The beast-men of the Urgal Mountains were said to have been a race that had ages past been warped by the magic of dark alchemy. For Rose Almander they are nothing but stories for scaring children and the ignorant. An educated woman and a cast-out alchemist of the Order, she has more to worry about than fictional monsters lurking in the wooded mountains. Like, staying under the cover of semi-obscurity from other mages by working as a perfumer. Although it is not what she would have dreamed of and trained for, the coin is enough to soothe her bruised ego. Yet, when she's commissioned by the queen to create a fragrance to bewitch, Rose must obtain the Forial Rose that grows only in the depths of the mountain forests. With a fortune promised and no one available to procure it for her, and her own life on the line should she fail, Rose must face the wilderness and a monster of legend not seen in generations. The lupi were created to be guardians, the wolves of the mountain that was said to separate the worlds. There, the dark alchemist once reined, his chaotic art keeping the balance between worlds. When the time came for the mage to leave the abode he built, he trained the first among the lupi, Siras, in the arts so that his successor would be found and prepared to rule the mountain. As centuries pass with no heir in place, the presence of a mage in the forest is greeted with high expectations from Siras. But it is a dangerous path for the female. She must prove her dominance with her magic for the lupi to submit. Only then will she be able to bind herself to the mountain as its queen. Saris must push her, punish her, and consume her so that she can rise and take her place upon the alchemist's throne. Only then will he serve her, his dark mistress and beloved.Rose was captured by a beast, but he discovered the monster within her.This is not a fairytale retelling. This is a monster romances that deals with concepts of spiritual alchemy, sorcery, monsters and mystic symbolism. Please be aware that this book contains dub-con, as well as dark and horror themes. It may not be suited for everyone. This includes a brief almost-started group scene. It is a M/F romance.
S.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.
This is not the book's fault at all. The fault is all mine. I'm just in a bad slump and couldn't pick up a damn thing. At another time, I would've devoured this book and loved it (except for the initial gangbang part, which ekkkk).
I expected this to be a horror tale for Halloween, starring my favorite monster: werewolves. It was also gruesome, sexually extreme and sadistic. I wound up with Fifty Shades of Werewolf instead of A Werewolf on Elm Street. Better luck next Halloween.
I just wasn't getting anything compelling from either of the mains. So while there was a semi interesting plot- I just didn't feel the romance. Even though this was more of a dark read, and I don't know if that was the point to give the reader sexy or squishy feels...I wasn't into the pleasure/pain/torture/find yourself sex....thing.
Meh. Put it down and don't feel like picking it back up for the last stretch.
I have really enjoyed many of this author’s other books but I wasn't sure if I'd like this one. I'm not a big fan of dark romance, and I didn’t particularly like Heidi’s character in Huntress. Rose initially seemed to be a similar type of “three-C” character (callous, cold and cruel). Still, I stuck with her and actually enjoyed they way the story unfolded.
To be clear, there is a lot of darkness. If fairy tales have a sinister cousin it would be the loves-story of Rose and Saris. Neither is "good". Both do brutal, violent and merciless things but for important reasons. No spoilers so all I'm going to say is that this story is way more steamy (!!!) but reminds me of the Hellboy comics. "There are things that go bump in the night… and we are the ones who bump back".
I decided to shelve this book as "Did Not Finish" at 55%
The main characters and the general story were not compelling enough to make me want to keep reading. Perhaps I will give this a try again at a later date. I feel like perhaps if the author took out a lot of the romance and just focused on the actually story itself it might be better. Perhaps they were getting to that later on in the book?
This was a fantastic read. Another A+ release from this author. Rose and Saris are fantastic together. I was unable to put down this dark horror and fantasy romance read. Rose is a cast out Mage who makes perfume through Alchemy. Can she survive the mountain with some of the darkest creatures? I wholly recommend this book if you love dark romance.
Ok first of all I have to say I am in love with the cover of this story. It is just beautiful. This is such a great story. Definitely a darker side. Which I love in a book. Darker the better. SJ Sanders really did a phenomenal job writing this one. Another story that I stayed up all night to finish. Definitely read this one.
This book is very dark and yet has a HEA for the characters. I would NOT recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a sweet or straight-forward romance. I WOULD recommend this book for anyone who enjoys horror and romance.
I could have done without the sex scenes. The story, lore and magic was so exciting, the sex was actually annoying me. The last third of the book was the best but I enjoyed it all, as the h and H come together and grow. Good book.
Wonderful world spun laden with beasts, monsters, and darkness. Unique fantasy characters and plot. Loved how unapologetically sexual Rose's character is!
A monster romance about a woman learning more about her power and ultimately becoming a villain? Yes, please
I really liked the concept of this book, I just think that the execution could have been a lot better. Instead, we don't really get a well structured story and are just left with being told by the author how things go. This woman goes to a mountain only to be kidnapped by its lupi keepers who are looking for the special mage that will conquer them all. As the time passes we get to see how she learns more about her powers (off the pages) and continues to push her boundaries until she herself becomes a ruthless monster.
The whole magic aspect was pretty underwhelming as most things get explained in a vague sort of way and we only get told that the main character is learning things off page. Everything that makes the book a fantasy one is just like... Brushed aside.
Aside from that, we also get a little romance between her and the alpha of the lupi so this is a monster romance where the male is a beast and not a human. This romance is... Not romantic, it's more about possession and erotic encounters that aren't that steamy but more gruesome. That didn't put me off the story but I would have enjoyed more descriptive scenes between them. We also don't get to see more of the character's feelings which makes you feel separated from the story.
I will say that I highly enjoyed seeing the main character become a monster, I need more descent into villains plot line for women.
I DNF'd this at 30 percent. Don't get me wrong, I usually find Sanders' monster erotica quite good. But this just hits so many of my "oh, hell naw" tropes that I have to just stop putting myself through the disgust and end it.
I've been a domme for maybe 30 or more years. I understand submissive mindsets quite well, even if I am unequivocally not one. But I'm also a stickler for consent and this dubcon and fem-sub domination "for her own good" really makes my gorge rise. So I'm done.
No rating, it would be unfair of me to rate something that hits all my "fuck that" buttons, and that I didn't finish.
Uniquely visceral, compelling and beautifully told🌹💖
In a world of fantasy and magic where monsters are real is where this tale begins. A young woman who challenges the norms out in front of her, a girl who questions everything and wants to know all. Rose Almander is an apprentice mage whose element is water. She is intelligent, prideful and her curiosity gets her into trouble. She wishes to become a mated mate and does not understand why some topics are forbidden. She is caught experimenting and has to flee for her life or be stripped of her magic. As years go by, her plans of being a mage case but she uses her skills to become animated perfumer of some renown. She knows s commissioned by the queen to make a very powerful perfume that has ingredients that are very dangerous to gather. This is where Ross's true journey beings. Her journey of self discovery , power and ultimately love will be harrowing filled with pain and unimaginable pleasure. For she will discover sometimes you just be a monster to protect the innocent. Saris is alpha of the Bestia, he was once a man who primal aspects were brought to the forefront and merged with the wolf to become other. He is all that is savage he and his lack were created to hold those of the underworld at bay and destroy them to protect the human world. He is immortal, savage yet has a noble heart and a thirst for blood. He reaches for the mate to take the place of his creator the powerful mate Darthar. He has searched for hundreds of years and none he has begun too train has survived. Until he meets Rose. She is unexpected he is a myth turned into reality. He is a beast and she is a monster together they begin a journey of pain, learning, self discovery, power, pleasure and ultimately what saves everything love. This is so unique and beautifully told. I honestly had no intention of reading the book in one sitting, but I couldn't put it down. This is not a fairytale retelling and may not be to everyone's taste, but if you are willing you will find an incredible story here. I loved it and highly recommend you read the book for yourself!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Dark, Gothic, Horror-Filled Love Story : Take the Author's Warning Seriously
I'd first like to say that although I enjoy dark romance, horror, paranormal, and fantasy, I don't normally find all of that wrapped up in one book. Ms. Sanders does that perfectly in this story! I quite enjoyed the magical, fantasy mixed with horror and dark romance. It was well written, plotted, and captivating. The characters were dynamic and grew as the story evolved.
For other reviewers that complained, I find that a bit unfair. Most of the complaints I read were about specific scenes and some of the content. Considering that the author gave ample warning, I feel that the complaints are unjustified. She told you it was dark and horror themed, so why cry shocked and upset when she delivered exactly what she promised?
If you don't like your paranormal and fantasy romance mixed with murder, mayhem, gore and dark, explicit scenes that dabble in BDSM and participant(s) who aren't quite human, don't bother with this book. Take the author's warning seriously. She took the time to write it for you; the least you could do is heed her advice instead of bashing her with low reviews for delivering exactly what she promised.
This story was intense. The lessons of love, discipline, humility, and submission. The storyline was interesting and twisty. There were so many supporting characters of beings in this world. It was fascinating. I enjoyed reading this dark story. It was a romantic tale but I feel that Rose’s journey to become the powerful mage was the first line plot. The love of Saris, the Lupi, and the castle was a big part of the lesson. Now that I have read this book, I am surprised by some of the negative reviews about that one lust filled scene. I took that pheromone induced scene to be part of the lesson of how out of control situations came become when you are unaware of the dangers from the Forest. Rose was arrogant before her lessons began. She never gave her previous Master any mind, she basically did only what she deemed useful. She missed a lot until Saris took away her power and gave her much to ponder on with each lesson. So much irony. If you are a reader about the composition, plot, exposition, climax of a story this will be a good one for you. Read On!
Ever put down the last book in a dark romance binge and thought to yourself, “But why is the monster always reformed by good 🐱”? Welp so did this author. And she set out to write a horror filthfest that dabbles a sprig of high fantasy, a dash of monster fudging and a healthy dose of omegaverse into a concoction that will have you squirming, biting your lip and tearing through the pages greedily.
If you need your bad guys redeemed at the end, might wanna pass on this one. No one is a good guy here or even morally grey. Here there be villains.
I never want to hear about dark romance again unless it’s this dark.
Apart from the spelling mistakes, and the odd sentences, this story was amazing. A crazy world of dark and scary characters, it was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. Sometimes hard to understand some concepts of the magic the author writes about as characters play out the story but Rose was pretty cool as an unknowing anti-hero and the lupo.., Well falling in love with monsters is not for the faint hearted, good thing our heroine is kick ass enough to take them on. Worth the read, recommended for it's thrill seeking, scary, dark yet full of adventure, within all that is a romantic story too. 😀
This is my first book by S.J. Sanders, which as I understand, is darker than usual for her. It was actually a bit on the light side for my very dark tastes, but I really enjoyed it all the same. Lovely writing, worldbuilding, and primary characters.
Rose's intelligence, confidence, cold competence, and embrace of her own sexuality made my day. I also enjoyed the hero, Saris's character. I do wish we'd gotten a little more of most of the other Lupi, but for the most part, I liked the secondary characters as well.
I hate to say I didn't finish this book, but for my records, I have to say so to remember I should borrow again later and know where I was when I stopped. It's a good book, but I think I need to be in a different mindset. It's written well, and Sanders does a really good job of painting the world she writes. This is a bit dark for me right now, and the twists are intense. When I revisit, I'll update the review.
I had been searching for a good fantasy/magical realm read with a darker theme yet also with a HEA, and this one was delightful! *chef's kiss* Not a regurgitated tale with a new spin. This is a nice new story, that kept me up late not wanting to put it down. If you like monsters, kinky, steamy scenes, magic, quite a bit of gore, and full circle justice served kind of revenge satisfaction, this is for you.
Not for the faint of heart, a bloody,lush, well written story of a woman's rise to power and the love of her mate... I always enjoy SJ's work, she has a talent for pulling unexpected emotions, If you're tired of "the lollipop kids" sickly sweet, blah,blah..step into the dark.
This book is so amazing an unusually dark romance that I absolutely loved! I love how they are good but dark at the same time! Maybe my favorite SJ Sanders book to date!!!
Sanders work never fails to draw me in and hold my attention, but this particular tale has captivated me completely. All issues that may be triggering are so tastefully addressed.
This was an amazing story well written love the characters Absolutely love the connection between the characters.. I'm hoping there's a book two As it's 1 of those stories you don't want to see end
I love Sam’s books, so I’m surprised that I really didn’t enjoy this book. The heroine is not likeable on my opinion. She’s supposed to be a bit of a control freak - in contrast to the submission she undergoes with the BDSM aspects of the book - but it’s not written in an enjoyable pleasant way. She’s also highly stubborn - arguing with those around her - to the point of being obtuse. The gang sex and bdsm scenes come so fast that they are unexpected and have no chance at all for a buildup of sexual tension. Literally on first meeting - as she’s running for her life from others and them- the heroine is involved in in a somewhat non-consensual group sex session.
In the end I couldn’t finish this book. The world had such hope and seemed interesting and I wanted to explore it, but just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I found this story to be so different than anything else I have read. Rose is a mage, that likes to colour outside the lines of the normal rules considered for her tutelage. Hence she is kicked out off school. Struggling to make ends meet she accepts a job for the queen. However when her apprentice is discovered mauled into an unrecognisable pulp she is ordered to carry out the job herself. Rose finds herself escaping the Queens aide on the mountainside which is rife with demons and bloodthirsty animals. She is now a hostage to the Lupi, guardians of the mountain. Here she will be coached in magic in a most delectable way. Saris definitely corrupts Rose but she begins to feel more than fear for the leader and this may just save her.