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Shadow Pact #1
Monster Inside
Sometimes the most enchanting monsters are the ones you can’t see, only feel…
I am a survivor. For the past ten years, I’ve been forced to give every part of me to sinister vampires in a feeding community. But when I touched an ancient book and recited a spell out of sheer desperation and zero arcane knowledge, a dark entity came to me. Rescued me. Mrak helped me escape.
I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. But Mrak has been at my side for the last three months—well, inside me, anchored to my existence and lovingly tender with his ethereal touches. It’s not quite possession, not quite a haunting. But it’s real, it’s sexy as hell, and he’s mine. Or I’m his. Either way, we’re now in this life together.
Mrak is distracting, seductive, and powerful, but he’s also keeping a secret. One that’s now put me in immense danger despite his claims he’ll do anything to protect me. Because the cops have come calling. Bodies have turned up. And despite his reassurances, I’m starting to wonder if Mrak has a hidden agenda that he’s somehow kept secret from the inside.
My life might be in my monster’s debt. My body might be his for pleasure. But my future is mine no matter how much he wants and uses my body. I’m no longer the weak woman he saved from a vampire lord, and it’s time to take my body—and my life—back.
MONSTER INSIDE is the first of a M/F paranormal monster romance duology.
I am a survivor. For the past ten years, I’ve been forced to give every part of me to sinister vampires in a feeding community. But when I touched an ancient book and recited a spell out of sheer desperation and zero arcane knowledge, a dark entity came to me. Rescued me. Mrak helped me escape.
I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. But Mrak has been at my side for the last three months—well, inside me, anchored to my existence and lovingly tender with his ethereal touches. It’s not quite possession, not quite a haunting. But it’s real, it’s sexy as hell, and he’s mine. Or I’m his. Either way, we’re now in this life together.
Mrak is distracting, seductive, and powerful, but he’s also keeping a secret. One that’s now put me in immense danger despite his claims he’ll do anything to protect me. Because the cops have come calling. Bodies have turned up. And despite his reassurances, I’m starting to wonder if Mrak has a hidden agenda that he’s somehow kept secret from the inside.
My life might be in my monster’s debt. My body might be his for pleasure. But my future is mine no matter how much he wants and uses my body. I’m no longer the weak woman he saved from a vampire lord, and it’s time to take my body—and my life—back.
MONSTER INSIDE is the first of a M/F paranormal monster romance duology.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2022
68 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
River Starr
23 books43 followersRiver Starr writes books that help you escape, especially fantasy romance full of magic and supernaturals. Favorite things: coffee, wine, chocolate, and a heavy dose of books to chase away the dark... or invite delicious darkness in.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this first book of a dark fantasy duology. When I signed up for this blog tour I was thinking it sounded like just my kinda read and I'm sooooo happy that I was right about that. It wasn't a very long book and I only needed to pick up my e-reader twice before finishing it (maybe because it was so uputdownable!) but it packed quite the punch with its darkness, action and sensuality.
For the past ten years Aisling has unwillingly been part of a feeder community after being sold to vampires. When she recites a magical spell out of an ancient book as a last resort to save her life she unleashes a shadowy entity named Mrak and makes a pact with him. He rescues her but now he's embedded within her and she's his anchor. He can't take on a tangible form just yet but that doesn't mean she can't feel his ethereal, exquisite touches. She knows he's keeping things from her, about who he is and what he wants but that doesn't mean she can or wants to resist his seduction.
I really like the kind of paranormal romance, like this one, where there are a lot of different kind of supernatural creatures. There are vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, you name it. It was the kind of story that you jump into when you want to completely escape the world and dive into another. And that was so nice to do. The chemistry between Aisling and her shadowy entity was, even though Mrak couldn't take on a corporeal body, scorching hot. He may have been a monster, but he's her monster and I loved that so much.
Monster Inside by River Starr was deliciously dark, enticing and impossible to put down. I already can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I can't wait to see where the story is going to go next!
For the past ten years Aisling has unwillingly been part of a feeder community after being sold to vampires. When she recites a magical spell out of an ancient book as a last resort to save her life she unleashes a shadowy entity named Mrak and makes a pact with him. He rescues her but now he's embedded within her and she's his anchor. He can't take on a tangible form just yet but that doesn't mean she can't feel his ethereal, exquisite touches. She knows he's keeping things from her, about who he is and what he wants but that doesn't mean she can or wants to resist his seduction.
I really like the kind of paranormal romance, like this one, where there are a lot of different kind of supernatural creatures. There are vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, you name it. It was the kind of story that you jump into when you want to completely escape the world and dive into another. And that was so nice to do. The chemistry between Aisling and her shadowy entity was, even though Mrak couldn't take on a corporeal body, scorching hot. He may have been a monster, but he's her monster and I loved that so much.
Monster Inside by River Starr was deliciously dark, enticing and impossible to put down. I already can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I can't wait to see where the story is going to go next!
May 9, 2022
Review coming
May 27, 2022
Why do romance authors hate relationship building so much? Is it laziness? What?
We skip a year, essentially skipping all the relationship development, trust building, their first “time” together—everything.
And how stupid could she be, not immediately realizing he’s a demon? He POSSESSED her FFs, she SUMMONED him from a spell book. JFC.
And a dude comes in wanting a big ass shadow demon murdering sword and her entity is basically like “yeah, no that’s danger to us. Don’t make it.”
And she’s like “it’s finnneee there are no shadow demons herreee, silly! I mean, the book I summoned you from had a shadow demon on it but that’s just a coincidence. Btw what are you? It’s SUCH a mystery?!”
*shadow demon incorporeally floats before her, his red eyes pinning her to the spot with a pained expression*
“Seriously,” she says, smacking her gum and twirling her hair, “SUCH a MySTeRy.”
🤦🏽♀️🙄🥴
This FMC is TSTL.
I don’t even know what the demon sees in her. Why he even likes her. I liked him I thought he was protective and sensual and caring and loyal all good things, but it was wasted on her.
Last gripe— I hate it when authors have the character forget everything that happened to them the night before and then suddenly remember everything in a rush. That’s not a thing.
DNF
We skip a year, essentially skipping all the relationship development, trust building, their first “time” together—everything.
And how stupid could she be, not immediately realizing he’s a demon? He POSSESSED her FFs, she SUMMONED him from a spell book. JFC.
And a dude comes in wanting a big ass shadow demon murdering sword and her entity is basically like “yeah, no that’s danger to us. Don’t make it.”
And she’s like “it’s finnneee there are no shadow demons herreee, silly! I mean, the book I summoned you from had a shadow demon on it but that’s just a coincidence. Btw what are you? It’s SUCH a mystery?!”
*shadow demon incorporeally floats before her, his red eyes pinning her to the spot with a pained expression*
“Seriously,” she says, smacking her gum and twirling her hair, “SUCH a MySTeRy.”
🤦🏽♀️🙄🥴
This FMC is TSTL.
I don’t even know what the demon sees in her. Why he even likes her. I liked him I thought he was protective and sensual and caring and loyal all good things, but it was wasted on her.
Last gripe— I hate it when authors have the character forget everything that happened to them the night before and then suddenly remember everything in a rush. That’s not a thing.
DNF
August 20, 2022
2.5, round up
Soooo, this was readable and had an interesting idea but honestly wasn't very well executed. The beginning is hella repetitive. Like the author couldn't figure out how to show us things so they just kept telling us. The heroine ran around and did things. However, it never felt anything but random, because the author didn't really take the time to anchor the plot. The entirety of the relationship building was skipped in a full year jump in time. (And come on, learning to live with a demon INSIDE YOU should have been pivotal to the story!) So, I held absolutely no investment in it. There wasn't any world-building to speak of. So, I didn't really know what the limits of possibilities were, etc. All in all, I was initially interested but not impressed enough to bother continuing the series.
Soooo, this was readable and had an interesting idea but honestly wasn't very well executed. The beginning is hella repetitive. Like the author couldn't figure out how to show us things so they just kept telling us. The heroine ran around and did things. However, it never felt anything but random, because the author didn't really take the time to anchor the plot. The entirety of the relationship building was skipped in a full year jump in time. (And come on, learning to live with a demon INSIDE YOU should have been pivotal to the story!) So, I held absolutely no investment in it. There wasn't any world-building to speak of. So, I didn't really know what the limits of possibilities were, etc. All in all, I was initially interested but not impressed enough to bother continuing the series.
April 29, 2022
Aisling has been held captive for the past 10 years of her life by a vampire community she has been fed on as well as other unmentionable torment's. She manages to escape with the help from Mrak who is living inside her helping bring and end to the vampire trafficking.
This story has been well written. I did find myself getting frustrated with the secrets being kept by Mrak against Aisling she's help him as much as he's helped her, so why keep secrets!
The description of the battles are very colourful and very heated as are the intimate scenes. I found myself getting quite angry at Mrak in some points with the secrets that were being kept but after his explanations, I could understand it, Didn't like it but understood it. It almost seemed at times that it was an abusive relationship and that there were control issues and lots of manipulation and again found myself frustrated of Aisling being made to do things she had specifically asked not to be done.
I'm intrigued on what is going to happen next with the way the story fades out but cannot wait to find where the journey takes the couple. Its a series i will be following to the end.
A Fantastic read with lots of action
This story has been well written. I did find myself getting frustrated with the secrets being kept by Mrak against Aisling she's help him as much as he's helped her, so why keep secrets!
The description of the battles are very colourful and very heated as are the intimate scenes. I found myself getting quite angry at Mrak in some points with the secrets that were being kept but after his explanations, I could understand it, Didn't like it but understood it. It almost seemed at times that it was an abusive relationship and that there were control issues and lots of manipulation and again found myself frustrated of Aisling being made to do things she had specifically asked not to be done.
I'm intrigued on what is going to happen next with the way the story fades out but cannot wait to find where the journey takes the couple. Its a series i will be following to the end.
A Fantastic read with lots of action
May 19, 2022
I’m just not sure how I feel about this book. I kinda wish I hadn’t wasted my time on it. There’s so much happening but really no definition to these happenings or actual build up to the happenings, they just suddenly happen all within a very short time span & really don’t make sense. I felt like I was watching tv but thru a veil or sheer curtain or something, not getting the clear picture. I mean there’s sort of a world building background, but then things just go sideways. I think it really hurt the story to start with a prologue of her being vampires’ feeder in that nest, then to escape with the help of some sort of “monster”. Only to start the first chapter a year later with an established “relationship” with the monster. That time jump skipped the relationship building part of the story, making me not get any “love connection”, let alone any building of trust between them or begin to know the characters. I’m definitely not interested in continuing since I didn’t connect with the characters at all. I actually thought of quitting this book several times but struggled on.
November 21, 2024
So many frustrated questions. Why is it titled monster, when he is a demonic creature who admittedly is from hell? Didn't even know where she was located (new york) until roughly halfway through. Until that point it was just a random city. Also if the ward againt her demon is so rare how come it became so conveniently common that he has to disappear and she's once again in danger that he promised to keep her from? And he lied or went past her boundaries so many times yet she gave in every time. Girl. As frustrated as it made me I might continue the series. It still kept my interest. Idk if this helped any haha. It was a roller coaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2022
This was a nice start for a new dark paranormal romance duology! There's a lot of different creatures vampires, witches, demons & more! The chemistry between Aisling & Mrak is nice. But with Mrak not having a corporal body yet & having so many secrets it will be interesting to see what happens with their relationship & what happens when the secrets are revealed. It was a fast read, entertaining & interesting! I'm definitely going to be watching out for the next book!
