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Monsters in Hollywood #1
Lights, Camera...Monsters
When monsters need a makeover, they head for the one place that can make it happen. Hollywood. Book 1, Monsters in Hollywood series. Luke is desperate to save his people. A lifetime of sneaking in to human houses and watching movies has convinced him that if he can make a great movie about monsters, humanity will change its opinion of them. With his friends at his side, all in shiny new human bodies, Luke heads for Tinsel Town. A rising Hollywood producer, all-business Lena knows a good story when she sees it. Luke? He’s just another amateur who wants to get famous. But Luke’s too gorgeous to pass up. And there’s something vulnerable about him that leads her to throw caution to the wind and invite him to dinner. One night of incredible sex later, Lena wakes up next to the surprise of her life. She’s sleeping next to a monster. Literally. Appearances aside, she finds herself wanting to help Luke save his people. But they’ve got more to worry about than just human prejudice. Some of the monsters would rather stay in the closet—and to make them all stay there, they’re willing to kill. Warning, this title contains the multiple orgasms, spanking, misuse of kitchen utensils and sex with monsters.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Lila Dubois
97 books586 followersLila is a multi-published, bestselling author of erotic, paranormal and fantasy romance. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt, Turkey, Ireland and England, Lila speaks five languages, none of them--including English--fluently.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 20, 2013
Wow! Read in a day. Glancing at some of the other ratings and "reviews", I'm a bit confused. How can someone look at this cover and not think this is going to be an erotic novel. How about learning what publishing houses specialize in. Hello, it's by Samhain and the back cover has the awesome disclosure of "Warning, this title contains the following: multiple orgasms, spanking, misuse of kitchen utensils and sex with monsters".
But then, reading a bit further in reviews, the majority of bad ones are from those that downloaded this for free. Seriously? You got it for free and you're still going to bitch and moan?
Anyway, off the soapbox, but I did totally bump this up to a 5 based on the hating although it was probably more of a 4.
Yes, this probably could have been a great concept for a paranormal romance as others have pointed out, but that's not where the author wanted to take it. And, yes, *gasp* there is actually a plot between the sex and a pretty damn good one. A group of 3 monsters learned of humans from watching TV and movies and have the idea to use that medium to tell their story as they become endangered as humans destroy the world for resources.
But, well, again given the warning and that is from Samhain, this is not for the tame or more vanilla oriented folk.
But then, reading a bit further in reviews, the majority of bad ones are from those that downloaded this for free. Seriously? You got it for free and you're still going to bitch and moan?
Anyway, off the soapbox, but I did totally bump this up to a 5 based on the hating although it was probably more of a 4.
Yes, this probably could have been a great concept for a paranormal romance as others have pointed out, but that's not where the author wanted to take it. And, yes, *gasp* there is actually a plot between the sex and a pretty damn good one. A group of 3 monsters learned of humans from watching TV and movies and have the idea to use that medium to tell their story as they become endangered as humans destroy the world for resources.
But, well, again given the warning and that is from Samhain, this is not for the tame or more vanilla oriented folk.
Want to Read
April 24, 2019Freebie 4/23/2019
March 2, 2022
Let me start off by saying that I am not a huge fan of erotica, but this one had been on my kindle for awhile so I decided to take a shot. And it just wasn't for me.
While I liked the plot of monsters trying to get humans to change their thoughts on them, there was hardly any of that plot in the actual book. It was more how many times and ways can Luke and Lena have sex, and how much they love each other after such a short time.
The writing was also just meh for me. The phrases the author would use wouldn't flow right to me. Such as "Luke lifted his precious burden..." - burden meaning Lena. I know I for sure wouldn't want to be called a burden so I found it hard to find this romantic. Also, sticking fingers in belly buttons is just not sexy. Period. I still shudder just thinking about it. There were also a few inconsistencies throughout such as Lena picking pepperoni's off of her veggie pizza. Just things here and there that really had me just going meh.
If you want a book that focuses mostly on all the sex and sometimes interspecies sex, have at it. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
While I liked the plot of monsters trying to get humans to change their thoughts on them, there was hardly any of that plot in the actual book. It was more how many times and ways can Luke and Lena have sex, and how much they love each other after such a short time.
The writing was also just meh for me. The phrases the author would use wouldn't flow right to me. Such as "Luke lifted his precious burden..." - burden meaning Lena. I know I for sure wouldn't want to be called a burden so I found it hard to find this romantic. Also, sticking fingers in belly buttons is just not sexy. Period. I still shudder just thinking about it. There were also a few inconsistencies throughout such as Lena picking pepperoni's off of her veggie pizza. Just things here and there that really had me just going meh.
If you want a book that focuses mostly on all the sex and sometimes interspecies sex, have at it. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
July 12, 2025
Lights, Camera...Monsters by Lila Dubois
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
3.5 Stars
To find this book on Amazon or other sites use the new title "Dial M for Monster (Monsters In Hollywood Book 1)". I don't know why the title hasn't changed on Goodreads.
🎵3/27/19
Since I wrote this review the edition for Dial M for Monster has been listed on GR and is searchable by that title. Just make sure you list the authors name with the title. On the series page it is still listed as Lights, Camera...Monsters.
Although I have read books where Lila DuBois was a co-writer, this is the 1st time I have read a story written by her alone.
The book I read was the original, written about 10 years ago. There are a couple of typos/errors. The writing is sometimes a bit awkward. However, for the most part it is an interesting story and definitely a very original plot. It also led me to have some very unexpectedly profound thoughts about different cultures that are so unlike our own we tend to view them as 'monstrous'.
Considering this is an erotica book, it has some very surprising layers to it. All you have to do is open your mind and look beyond the 'Monsters' to find them.
I wonder if the author wrote the book with these layers in mind, or perhaps the layers came to be as the story unfolded itself for her.
I am intrigued
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
3.5 Stars
To find this book on Amazon or other sites use the new title "Dial M for Monster (Monsters In Hollywood Book 1)". I don't know why the title hasn't changed on Goodreads.
🎵3/27/19
Since I wrote this review the edition for Dial M for Monster has been listed on GR and is searchable by that title. Just make sure you list the authors name with the title. On the series page it is still listed as Lights, Camera...Monsters.
Although I have read books where Lila DuBois was a co-writer, this is the 1st time I have read a story written by her alone.
The book I read was the original, written about 10 years ago. There are a couple of typos/errors. The writing is sometimes a bit awkward. However, for the most part it is an interesting story and definitely a very original plot. It also led me to have some very unexpectedly profound thoughts about different cultures that are so unlike our own we tend to view them as 'monstrous'.
Considering this is an erotica book, it has some very surprising layers to it. All you have to do is open your mind and look beyond the 'Monsters' to find them.
I wonder if the author wrote the book with these layers in mind, or perhaps the layers came to be as the story unfolded itself for her.
I am intrigued
February 28, 2015
Couldn't resist this kindle freebie, but it was a DNF for me.
Lights, Camera ... Monsters starts out promising. The hunky hero is appealingly unsure and the idea of monsters attempting to do some PR ahead of outting themselves to the human world was an interesting premise. But I am not really an erotic reader and this is definitely an erotic read - there is just a little bit of story and lots and lots of sex, and the language and 'activities' escalate and get kinkier, so I only made it about a third of the way in before it got to be way too much for me and I just skimmed the rest - and this was long before the heroine has sex with the hero while he is in his monster form complete with 'monsterhood' (can't say manhood now can I?) the 'size of a baseball bat' (yowch!)
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since the warning actually said it all - I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so literal.
Lights, Camera ... Monsters starts out promising. The hunky hero is appealingly unsure and the idea of monsters attempting to do some PR ahead of outting themselves to the human world was an interesting premise. But I am not really an erotic reader and this is definitely an erotic read - there is just a little bit of story and lots and lots of sex, and the language and 'activities' escalate and get kinkier, so I only made it about a third of the way in before it got to be way too much for me and I just skimmed the rest - and this was long before the heroine has sex with the hero while he is in his monster form complete with 'monsterhood' (can't say manhood now can I?) the 'size of a baseball bat' (yowch!)
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since the warning actually said it all - I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so literal.
October 24, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/10/...
3.75 stars — You know what? I was mostly pleasantly surprised by this one! I mean, it’s basically a monster erotica…I guess I had pretty low expectations. But I love me a shy sweet guy, and strangely, that’s what I got in Luke. Well, shy meets super fucking dominant in bed, but that works too.
Also side note: I read the original 2008 version titled Lights, Camera…Monsters, not the updated Dial M for Monster version.
As far as the plot goes, I did find it kinda hard to believe that this group of intelligent women genuinely bought into the idea that making a movie or tv series about the monsters would help convince humanity that they exist. I mean, is it just me, or wouldn’t that just make everyone believe it’s good special effects? Then again, I am a skeptical person by nature.
You know what I was pleasantly surprised by on the other hand? Lena’s genuine terror at Luke’s monstrous appearance. And that it wasn’t just the first time when she wasn’t expecting it. Even when she knew it was Luke in there, her natural reaction was still a healthy dose of fear…you know, like reasonable. It made it so that we got to see her work through her fear in a slow and believable manner. It was just kind of refreshing in the paranormal world…but then again maybe I’m just reading the wrong books. *snort*
The other thing I strangely enjoyed is that while Luke was handsome in his human form, he was super weird and not necessarily sexy in his monster form. So many times I feel like they dull that part down — but Lena noted all sorts of weird physical traits about him that…well, they’re not super sexy to me. It made it so that her acceptance of his monstrous form was actually admirable and helped to sell their feelings for one another.
As for the steamy scenes? They were pretty solid. Definitely delved into some kink, and it was interesting to see Lena be afraid of being judged, and Luke being just accepting.
I will note that there was a questionable consent scene. It does get sort of called out in the context, but if you have no tolerance for it *at all*, I would be cautious/skip.
There were some little bits of Lena’s attitude that 2020 Lenore was less than happy with, but nothing too overt or toxic.
I think Luke was what made this book for me in the end. He was sweet, considerate, and just genuinely wanted to be accepted. I would definitely consider checking out another book in the series in the future, just to see what Henry and Michael are like and see what happens with the movie stuff.
3.75 stars — You know what? I was mostly pleasantly surprised by this one! I mean, it’s basically a monster erotica…I guess I had pretty low expectations. But I love me a shy sweet guy, and strangely, that’s what I got in Luke. Well, shy meets super fucking dominant in bed, but that works too.
Also side note: I read the original 2008 version titled Lights, Camera…Monsters, not the updated Dial M for Monster version.
As far as the plot goes, I did find it kinda hard to believe that this group of intelligent women genuinely bought into the idea that making a movie or tv series about the monsters would help convince humanity that they exist. I mean, is it just me, or wouldn’t that just make everyone believe it’s good special effects? Then again, I am a skeptical person by nature.
You know what I was pleasantly surprised by on the other hand? Lena’s genuine terror at Luke’s monstrous appearance. And that it wasn’t just the first time when she wasn’t expecting it. Even when she knew it was Luke in there, her natural reaction was still a healthy dose of fear…you know, like reasonable. It made it so that we got to see her work through her fear in a slow and believable manner. It was just kind of refreshing in the paranormal world…but then again maybe I’m just reading the wrong books. *snort*
The other thing I strangely enjoyed is that while Luke was handsome in his human form, he was super weird and not necessarily sexy in his monster form. So many times I feel like they dull that part down — but Lena noted all sorts of weird physical traits about him that…well, they’re not super sexy to me. It made it so that her acceptance of his monstrous form was actually admirable and helped to sell their feelings for one another.
As for the steamy scenes? They were pretty solid. Definitely delved into some kink, and it was interesting to see Lena be afraid of being judged, and Luke being just accepting.
I will note that there was a questionable consent scene. It does get sort of called out in the context, but if you have no tolerance for it *at all*, I would be cautious/skip.
There were some little bits of Lena’s attitude that 2020 Lenore was less than happy with, but nothing too overt or toxic.
I think Luke was what made this book for me in the end. He was sweet, considerate, and just genuinely wanted to be accepted. I would definitely consider checking out another book in the series in the future, just to see what Henry and Michael are like and see what happens with the movie stuff.
Want to Read
April 23, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2019)! 🎁
March 3, 2023
Purch Amazon Oct. 17, 2018
🎵3/27/19
Since I wrote my original review, the new edition 'Dial M for Monster' has been listed on GR and is searchable by that title. Just make sure you list the authors name with the title. On the series page it is still listed as Lights, Camera...Monsters.
Dial M for Monster (New Cover & Updated Edition)
3.75 Stars
Lights, Camera...Monsters by Lila Dubois
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
3.5 Stars
Although I have read books where Lila DuBois was a co-writer, this was the 1st time I read a story written by her alone.
The book I 1st read was the original, written about 10 years ago. There are a couple of typos/errors. The writing was sometimes a bit awkward. However, for the most part it is an interesting story and definitely a very original plot.
It also led me to have some very unexpectedly profound thoughts about different cultures that are so unlike our own we tend to view them as 'monstrous'.
Considering this is an erotica book, it has some very surprising layers to it. All you have to do is open your mind and look beyond the 'Monsters' to find them.
I wonder if the author wrote the book with these layers in mind, or perhaps the layers came to be as the story unfolded itself for her.
I am intrigued.
🎵3/27/19
Since I wrote my original review, the new edition 'Dial M for Monster' has been listed on GR and is searchable by that title. Just make sure you list the authors name with the title. On the series page it is still listed as Lights, Camera...Monsters.
Dial M for Monster (New Cover & Updated Edition)
3.75 Stars
Lights, Camera...Monsters by Lila Dubois
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
3.5 Stars
Although I have read books where Lila DuBois was a co-writer, this was the 1st time I read a story written by her alone.
The book I 1st read was the original, written about 10 years ago. There are a couple of typos/errors. The writing was sometimes a bit awkward. However, for the most part it is an interesting story and definitely a very original plot.
It also led me to have some very unexpectedly profound thoughts about different cultures that are so unlike our own we tend to view them as 'monstrous'.
Considering this is an erotica book, it has some very surprising layers to it. All you have to do is open your mind and look beyond the 'Monsters' to find them.
I wonder if the author wrote the book with these layers in mind, or perhaps the layers came to be as the story unfolded itself for her.
I am intrigued.
July 30, 2011
Could have been good if there was more of a story...and characters weren't so robotic. I started skimming the sex scenes after awhile.
January 25, 2018
The story was new and different in this book, and I really liked it! 3 Monsters are approaching the human world to tell their story with the hope that humans will accept them. Luke and Lena start a relationship, and most of the book focuses on them. Neither one is overly interesting, and while I felt that they were attracted to one another, I didn't feel sparks. Not feeling sparks meant I skimmed most of the smexy times they shared.
The story really was the strong point in the book, the romance was so-so
The story really was the strong point in the book, the romance was so-so
August 27, 2009
If you like your paranormal romance books scorching, hot and sexually graphic then this book is for you......I loved it ! It pulls you in and doesn't let you go untill the final page.Ok, it was not a book of epic proportions or a book of great literature , but, it was fun.Sometime's after you have finished reading somthing very intense , you just need hot and fun :-) LCM fits the bill !This is the 1st book in the Monsters in Hollywood series. There was not a lot of world building in this book ( would have liked to have learned more about the monsters world and how they came to be on our planet, Ms. Dubois made it seem that they had always lived here and learned about humans as youngsters breaking into homes and watching tv and going through things while families were out for the day and than they went into hiding at night.A few of the monsters Michael, Henry & Luke ( this is Lukes story ) were fed up with hiding and wanted to go public with their story and went to a movie studio to to see if there was any interest....of course all 3 were drop dead gorgeous in brand new human bodies. He met with an up and coming Hollywood producer, Lena whos nothing but business. She just thought Luke was just another good looking amateur who wants to be famous. Howver she doesn't want to let him go either so she invites him to dinner....than she has an incredible night of the hottest sex she ever had in her life thinking it was just going to be a one night stand...they fall asleep and she wakes up & looks over to see a monster in her bed.....what should she do, runaway or attack ? There is also a mystery in the book as well, but the relationship is played up more .It was such a quick read, read in less then a day and look forward to reading the 2nd in the series My Fair Monster...think lite & fun and enjoy it !
July 16, 2011
Such a promising idea. If this had been an UF, the idea behind the story might have been great.
As a paranormal romance, it is the usual stuff: sex, lust/love at first sight, happy ending :). It's not bad, it simply lacks the tension that makes a common romance into a good book.
The characters, moreover, are pretty cardboard. I did not find much depth in them.
As a paranormal romance, it is the usual stuff: sex, lust/love at first sight, happy ending :). It's not bad, it simply lacks the tension that makes a common romance into a good book.
The characters, moreover, are pretty cardboard. I did not find much depth in them.
October 11, 2011
Just not my kind of story.
January 14, 2016
Erotica loosely disguised as a paranormal romance. It was all sex and very little actual story. The male protagonist, Luke, was a total wuss and I wanted to smack him upside the head.
May 28, 2023
I started this book, which I received as an ARC in return for an honest review, with an open mind. I've read Dubois' Checklist Games books so was expecting alot of sex but I also expected a reasonable story. Sadly, it wasn't to be.
The premise is a fun idea: gargoyle-type monsters want to rehabilitate their images amongst humans before they're completely wiped out so they approach a Hollywood production company to tell their story in a movie. Ultimately the story just follows Luke and Keira, with little attention to the main premise.
I say 'story' but there really isn't one. The book is pretty much just sex episodes with a smattering of narrative here & there and that's the problem with Dubois' writing generally: porn disguised as fiction. Characterisation is pretty basic: I quite like Luke's naivety (what they learned about humans was from films) and he was a very sweet male but the idea that he would pretty much abandon his brothers for near constant sex with Keira just does not ring true with the little background we're given as to why the monsters are there.
Keira was much harder to like. She's supposedly a strong, independent woman who's created a sought-after production company with her friends. Yet at nearly every sight of Luke in his true form, despite having been told he's a monster, she turns into a weak, gibbering wreck before then turning into a nymphomaniac for him.
Dubois attempts to inject a level of thriller into the story but it's very cursory, with no attempt to make it more than a superficial device in an attempt to add some depth that isn't there. There's no attempt, beyond cursory explanation, to explore Luke's world, history and why monsters are nearly extinct: no attempt to give any meaningful background. There's just increasingly kinkier sex.
Dubois needs to sack her editor: there are many glaring inconsistencies (eg ch 3 we're told Luke's jacket dangles from his fingers but 2 pages later Keira pushes it off his shoulders?!?). This is just sloppy writing that shows complete lack of thought for the reader's integrity. Finally the story ends so abruptly that I thought some pages must have been dropped, but apparently not.
I didn't completely hate this book but am so disappointed that the story wasn't more fully developed. It's a thin plot, weak characterisation, next to no narrative, cheesy dialogue and a heap of sex. The 2 stars are for the lovely idea of the story that occasionally peeks through the sex scenes. Whilst I'd love to know more about Michael & Henry, I'm not holding my breath. This book does nothing to suggest we'll get much more than just sex in the next books in the series so I think I'll pass. What a shame.
The premise is a fun idea: gargoyle-type monsters want to rehabilitate their images amongst humans before they're completely wiped out so they approach a Hollywood production company to tell their story in a movie. Ultimately the story just follows Luke and Keira, with little attention to the main premise.
I say 'story' but there really isn't one. The book is pretty much just sex episodes with a smattering of narrative here & there and that's the problem with Dubois' writing generally: porn disguised as fiction. Characterisation is pretty basic: I quite like Luke's naivety (what they learned about humans was from films) and he was a very sweet male but the idea that he would pretty much abandon his brothers for near constant sex with Keira just does not ring true with the little background we're given as to why the monsters are there.
Keira was much harder to like. She's supposedly a strong, independent woman who's created a sought-after production company with her friends. Yet at nearly every sight of Luke in his true form, despite having been told he's a monster, she turns into a weak, gibbering wreck before then turning into a nymphomaniac for him.
Dubois attempts to inject a level of thriller into the story but it's very cursory, with no attempt to make it more than a superficial device in an attempt to add some depth that isn't there. There's no attempt, beyond cursory explanation, to explore Luke's world, history and why monsters are nearly extinct: no attempt to give any meaningful background. There's just increasingly kinkier sex.
Dubois needs to sack her editor: there are many glaring inconsistencies (eg ch 3 we're told Luke's jacket dangles from his fingers but 2 pages later Keira pushes it off his shoulders?!?). This is just sloppy writing that shows complete lack of thought for the reader's integrity. Finally the story ends so abruptly that I thought some pages must have been dropped, but apparently not.
I didn't completely hate this book but am so disappointed that the story wasn't more fully developed. It's a thin plot, weak characterisation, next to no narrative, cheesy dialogue and a heap of sex. The 2 stars are for the lovely idea of the story that occasionally peeks through the sex scenes. Whilst I'd love to know more about Michael & Henry, I'm not holding my breath. This book does nothing to suggest we'll get much more than just sex in the next books in the series so I think I'll pass. What a shame.
February 1, 2018
Who knew a monster could be so sensitive
Luke may look tough and scary in his monster form, but his soul is tender. With some angst and some action, this book is also filled with erotic sexy times. Setting up he overarching storyline and mythology, this is a really intriguing paranormal read.
Luke may look tough and scary in his monster form, but his soul is tender. With some angst and some action, this book is also filled with erotic sexy times. Setting up he overarching storyline and mythology, this is a really intriguing paranormal read.
November 5, 2018
One person's monster is what can I say
In human form oh my gosh they are the sexy, gorgeous to the max. In their true form, the things nightmares are are made of. They have one very important thing going for them, they are very good at one important thing. Read the book, my advice. Hot, hot, hot.
In human form oh my gosh they are the sexy, gorgeous to the max. In their true form, the things nightmares are are made of. They have one very important thing going for them, they are very good at one important thing. Read the book, my advice. Hot, hot, hot.
July 17, 2018
Heart warming
I bought this book for free from Amazon but it was so good that I am looking forward to buying more from this author. The book was a different approach to a love story about monsters as we perceive them.
I bought this book for free from Amazon but it was so good that I am looking forward to buying more from this author. The book was a different approach to a love story about monsters as we perceive them.
July 20, 2011
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Definitely Sexy But Not What I Was Expecting
Lena and her four best friends run a production company in L.A. They're hip, trendy, and current, and they're building a stellar name for themselves in the industry by focusing on quality entertainment. She is always on the lookout for promising new clients, but never had that promise held more appeal than when three utterly delicious men walk into the conference room. It may have been the worst sales pitch she'd ever heard, but the apparent front man of the three, a stunningly gorgeous man named Luke, stirs all sorts of juices in Lena. Despite the waste of time the meeting turns out to be professionally, she suggests a further discussion between the two of them that night over dinner.
It wouldn't have been difficult for the dinner to go much better than the meeting had, but even Lena is surprised to find out that above and beyond how attractive she finds Luke physically, she is even more entertained by his companionship. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sex is phenomenal. There is, in fact, nothing that could dim the exquisite memory of the best night of her life...until she wakes up, rolls over, opens her eyes, and sees a seven-foot tall, winged, fanged, shaggy monster in bed next to her.
That's pretty much when the screaming starts.
Convinced some monster had eaten her new lover, Lena is both terrified and pissed, and it takes a hurt and embarrassed Luke a while to calm her down enough to explain that he hadn't been eaten and he is, in fact, a monster. And that he and his friends had come to her company in desperate hope that they could help launch a preemptive campaign to prepare humanity for their existence without sparking panic and causing the relentless slaughter of the last of his kind.
Hollywood: gateway to public opinion and recent home to a sex god of a monster. Lena does so love that town.
I have to admit, a quick read of the product description of the book before I downloaded it to my Kindle gave me the impression that Lights, Camera...Monsters is a paranormal romance. I should've payed closer attention to the warning, because this is definitely an erotic paranormal romance. It's an important distinction; a fact made crystal clear when I wasn't anticipated it. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I like erotic paranormal romance. But in this case, it created a few problems for me.
It's not just about the amount of sex in the book, which is a lot, or the level of graphic description, also a lot. Nor is it the light kink, which was fine. It was the fact that all of those things combined and became the largest part of the story by far, substituting romance for sex, eclipsing an anemic external conflict plot thread, providing virtually no character development, and overwhelming the limited world building and mythos creation.
The concept of the story is a bit kitschy and kooky, but it is definitely original. The characters were ill-defined and two dimensional, but endearing (especially Luke). There was more than one plot hole, but the guilty pleasure I took in the humor and random bouts of comedy kept me from focusing too heavily on it. And the external conflict was appallingly bereft of development and was so quickly resolved it was laughable, yet...I can't deny that I found it all rather entertaining.
I had a hard time believing that the monsters call their species monsters, though. That bothered me a lot, and didn't make a lot of sense in the big picture. They have their own language and their own culture, have hidden themselves away from people, but they define their species based on human preconceptions and labels? That didn't track for me.
Yet despite the drawbacks, I found myself oddly drawn in and more than a little captivated by Luke in particular, whose intense efforts to fit in completely charmed me more than once. I wish there had been more time allotted to Luke and Michael and Henry together, because their scenes were showstoppers. And I didn't detest Lena, which is definitely a point in the books favor.
In truth, I wish I had started the book with the advanced awareness of its erotic nature, because I think my expectations would have been different and I would have enjoyed the read even more. That being said, I can't complain at the price I paid (gotta love those free Kindle downloads), and don't feel like it was a waste of time. In fact, there was enough promise and potential in DuBois' writing that I'm interested in checking out the rest of the series in the hopes that the smutty, sexual, lightly kinky fun shares the page with a more well-rounded and better conceived plot and fully formed characters.
Warning: This book contains graphic scenes of sex and alternative sexual situations including but not limited to: light BDSM, anal sex, and monster sex. Not recommended for young or sensitive readers.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Definitely Sexy But Not What I Was Expecting
Lena and her four best friends run a production company in L.A. They're hip, trendy, and current, and they're building a stellar name for themselves in the industry by focusing on quality entertainment. She is always on the lookout for promising new clients, but never had that promise held more appeal than when three utterly delicious men walk into the conference room. It may have been the worst sales pitch she'd ever heard, but the apparent front man of the three, a stunningly gorgeous man named Luke, stirs all sorts of juices in Lena. Despite the waste of time the meeting turns out to be professionally, she suggests a further discussion between the two of them that night over dinner.
It wouldn't have been difficult for the dinner to go much better than the meeting had, but even Lena is surprised to find out that above and beyond how attractive she finds Luke physically, she is even more entertained by his companionship. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sex is phenomenal. There is, in fact, nothing that could dim the exquisite memory of the best night of her life...until she wakes up, rolls over, opens her eyes, and sees a seven-foot tall, winged, fanged, shaggy monster in bed next to her.
That's pretty much when the screaming starts.
Convinced some monster had eaten her new lover, Lena is both terrified and pissed, and it takes a hurt and embarrassed Luke a while to calm her down enough to explain that he hadn't been eaten and he is, in fact, a monster. And that he and his friends had come to her company in desperate hope that they could help launch a preemptive campaign to prepare humanity for their existence without sparking panic and causing the relentless slaughter of the last of his kind.
Hollywood: gateway to public opinion and recent home to a sex god of a monster. Lena does so love that town.
I have to admit, a quick read of the product description of the book before I downloaded it to my Kindle gave me the impression that Lights, Camera...Monsters is a paranormal romance. I should've payed closer attention to the warning, because this is definitely an erotic paranormal romance. It's an important distinction; a fact made crystal clear when I wasn't anticipated it. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I like erotic paranormal romance. But in this case, it created a few problems for me.
It's not just about the amount of sex in the book, which is a lot, or the level of graphic description, also a lot. Nor is it the light kink, which was fine. It was the fact that all of those things combined and became the largest part of the story by far, substituting romance for sex, eclipsing an anemic external conflict plot thread, providing virtually no character development, and overwhelming the limited world building and mythos creation.
The concept of the story is a bit kitschy and kooky, but it is definitely original. The characters were ill-defined and two dimensional, but endearing (especially Luke). There was more than one plot hole, but the guilty pleasure I took in the humor and random bouts of comedy kept me from focusing too heavily on it. And the external conflict was appallingly bereft of development and was so quickly resolved it was laughable, yet...I can't deny that I found it all rather entertaining.
I had a hard time believing that the monsters call their species monsters, though. That bothered me a lot, and didn't make a lot of sense in the big picture. They have their own language and their own culture, have hidden themselves away from people, but they define their species based on human preconceptions and labels? That didn't track for me.
Yet despite the drawbacks, I found myself oddly drawn in and more than a little captivated by Luke in particular, whose intense efforts to fit in completely charmed me more than once. I wish there had been more time allotted to Luke and Michael and Henry together, because their scenes were showstoppers. And I didn't detest Lena, which is definitely a point in the books favor.
In truth, I wish I had started the book with the advanced awareness of its erotic nature, because I think my expectations would have been different and I would have enjoyed the read even more. That being said, I can't complain at the price I paid (gotta love those free Kindle downloads), and don't feel like it was a waste of time. In fact, there was enough promise and potential in DuBois' writing that I'm interested in checking out the rest of the series in the hopes that the smutty, sexual, lightly kinky fun shares the page with a more well-rounded and better conceived plot and fully formed characters.
Warning: This book contains graphic scenes of sex and alternative sexual situations including but not limited to: light BDSM, anal sex, and monster sex. Not recommended for young or sensitive readers.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
November 10, 2011
I must say it's a pretty creative story. Reads much like the title - monsters coming to hollywood, trying to get a movie deal. There's three of them, left their hidden home area (not Hell - apparently there's an outpost in South America though) and are trying to get the h's indie movie studio to make this movie in order to change public perception about 'monsters.' (There were a couple very minor errors, but nothing inordinately distracting. Only one instance that I caught of an already removed but magically reappearing for second removal.)
Overall, a very good read. I'd rec this for someone looking for a break from a longer, more serious story, or perhaps use it while waiting for an appointment. Good writing, decent character development and props to the author for not devolving into campy humor. Readers should take into consideration this is a shorter story, and a part of a series - don't expect everything to be wrapped up in a nice, neat bow.
I give it 4/5 due to the length of the story.
I will say that this is more of an erotica than a romance, but the romance is there and it's incredibly sweet. I say this because the explicit descriptions will bother some readers - and there are several very detailed encounters, and light BDSM themes. There were several points during the story that had me groaning at the interaction, mostly because it perfectly mirrors reality.
I'm pretty excited to read the next in this series - My Fair Monster, then Gone With The Monster.
Enjoy!
Overall, a very good read. I'd rec this for someone looking for a break from a longer, more serious story, or perhaps use it while waiting for an appointment. Good writing, decent character development and props to the author for not devolving into campy humor. Readers should take into consideration this is a shorter story, and a part of a series - don't expect everything to be wrapped up in a nice, neat bow.
I give it 4/5 due to the length of the story.
I will say that this is more of an erotica than a romance, but the romance is there and it's incredibly sweet. I say this because the explicit descriptions will bother some readers - and there are several very detailed encounters, and light BDSM themes. There were several points during the story that had me groaning at the interaction, mostly because it perfectly mirrors reality.
I'm pretty excited to read the next in this series - My Fair Monster, then Gone With The Monster.
Enjoy!
June 16, 2014
Let's be honest here, this is exactly my type of book. That said, even if it wasn't I would have been sold on "sex with monsters". I mean... Sex With Monsters! Awesome.
This book? Pretty awesome itself. Because of the aforementioned sex with monsters PLUS there's that whole sex with a human dude thing. Or, you know, he's human as long as the spell's on him. I mean, he's technically a monster regardless of what form he wears. A cat is still a cat even if you dress it up like a dog. Which is a weird analogy and I'm just going to move on.
I liked this book. It moved quickly but Lena was trying her pretty darn hard to have a one night stand with Luke so the fast pace wasn't much of a surprise. I liked that Luke walked the border between Alpha and bashful and the reasoning behind why made sense. I liked that Luke accepted Lena and all her kinks without batting an eye and he pushed her to try things she hadn't really considered.
It was sexy and hot and there was that whole sex with monsters thing. Yeah. If you're into that, this is totally the book for you. I am into that. In a literary sense. Mostly because I don't know any honest to goodness monsters. 'Cause if I did? Who knows.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
06/16/14 reread - Enjoyed it on the reread! I always like when that happens!
This book? Pretty awesome itself. Because of the aforementioned sex with monsters PLUS there's that whole sex with a human dude thing. Or, you know, he's human as long as the spell's on him. I mean, he's technically a monster regardless of what form he wears. A cat is still a cat even if you dress it up like a dog. Which is a weird analogy and I'm just going to move on.
I liked this book. It moved quickly but Lena was trying her pretty darn hard to have a one night stand with Luke so the fast pace wasn't much of a surprise. I liked that Luke walked the border between Alpha and bashful and the reasoning behind why made sense. I liked that Luke accepted Lena and all her kinks without batting an eye and he pushed her to try things she hadn't really considered.
It was sexy and hot and there was that whole sex with monsters thing. Yeah. If you're into that, this is totally the book for you. I am into that. In a literary sense. Mostly because I don't know any honest to goodness monsters. 'Cause if I did? Who knows.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
06/16/14 reread - Enjoyed it on the reread! I always like when that happens!
February 24, 2012
WTH was this! Ummm first of all the writing, grammar, and editing was horrrible! I'm not all that great at the English myself but OMG did the author write and edit in the dark? And what was with the author trying to be witty...mmmm sorry none of that banter was mildly amusing! I could hardly pay attention to this bland story! Monsters needing to be outed by an all female production company in Hollywood...c'mon now r u serious? Their MONSTERS they should have no problem taking over Hollywood if they wanted. The whole monster concept could have went some where but there was no effort. I did not like any of the characters. First off the h was just annoying... one min she was trying to be some hard ass business women, next she was some whining skinny chick talking bout having " fat sweats" it didn't work at all! The H was sweet and painfully naive(emphasis on the naive). Even he could have worked but oh no the author had to through a twist in (sarcastically said)! he turns into some ugly ass monster. He has big ass eyes, horse legs and hair, and red skin ( not my cup of tea). The author could of at least given his monster side some redeemable quality! I have always hated not finishing a book that I started but I couldn't even be mad myself for not completing this one. I have to congratualte myself on getting past the first page! I really tried Ms. Dubois but you missed the mark for me.
July 23, 2011
In order to change humanity's perception of monsters, Luke and his gorgeous monster buddies head for Hollywood and the movies. Lena is a hot young producer who is up to the task.
What a great concept. The idea is absolutely terrific. And utterly ruined by gratuitous sex. Now don't get me wrong, I knew this was erotica but when its all about the sex instead of a story, then it's not erotica and its p-o-r-n. I'm totally cool with porn but reading it is just not as good as watching it. If I'm reading smut, I expect to have a solid story with a whole bunch of sex not the other way around.
The sad part is that fans are ripe for a good urban fiction/pnr/erotica combo. Look at the success of True Blood. Had this story focused a bit more on the story, it would have been full of win. As it is, it's just ok if you are really hard up for monster/demon sex.
BTW: There is a demon/human sex scene which (although it didn't freak me out or anything) some readers might find a bit squicky.
What a great concept. The idea is absolutely terrific. And utterly ruined by gratuitous sex. Now don't get me wrong, I knew this was erotica but when its all about the sex instead of a story, then it's not erotica and its p-o-r-n. I'm totally cool with porn but reading it is just not as good as watching it. If I'm reading smut, I expect to have a solid story with a whole bunch of sex not the other way around.
The sad part is that fans are ripe for a good urban fiction/pnr/erotica combo. Look at the success of True Blood. Had this story focused a bit more on the story, it would have been full of win. As it is, it's just ok if you are really hard up for monster/demon sex.
BTW: There is a demon/human sex scene which (although it didn't freak me out or anything) some readers might find a bit squicky.
December 19, 2011
This was a fun book about endangered species. The twist is that it's monsters whose habitat is being encroached on. Three of the young warriors avail themselves of a magic spell to make themselves human. They get the brilliant idea to go to Hollywood and find someone to make a movie and/or TV show about monsters and show that they are not such bad guys. Of course they are beautiful, sexy men who have been without females for some time because the lady monsters have all died off. They have gotten all their information about humans off movies and that leads to some silliness as they find out about human sexuality and more mundane things like style and eating out. If this was a movie, it would be a crackpot comedy. There is a LOT of sex in the book. I know not everyone will agree with me, but I would like to see this rewritten with less sex and more story. It would make a great comic fantasy.
I grade on a curve like they used to do at school. It's better than average because there are lots of new wrinkles in this story. I'd give it a 3 1/2 stars.
I grade on a curve like they used to do at school. It's better than average because there are lots of new wrinkles in this story. I'd give it a 3 1/2 stars.
June 21, 2015
Hmm, yea this book made no sense to me. There was no plot, just a story of sex, fetish and hentai porn. Enjoyed that though, gave me some ideas to try. Didn't like like none of the characters because there really wasn't much development. Just "Hello, we three monsters, we want movie, I like human, me sleep with human, me eat, me sex you long time more, me eat and fuck, ooh look a hint of a bad guy, me save you, me take care of human, human afraidddd, me love human, we have more sex, we eat, look another sighting of bad guy who is really our friend and human mate bff wants to fuck him. Me tell human she mate, we fuck, the end." They didn't even focus on making the movie and all this happened like in a week? It did had a few entertaining scenes, but meh. I don't know if I will be bothering with the other books.
March 19, 2014
I thought that this was a cute and sexy paranormal romance. The women are business owners and the...um, men?...are the ones at a loss.
Luke and his two friends, Henry and Michael, approach Lena and her associates with a movie/tv proposal. They want to use Lena & company's production outfit to tell their story. Only, their story happens to involve the fact that they are monsters. Literally.
It would have been helpful for Lena to know this before jumping into bed with Luke. Though, who has time for questions when there is amazing and explosive sex to be had?
I found myself loving the strong female characters, rooting for the fish-out-of-water guys, and giggling at the misunderstandings. The guys do try. This was a light, easy read.
Luke and his two friends, Henry and Michael, approach Lena and her associates with a movie/tv proposal. They want to use Lena & company's production outfit to tell their story. Only, their story happens to involve the fact that they are monsters. Literally.
It would have been helpful for Lena to know this before jumping into bed with Luke. Though, who has time for questions when there is amazing and explosive sex to be had?
I found myself loving the strong female characters, rooting for the fish-out-of-water guys, and giggling at the misunderstandings. The guys do try. This was a light, easy read.
July 25, 2011
Really, this was more sex than much else, but after looking at the cover (on the Kindle) AFTER reading the book, I saw that it was published by Samhain. If I'd known that from the start, I would have expected it.
Basically, monsters are real and want to get themselves some good PR, so they approach a production company to help them bring their story to the public. This book didn't really advance that storyline, it was more about one of the monsters (Luke) having lots of sex with one of the women who run the production company (Lena). I know there are more in the series so I'm assuming the movie storyline will progress over time.
Basically, monsters are real and want to get themselves some good PR, so they approach a production company to help them bring their story to the public. This book didn't really advance that storyline, it was more about one of the monsters (Luke) having lots of sex with one of the women who run the production company (Lena). I know there are more in the series so I'm assuming the movie storyline will progress over time.
September 7, 2013
I thought first that I will not love the book so much. Well, a book about kind monsters ... lol
But yeah, monsters are cute.
And monster are well hung if you know what I mean ;)
The story is quite good, the sex scene are hot, and there is one where you have a scene between the monster in his monster form and the human woman ... o_O Hooooooooooooooooot !
But yeah, monsters are cute.
And monster are well hung if you know what I mean ;)
The story is quite good, the sex scene are hot, and there is one where you have a scene between the monster in his monster form and the human woman ... o_O Hooooooooooooooooot !
June 7, 2015
New and different
This is the book that started my love for Lila. Monsters are not the bad guys, they're sweet, funny, misunderstood, and HOT.
The premise for this series was a new take on the good girl likes the bad boy.
We all know what happen when cities expand, the animals in that lived in that area lose their habitat and have to try to live elsewhere or die off.
That is the story that Luke, Micheal, and Henry are trying to get Lena and her friends at Calypso Productions to tell.
Lila's brings you into this world with her writing, the way she describes the people and surroundings are vivid. I love this book, you have to read it!!
This is the book that started my love for Lila. Monsters are not the bad guys, they're sweet, funny, misunderstood, and HOT.
The premise for this series was a new take on the good girl likes the bad boy.
We all know what happen when cities expand, the animals in that lived in that area lose their habitat and have to try to live elsewhere or die off.
That is the story that Luke, Micheal, and Henry are trying to get Lena and her friends at Calypso Productions to tell.
Lila's brings you into this world with her writing, the way she describes the people and surroundings are vivid. I love this book, you have to read it!!
August 6, 2011
The three "monsters" Luke, Michael and Henry come to Hollywood on a mission to save their people. Luke falls in love with the human Lena. There are VERY steamy sex scenes, but they dominate the book, so the actual plot is simply background and not really developed. I wish there had been more on the "monsters", about where they are coming from, how they live etc. I love Luke, he tries so hard to make everything right, very sweet character. I doesn't feel right to me though that they are referred to as monsters.
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