Cerberus, and River at her clinic and I couldn’t put it down!
River’s just your typical veterinarian except she can talk to animals and monsters. Her personality is feisty, determined, and caring for those in need. I loved that Hades wasn’t the typical bad guy and how twisted and evil Demeter was. Cerberus was protective of River and I loved that she could talk with him.
I think I liked all of the monsters equally, which is a first since I almost always have a favorite in a harem. Demos, a phoenix, was broody and cautious. Kimon, a minotaur, was sweet and sexy. Pavlina, a giant black widow, was flirty and fierce. Tryphon, a kraken, was bold and possessive. I actually really liked Hephaestus and I hope he becomes part of her harem also.
I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold of who River is, what powers she possesses, and who her father is. I loved the relationship that she was building with each monster and that she was defiant with Hades and couldn’t care less about the consequences.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
River’s just your typical veterinarian except she can talk to animals and monsters. Her personality is feisty, determined, and caring for those in need. I loved that Hades wasn’t the typical bad guy and how twisted and evil Demeter was. Cerberus was protective of River and I loved that she could talk with him.
I think I liked all of the monsters equally, which is a first since I almost always have a favorite in a harem. Demos, a phoenix, was broody and cautious. Kimon, a minotaur, was sweet and sexy. Pavlina, a giant black widow, was flirty and fierce. Tryphon, a kraken, was bold and possessive. I actually really liked Hephaestus and I hope he becomes part of her harem also.
I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold of who River is, what powers she possesses, and who her father is. I loved the relationship that she was building with each monster and that she was defiant with Hades and couldn’t care less about the consequences.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
September 7, 2020
I think my biggest problem with this book comes from the writing style. The author writes in very short sentences, which makes the story feel both plodding and choppy. I don't really have a better way of explaining it; it just felt like the writing was too dumbed down. Another consequence of this approach is that the characters don't really have distinct inner voices. Aside from the nicknames used, you don't really get a sense of whose inner thoughts you are reading until the author tells you. They also sound alike when speaking. It was an interesting premise, but I'm afraid it fell flat for me.
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