April 25, 2022
A new series for me
I devoured Annette Marie's Guild Codex series book by book, and then grumbled while I waited for the next installment. I can tell that this will most likely be a similar situation. Like GC, I grew attached to the characters in this book, and I am eager to see what happens to Aisling and Mrak in the next volume.
I devoured Annette Marie's Guild Codex series book by book, and then grumbled while I waited for the next installment. I can tell that this will most likely be a similar situation. Like GC, I grew attached to the characters in this book, and I am eager to see what happens to Aisling and Mrak in the next volume.
May 2, 2025
I really liked the idea and plot of this story but it was intercity repetitive and dragged out. Invisible person spice is one of my faves but the spice felt pretty random and it didn’t feel like there was much connection between the main characters bc the year time jump. I just think this could’ve been a lot better than it was. I did love the fmc descent into being a villain tho
Read
April 25, 2022MONSTER INSIDE is now live! I'm so excited to share this fun, sizzling hot monster romance with readers. I hope you enjoy it! :)
Read on Amazon & for free with Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3Lh5F06!
- River Starr
Read on Amazon & for free with Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/3Lh5F06!
- River Starr
April 27, 2022
Darkness and Fire
This book… is still processing. I’d won it in a Goodreads giveaway and it starts off with a punch. Then there is page after page of summarizing what just occurred, and I almost stopped, but I’m glad I didn’t. Once the author finds the story, it doesn’t let up until the end.
This book… is still processing. I’d won it in a Goodreads giveaway and it starts off with a punch. Then there is page after page of summarizing what just occurred, and I almost stopped, but I’m glad I didn’t. Once the author finds the story, it doesn’t let up until the end.
May 2, 2022
Fiery
Slow start but it hooked me! I enjoyed the dynamic between aisling and mrak. The grille thing was anything but conventional which made it so much better. I am excited she became so strong and finally fought back for herself and all others like her! Can’t wait for book 2!
Slow start but it hooked me! I enjoyed the dynamic between aisling and mrak. The grille thing was anything but conventional which made it so much better. I am excited she became so strong and finally fought back for herself and all others like her! Can’t wait for book 2!
May 15, 2022
Wow
I received this as a #goodreads giveaway.
The story between Aisling and Mrak was different, but enchanting. I was kept in suspense on how it was going to turn out.
I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
I received this as a #goodreads giveaway.
The story between Aisling and Mrak was different, but enchanting. I was kept in suspense on how it was going to turn out.
I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
October 26, 2022
Ymonster
Awesome book slow burn The book ends but not in a c!if hanger . Kept me on the edge of my seat reading g as fast as I can to find out what was happening I look forward to the next book in the series.
Awesome book slow burn The book ends but not in a c!if hanger . Kept me on the edge of my seat reading g as fast as I can to find out what was happening I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 12, 2023
This was recommended in a monster smut group and I feel like whoever posted it needs their monster smut card revoked. This was all over the place and the writing was cringe. I'm annoyed I wasted any of my limited and precious reading time on it.
Read
June 8, 2022DNF 24%
June 14, 2022
I need more
Greats story line, can’t wait for book two.
I would love more spice but overall loving it.
Can’t wait for book 2
Greats story line, can’t wait for book two.
I would love more spice but overall loving it.
Can’t wait for book 2
August 26, 2022
2.25⭐️
January 28, 2025
Kinda wordy but it was alright. Excited to read about Kithonia though.
March 14, 2025
Immediately starting book 2
August 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ not sure what I read but I’m excited to read the next one
September 26, 2025
Interesting
This book was quite interesting. Aisling and Mrak are in a pact together after she escapes from Lazarus' compound of vampires. She didn't know what to expect. When people from her past show up. She must fight and be strong in order to survive what's coming.
This book was quite interesting. Aisling and Mrak are in a pact together after she escapes from Lazarus' compound of vampires. She didn't know what to expect. When people from her past show up. She must fight and be strong in order to survive what's coming.
April 29, 2022
Ten years ago Aisling was sold to vampires as their blood slave. Aisling has spent most of her time there thinking about and trying to come up with a plan to escape. She knew her days as a blood slave were numbered just as many before her. She knew when her time was up or she made that fatal mistake she would be taken out or made a vampire.
Aisling wanted no part of either. Before she knew it that awful day was upon her. Aisling escaped by using a spell from a book she found. She made a pact with a monster. The monster agreed to help Aisling escape the vampires. But there was one little catch. Aisling must agree to allow the monster to take up residence in her body. Aisling didn’t like this agreement but without any other choice, she accepts his deal.
Aisling could feel and talk to the monster inside. Aisling came to like all the attention that her monster, Mrak gave her. But Aisling knew that her little monster was hiding something from her as she could sense something was off about him she had no idea what it was at the moment but she would find out somehow.
I do believe that the Monster Inside was a little different than any other paranormal romance book that I have read. I love that it had many different paranormal creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, and demons.
Every time Aisling used her magic I could just see it all. I could see Aisling standing there as if she was holding out her hands and the magic just pouring out of them and then slamming into her victim. It was surreal and magical all at the same time. Once I picked up Monster Inside it was as if I was instantly transported to dreamland. I was lost in this dreamland until I read the last page.
I would like to recommend Monster Inside to all paranormal romance fans! Grab your copy of Monster Inside and be transported to your own dreamland today!
Aisling wanted no part of either. Before she knew it that awful day was upon her. Aisling escaped by using a spell from a book she found. She made a pact with a monster. The monster agreed to help Aisling escape the vampires. But there was one little catch. Aisling must agree to allow the monster to take up residence in her body. Aisling didn’t like this agreement but without any other choice, she accepts his deal.
Aisling could feel and talk to the monster inside. Aisling came to like all the attention that her monster, Mrak gave her. But Aisling knew that her little monster was hiding something from her as she could sense something was off about him she had no idea what it was at the moment but she would find out somehow.
I do believe that the Monster Inside was a little different than any other paranormal romance book that I have read. I love that it had many different paranormal creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, and demons.
Every time Aisling used her magic I could just see it all. I could see Aisling standing there as if she was holding out her hands and the magic just pouring out of them and then slamming into her victim. It was surreal and magical all at the same time. Once I picked up Monster Inside it was as if I was instantly transported to dreamland. I was lost in this dreamland until I read the last page.
I would like to recommend Monster Inside to all paranormal romance fans! Grab your copy of Monster Inside and be transported to your own dreamland today!
August 12, 2023
Won this in goodreads giveaway
So, I personally was excited to the start the book, the summary was great the picture did drag me in, but I was not into it from beginning to end.
I like how it was going in the beginning but then lost me when they had that one-year skip. It doesn't show how they progressed into familiarity with each other, like HE IS LIVING WITHIN HER and yet shows no progress. There was no evidence to show how they truly feel or how they lived with the fact they were stuck together.
Overall, the idea of the book is good the plot is good, I enjoy the supernatural worlds and the author came up with a brilliant world to escape to. The way the author River Starr described the intense fight scenes were very insightful. The author did leave a cliffhanger at the end of the story wanting me to know more about the relationship of aisling and mrak.
So, I personally was excited to the start the book, the summary was great the picture did drag me in, but I was not into it from beginning to end.
I like how it was going in the beginning but then lost me when they had that one-year skip. It doesn't show how they progressed into familiarity with each other, like HE IS LIVING WITHIN HER and yet shows no progress. There was no evidence to show how they truly feel or how they lived with the fact they were stuck together.
Overall, the idea of the book is good the plot is good, I enjoy the supernatural worlds and the author came up with a brilliant world to escape to. The way the author River Starr described the intense fight scenes were very insightful. The author did leave a cliffhanger at the end of the story wanting me to know more about the relationship of aisling and mrak.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews