I’ve wanted her for twenty-seven years. But she hates me.
We were best friends throughout childhood. Yet I always burned for more.
Then I left her for college. When she followed two years later, I thought we’d finally be together.
One night we almost gave in to our attraction. But then everything went horribly wrong. And she kicked me out of her life.
We both returned to our tiny town after graduation. We haven’t spoken in a decade. Our feud has become infamous.
Now I’m selling her farm. Can I convince her I also come with the sale?
Or will we stay enemies forever?
Monster is a steamy, Southern small town, enemies to lovers, second chance, standalone romance. It’s part of a series about a bunch of hot brothers. There is no cheating and it has a HEA.
Wasn't sure where all those hot thoughts were going but as the story progressed I was curious too as to why Rory was so angry with Jackson. What comes out is more than I was expecting but wow what the heck! I would definitely punch someone in the face. I can't wait to see what's next for the hot King brothers.
Monster is a novella written by KD Elizabeth. It's 31k words and can be read pretty quickly, but will also leave you satisfied. This is my first book from KD, and I really enjoyed it! She sent me an ARC of the book in return for my honest review.
It's actually been a long time since I read a book that was only told from one persons point of view. While I usually like to know what's going on in the other characters head, I wasn't disappointed about it in this book, and it didn't detour me from enjoying the book.
Jackson is relentless in his perusal of Rory. It was actually comical how bad he had it for her. He had no shame, and it was like everyone in their dang town knew, except for her. I think at first he thought it was just an itch he needed to scratch, but it didn't take him long to realize it was much more than that.
I actually enjoyed Rory, even though I didn't get the chance to hear her thoughts, she made herself known loud and clear through Jackson's point of view. She was so sassy, and was not putting up with any crap from anyone. There isn't anything better than a lead female role that knows how to take care of herself.
I liked that, even though this was a novella, you still finished feeling satisfied. KD still managed to give you a story with mystery, heat, and humor. And then tied it up with a nice little bow to finish it off. I wasn't left with any unanswered questions, the only thing I was left with was a want to know more about the other brothers.
Overall, I'm giving this one 4 STARS. This was a great read. It was quick, but didn't leave you hanging. It also had all the things needed for a feel good romance book. Definitely well worth the read.
4 star review of Monster (The King Brothers #1) by K D Elizabeth
K.D.Elizabeth is a relatively new author to me and I am not sure why that is. This was an entertaining story and I was invested in Jackson King and Rory Larson’s story from the first to the last chapter.
These two have history and Jackson has no idea what he has done for Rory to be so angry with him as much as she appears too. However, we all know that there is a fine line between love and hate and this is evident with this couple. I have to say I was curious as to why Rory felt the way that she did and as the story progressed I have to say I didn't blame her.
I admired how focus Jackson was in his pursuit of Rory and I loved how sassy and feisty Rory was. Although not a long read Ms. Elizabeth packs a lot in to this story and I cannot wit to read the next brother’s story.
Monster (The King Brothers Book 1) By: K.D. Elizabeth He Was Her "Monster," When It Was Fun... Only He Became A Real "Monster," & Now He's DONE! Once Upon A Time, We were Young & She Glittered Me Up & called Me "Monster!" I knew She was MINE from then ON, But then Time Rolled On... And when College came, We Entered the Dating Game, Course we were Partners... or Sooo I thought! Until She UP & LEFT Me without giv'n My feelings ANY thought! Cuz SomeHow, I'd become a True "Monster" in Her Eyes... And instead of LOVE, She sees SomeThing to despise! Only this "Monster" has NO Fr¡¢|{¡πG Clue... WHAT He did, or WHAT to DO! Sooo TEN Years waste Away... Until this "Monster" has Enough, & decides to PLAY! I'll Enter the Game of LOVE for ONE More round... And Maybe this Time the "Monster" can find some Answers & a Li'l TRUTH that's profound! If NOT... Guess it's Time to FINALLY count this "Monster" OUT! Even though I already owned K.D. Elizabeth's "Monster (The King Brothers Book 1)," I agreed to review it, via B00|{$P®0UT, as an ARC for Her! I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given! Until next time... Happy Reading! My Rating Sytem: 4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating. If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.
So just to let everyone know, Monster is a novella rather than a full-on novel. K.D. has decided to write a novella every month as a challenge for herself, and this is one of them. It is a work of approx. 31K words, and can be devoured within an hour. It's a nice, short and crisp and refreshing read for anyone who needs a romance novel a.s.a.p, doesn't have all the time in the world but needs some stomach clawing romance anyway.
But just like her other works, I frickin loved it. Elizabeth changed things up a little bit by using a first-POV rather than two POVs alternating each other, which was a fresh outtake on her books.
There's something clawing at me while I read Monster; the relationship between Jackson King and Rory Larson was just, so, OSDIefjosifsmifsm
ok i got too excited
They started off as friends, had arguments, friends then a big argument that led to where they are today: they lowkey hate each other. Yes lowkey. You'll see why. It kind of reminds me of a recent Chinese manhwa (comic/manga) I've read: Bringing Nation's Husband Home. Both of these series' characters share something in common: perhaps just a little bit of misunderstanding.
If there are any web novel (its an app) fans out there and have read Nation's Husband, this will be the perfect novella for you to quench your thirst.
Elizabeth never fails to find romance-book-beasts to claw at your heart while it hurts as you see the two charaters' tough times facing each other: the romance that is there and is not there, and this was definitely not a let down. Not. At. All.
A fantastic beast of its own, Monster the rom-com novella claws at you until you ache for the characters Jackson and Rory in the book, leaving you wanting for more of their interaction to see where they will lead; and if Jackson will get Rory.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So this was a novella rather than a full-on novel. If you're looking for a quick romance novel, then this is the one for you.
Jackson King wanted Rory Larson for 27 years. She lived next door, was always there on holidays and every other occasion. So there was no avoiding her. When he almost had her, something happened, something big enough to make Rory hate Jackson and cut all ties with him. Of course Jackson has no clue, and all his attempts to find out go to waste.
Ten years forward, Rory is forced to face Jackson again, and this time truths will be set free. When these two finally get together, it's El Fuego 🔥🔥🔥. I loved the chemistry between them, it was obvious that they were it for each other.
This was my first read by K.D. Elizabeth and now I wanna read about all the Kings 😍.
Book One in the King Brothers series. This is my first time reading this author, I got this as an Amazon freebie so a no risk try for me. I think that I am quite keen to read more for this author. I thought this was a great introduction to the authors style, the characters and her small town world. Enemies to lovers is a great trope for me, and I thought that there was great energy and chemistry between the H/h.
I didn’t love first person present as a tense, it’s my least favourite of all the tenses, so that was a little bit for me to grapple with, and the unlikeably cocky thing the hero had going on was a struggle, particularly in the beginning. But, other than those two things (which are more my taste than anything) I thought this was a great read.
Plus, there were enough of the other brothers to get me interested in reading on more in this series.
Monster ● The King Brothers Book 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @kdewrites
Jackson's story is the first of the 6 King Brothers. He uses his job as a cover to get back in the good graces of his college sweetheart, Rory. Together, they discovered their fall out 10 years earlier was based on lies.
This is a slow burn, yet sweet second chance romance. Jackson is a smooth talker and cocky as hell. Rory has no hesitations about putting him in his place. This was a fairly quick read for me & I'm looking forward to reading about Axel, the oldest King brother!
K.D. Elizabeth is a new author to me and reading Monster is such a sweet surprise. I have three special reasons to love this book:
1. K.D.'s writing is such a reveal. For the fans of Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy, Melanie Harlow, Corrine Michaels, if you enjoy their kind of writing then this book is for you. I love that there's a new author whose stories I can devour. 2. Jackson is sooo swoon worthy! What I enjoy most about his character, for some reason, is his humor and relentlessness. I love that he stood his ground and voiced out earnestly what he felt. 3. Epilogue. K.D. knows her stuff!
I'm always icky when it comes to second chance romance because miscommunication or lack of it just annoys me to know end but this was handled good. So many things to enjoy this and I'm just glad of the chance to found a new author to love!
He had wanted her for so long since she had dumped glitter on his head as children. He waited until they were at college but it ended in disaster. Now she hates him but he has no idea why. He will find out. Why does she have him? See if he will find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jackson and Rory have so much history and not all of it good. The selling of Rory's family farm is the outlet for a lot of pent up anger and animosity. Jackson is so lost on what happened, but when it does, the plot thickens and so does the frustration of wasted years. Enemies to lovers that gets super steamy. A fast and fun read for romance lovers.
Short but satisfying. Loved that this is told from the the male POV instead of the female. Raw desire and a misunderstanding stemming from an incident a decade earlier kept me captivated.
Uhhh, this one was pretty terrible because the POV is the hero and all he can think about is “getting balls deep.” This could have been better with more character development and better handling of the tension aka a better editor. Shame
I really liked this book. It was a super quick and fun read. Jackson is hilarious and a bit pervy in a fun way, and so overly confident it’s laughable. Rory is so head strong at times you want to shake her. A nice quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely novella about Jackson King and Rory Larson who were childhood friends and neighbors, but started dating in college. After a falling out (we learn more later) and decade long estrangement, they are pushed back together by the sale of the Larson farm. As the two work together on the sale, the past comes out and truths are revealed.
I actually really enjoyed this and thought that both Jackson and Rory were pretty great characters. I will say that Jackson's initial CONSTANT obsession with sexualizing Rory did grate on me a bit (yes dude, we get it. You're hot for her...you are bordering on creepy now). After a while, they were both able to really start establishing themselves for me and I thought the underlying story was great.
I appreciated that K.D. Elizabeth knew the trappings she was placing. When a character says "You know what you did!" and (CLEARLY) the other person doesn't, I always want to shake that person (in this case Rory) and say "Come on! Be smarter than that. FIND OUT FOR SURE before you make assumptions!". The fight was pretty great. They felt realistic and I was very invested in them once we really got a feel for who they are. I seriously couldn't stand Rory in that moment and felt for Jackson. Later, you can see why he is so hung up on her though. That is where they really took off for me. I think this came together nicely and I can't wait to read more!
Pretty solid 3 stars. Enjoyable novella starting what looks to be a fun series.
So, really liked Jackson, even for (because of?) being such a smartass. Yes, he's obnoxious and overconfident at times, but he's also pretty funny. And liked the brothers' banter. Definitely enjoyed reading his voice.
Rory I was doing alright with, until we find what she was holding a grudge for. Yes, what she thought he'd done was pretty bad. But to take a man whom you've known since you were three, who still lives in your small town (your next door neighbor, in fact) and not even give him the benefit of the doubt? Or at least a chance to explain himself? And for someone who was described as being so strong and rather hot tempered, to not have laid into him at some point? FOR TEN YEARS??? Maybe for a few weeks until you calm down, then you tear into hi and clear the air. Heck, after the blow-up they have, they get some answers within a weekend to clear the air (seriously, like 3 phone calls to figure things out). But again, Rory held this grudge for a decade.
1st person POV from Jackson. No cheating or love triangles, but lots of messy accusations involving exes and old relationships. Definitely falls into the "unnneccessary drama created by lack of communication" category. An enjoyable read, and it would've ranked higher except for Rory's actions. HEA and no cliffhangers, though some seeds planted for the stories of the next two brothers.
Will I read more in the series? Yes. In fact, am about to start Axel's story (Devil)
I had never read anything from KD before, and this was just the beginning. I also didn't think this book was about what it was until I started it. Usually titles like this are a bit darker and this was anything but that (I didn't read the blurb before going in)! I really enjoyed it! Now I'm honest with my reviews, and just like all the ones before, I'm going to be honest in this one. It did take me a bit to get into the book. I know it's a shorter one, so at about chapter 4. I couldn't connect with the characters at the beginning, and for me it was a bit all over the place. But at about chapter 4 it all clicked, and I couldn't get enough of it, and I read it in a couple of hours! Jackson and Rory have known each other since they were little. Like 3 and 5 little. She has called him a monster from the very beginning! Jackson has only wanted to get in Rory's pants for about 10 years now, and she kept shutting him down. Life throws you curveballs, and Rory and Jackson have to talk to each other again, and one thing leads to another! So many little twists and turns in here!! Kept me wanting more. SO GOOD! I love a book that can keep me on my toes!! Can Rory forgive Jackson for acting like a monster for all of those years? Will the truth come out as to why Rory has stayed away from him all those years?
Some of my fave quotes: 1. "Your touch does that to me. Every. Single. Time." - **SWOON MOMENT** Jackson stop it! 2. This woman has finally fought the monster and tamed it. I'd have it no other way. - Is it only Jackson the monster, or are there other things going on? You will have to read and find out!
Jackson and Rory are childhood friends who grew up next door to each other on their family farms. They did everything together and Jackson always knew that someday, Rory would be his. He didn’t know it would feel like forever until he had her in his arms again. Time should heal all wounds, but Rory would never forgive Jackson for his betrayal when they were in college. She had been able to ignore him so far but now that she needed his help, she wasn’t looking forward to their confrontation. Jackson is uncomfortable knowing that Rory wants nothing to do with him. The past is just that, over and done with, and when he thinks of his future, Rory is always be his side.
The witty banter between Jackson and Rory was hilarious even though it was a bit one sided. Jackson tried so hard to get through to Rory, and I felt bad when she kept refusing his advances. I always like a little suspense in my romance books, and I was quite surprised at the twists and turns surrounding the sale of Rory’s farm.
Will Jackson ever find out why Rory has hated him all these years? Can Rory put aside the past and open her heart to a future of love and happiness with Jackson?
These two characters haven’t spoken to each other in ten years. However, Jackson is bound and determined to win Rory over, and he will stop at nothing.
I loved how this book was told from Jackson’s POV. It really showed his determination and desire for Rory. Jackson was such a fun, genuine character who cared about his family and his town.
Rory was a no nonsense kind of girl. You only get one chance, and you better not blow it.
I really liked this short novella. It was fun and had a few twists along the way. It also didn’t seem rushed like some novellas. The plot played out perfectly.
The only downfall was the reason behind the 10 year separation. It was not something to hold that long of a grudge over. I could see Rory’s side, but it seems like to me the blow up should have happened a lot sooner than 10 years....maybe like a week or so later.
All in all it was a good read. I definitely will be reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the strength of emotion I felt from this book. Rory and Jackson were friends from childhood, but just when it looked like they were finally getting together, something happened that had her refusing to talk to him for the next decade. Now Jackson has had enough and is determined to find out what happened and get his girl back. It’s only a short read, but is packed with cheekiness, angst, heat, and a little mystery/conspiracy. It was written well, with a good flow even though the shortness required things to move a little faster than felt 100% natural. The characters were relatable, with the story from the Jackson’s point of view. I sympathised completely with how gutted he felt after learning why she hadn’t spoken to him for over a decade. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book.
It was fine, if not a little repetitive. I enjoyed the writing style, but my main complaint was the hero. He says he knew the heroine was the one since they were young kids, but instead of pursuing her, he pursued other women. They only tired to get together when they were in college. He also gave off manwhore vibes, which I hate in normal settings, but especially in childhood friends to lovers. I also felt like he didn't fight enough when they first broke up. He waited 10 years to make a move, and in the meantime he was with other women, which didn't support the belief that he was so in love with the heroine. I mean, he says he only wants to fuck her in present, but it was implied that he has deeper feeling for her. The good thing here was that the heroine also had partners during their time apart.
This was more of a sweet read to me than a 'steamy contemporary' novel than I was expecting. That being said it was a good filler book while i'm waiting on some of my other reads to come out this month. In general I don't care for a 100% male only POV and that's what you are getting with this book. On top of that you are getting a stubborn love interest who doesn't even try to listen to our main character when he wants nothing more, LITERALLY, than to ravish her.
In general I give this book 4 out of 5 possible starts because it wasn't BAD... It just didn't wow me in any of the ways I usually love. May continue reading this series to see if I become more invested or if I have to give it a DNF. **Edited to add that I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review!**
I enjoyed this read, my first from this author. I enjoyed the banter and fire between the two main characters, Jackson and Rory, and I actually a really liked reading it from Jackson’s POV. This was a quick, easy read with a lot of tension and a bit of steam. The only reason for my four star rating is the reasoning behind Rory’s animosity with Jackson and the 10 year silence between them seemed really immature and pointless - to not speak to someone you grew up with and knew your entire life for ten years over this - to not confront them or hear it from them seemed a bit over the top to me. However, overall I still enjoyed the story and characters, and I’ll definitely check out more from this author.
A fast paced second chance romance that is bound to brighten your day!
Jackson and Rory were childhood friends and almost a lot more but something happened between them that lead to her hating him for a whole decade. We don't know what happened until later so I'm not gonna spoil it but I love how their falling out is so real and that it's just one big misunderstanding.
I loved both of them so much; Jackson with his cockiness and protectiveness, and Rory being a badass and not taking crap from anyone. The moments when he is being super sweet and caring towards her were when I fell in love with him even more. He is definitely swoon-worthy!
The thing I love most about the enemies to lovers trope is the tension the characters have. And it's done so well in this. The banter between Jackson and Rory is everything. I was seriously giggling like a complete weirdo. Their dynamic is amazing and they're pretty much perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed this and had such a good time!
"This woman has finally fought the monster and tamed it. I'd have it no other way.”
This was a quick and for the most part light-hearted read! There were some aspects that I wasn't expecting, but all in all I thought this was a great novella!
I really loved that Jackson wasn't giving up on Rory. 10 years is a long time to pine after someone who so abruptly left him the way she did, but the fact that he held onto that hope was so heartwarming!
As for Rory, I loved her. She's feisty and doesn't take crap from anybody! She didn't just let Jackson run her over, and she held her ground. Yes, I wish she would have discussed things instead of handling them how she did, but as a college girl, I would have done exactly the same thing! Great book, and I'm excited for the next King Brother!
I reallly love the crazy idea of writing a book a month. Good Luck K.
Now lets get to this story shall we, when we first met Jackson I was a little put off by his hmm confidence? or arrogance lol whatever you want to call it. But as time passed I just started chuckling. i couldnt help it. Rory on the other hand is on tough character watching her fight Jackson inregards to her family farm and their past was amusing.
I really enjoyed this story it was far too short (I always want more) and very hard to put down.
Friends to enemies to lovers? Yes please! I loved Rory’s sass and Jackson’s natural charm, wit and flirtatious attitude had even me blushing. Rory does not make it easy for Jackson to just swoop in and finish what they started 10 years ago though, after all you have to work for what you want, right? But in this case I couldn’t help but wonder what their story would have been had Rory confronted Jackson all those years ago. Monster was such a great and fast enjoyable read it was almost too short, a perfect novella to satisfy your romance fix.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first read with K.D. Elizabeth and I enjoyed this novella. I loved the chemistry between the two characters that it was obvious that they were 'IT' for each other.
The flaw in every relationship is not to be upfront or direct with your partner. It leads to misunderstanding like what happened to them. And if somehow they didn't patch things up, regrets will follow.
I gotta admit, it gave me a new perspective in the hero's POV. I mean, he's one of a helluva fella for waiting for her.
This book is full of witty banters by the two characters and you can finish this in one sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you love romance novella with a ton of angsty sass, you will want to pick this one up and cozy next the fire.
We follow a second-chance couple who are not only in the middle of a business deal, but who are also to navigate around a rocky past.
Right off the bat, we are through into his perspective, and let me tell ya that it is 100% heated. He is determined to have her back, and his inner dialogue is wildly intense for her.
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this quick read for romance lovers who like a gut-wrenching, charged connection that will pull at your heart.
What a great story to start a series! KD Elizabeth has taken the second chance trope and made it her own, and I loved it!
This series is about the King Brothers a group of southern gentlemen, at least I hope. In this book we get Jackson’s story. Jackson has been in love with Rory since he was five years old, she was the girl next door, the girl you dream of, but with a turn of events one night in college their lives went in different directions. Now years later he has a chance to get her back, but will he take that chance?
This is a sweet story with the perfect amount of steam and drama to keep you connected and want to see what happens. I’m excited to read the rest of this series!