Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Monster's Bride #1

Monster's Bride, Part One

Rate this book
Take a moment and step into the chaotic life of Cressida.

After accidentally texting a monster, Cressida seems to be dealing with a myriad of various problems.

Her father’s death has dangerous debt collectors breaking down her door, and she finds that the only safe place for her just might be with her new monster pen pal, Bastien, and his incredibly sexy friends.

Bastien, the shadow demon.

Set, the beast man Anubis.

Hinata, the Oni demon.

As it turns out though, being the bride of demons may just turn out to be the most dangerous thing yet.

**Warning: For Adult Audiences 18+. Language and actions may be deemed offensive to some. Sexually explicit content.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2023

227 people are currently reading
475 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Dunlap

95 books220 followers
I create worlds.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
201 (38%)
4 stars
141 (26%)
3 stars
118 (22%)
2 stars
49 (9%)
1 star
17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Cee.
3,234 reviews165 followers
May 13, 2023
DNF @ 46%
After a while it was a bit difficult to keep reading, I just thought it was ridiculous. Her dad dies and his debtors come to shake her down for money, but actually don't say how much she owes -- they just destroy her camera... which she was paying them with *sigh*. I finished the chapter and was glad we finally got to meet all the guys, but even that interaction is so awkward. Awkward is the word I'd use for the book!!
Also, the pictures within... so unneeded and honestly took me out. Just telling me the character sent a fabulous picture of herself would have been better than seeing the picture because then I go "oh...no... that dress isn't great" and "oh... is that really the picture she's submitting to a competition? Isn't she a professional?"

That all being said, it is really sweet between her and Bastien, who is super patient with her. Her chinchilla August is a little cutie.
Profile Image for Main Energy.
656 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2023
Cute story that had me quickly connected to the characters.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,323 reviews47 followers
January 29, 2023
It was a sex shop. I don't know why my brain didn't automatically go there, but here we are. At a sex shop. With my platonic bestie, that I had to call Sir. Sir of all fucking things.
Fuck me.


I believe Monster's Bride is one of the cutest books I've ever read, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved it! Cressida (love the name!) has been severely hurt by men in the past, leaving her behind unsure, worried and with a lot of trust issues. Until she meets Bastien by accident, who manages to gradually show her not all men are the same, one text message at a time. Their interactions are so sweet and cute, and I believe it's awesome how he plays an important role in building up her selfesteem, while it becomes clear she does the same for him. And his two friends...

Cressida is a very relatable fmc. She could be me, and so many other women I know, and I love how she has no qualms supporting those she loves even though she doesn't know how to do that for herself. I'm fascinated by the men, and I'm looking forward to see the connection between them and Cressida grow further in the next book. That cliffhanger at the end makes me hope it will be here very soon!
Profile Image for Cassie.
77 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2025
It’s getting two stars because I finished it.

plot? Never seen her
characters? There sure were characters
action? I guess so

Also?? Why the pictures?? why is chinchilla capitalized? Why can the chinchilla understand the English language?
Profile Image for Sadrina.
216 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2023
Got this on SYKD (I’ll try to be vague and gloss over major spoilers).

I thought this was another revenge demon romance and was lowkey excited because hello?? Revenge demons are fun. Apparently I was wrong. The first half of the book went pretty well I’d say; our FMC had some tragic backstory that resulted in a deep rooted self esteem issues that put simply just hinders her own romantic relationship. She texted the wrong number and ended up befriending a stranger for the next couple of months. She sent him pictures as her confidence and self worth grew. Up to that point everything went just fine. Then something happened, her life was suddenly in terrible danger and instead of one man coming to her rescue, it was a trio of paranormal creatures.

At this point if you didn’t check tags you would get whiplash because BAM— you’re suddenly reading whychoose romance. The MMCs were a band of generic RH characters: (1) the overprotective brood aka The Leader; (2) the flirt; and (3) the quiet shy one. Now this was where things get wonky. First of all we didn’t get a single whiff of possible RH route in the story only to find our curvy FMC as the filling of a demonic onigiri. Secondly, remember how she’s also in life-or-death situation? Yeah somehow all they’re doing was hook up in public establishments all the while our FMC was still battling her own issues with commitment. She was going through things — we get it — but so are we! Somehow the plot got lost in the wind as we try to establish a solid connection for the harem. Going back to the FMC-in-threatening-situation thing, I simply think she herself forgot she was in danger because she did the one thing someone in her situation would be dumb enough to do. That’s the only reason why we got that cliffhanger ending.

In a way it’s a good strategy, we’re left wondering when everyone’s going to remember to return to the plot and actually get things done for the HEA. I’m half glad this is a duet because that means our harem will come back to their senses. (Also, the book’s called Monster’s Bride but unless I missed a whole novella, there’s no bride thing going on so perhaps in book two?)
Profile Image for Lanae.
73 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2023
The book was better than I thought.
The romantic interests were actually well behaved and not alphaholes (a win for RH). It really saved the book for me.
I also thought it was very considerate the author placed a trigger warning prior to the chapter.

I will say there are definitely some downsides. The FMC's presence was lackluster, it felt like there wasn't much thought put into her motivations, her wants (outside of sexual desire), etc. She was also a doormat, 90% of the time...

I also didn't understand what the conflict was about. Like randomly . Idk there was some poor plot decisions where I felt that more thought could've gone into development in order to make the novel more cohesive.

I also think the author neglected some worldbuilding, in fact, I was a little thrown off by the pictures. That felt lazy to me (what happened to letting the reader use their imagination?)

It's an ok book and I'll read the next one but it's just another mediocre reverse harem book that could've gone through multiple edits.
Profile Image for Alexis.
68 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2023
So, I've read several monster books and several if not all of Lizzie's work and obviously she is amazing!

This was a very different take on monster RH.
Usually the monsters are still vicious and the female softens them over time.
Not in this story, which I loved!! The guys were already soft, sweet, and nice and the FMC just needed to be built up.
I love how it wasn't exactly fast burn but not compIetly slow. Maybe medium, and it felt more like this book, book 1, was meant to build the foundation for the rest of the story.
It hard to talk about the characters without spilling the whole story.
Out of all the characters, I think Bastian was my favorite.
I also like how pictures were added. Made it easier to picture.

The story starts out horrible for the FMC. Crappy date and let's be honest ladies, the dude was a pig. Oink Oink ladies!!
But at the same time you need to thank him for giving her a fake number.
Enter Bastian!! Sweetest monster ever! Kinda intense and it works to help build her confidence!!
No more details!
Go read!
Profile Image for Nora Ellen (Nbbookery).
684 reviews18 followers
October 31, 2023
Cressida was such a wonderful character. She's haunted by her abu$ive ex, but tries to make the most of her second chance at life... including a blind date. When her date ditches her with the bill and his number, she texts him. Only to find out he gave her a fake number. The guy on the other end of the text is sweet and polite, and maybe just what Cressida needs. When she gets into some trouble with the paranormal mob, it's a no-brainer to call Bastien to help. Will Cressida be able to keep him at arm's reach when he's literally saving her life? And what about the two other demons hes brought with him to help?

This was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. All throughout the book, there are text conversations and images of the characters, which I loved. It really gives a new depth to the story. Although this is a review of book one, I did jump into (and finish) book two as well. It's an awesome story with the spice and demon daddies to match. 5 stars all around!
Profile Image for Ange Bennetts.
863 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2023
I love the pace of this book and I am not a fan of slow burn at all! There is still action and tension, just not, you know the actual deed. I loved the unique story telling the author used. The first half of this book a hit of a meet cute - the FMC doesn't meet any of the MMC's in person for quite a while, instead due to a wrong number the start of their relationship is via text and it is so sweet! This woman has only had bad experiences with men and it's awful, but Bastian is the perfect gentleman, always asking the right questions and when she really needs him, he is there. In person, or should I say in Demon since that is what he is! Cressida is scared to cross the line into something more, because he's the best friend she has ever had. But it just might be worth it! Can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Miranda May.
Author 47 books530 followers
February 4, 2023
OMG. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! As soon as I picked it up, it was like nothing else in my life mattered. I forgot all the things I needed to be doing and devoured it. The FMC, Cressida, is understandably traumatized by her past. But when she “meets” Bastian, it’s like she’s an all new person. Not that her life suddenly gets easier. Oof, this poor girl. But it does allow her to meet Set and Hinata, so who can really complain about that? The photos/texting the author uses is interesting and the beginning of the story is heavy on the images. It was nice to get to see the things being described. And can we talk about that ending? Cliffhanger alert. This one is not small. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book.
Profile Image for Rhonda Almodovar.
188 reviews
April 30, 2024
Racy paranormal read

This is my first book by this author & one that had actual pics in it! That was neat. It was a good story but some parts were very racy. It had subjects of physical/psychological abuse & rape (only inferred) but also the healing process, growth in confidence & the strength that one can find in people that start out as friends but become something more. This is the story of Cressida & 3 guys that she meets quite by accident through a true jackhole of a blind date that was set up by her bestie. The thing that I took 1 star away & it’s only a peeve of mine, is that it ended on a MAJOR cliffhanger! Authors if you’re listening, plz just make the story longer & charge accordingly. I’m thinking that us readers would be ever so grateful! Thnx! ♥️🙌🏼
94 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
I absolutely devoured this! I love all of Elizabeth’s books but this one had incredible angst and spice!
Cressida is someone who is relatable, insecure from past relationships, but still has kindness in her heart. Everything she has gone through has made her stronger even if sometimes she doesn’t believe in herself but watching her drop her guard bit by bit to let her friends in is inspiring.
Bastien, Set, and Hinata are three demons who will do literally anything and everything for Cress, even unsavory things lol. It definitely has that touch her and you d13 going on! I can’t wait to see more of the guys and I need to know what happens after that epic cliffhanger!!
Profile Image for Amanda J.
534 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2023
Must read!!

Wow!! Just wow! This book had me at the edge of my seat devouring every word!! It was gripping, enthralling, exciting, spicy, and full of romance and demons! It was delicious and yummy. I seriously loved Bastien, he was caring, hot, and ever so attentive to Cressida. But so were Set and Hinata, like seriously though, how lucky is she to have found these gems. And, Cressida may have had a few personal issues but she was slowly working her way through them. I liked that she tried and that's all we need to do. This story was fantastic, the pace was fast and flowed fluidly. And, I seriously cannot wait for part two!
Profile Image for Senica Rodriguez.
7 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2023
I had absolutely no idea what this was going to be about when I started it, but I loved every second. It was easy to start and easy to binge. I loved this. I loved seeing their texts back and forth and I loved seeing her pictures and knowing what she looked like (there were parts I even wished I had more pictures). I love all three of the guys and hate the bitch boy at the beginning and her ex. They were written exactly the way I remember shitty dates and shitty exes, all tied together with my own poor self image. Seeing her become confident and in control made me so happy for her. This is the book I needed to get out of my reading slump. It made me burn for Part 2.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,592 reviews42 followers
August 11, 2023
Trigger. Warnings. People.

Not a single word about necessary trigger warnings. Not a single hint that there would be any needed. The blurb only mentions readers should be 18+. That's it. When authors feel the need to mention assaults in their books readers deserve to be warned. Low stars and a warning as the title of the review are the results. When authors respect readers then readers respect them back.
Btw, a more flip flopping FMC I don't think I've ever read. She says no but completely overrides what her mouth says with her actions. I'm confused. I can only guess how confused the guys are.
Profile Image for Gaia Love.
322 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2023
O.M.G. I devoured this story, well, part 1 anyway...waiting on part 2 to go live!

This was sooo good! I love the story and how irl Cressida's PTSD really is. She's a sweet girl who's been through some hell and yet wants to see the good in people and not get hurt by it.

Then you've got Bastien...and Set...and Hinata...3 demons who are just phenom. Who are all set to protect and love Cressida beyond her wildest dreams...Can't wait to read part 2!

Nasty ex's and swoony heroes make an exiting story.

ARC review, my opinions are my own
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,409 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! Cressida really pulls at my heart strings and how down on herself she is. I love that she accidentally stumbles upon Bastien and they become instant friends. I thought Set and Hinata rounded out the friends group really well and each one of the monsters brings something unique to the table, and ultimately brings something different out of Cressida. August was adorable and Cressida takes such good care of him. The pictures included in the story were amazing! I’m looking forward to book 2 and seeing what comes from that cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Dorothy Y Nunamacher .
1,003 reviews12 followers
February 14, 2023
I loved everything about this book. The storyline has so much heart. I especially love how one text could change your life. The female lead is someone I can relate to. I completely understand where she's coming from. Now the three monsters aren't your typical monsters, their actually the sweetest most caring monsters you will ever meet. Who have issues just like her. Well let me just tell you that cliffhanger had me so upset that I was screaming NOOOOOOOO. I'm dieing to find out what happens next. Believe me you don't want to miss out on this one.
1 review
January 12, 2024
MY EYES 😭

The cover and insides don't match at all. The cover is hot but the insides are not.

Why are there weird pictures making it seem like a juvenile picture book when it contains darker themes? And the pictures, let me say it again, MY EYES 😭 Am I not meant to swoon over these men? Because those horned demon pictures made sure I was laughing rather than feeling for them. Why would she ever want to tap that? Not to mention that the demon looks underage and confused 😂

I can't even make myself finish the book now.
Profile Image for A.R. Lines.
Author 3 books17 followers
February 18, 2023
sweet and spicy

I absolutely adore this look at demons/monsters. They were so adorably sweet to her and she was learning to get her confidence back. I always kinda love the look at how humans are the real monsters because there’s so many terrible people out there.

I also love the baby chinchilla, omg so darn cuuute!!

I cannot wait to get some answers in the next book!!! I’m hooked!
Profile Image for E.
760 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
Wow! What a roller coaster this book is. I couldn't put it down. It hits right in the heart with all the feelings it evokes in you. I love these characters and how right they are for each other. The ending was brutal, I'm counting the days until book two is released so I can get all my questions answered.
6,477 reviews22 followers
February 7, 2023
There is so much angst, steam and tension in this first part of Cressida's story. It had me hooked on every word. Cressida.. I love that while she has been changed by her past, she doesn't allow it to kill her kindness/heart. Bastien, Set, and Hinata are her demons (literal demons) and they will do anything for her. This is an amazing introduction to this series and I can't wait to read more.
34 reviews
February 9, 2023
This was a fantastic book with a cute story that pulled me in and hooked me. The main female character has a traumatic past that has left her with trust issues. She learns to trust again as the story develops. The characters are great and the story is fantastic. I can not wait for the next book. The book ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared. I hope the next book comes out quickly.
Profile Image for Shannon Zell.
299 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2023
I'm so completely and utterly HOOKED! Obsessed with the storyline - I've never read anything like it and I'm totally digging the pictures! Really gives it that extra "umph"! The demons are my favorite...I literally want them to be mine in real life 🤣 All the characters mesh so well together and the spicy scenes are 🥵🥵

The cliffhanger has me all messed up! I need book 2 asap!
531 reviews9 followers
February 16, 2023
sweet monster romance

Wow, I am hooked! This story just grips you from the start. It’s a slow burn but I loved how she builds on her relationship and it doesn’t feel rushed but the anticipation is still there. Love how all the characters have their insecurities and flaws and the whole thing is so well written. A testament that nice guys don’t always finish last 😍
Profile Image for Kristen.
394 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2023
Dnf@15% This is so cringey. The FMC acts like a high schooler. Like I was fully expecting the FMC to say rawr or something.

The author decided to include literal pictures whenever a picture was texted to someone. And they look like screenshots of the Sims. It’s so bad. The whole part of a book is reading… Let the reader use their own imagination…
Profile Image for Bibliophile .
491 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2023
Cress annoys me - she's confusing, with her strange mix of insecure and sassy, her innocence and paranoia. This started out so cute, I almost DNF'd, but I'm glad I followed through. It's not dark, necessarily, until closer to the end, but the set up was interesting enough. May read the next book, see if it's any better
Profile Image for Jessi Eliza Portell.
66 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
Why spilt a book into two parts damn

Character development great, demons sexy, conflict iffy 3\5. Smut 3\5 but what grinds my fears is you spilt a full book into two parts and end part one on a cliff hanger. Would have been a good book other wise. I'm just going to pretend she dies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.