Instead of fearing the Sand Man who stole me away … I loved him. I killed for him. I nearly died for him.
Only my darkest sin made me see what he’d turned me into. I fled that cruel realm. I swore I’d never come back to the Kingdom of Carnal. I told myself I’d never have to look at that monster ever again.
Except now he’s taken my little sister. He’s made her his new prize possession. I won’t let him do to her what he did to me.
I’m ready. I lived through the worst nightmares anyone could imagine. I survived the most sinister things a man could do to me.
Or so I thought… until I met his brothers.
This is book one of the Beautiful Monsters Series. This sinfully steamy reverse harem series is recommended for readers 18 and over due to things going bump in the night.
OF SINS AND PSYCHOS IS A DARK ROMANCE AND DOES HAVE REFERENCE TO DARK THEMES.
A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that was so good—I wished it was longer or that it would never end. This book was that for me! It just ended too soon.
I was smitten with the fmc from the beginning, Bellatrix is hilarious, sexy, and just about witty enough to balance it all out. I prefer multiple pov but it was actually a joy to be in her head because she’s just so funny the whole book. I loved her so much.
The men were amazing though I wasn’t completely sold on Syn. He gave me the ick in the beginning, and I felt like I couldn’t really trust him. The other men though!!! I love love love! Malace being so mesmerized by Bella was the cutest/ funniest thing ever. Ruin was also a sweetie pie and while nothing was really said it’s so very clear that he cares about Bella and has for a very long time.
As for The Sandman—hate him. He is an incredibly disgusting villain and I can’t wait to see him meet his demise.
Anyways, I’m so ready for the next book. Ak Koonce how dare you end this one so soon. I’m dying to find out what happens next one.
Wow, this is totally sinful! A well written and dark, so dark themed story that draws you in from the get go. This book one of the Beautiful Monsters Series is intriguing and enthralling and you easily get sucked into this world as we follow Bella on a journey she thought she would never have to take again back to the world of nightmares. It’s a great read with some incredible characters and I am anxious to see where the author takes us next.
I have a love-hate relationship with this author's writings. Her first books are absolutely amazing and brilliant and just suck you right in. However, the second always seems more disappointing and by the third books it always feels like its rushed to get it over with. Thus, I don't read a ton of her stuff despite how she does such an amazing job sucking you right in. This is a first book of a series so it does not disappoint. The world building is absolutely spectacular. I was a little worried about the fmc. She seems like she is going for the badass route which usually leaves me with feeling like her guy or guys are little more than collectible cards. There because she is so amazing but have little use beyond the bedroom. Or the fmc is so powerful that I don't become hooked to the plot because I know she'll be fine. Or she is simply a bitch or tstl. This fmc almost borders on tstl. but because she is the only one who knows that her sister is in danger, I'll let it slide. The guys are pretty captivating and the banter between them all is intriguing. The plot behind everything is amazing. Despite it all, there is a lot of...stupid sex scenes. Lives are in danger lets get it on at the most inappropriate times. He threatens to kill her multiple times so she has sex with him. Tstl. What can I say. Also there is reference to her physical malady in multiple parts in the book but at other times its almost as if she doesn't have a problem. So does she have a weak heart? Or no? I'm unsure if its a plot point and that we will find out later that she was healed completely or that she still is kind of weak and the author keeps forgetting about it. The book also ends on a cliff hanger because what author doesn't nowadays. But yes, another almost five star book for me.
The cover is what initially drew me in to this book and I’m glad it did. This book was intriguing from the very beginning. It’s a book that has you constantly guessing what’s going to happen next and where A.K. is going to take this story and these characters.
While it falls under the now popular monster trope it does so very differently. The magic of the world this book is set in turning people in to monsters rather than them being born that way. It’s an interesting concept.
The main character, Bellatrix, is forced to relive her past trauma when her sister is kidnapped by the very monster who has haunted her for years. She’s strong but vulnerable and her love for her sister is extremely endearing. The guys are mysterious, monstrous and slightly sinister. I can’t wait to watch these relationships grow.
Overall, this book was great and this storyline has potential to be a great series. I can’t wait to find out what else A.K. has in store for this world.
first off i love A.k Koonces books its been a long time since i have picked up one of her books so i was very excited to read this story. The cover is gorgeous and HOT! i didn't expect this to be about monsters and fae! definitely different than i expected it to be. it was very easy to love the characters they are very well written and likeable. There were parts that felt like it jumped around like i didnt understand how she got there and felt like there were missing pieces to the story. but besides that this book was really good i was always waiting to see what happens next.
Bella was taken years ago by the sand man and she was the first to escape him now shes grown up and has come home to see her sister but shes missing and the worst part is that everything about her has been erased no one knows who Ivy is. She call to her monster to help her get back to Carnal to find Ivy and save her before its to late.
Things that go bump in the night bring all sorts of deliciously dark sexiness especially for Bella (Bellatrix). A long term friend & monster lives under her bed - Ruiner, A monster thats part of the brotherhood (a group of elite palace guards as such) Synder and a spy that lives in the shadows - Malace all bring complications when Bella has to go back to The Kingdom of Carnal. A place that has a bad history for her to save her sister.
This book certainly keeps you guessing throughout reading it. I loved the diversity of the guys/monsters that become entangled with her. Ruiner is quiet & sweet, Synder is cocky and full of himself and Malace is cheeky & fun. Bella is strong-willed, smart and more than capable of handling all of them.
Its a blindingly good read with a knockout cliffhanger ending. Ill be a tenterhooks until the next book now
Wow….completely different to what I expected! I absolutely love reading AK Koonce’s books and this one grabbed me as soon as I started! At times I felt slightly lost but I think that is ok as this was a lot from Bella, and I am excited to see if we get more from the males POV. this one has really set the story up for the next book and what Bella must do to rescue her sister. I loves the makes we are introduced too as well…they all have so much angst and conflict gaining I just hope we get to see them all get what they need and connect more with Bella. I cannot wait to see what comes in book two….I can tell it will be even more intense and dark than book one!
Definitely a different take on all the nighttime stories we were told as kids. Monsters under your bed to Mr. Sandman. We follow Bellatrix into a world she's been before, survived and escaped from to then have to go back in. She must figure out how to get her sister out of the clutches of the King before it's too late and the darkness comes. This does end on a cliffhanger ⚠️ but oh does it get the blood pumping. 🔥🔥🔥 Scenes! 🥵 Can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
😭 OMFG and it was getting so good lol why did it have to end like that 😭😩 Her thighness 😂 is my fav type of badass Fmc absolutely loved her and the scenes omg 😱 so good I love her men and especially when she first met Synder too good. Hopefully there will be some more scenes with Ruin and Malace 🥵😮💨 I’m loving this monster genre and can’t wait to read more to come 🤗
This book will have you on the edge of your seat nearly the whole read. This is probably one of the best books this author has written! Such an in-depth look at the Sandman and I cannot wait for book 2 and more of Bella's guys. They are all so delicious and psychotic! The world-building wording is so descriptive and beautiful--I love it and cannot wait for more!
This book is so amazing. What if the things that go bump in the night when you were a kid was real and you could go to their land by reaching under your bed? Bellatrix can do just that, one of her best friends or protectors if you will is the monster under her bed. I couldn't put this book down once i started i absolutely recommend this book to everyone.
This twisted tail of craziness is like a monster version of Alice and Wonderland on acid! It tantalizes and entices you to continue on. Keeping you on your toes, waiting for the next bread crumb to solve this worlds mystery. The author writes everything in such a way....I can't even at the moment!! In love!!
I loved this hot, sexy story about Bella who is looking for her sister Ivy. She was raped and abused by the King when she was younger and doesn't want the same to happen to her 13 year old sister Ivy. With the help of her monster under her bed Ruin and few other characters, she is hell-bent on saving her sister. Hot read.
This was an enjoyable shirt read. The story has so much potential but at times, I feel like it fell a little flat. It seems as though the character doesn’t have much of a thought process, and some situations weren’t quite described enough. That being said, I genuinely love the concept of the story. Especially Bella’s relationship with Ruin and how he’s always been there for her.
I was not expecting anything in this book to be what it was yet it was everything and more, I could read this brand of crazy often it was that refreshing!!! A definite addition to your tbr if you like a why choose, monster romance full of banter and a no fs given kind of female character
I devoured this book and cannot wait for the second. I did not realize how much I would like all of the men.. even from the beginning!! Now I have to wait for the second book! Definitely a great read!
A.K knows how to do different and this twist on the sand man was definitely that! Really interesting read and loved Bella's strength and courage in this