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Where the Mongrels Are #2
For the Ghastly and Beautiful
I was a catastrophe waiting to happen—I always had been.
But I didn’t recognize the force of my storm… how my reckless decisions shaped me into exactly what I needed to be.
This new world is full of dangers, though they aren’t what I first feared. Lurking beasts and hidden monsters still wait for me in the shadows, and I don’t expect that to change.
As I settle into calling Spiran my home, I find her intentions run deeper than not letting me leave.
I’m drowning in a sea of unpredictable emotions, riding the waves of intuition and suspicion.
My dreams of happiness take an abrupt left turn when I catch myself falling.
These Mongrel men will learn that my racing heart makes me a wild card.
My name is Ada Stormbrave.
But they’ll call me the Mongrel Queen.
For the Ghastly and Beautiful is the second book in the trilogy, Where the Mongrels Are. This is the beginning of the series, Where They Are, which follows four female characters. The Where They Are series is set in a fantasy world and contains paranormal themes such as elemental powers and mythical creatures.
This is a reverse harem romance, meaning it does involve a polyamorous relationship.
Please read thedisclaimer page in For the Ghastly and Beautiful: Where the Mongrels Are for a full list of trigger warnings.
Each subsequent release in the trilogy will have an updated disclaimer page.
If any of the scenarios listed on the disclaimer page trigger or offend you, please do not read this trilogy.
If you have any questions about content, please contact me for clarification.
But I didn’t recognize the force of my storm… how my reckless decisions shaped me into exactly what I needed to be.
This new world is full of dangers, though they aren’t what I first feared. Lurking beasts and hidden monsters still wait for me in the shadows, and I don’t expect that to change.
As I settle into calling Spiran my home, I find her intentions run deeper than not letting me leave.
I’m drowning in a sea of unpredictable emotions, riding the waves of intuition and suspicion.
My dreams of happiness take an abrupt left turn when I catch myself falling.
These Mongrel men will learn that my racing heart makes me a wild card.
My name is Ada Stormbrave.
But they’ll call me the Mongrel Queen.
For the Ghastly and Beautiful is the second book in the trilogy, Where the Mongrels Are. This is the beginning of the series, Where They Are, which follows four female characters. The Where They Are series is set in a fantasy world and contains paranormal themes such as elemental powers and mythical creatures.
This is a reverse harem romance, meaning it does involve a polyamorous relationship.
Please read thedisclaimer page in For the Ghastly and Beautiful: Where the Mongrels Are for a full list of trigger warnings.
Each subsequent release in the trilogy will have an updated disclaimer page.
If any of the scenarios listed on the disclaimer page trigger or offend you, please do not read this trilogy.
If you have any questions about content, please contact me for clarification.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2022
23 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
M.F. Adele
22 books444 followersM.F. Adele resides in the outskirts of the Rocket City in Alabama. She lives in her overactive imagination, often fueled by caffeine and no sleep. When she isn’t writing, M.F. is outdoors with her family, obsessing over spicy margaritas and cigars, or reading books by her favorite authors.
If you’re looking for M.F. Adele, you can find her on social media in her group:
MF Adele’s Hellacious Hybrids.
M.F. loves to interact with her readers, hear character theories, and share embarrassing stories.
If you’re looking for M.F. Adele, you can find her on social media in her group:
MF Adele’s Hellacious Hybrids.
M.F. loves to interact with her readers, hear character theories, and share embarrassing stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2022
The level of tension is so high! In this book we continue Ada's development into her powers and to conect with this new world that is now hers too. She is diferent, She changed after what happend in book 1 and we can see that the guys also changed. They all have to adapt to survive in this savage world. We also get more informativo on the beasts and the end leads us to other directions... But most of all, the intense momentos that Ada shared with her guys is just so good. I want to know were this is all going. Amazing!
May 7, 2022
I feel like it's been a long time since I've been in this world, even though it's been less than a year. I loved the first book in the Where They Are series and I loved the second book, For the Ghastly and Beautiful, even more. I forgot how wonderfully unique the world was and how much I enjoyed the characters.
The story picks up where For the Strange and Surprising left off, Ada accepted the power and is now different from when she first arrived. Not only is she pretty powerful with her element power but she is finding her way through her new world. Ada is open to things and is learning about the culture around her, she seems more at peace in this book and has made her decision about her future. Ada was always confident and strong but it's more pronounced in this one, there is most definitely something going on and Ada is right in the thick of it.
Ada is not only more comfortable with her place with the mongrels but she's also more comfortable with the Connak, Talodus, Imryll, and even Ecaeris. The guys and Ada are bonding and their affection has grown a lot in this book, there were a few steamy scenes. The guys are starting to realize how much they care for Ada while she is starting to figure out how relationships work on the island and make some adjustments to her own thinking. I love all the guys, Imryll surprised me a little with his passion and possessive nature but I'm not mad about it. Ecaeris finally gets out of his own way, and Connak's and Talodus' are wide open. Ada's relationship with each of them is different but she manages to fit into the group with such ease, almost like it was fated. Some of the guys' past is revealed, some relationship stuff, that makes me appreciate what they have with Ada even more.
I don't remember if the first book was like this, but the wording in this book is very immersive. The mongrels are water elemental and the wording choices that M.F. make is genius. There is a lot of water language in this book. Ebb and flow, currents, waves, and a lot more are constantly used throughout the story which makes it easier to lose myself in this world. However, that's not the only thing. I loved seeing more of the elemental magic being used, that was great, the animals on this island are so familiar but different, and the great mystery about the beast attacks was great. I loved seeing Ada and Rin, who have grown so close, and now have an incredible bond, work together piecing the clues together about the attacks. Ada just jumped right in, using her smarts and instinct by looking at the data and figuring things out. This is important and connects Ada to the island even more.
For the Ghastly and Beautiful was a fantastic read, I loved every single minute of it. A lot of information was revealed, a mystery was solved and there were very intense moments towards the end. I was swept away by this story and of course, I'm reading to get my hands on the next book because something happened at the very end and I wanna know what's going on until then I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
The story picks up where For the Strange and Surprising left off, Ada accepted the power and is now different from when she first arrived. Not only is she pretty powerful with her element power but she is finding her way through her new world. Ada is open to things and is learning about the culture around her, she seems more at peace in this book and has made her decision about her future. Ada was always confident and strong but it's more pronounced in this one, there is most definitely something going on and Ada is right in the thick of it.
Ada is not only more comfortable with her place with the mongrels but she's also more comfortable with the Connak, Talodus, Imryll, and even Ecaeris. The guys and Ada are bonding and their affection has grown a lot in this book, there were a few steamy scenes. The guys are starting to realize how much they care for Ada while she is starting to figure out how relationships work on the island and make some adjustments to her own thinking. I love all the guys, Imryll surprised me a little with his passion and possessive nature but I'm not mad about it. Ecaeris finally gets out of his own way, and Connak's and Talodus' are wide open. Ada's relationship with each of them is different but she manages to fit into the group with such ease, almost like it was fated. Some of the guys' past is revealed, some relationship stuff, that makes me appreciate what they have with Ada even more.
I don't remember if the first book was like this, but the wording in this book is very immersive. The mongrels are water elemental and the wording choices that M.F. make is genius. There is a lot of water language in this book. Ebb and flow, currents, waves, and a lot more are constantly used throughout the story which makes it easier to lose myself in this world. However, that's not the only thing. I loved seeing more of the elemental magic being used, that was great, the animals on this island are so familiar but different, and the great mystery about the beast attacks was great. I loved seeing Ada and Rin, who have grown so close, and now have an incredible bond, work together piecing the clues together about the attacks. Ada just jumped right in, using her smarts and instinct by looking at the data and figuring things out. This is important and connects Ada to the island even more.
For the Ghastly and Beautiful was a fantastic read, I loved every single minute of it. A lot of information was revealed, a mystery was solved and there were very intense moments towards the end. I was swept away by this story and of course, I'm reading to get my hands on the next book because something happened at the very end and I wanna know what's going on until then I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 10, 2022
Ada isn't the same girl that washed up on shore in the previous book. You're looking at Ada 2.0: immortal, powerful, and future queen. Her ability with water gets shown a lot more in this book and you get to see how naturally it comes to her. Some techniques that would take other mongrels a much longer time to master, she does with ease. It was nice to see Ada become more comfortable in her powers even though she was pretty much thrown in the deep end and taken completely by surprise with all the new changes she was going through. She was chosen for a reason.
You'll see tons of new developments in this book besides Ada's power and status. Information and details that the monsters knew about the beasts they've been fighting and protecting their areas from are no longer relevant, or maybe not as relevant as they used to be. The beasts are changing, communicating, planning, grouping together and doing things they've never been found to do before. I have theories and there are plenty of hints about what is going on, but I'm excited to find out all of the information regarding these beasts and what they have planned. I want to know the reasons behind why the beasts are changing.
We even get an update on the stalker! They are finally revealed and the build up to it was nice. I enjoyed the suspense of it as well as how Ada handled the situation when the time came. I feel like she took care of it the way a queen should, and proved that both her intelligence and abilities should never be questioned. It was pretty great that she didn't require the guys' help either. I don't have anything against a fmc getting or accepting help, but sometimes it's satisfying to see them take charge and prove why they should be in the role that they are in.
I'm excited to see what becomes of Ada, Imryll, Ecaeris, Talodus, and Connak in the next book. Relationships between them all have grown quite a bit since the first book and I know that Ada is the change this group has needed for a long time in order to make breakthroughs both emotionally and regarding the problems on the island. Sometimes it just takes one new outlook and things begin to finally make sense.
You'll see tons of new developments in this book besides Ada's power and status. Information and details that the monsters knew about the beasts they've been fighting and protecting their areas from are no longer relevant, or maybe not as relevant as they used to be. The beasts are changing, communicating, planning, grouping together and doing things they've never been found to do before. I have theories and there are plenty of hints about what is going on, but I'm excited to find out all of the information regarding these beasts and what they have planned. I want to know the reasons behind why the beasts are changing.
We even get an update on the stalker! They are finally revealed and the build up to it was nice. I enjoyed the suspense of it as well as how Ada handled the situation when the time came. I feel like she took care of it the way a queen should, and proved that both her intelligence and abilities should never be questioned. It was pretty great that she didn't require the guys' help either. I don't have anything against a fmc getting or accepting help, but sometimes it's satisfying to see them take charge and prove why they should be in the role that they are in.
I'm excited to see what becomes of Ada, Imryll, Ecaeris, Talodus, and Connak in the next book. Relationships between them all have grown quite a bit since the first book and I know that Ada is the change this group has needed for a long time in order to make breakthroughs both emotionally and regarding the problems on the island. Sometimes it just takes one new outlook and things begin to finally make sense.
April 28, 2022
Love! This is the 2nd book in the series and you absolutely need to read book 1 before picking this up.
The story moves fast- occasionally days going by in the story that the reader catches up on. I enjoyed the character growth and the progression in the relationships introduced in book 1. The reader learns a lot more about the world our FMC fell into which I was glad because I had a lot of questions after book 1. I love the different POVs and definitely feel like they add to story flow instead of detracting from it. I also really like that the FMC best friend is not just a fringe character but actually gets treated like a best friend. The FMC romantic relationships never completely take over her life in that she still cares/focuses on things that matter to her, like her best friend and things happening in the world. For such a fantastical story, the emotional relationships between characters is much more realistic than most paranormal stories. Part of why I am enjoying these books is that the author truly keeps me guessing- I genuinely have no idea where this story is going and I can't wait for it to continue.
There are some tense moments that may be triggering to readers. Also, book ends on a *baby* cliff hanger. I'll be thinking about it later, but it didn't destroy me.
The story moves fast- occasionally days going by in the story that the reader catches up on. I enjoyed the character growth and the progression in the relationships introduced in book 1. The reader learns a lot more about the world our FMC fell into which I was glad because I had a lot of questions after book 1. I love the different POVs and definitely feel like they add to story flow instead of detracting from it. I also really like that the FMC best friend is not just a fringe character but actually gets treated like a best friend. The FMC romantic relationships never completely take over her life in that she still cares/focuses on things that matter to her, like her best friend and things happening in the world. For such a fantastical story, the emotional relationships between characters is much more realistic than most paranormal stories. Part of why I am enjoying these books is that the author truly keeps me guessing- I genuinely have no idea where this story is going and I can't wait for it to continue.
There are some tense moments that may be triggering to readers. Also, book ends on a *baby* cliff hanger. I'll be thinking about it later, but it didn't destroy me.
April 29, 2022
Book 2 in this series picks up pretty much where book 1 ended. Ada (FMC) is still trying to find her feet in this new world and her purpose in it. Not made easier by her mongrels - Ecaeris, Imryll, Talodus and Connak. Who bring their own brand of complications, over-protectiveness and plenty of steamy scenarios. I loved the friendship that Ada and Rinya had. It was funny and full of wit & sarcasm as well as protective too. This series just keeps getting better and better. Im really enjoying reading it. That cliffhanger ending was great too. Im looking forward to the next book now
December 14, 2023
the action has ramped up but nothing else really happened
The slow burn is over! We’re in it now! Some questions were answered but there are things that are still a mystery. I know some things were held back for the sake of suspense but I didn’t like being in Ada’s POV and her being aware of things the reader isn’t. Aside from Ada’s new interactions with her guys, nothing else really happened throughout the book until the end. It took too long for her to start training.
Are the beasts humans? I feel like they’re cursed humans.
Misspelled and missing words.
The slow burn is over! We’re in it now! Some questions were answered but there are things that are still a mystery. I know some things were held back for the sake of suspense but I didn’t like being in Ada’s POV and her being aware of things the reader isn’t. Aside from Ada’s new interactions with her guys, nothing else really happened throughout the book until the end. It took too long for her to start training.
Are the beasts humans? I feel like they’re cursed humans.
Misspelled and missing words.
May 3, 2022
The story continues
I am so enjoying this series, I love Ada and the gang as they very interesting and their interactions are very lively. The characters are witty ad fun and makes life interesting. I cant wait to read more I know the latest addition to the world seems like itl stir the pit. Yay. Great story and wonderfully written.
I am so enjoying this series, I love Ada and the gang as they very interesting and their interactions are very lively. The characters are witty ad fun and makes life interesting. I cant wait to read more I know the latest addition to the world seems like itl stir the pit. Yay. Great story and wonderfully written.
October 26, 2023
These books are breathtaking!
This world and everything in it is beautiful. Ada is my favorite kind of heroine. Sassy and fun, she knows when to take to charge and when to let others lead. So excited for the rest of the series!
This world and everything in it is beautiful. Ada is my favorite kind of heroine. Sassy and fun, she knows when to take to charge and when to let others lead. So excited for the rest of the series!
November 24, 2023
This book starts where the first one left off. In this book is the development of Ada relationship with her men. It answers a few questions but also ends with even more questions. I need the next one soon!
July 28, 2025
Already starting book 3
I LOVED this book as much as I loved the first. We got so much more backstory and we finally know some of the people causing trouble. But I was not expecting the end we got, so off I go to read more.
I LOVED this book as much as I loved the first. We got so much more backstory and we finally know some of the people causing trouble. But I was not expecting the end we got, so off I go to read more.
December 23, 2025
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶/5
I really enjoyed book two. It pulled me in quickly and I found myself completely absorbed still in this world :) I was very glad there was some spice in this one and it added an extra layer to everything that is happening with Ada and the Mongrels without taking away from the plot.
This is a quick read which honestly I am not mad about :)
This book left me excited for what’s coming next and I can’t wait to see where this ends and how this world will continue to unfold.
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶/5
I really enjoyed book two. It pulled me in quickly and I found myself completely absorbed still in this world :) I was very glad there was some spice in this one and it added an extra layer to everything that is happening with Ada and the Mongrels without taking away from the plot.
This is a quick read which honestly I am not mad about :)
This book left me excited for what’s coming next and I can’t wait to see where this ends and how this world will continue to unfold.
May 5, 2022
loved it
Devoured book 2 just like I did with the first book in this trilogy. I am glad the guys pulled their heads out of their butts in this book. I’m
Devoured book 2 just like I did with the first book in this trilogy. I am glad the guys pulled their heads out of their butts in this book. I’m
August 7, 2022
Amazing!
This book was so freaking awesome! I absolutely love Ada, and her men. I can't wait to read the next book!
This book was so freaking awesome! I absolutely love Ada, and her men. I can't wait to read the next book!
August 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I don’t care what anyone says, Ada is currently my fave MF Adele FMC. I love these books and can’t wait for book 3 😍
I don’t care what anyone says, Ada is currently my fave MF Adele FMC. I love these books and can’t wait for book 3 😍
December 8, 2025
Entrapping
These characters are fun and sometimes intense. This book keeps you coming back just to see how they grow and become one unit. Awesome series so far.
These characters are fun and sometimes intense. This book keeps you coming back just to see how they grow and become one unit. Awesome series so far.
September 30, 2024
4 Stars
Quick Synopsis
There’s a traitor in their midst! Someone is stalking Ada, Mongrels (the water elementals) are being attacked inside the town walls, and the heat between Ada and the guys is ramping up. Will our main characters make it through unscathed?
Review
I still love this story. The world-building is amazing, and I feel completely immersed in this strange magical society. The magic system continues to impress. However, the relationship development could be better. It goes from instant attraction with denial of feelings to an all-in, super steamy, committed relationship, which felt a bit like whiplash. There wasn’t enough relationship-building to make it believable, and they didn’t even have the fated-mate trope to fall back on.
The spicy scenes weren’t the hottest either. They were quick and basic, nothing that really got the blood pumping. Adding to that, they seemed to come out of nowhere, so I wouldn’t rate this series very high on the spicy scale.
That said, this series is still fantastic, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my second read-through.
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Fantasy (Portal)
❣️ Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers • Magic [Elemental] • Mythical Creatures • Royalty • Chosen One/Prophecy • Gods/Goddesses •
🧁 FMC: sassy (not overdone), strong-willed, brave, smart, grief-stricken, depressed
👥 Harem: 4 men
🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
⭐️ 5/5 Plot-line Stars
😱 3/5 Angsty Stars
🤓 4/5 Character Development Stars
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ 2/5 Romance Stars
🌶 2/5 Spicy Stars
🔥 Slow Burn
👄 Kinks: None, no spice in this book.
🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: Memories of [death of parent, SA, abuse, drugs] • violence • blood • murder • grief • abduction • attempted SA • previous suicidal thoughts •
Quick Synopsis
There’s a traitor in their midst! Someone is stalking Ada, Mongrels (the water elementals) are being attacked inside the town walls, and the heat between Ada and the guys is ramping up. Will our main characters make it through unscathed?
Review
I still love this story. The world-building is amazing, and I feel completely immersed in this strange magical society. The magic system continues to impress. However, the relationship development could be better. It goes from instant attraction with denial of feelings to an all-in, super steamy, committed relationship, which felt a bit like whiplash. There wasn’t enough relationship-building to make it believable, and they didn’t even have the fated-mate trope to fall back on.
The spicy scenes weren’t the hottest either. They were quick and basic, nothing that really got the blood pumping. Adding to that, they seemed to come out of nowhere, so I wouldn’t rate this series very high on the spicy scale.
That said, this series is still fantastic, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my second read-through.
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Fantasy (Portal)
❣️ Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers • Magic [Elemental] • Mythical Creatures • Royalty • Chosen One/Prophecy • Gods/Goddesses •
🧁 FMC: sassy (not overdone), strong-willed, brave, smart, grief-stricken, depressed
👥 Harem: 4 men
🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
⭐️ 5/5 Plot-line Stars
😱 3/5 Angsty Stars
🤓 4/5 Character Development Stars
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ 2/5 Romance Stars
🌶 2/5 Spicy Stars
🔥 Slow Burn
👄 Kinks: None, no spice in this book.
🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: Memories of [death of parent, SA, abuse, drugs] • violence • blood • murder • grief • abduction • attempted SA • previous suicidal thoughts •
November 30, 2023
Brilliant read.
Adaliade is still on mongrel island, trapped with spirals icy grip. She has knowledge that she cannot admit to, at least not yet. She needs time to find her place and who she really is, But learning the dating habits of the island is proving a little much, especially with a stalker on her hands.
Brilliant read. Cannot wait for the next .
Adaliade is still on mongrel island, trapped with spirals icy grip. She has knowledge that she cannot admit to, at least not yet. She needs time to find her place and who she really is, But learning the dating habits of the island is proving a little much, especially with a stalker on her hands.
Brilliant read. Cannot wait for the next .
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews