What do you think?
Rate this book
Heathens #2
Monsters
Can I destroy the monsters without becoming one?
Evelyn Snow is impenetrable—daring, defiant, and oftentimes reckless. After escaping the worst thing imaginable, tempting death brings her solace. Now a student at Oxford, she’s trying to move on. The last thing she expects is an invitation to the Blackfriars Brotherhood—a secret society based in London. It’s a proposition she can’t pass up.
Benedict Martin is the son of a monster. Attempting to distance himself from his father, he moves to London and reinvents his life. When the past comes back to haunt him in the form of Evelyn Snow, he knows he should keep her safe, push her away—but he can’t help but admire her courage and resilience. Instead, he invites her to join him in the darkness.
When they finally surrender to the scorching connection between them, it’s a fight between carnal depravity, vengeance, and forgiveness—one neither of them knows the outcome of until they’re staring the enemy in the eyes.
Maybe monsters are born—or perhaps they can be honed.
MONSTERS is book two of the HEATHENS series. It is highly recommended that HEATHENS (book one) be read first for the best reader experience.
*Please note that this book contains descriptions of physical/sexual abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, violence, trauma, and cult-like scenarios.
Evelyn Snow is impenetrable—daring, defiant, and oftentimes reckless. After escaping the worst thing imaginable, tempting death brings her solace. Now a student at Oxford, she’s trying to move on. The last thing she expects is an invitation to the Blackfriars Brotherhood—a secret society based in London. It’s a proposition she can’t pass up.
Benedict Martin is the son of a monster. Attempting to distance himself from his father, he moves to London and reinvents his life. When the past comes back to haunt him in the form of Evelyn Snow, he knows he should keep her safe, push her away—but he can’t help but admire her courage and resilience. Instead, he invites her to join him in the darkness.
When they finally surrender to the scorching connection between them, it’s a fight between carnal depravity, vengeance, and forgiveness—one neither of them knows the outcome of until they’re staring the enemy in the eyes.
Maybe monsters are born—or perhaps they can be honed.
MONSTERS is book two of the HEATHENS series. It is highly recommended that HEATHENS (book one) be read first for the best reader experience.
*Please note that this book contains descriptions of physical/sexual abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, violence, trauma, and cult-like scenarios.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
34 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Richardson
59 books2,763 followersI write love stories with badass heroines and mysterious, brooding heroes. I survive on coffee and live in Yorkshire, England with my family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 15, 2021
Monster is technically standalone. However, the author highly recommends reading Heathens first. You will have a better understanding of this book and its events. Monster is in Evelyn and Benedict’s POV between past and present.
I didn’t see this book coming. This is something totally different. Monster is beautiful and eloquently written. It’s about trauma, heartbreak, self-worth, healing, love, and survival.
I knew going in was after the rescue of Evelyn and what she went through, dealing with the aftermath of a monster while the son of the Monster saves her and trying to prove he is nothing like his father. After Evelyn has continues to push Benedict away, Now enters the secret society of Blackfriars Brotherhood. Where she has an invite, she can’t pass up.
Evelyn is my hero. She is resilient, fierce, and rises from the ashes. She can be reckless on her journey, but who can blame her. She fixes her crown and moves on. I love her intrigue in learning different religions even after what happened.
Benedict is now my number one book boyfriend. You can feel his love for Evelyn on page one. He is my number one book boyfriend, so swoon-worthy, and has a beautiful way with his words. They are eloquent and flow off the pages. He can follow up with his words with his actions.
“You remind me of a rising sun, a wolf during a full moon. You are meant for great things. A ruler—a queen. The heart of a true warrior,” he mutters, looking at me.
I didn’t see this book coming. This is something totally different. Monster is beautiful and eloquently written. It’s about trauma, heartbreak, self-worth, healing, love, and survival.
I knew going in was after the rescue of Evelyn and what she went through, dealing with the aftermath of a monster while the son of the Monster saves her and trying to prove he is nothing like his father. After Evelyn has continues to push Benedict away, Now enters the secret society of Blackfriars Brotherhood. Where she has an invite, she can’t pass up.
Evelyn is my hero. She is resilient, fierce, and rises from the ashes. She can be reckless on her journey, but who can blame her. She fixes her crown and moves on. I love her intrigue in learning different religions even after what happened.
Benedict is now my number one book boyfriend. You can feel his love for Evelyn on page one. He is my number one book boyfriend, so swoon-worthy, and has a beautiful way with his words. They are eloquent and flow off the pages. He can follow up with his words with his actions.
“You remind me of a rising sun, a wolf during a full moon. You are meant for great things. A ruler—a queen. The heart of a true warrior,” he mutters, looking at me.
This book leans more on heavy subjects, including religion. It’s not for the faint of heart. Take those triggers warning seriously; there are several triggers.
Overall this book is everything—a nice slow burn on top of it. What I especially love is the journey of healing the aftermath of horror she encountered. The author didn’t shy away from it, and she grasped the concept and wrote an excellent book. I will add I love one of the side characters, Hayes; he is a hoot. I can’t wait for his book.
June 16, 2021
Monsters is the second book in this series and though there is enough backstory included to read this as a stand-alone I do recommend reading the first book as well.
Personally, I think you’ll appreciate this story much more for that inclusion and will definitely get much more out of the experience.
So this one is Benedict and Evelyn’s tale we met both previously and their story occurs in the aftermath of the events preceding this. Both these two are slightly broken for very different reasons and Evelyn’s backstory of being trafficked in Paris was harrowing.
Benedict is the son of the man she holds responsible and though he is so very different from his father at first Evelyn in her trauma struggles to separate this fact.
Benedict is equally affected and learning his father was more of a monster than he had originally guessed has left him feeling he needs to personally atone especially observing the lingering damage Evelyn lives with every day.
This takes place four years later Benedict after acting as a constant shadow to Evelyn for over a year and constantly being pushed away by her just suddenly vanishes one day from her life.
She reconnects with him again in the most unexpected of places. This places them both on a journey into danger that will again open up old wounds only to finally start to heal them.
This was emotional and poignant we also get to catch up with Salem and Lily from the previous book and there are breadcrumbs dropped for Evelyn’s friend Zoey and Benedict’s boss Hayes.
This was well written and interesting and is ultimately is a story about healing and love that deals with some dark issues.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Monsters. (Heathens #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 19, 2021
*KU READ
Monsters is the second book in the Heathens Series. We will get the story of Evelyn and Benedict who we met in the first book Heathens. Evelyn is a friend of Lilly's that was abducted and lost for years in sex trafficking. She has a lot of issues to get through and is just now coming to terms with everything.
Benedict is the man that helped rescue her. The minute he found Evelyn he fell in love with her. He has made it his mission to help those in need and is on a need-to-know mission with MI6. But with Evelyn in his life again she has walked into the mess he has put himself in.
I have to admit I enjoyed this story and found myself liking the back and forth between Benedict and Evelyn more than the actual story.
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasyland...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/27664...
Monsters is the second book in the Heathens Series. We will get the story of Evelyn and Benedict who we met in the first book Heathens. Evelyn is a friend of Lilly's that was abducted and lost for years in sex trafficking. She has a lot of issues to get through and is just now coming to terms with everything.
Benedict is the man that helped rescue her. The minute he found Evelyn he fell in love with her. He has made it his mission to help those in need and is on a need-to-know mission with MI6. But with Evelyn in his life again she has walked into the mess he has put himself in.
I have to admit I enjoyed this story and found myself liking the back and forth between Benedict and Evelyn more than the actual story.
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasyland...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/27664...
July 19, 2021
"Monsters...they hide in plain sight."
We first meet Evelyn and Benedict in Heathens. Evelyn's personal story is traumatic and heartbreaking. I do think book one is a must read to get the full impact of Evelyn's story and her history with Benedict. Plus Heathens is an ah-mazing book!
It's several years after Heathens ends, and although they both moved to the UK, they are living separate lives, with no interaction. While in graduate school Evelyn's studies and curiosity serendipitously brings them back into each other's lives, and we learn what Benedict has been up to during their years apart.
This is a gothic-esque story with an ominous cult tone and secret society plotline. I like how the setting of the book gives it a rich ambiance. It's mainly set in Oxford and London, but there are scenes in Paris and Edinburgh. It's a whole vibe and I was feeling it. There are some time jumps, similar to Heathens, which could be distracting to the flow for some.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the blurb, but Benedict and Evelyn's story went in such an interesting direction! Their chemistry was so natural and undeniable. I am happy to see them come full circle and especially for Evelyn to get her HEA.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
We first meet Evelyn and Benedict in Heathens. Evelyn's personal story is traumatic and heartbreaking. I do think book one is a must read to get the full impact of Evelyn's story and her history with Benedict. Plus Heathens is an ah-mazing book!
It's several years after Heathens ends, and although they both moved to the UK, they are living separate lives, with no interaction. While in graduate school Evelyn's studies and curiosity serendipitously brings them back into each other's lives, and we learn what Benedict has been up to during their years apart.
This is a gothic-esque story with an ominous cult tone and secret society plotline. I like how the setting of the book gives it a rich ambiance. It's mainly set in Oxford and London, but there are scenes in Paris and Edinburgh. It's a whole vibe and I was feeling it. There are some time jumps, similar to Heathens, which could be distracting to the flow for some.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the blurb, but Benedict and Evelyn's story went in such an interesting direction! Their chemistry was so natural and undeniable. I am happy to see them come full circle and especially for Evelyn to get her HEA.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 15, 2021
This was a new to me author.
I wish I had headed the warnings and found time to read the previous books, as I think a lot of this book might of this book might of been more meaningful, as well as made more sense.
As it was this was quite a "heavy" book to read, with dark undertones that will have you filled with sad empathy for the inspirational characters within.
This is one of those books where I didn't quite enjoy but didn't dislike either, and I can't put my finger on why, so I'll leave my review here and let you come up with your own conclusions.
I wish I had headed the warnings and found time to read the previous books, as I think a lot of this book might of this book might of been more meaningful, as well as made more sense.
As it was this was quite a "heavy" book to read, with dark undertones that will have you filled with sad empathy for the inspirational characters within.
This is one of those books where I didn't quite enjoy but didn't dislike either, and I can't put my finger on why, so I'll leave my review here and let you come up with your own conclusions.
June 25, 2021
Monsters by Amanda Richardson is the second book in the Heathens series which is a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first book because it gives you a better background to the story. This is Benedict & Evelyn’s book which you meet in Heathens. I knew going into Monster’s I was going to be put through the wringer but I didn’t expect such an emotional impact about a young woman who has been through unbearable trauma and thus trying not to let the past define who she is. She conquered her fears and found love in the most unlikeliest places.
“Our darkest hell was the same hell—ruled by the same man.”
A man who saved her from her own personal hell, a man who saved her from his father. The moment he met her, he knew she was an angel sent from the heavens. And in that moment He made his own personal vow to protect Evelyn no matter the cost. Monsters is a beautiful story about love and redemption.
“Our darkest hell was the same hell—ruled by the same man.”
A man who saved her from her own personal hell, a man who saved her from his father. The moment he met her, he knew she was an angel sent from the heavens. And in that moment He made his own personal vow to protect Evelyn no matter the cost. Monsters is a beautiful story about love and redemption.
June 14, 2021
3.5 Stars-Light from the Darkness
First off, I did not heed (or see) the warning about reading the first book in the series. Completely my fault, however I give Amanda Richardson huge props for the backstory, helping a reader starting at this point know what's going on a bit better.
"The things you hide in your heart, eat you alive."
This is a story of how a woman completely turns her life around from the horrific situation she was forced into for three years. In the beginning it's hard for her to move one with the son of the monster that took her constantly showing up. Sure he saved her, however that doesn't erase the feelings she still had towards him.
Soon Evelyn finds herself in another situation, however this time she isn't alone and it's by her choice. Something that is huge for her in her life now. After all that was taken, Evelyn wants nothing more than to make her own decisions and that is exactly what he lets her do.
The book is well written and very heavy. I am not a religious person, so if anything, that is where my interest was lost. Also, there is a lot of skipping around in the time line. While I do understand that is how we get our backstory, it made for some confusing reading. All in all, I enjoyed this story from Evelyn's POV and how she brought herself out of the dark and into the light. Heed the warning and read the first book to appreciate this one.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
First off, I did not heed (or see) the warning about reading the first book in the series. Completely my fault, however I give Amanda Richardson huge props for the backstory, helping a reader starting at this point know what's going on a bit better.
"The things you hide in your heart, eat you alive."
This is a story of how a woman completely turns her life around from the horrific situation she was forced into for three years. In the beginning it's hard for her to move one with the son of the monster that took her constantly showing up. Sure he saved her, however that doesn't erase the feelings she still had towards him.
Soon Evelyn finds herself in another situation, however this time she isn't alone and it's by her choice. Something that is huge for her in her life now. After all that was taken, Evelyn wants nothing more than to make her own decisions and that is exactly what he lets her do.
The book is well written and very heavy. I am not a religious person, so if anything, that is where my interest was lost. Also, there is a lot of skipping around in the time line. While I do understand that is how we get our backstory, it made for some confusing reading. All in all, I enjoyed this story from Evelyn's POV and how she brought herself out of the dark and into the light. Heed the warning and read the first book to appreciate this one.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
June 15, 2021
I know it's been said that this book could be read as a standalone, but seriously, you'll get so much more out of it by reading Heathens (Book 1) first! Monsters is the very intense journey of Evelyn, who has gone through a lot of horrific things in the past three years, and man my heart seriously hurt for her. She's finally rescued from the hell she's been living in, but it just so happens to be by the son of the man who has ruined her life, so it's safe to say that made things even more complicated as Benedict isn't his father, but Evelyn isn't even trying to hear that. I mean, I can absolutely understand where she's coming from as she trusts no one anymore. He's not out of her life no matter how many times she pushes him away, because he really feels protective over her even if she doesn't see him. Evelyn was an amazing heroine who could have spent her time rocking in a corner, but my girl is so much stronger than that, and Benedict is certainly nothing like his father so I fell hard for him from the jump as well. This is a dark & intense journey so be prepared for it when you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 15, 2021
4.5
I really enjoyed this book and Heathens before it. Neither was what I was expecting and I was riveted the whole way through.
Benedict is swoon worthy. In Heathens we got little hints to how deeply he could come to feel for Evelyn, but in Monsters we learn just how big his heart is.
The link between the two main characters is not a pleasant one. If you have read Heathens, which I really suggest you do before reading this Monsters, you will know about the real monster that connects them.
This book is about recovery and redemption. Both characters are on their own journeys but they seem destined to intersect. Evelyn has pushed Benedict away for years since he rescued her and Benedict has loved her from a far since the moment he met her.
It was great seeing Lily and Salem years later too. This story had great suspense, atmosphere, angst and romance. I will definitely be continuing on this series with Villains.
I really enjoyed this book and Heathens before it. Neither was what I was expecting and I was riveted the whole way through.
Benedict is swoon worthy. In Heathens we got little hints to how deeply he could come to feel for Evelyn, but in Monsters we learn just how big his heart is.
The link between the two main characters is not a pleasant one. If you have read Heathens, which I really suggest you do before reading this Monsters, you will know about the real monster that connects them.
This book is about recovery and redemption. Both characters are on their own journeys but they seem destined to intersect. Evelyn has pushed Benedict away for years since he rescued her and Benedict has loved her from a far since the moment he met her.
It was great seeing Lily and Salem years later too. This story had great suspense, atmosphere, angst and romance. I will definitely be continuing on this series with Villains.
June 11, 2021
Bold, sexy, and a little bit taboo, MONSTERS is a riveting journey of two individuals overcoming the monster(s) of their past.
“Our darkest hell was the same hell—ruled by the same man.”
Let me preface this by saying, Evelyn Snow is a badass! She overcomes her adversities and conquers her fears, all the while sorting out her feelings for Benedict. He is the kind of man that advocates for many, but will quite literally walk through hell and back for Evelyn.
Richardson’s writing is humorous, emotional, and refreshing. I cannot wait to embark on Hayes and Zoey’s adventures in book #3.
Thank you SO much for my ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed MONSTERS.
4.5/5
“Our darkest hell was the same hell—ruled by the same man.”
Let me preface this by saying, Evelyn Snow is a badass! She overcomes her adversities and conquers her fears, all the while sorting out her feelings for Benedict. He is the kind of man that advocates for many, but will quite literally walk through hell and back for Evelyn.
Richardson’s writing is humorous, emotional, and refreshing. I cannot wait to embark on Hayes and Zoey’s adventures in book #3.
Thank you SO much for my ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed MONSTERS.
4.5/5
June 15, 2021
This is the second book in the Heathens series, and it’s Evelyn and Benedict’s story. And I absolutely loved it. It was heartbreaking, and wonderful. It’s a dark story, that mentions, some horrible things, but it is so amazingly written. Evelyn is such a strong and resilient character. Everything that she flies through, she’s able to overcome. And Benedict, when he realized what his father did to Evelyn, and the other women, he wanted to do something good. He saves Evelyn, and vows to protect her. This was a super fast read, and I recommend it. Possible trigger warnings for some, though. Definitely a fan of this author now.
June 15, 2021
I am blown away with this book and the strength it represents. Evelyn is fierce and a queen in the making while Benedict is one of my favorite heroes now. She has to overcome major trauma and he is there to support her and made me fall for him hard. Their story isn't for everyone and is a darker read that will pull you apart. It's a story of healing and discovery with a slow burn that will encompass you whole. As the author stated, this is a book that is considered a standalone it should be read in sequence.
June 17, 2021
Once again, bravo. I've been loving this series so much. A love the depth of the characters and how well written they are. Although the structure of the books is kind of similar (at the end the H does something heroic to save other people), I love that both epilogues for the 2 books are about the next couple and mysteriously both characters will be in another city. I don't get why these books don't have more reviews.
June 25, 2021
Wow. This was just great! I loved hearing how they got together and all the comments t’s involved to her healing process! I really enjoyed this story!! Excellent!
August 10, 2021
I fell in love with Salem in Heathens but OMG Benedict is so yummy! I loved the way that Eve and Benedict overcame their past and Start living their present and future together.
June 18, 2022
I loved Heathens and it's one of my favorite books ever written by Amanda Richardson. Full of suspense, angst, and lines that shouldn't be crossed. So when she announced she was writing a second book, I was ecstatic, yet I didn't know what to expect. Could it top Salem and Lily? How much darker could it get?
Well, Monsters is THE story I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams. Because it not only adds to the series, but it gives a complete twist. It's so, so good! While religion remains an underlying subject, Monsters focuses on secret societies, power, revenge and justice. The book evolves around Benedict Martin, who is Father Monsignor's son, and Evelyn Snow, Lily's best friend.
They both want to be set apart from the monster that led them to meet. Evelyn is fierce, headstrong, and a true fighter. She throws herself into studies with the need to understand the higher reasons behind what happened to her. She is her own queen and bows to no one. Benedict is enigmatic and protective, and even more swooning than Salem!
Monsters takes place between London and Oxford, which Amanda describes beautifully with an eerie veil. Oh, the wanderlust! I could almost see each scene before me. Plus, we get to catch up with Salem and Lily. While technically this book is a standalone and Evelyn's story is fully explained, I highly recommend reading the series in order.
Well, Monsters is THE story I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams. Because it not only adds to the series, but it gives a complete twist. It's so, so good! While religion remains an underlying subject, Monsters focuses on secret societies, power, revenge and justice. The book evolves around Benedict Martin, who is Father Monsignor's son, and Evelyn Snow, Lily's best friend.
They both want to be set apart from the monster that led them to meet. Evelyn is fierce, headstrong, and a true fighter. She throws herself into studies with the need to understand the higher reasons behind what happened to her. She is her own queen and bows to no one. Benedict is enigmatic and protective, and even more swooning than Salem!
Monsters takes place between London and Oxford, which Amanda describes beautifully with an eerie veil. Oh, the wanderlust! I could almost see each scene before me. Plus, we get to catch up with Salem and Lily. While technically this book is a standalone and Evelyn's story is fully explained, I highly recommend reading the series in order.
November 11, 2025
🖤
Monsters
by Amanda Richardson
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
I don’t even know where to start with Evelyn and Benedict. I know now from this year that my new favourite trope is “he falls first” and boy, does this boy fall.
Our MMC is Benedict, whose father is a disgraced priest who helped run a human trafficking ring. Our FMC is a survivor of that trafficking ring who experienced so much trauma until the day Benedict saves her and everyone else in captivity. He falls the instant he sees her.
We quickly fast forward four years and Eve is studying at Oxford trying to heal and move on from years of being kidnapped. Of course Benedict is there from day one, watching over her and protecting her.
Being able to experience this couple healing from their own broken childhoods (and early adulthood) was incredible and heartbreaking. This man showers Eve with praise and trust and loyalty. HE KNEELS BEFORE HER MORE THAN ONCE!!!!! This is invisible string sh*t. Stunning.
The tension in this book is gooooooood. Even though the majority of this book is from Eve’s perspective I still believed every moment that Benedict was obsessed with her. THIS is slow burn done right. It felt spicy without there even being spicy scenes. (The spicy scenes come, don’t worry they are gooood… Amanda Richardson knows exactly how to write a man obsessed with every inch of his woman.
I will forever be wishing for Hayes and Zoey’s story… 🤞🏼
🖤 Secret Society
🤍 He falls first
🖤 Revenge
🤍 Kindnapping Survivor
📖 KU
Monsters
by Amanda Richardson
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
I don’t even know where to start with Evelyn and Benedict. I know now from this year that my new favourite trope is “he falls first” and boy, does this boy fall.
Our MMC is Benedict, whose father is a disgraced priest who helped run a human trafficking ring. Our FMC is a survivor of that trafficking ring who experienced so much trauma until the day Benedict saves her and everyone else in captivity. He falls the instant he sees her.
We quickly fast forward four years and Eve is studying at Oxford trying to heal and move on from years of being kidnapped. Of course Benedict is there from day one, watching over her and protecting her.
Being able to experience this couple healing from their own broken childhoods (and early adulthood) was incredible and heartbreaking. This man showers Eve with praise and trust and loyalty. HE KNEELS BEFORE HER MORE THAN ONCE!!!!! This is invisible string sh*t. Stunning.
The tension in this book is gooooooood. Even though the majority of this book is from Eve’s perspective I still believed every moment that Benedict was obsessed with her. THIS is slow burn done right. It felt spicy without there even being spicy scenes. (The spicy scenes come, don’t worry they are gooood… Amanda Richardson knows exactly how to write a man obsessed with every inch of his woman.
I will forever be wishing for Hayes and Zoey’s story… 🤞🏼
🖤 Secret Society
🤍 He falls first
🖤 Revenge
🤍 Kindnapping Survivor
📖 KU
June 17, 2021
Even though this is a stand alone, I highly recommend you reading the first book. It will help out with the story a lot. But I did appreciate the author giving lots of background so you were not confused.
This story is about Evelyn and Benedict. Evelyn went through unimaginable things. (make sure you have tissues. Trigger warning, it is very dark and sad). Benedict was the one that rescued her. He feels the need to always look after her and make sure that she is safe once she is free. They are soon separated and this book picks up a few years after that.
This book has a dark undertone to it. And it takes place in the UK. The author does a brilliant job explaining the setting and the dark undertones to the story. Be prepared religion is mentioned a lot. Evelyn is trying to understand what happened to her and why, and Benedict is seeing how truly horrible his father is. The chemistry between the two is insane and I just love the ending. Great job!
This story is about Evelyn and Benedict. Evelyn went through unimaginable things. (make sure you have tissues. Trigger warning, it is very dark and sad). Benedict was the one that rescued her. He feels the need to always look after her and make sure that she is safe once she is free. They are soon separated and this book picks up a few years after that.
This book has a dark undertone to it. And it takes place in the UK. The author does a brilliant job explaining the setting and the dark undertones to the story. Be prepared religion is mentioned a lot. Evelyn is trying to understand what happened to her and why, and Benedict is seeing how truly horrible his father is. The chemistry between the two is insane and I just love the ending. Great job!
July 8, 2021
I think everyone who knows me can attest to my love for Heathens, the first book in this series. At the time Amanda was a new to me author and I truly only picked up Heathens for the cover and then was blown away by the story. It was pick for top read for me the year it was published and I've been a huge fan of Amanda and her stories ever since.
Monsters has been a book I've patiently waited on since I read Heathens. I needed to hear Evelyn's story and walk beside her in her journey to heal and Monsters delivered exactly what I needed. It truly is a healing journey and proves that everyone must heal in their own way and that even the ones with the darkest pasts can have very bright futures.
I'm not going to say much about this one as I think everyone needs to take this journey blind but I do highly recommend this book and series as a whole. Especially if you are a lover of dark stories like me.
Monsters has been a book I've patiently waited on since I read Heathens. I needed to hear Evelyn's story and walk beside her in her journey to heal and Monsters delivered exactly what I needed. It truly is a healing journey and proves that everyone must heal in their own way and that even the ones with the darkest pasts can have very bright futures.
I'm not going to say much about this one as I think everyone needs to take this journey blind but I do highly recommend this book and series as a whole. Especially if you are a lover of dark stories like me.
July 14, 2022
Monsters is the second book in the Heathens series and although it's technically a standalone its highly recommended to read Heathens first to get the full reading experience.
Monsters is about healing from trauma , love and deals with some dark issues. This time instead of the catholic church , there is a dark cult which always fascinates me.
Evelyn is strong and resilient and rises from the ashes. Benedict is an amazing hero and you can feel how much he loves Evelyn from the very start.
I liked the first book a little more than this one, Heathens just had absolutely everything I love in a book. In saying that Monsters was well written , interesting , emotional and suspenseful. It was also amazing to catch up with Salem and Lily from the first book.
Monsters is a complete standalone within this series and everything is wrapped up for this couple. There were hints dropped for the next couple in the series and I will definitely pick it up when it releases.
Monsters is about healing from trauma , love and deals with some dark issues. This time instead of the catholic church , there is a dark cult which always fascinates me.
Evelyn is strong and resilient and rises from the ashes. Benedict is an amazing hero and you can feel how much he loves Evelyn from the very start.
I liked the first book a little more than this one, Heathens just had absolutely everything I love in a book. In saying that Monsters was well written , interesting , emotional and suspenseful. It was also amazing to catch up with Salem and Lily from the first book.
Monsters is a complete standalone within this series and everything is wrapped up for this couple. There were hints dropped for the next couple in the series and I will definitely pick it up when it releases.
March 13, 2024
From the ashes rises a Phoenix
‘Monsters’ is the second book ok the Heathens Series and well worth your reading time.
Evelyn: Addict mother, mostly absent father, learned how to make a dollar make ten days of meals. She graduated high school, received help to attend college in Paris; then before she could finish, she was kidnapped, drugged, raped and sold repeatedly to the highest bidder. “You will never leave, my Eve,” he said. But she did, she survived no matter what happened to her.
Benedict: Abusive father, loving Mother, an only child. At age eleven he and his Mom escaped in the middle of the night. They moved around a lot in hopes that he would never find them. Then his world crashed when his beloved Mother died and he discovered how hard she had worked to keep them safe. Someday he would see that her energy had not been wasted.
This is a story of two broken people who find that darkness isn’t always a bad thing.
‘Monsters’ is the second book ok the Heathens Series and well worth your reading time.
Evelyn: Addict mother, mostly absent father, learned how to make a dollar make ten days of meals. She graduated high school, received help to attend college in Paris; then before she could finish, she was kidnapped, drugged, raped and sold repeatedly to the highest bidder. “You will never leave, my Eve,” he said. But she did, she survived no matter what happened to her.
Benedict: Abusive father, loving Mother, an only child. At age eleven he and his Mom escaped in the middle of the night. They moved around a lot in hopes that he would never find them. Then his world crashed when his beloved Mother died and he discovered how hard she had worked to keep them safe. Someday he would see that her energy had not been wasted.
This is a story of two broken people who find that darkness isn’t always a bad thing.
September 28, 2025
This book picks up where
Heathens
ends after Evelyn is rescued by Benedict, and then there are time jumps throughout the story.
Honestly, this book is absolutely heartbreaking. It is filled with trauma and the aftermath of that trauma before both Evelyn and Benedict can come to terms with Auguste Martin, as her captor and his father, and finally begin to heal. There are entwined themes of self-preservation, self-love, resilience and healing and it makes for a wonderful story of redemption.
I don't agree that this is a standalone. It's better to read Heathens first to truly understand the entire story and get comfortable with all of the main characters from both books.
Highly recommend this series.
Honestly, this book is absolutely heartbreaking. It is filled with trauma and the aftermath of that trauma before both Evelyn and Benedict can come to terms with Auguste Martin, as her captor and his father, and finally begin to heal. There are entwined themes of self-preservation, self-love, resilience and healing and it makes for a wonderful story of redemption.
I don't agree that this is a standalone. It's better to read Heathens first to truly understand the entire story and get comfortable with all of the main characters from both books.
Highly recommend this series.
June 8, 2023
Great continuation from the first one. Would have thought that a dark book like this is supposed to be would have delved further into what went in during the 2 years she was with Auguste to help with healing. Who left the book for her in the library, or was it left for someone else and they never received it? Is the Brotherhood now displaced or still around and just reforming.
March 19, 2024
phenomenal!
These two books bring all the emotions. Happiness, fear, anger, sadness, love, etc. The love connection was deep for both these couples and that’s something I haven’t read in a while. Of course there’s also the 🔥
These two books bring all the emotions. Happiness, fear, anger, sadness, love, etc. The love connection was deep for both these couples and that’s something I haven’t read in a while. Of course there’s also the 🔥
October 1, 2025
This was such a good read! I said this when I finished book one but these books are written like nothing I have read, they are kind of like journal entries. I have also never read a story like these books. I love the story and I NEED book 3!!!
March 28, 2022
perfectly written
Amazing , so well written . Really enjoyed the characters development. I’ve cried, laughed and gotten all hot under the collar ! Sooo good !
Amazing , so well written . Really enjoyed the characters development. I’ve cried, laughed and gotten all hot under the collar ! Sooo good !
October 29, 2023
It wasn't bad but it feels like waisted potential.
November 21, 2025
Evelyn and Benedict's story is deeper than book 1. I love the dark themes, I love the power he gives her throughout their journey together and I love that he can't deny her anything. Pure Dark Love!
June 16, 2021
Loved it!
This is the second book in the Heathens series, and it’s Evelyn and Benedict’s story. And I absolutely loved it. It was heartbreaking, and wonderful. It’s a dark story, that mentions, some horrible things, but it is so amazingly written. Evelyn is such a strong and resilient character. Everything that she flies through, she’s able to overcome. And Benedict, when he realized what his father did to Evelyn, and the other women, he wanted to do something good. He saves Evelyn, and vows to protect her. This was a super fast read, and I recommend it. Possible trigger warnings for some, though. Definitely a fan of this author now.
This is the second book in the Heathens series, and it’s Evelyn and Benedict’s story. And I absolutely loved it. It was heartbreaking, and wonderful. It’s a dark story, that mentions, some horrible things, but it is so amazingly written. Evelyn is such a strong and resilient character. Everything that she flies through, she’s able to overcome. And Benedict, when he realized what his father did to Evelyn, and the other women, he wanted to do something good. He saves Evelyn, and vows to protect her. This was a super fast read, and I recommend it. Possible trigger warnings for some, though. Definitely a fan of this author now.
June 17, 2021
Love this series
This was such a good read! The emotions of the characters bring the pages to life. Evelyn is a remarkable woman who has been through so much. Benedict absolutely loves her and his way of championing her cause without having her is incredible. Love this series.
This was such a good read! The emotions of the characters bring the pages to life. Evelyn is a remarkable woman who has been through so much. Benedict absolutely loves her and his way of championing her cause without having her is incredible. Love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews