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Dangerous Monsters #1

The Lupercalia

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Lucy has never been more alone in the world. Even after the ravening, she had at least had Robert. Settling in Galventry was supposed to be the start of a new life for them. No one had told her that her new life would one alone while Robert ditched her just days before the town’s Love Fest to hook up with the daughter of one of the preeminent families and at very least a decade younger. Broken hearted and largely rejected by the townspeople, destiny has left Lucy abandoned and alone, and in one rebellious act, at the mercy of a fearsome creature who, despite his monstrous appearance, tempts her like no other.

Destined to mate year after year during the full moon of the Lupercalia without hope of a family or love until he finds the female he can mate-tie, Gral has ventured into the human world for his hunt once more. With his lash he will prepare her and with his strength he prays to make one female his forever. He is a monster, one of the terrifying creatures that have begun to overrun the world since the Ravening, and yet he will teach his would-be mate the temptation and the pleasure of surrender to be had from the one being who just may be far less monstrous than he seems.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2022

257 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Sanders

86 books1,007 followers
S.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.

She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...

And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com

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5 stars
486 (40%)
4 stars
332 (27%)
3 stars
265 (22%)
2 stars
78 (6%)
1 star
27 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay.
219 reviews277 followers
March 16, 2023
Monster romance… smut

Just to be clear this isn’t a shifter romance but a romance between a human woman and a Harry Potter movie-esque werewolf (I would insert a photo if I knew how but look at the cover and know there isn’t a sexy human body to transform into) . The Lupi are equated to our folklore’s werewolf repeatedly by the heroine but it is made clear that those comparisons aren’t accurate.

Characters - Lucy is a recently dumped for a younger model late 30s maybe in her 40s women, trying to make her way in an apocalyptic earth. She was virtually dependent on her tool of an ex Robert and is functionally an outcast in their new town (okay, settlement).
Gral is the wolf man… a Lupi. In his culture, the Lupi head over into the human world once a year to procur a mate by having sex with humans and hoping for the mate bond. One thing that bothered me was the lack of clear consent in the cultural practice. This was similar to the unicorns in Sanders’s - The Unicorn’s Mare. So the male doesn’t follow the traditional route of mating (ie kidnapping) but it is clearly an ingrained part of the culture that her kids would likely follow. So I just want there to be a line about changing traditions or something, I don’t need much but I do want it addressed.

Let’s talk about a setting which is an apocalyptic earth where other worlds that are home to “monsters” are connected to earth via portally breaks in the dimension? To be honest, I had too many questions about the setting to become fully immersed in the story. This book tries to act as if there is more to the plot than smut but then only delievers on the smut. To be honest, I think S.J. Sanders non alien series aren’t for me at this point (I guess I can handle straight smut with my alien erotica but am more chosy with FanRo). So read the synopsis and look at that cover (I’m not a fan of the cover) and decide if you wanna try it.

2.75 stars
which I rounded to 3.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,517 reviews488 followers
April 22, 2022
2-3 Stars
I’m not even sure how to rate this. It’s quite short, is fairly entertaining, but there really isn’t a plot. There’s not a ton of worldbuilding; it almost has an anthology feel. The setting is a futuristic/apocalyptic Earth where the “monster worlds” have bridged and infiltrated Earth. Lucy has recently been dumped by Robert after arriving in a settlement with younger females. (He’s younger and she’s pushing 40) Gral is a Lupi which is a lycan-ish species that only has the animal side. (no shifting) They basically go out once a year to hookup and hope for a mate-bond that they have no control over.

The book opens with Gral scenting Lucy and crossing into her world to pursue her. There’re no obstacles, Lucy is DFW and leaves immediately with him. They don’t really interact with anyone else, so we pretty much just follow them around. There’s an extended “process” to the mating, so it takes a bit to get to the smut.

Bottom Line- It’s not great, not terrible… it just is. There’re no conflicts, action or drama… and little smut. The writing is solid, it just needed more of a plot.
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
July 21, 2022
While grieving a broken heart in the apocalypse, Lucy comes face to face with a monster. Little does she know, Gral, a monster from another realm, is actually her HEA. While a bit hesitant at first, Lucy is bold and ballsy as she goes off with him minutes after meeting him. The connection is immediate between them and Gral is more than ready to finally have a mate of his own and makes it his mission to please her in every way. I enjoyed the chemistry between them. While the story is short and the details are minimal, the setting, character background and plot are given just enough time to set the stage and lay the groundwork. I really enjoyed this and wouldn’t mind reading more about Gral and his Lupercalia race.
610 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2022
As always, Ms Sanders creates a fascinating world and a love story that's a bit dark but feels oh so good.
Profile Image for V.P. Nightshade.
Author 17 books56 followers
February 13, 2023
Original

This was a really original re-imagining of the werewolf legend. I enjoyed it very much! Gral and Lucy were a cute couple. Can a frightening werewolf creature be a sweet cinnamon roll? Yes, yes, they can. I almost didn't get this book because I really wasn't impressed by the cover. I thought it looked kind of cheesy. The story is excellent though and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for •Mrs Pizza•.
501 reviews140 followers
April 17, 2022
I was feeling a slump coming on…so I decided short and smutty might help. And I definitely got that. Short, sexy wolf man-ish that is not a shifter. He’s just a wolf man. This was fine. I’m still feeling a slump on the horizon so this wasn’t the cure.
Profile Image for JML.
1,297 reviews24 followers
March 14, 2022
Love this author and I love me some monsters💖💖🔥🔥

This was absolutely awesome I can't begin to tell you how much I love this author and enjoy everything she writes but I do believe I'm in love with her monsters best. Earth has gone through a change lost it s the technology we've become dependant on and we are thrust into a world thats almost medieval. The veils between earth and other realms is thin and easily passed through. Lucy is coming her best to survive she's landed in a little village that is not welcoming and the man she thought cared for her left her for another. Gral is Lupi and he is searching for a mate he's is heading into the human world to see if he can find the one that is made for his would and his soul alone. When he sees Lucy he knows and he will do all he can to show her that he is a worthy make that will not only provide for her but will love her all the days of her life. This story is fantastic, the characters are compelling the world building terrific and the chemistry and passion between them is so hot,sexy and perfect. Please please continue her to write more stories set in this delicious monsterverse. I will read each and everyone with pleasure.highly recommend!💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖
Profile Image for Olivia.
404 reviews
May 13, 2022
The cover seriously almost turned me off this book, but I feel isn’t reflective of what happens in the book. Overall an interesting read. I liked this was an older h but I feel like we kind of gloss over what happened in the world that led to where she is now. Like the background is in very general terms. But I appreciate that there was some emotions involved where the protective instincts show up, though it was a bit strange imagining what Gral looks like. The shifting was nice because he made sure he was there to help her through it all. I think my favorite part was the fact the guy selling wool knew it was her. It was a good epilogue.
Profile Image for Lizzypants.
208 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2022
Not what I expected, but enjoyed it

I have a bit of trouble reconciling the “animal-ish” character and a human character being intimate, but this worked. It was romantic and loving. I enjoyed their relationship. Super quick read, better than I initially judged it (I know we’re not supposed to do that lol).
Profile Image for Charde Jackson.
557 reviews20 followers
March 10, 2022
Loved it!!

Lupine male meets human woman and wants to mate right before a holiday. Loved this story, the sweetness of Gral, that epilogue hinting of things to come, and of course the 🔥 smexy times!!!
Profile Image for 78sunny.
2,335 reviews41 followers
August 26, 2022
Da mein KindleUnlimited Abo ausläuft, wollte ich noch schnell ein paar kürzere Ebooks lesen. Dieses hier hatte wirklich sehr viele gute Bewertungen auf Amazon und so war ich mir sicher, dass sich die 110 Seiten lohnen werden. Das Gegenteil war der Fall. Ich verstehe ehrlich gesagt überhaupt nicht, warum das Buch so gute Bewertungen hat.
Ich fand es vor allem langweilig und langatmig für die 110 Seiten. Es gab keine Nebenhandlung, nur das Kennenlernen der beiden Charaktere in einer Dystopischen Welt, von der man kaum etwas erfährt. Sie ist ein Mensch und er ist eine Art Wolfsmensch. Alles dreht sich nur um die beiden, bis sie dann endlich im Bett ähm auf einer Wiese landen und gut ist. Die Beziehung erschließt sich mir gar nicht. Wieso die gute Frau so schnell einfach mal entschied, dass sie nun mit einem Wolfsmenschen zusammen sein und intim sein wollte, wurde für mich in keinster Weise plausibel erklärt.
Die Dialoge waren ganz merkwürdig und ungelenk. Eigentlich sind selbst die 2 Sterne noch zu hoch, aber ich rechne es der Autorin an, dass sie versucht hat Atmosphäre zu schaffen, auch wenn die bei mir nicht ankam.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall von nun an einen Bogen um diese Autorin machen. Das war wirklich nichts für mich.

Story 2,0/5
Emotionen 1,6/5
Charaktere 2,0/5
Schreibstil 2,0/5
Lesegefühl 1,6/5
Unterhaltung 1,6/5
Gesamt 2,0/5
Profile Image for SL Thomson .
395 reviews10 followers
February 14, 2023
You go Gral!

The personality of Gral along with the steam really drew me into this story. So glad Lucy got the male she needed. Loved this story. A little shiesty that he was not completely upfront about her turning but I think she would have still chosen him if she had truly known beforehand. Reviewed by Who She Reads
Profile Image for Cas ✨.
802 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2022
This was shockingly sweet. I was anticipating this like… erotic horror story, especially based off the cover image. But it was delightfully sweet and the MC was painfully cute. I *freakin love* the whole “I don’t understand humans” trope, especially in romance contexts. It was played upon perfectly in this story.

I also really enjoyed the way he takes care of the FMC without asking/being needed to be asked, because she clearly needed that from him after her jerk ex. It wasn’t condescending (like she couldn’t do it herself), it was genuinely sweet and he reinforced it with words (how it was an honor and pleasure to see to her needs, etc).

It was still very much a steamy story, the spice level was a good medium-hot? In addition to the usual gambit involving bits and tongues, there is consensual fl0gging (idk if that needs to be censored or not lol), kn0tting, and of course, monster♥️ing — Lupi are basically bipedal werewolves and the MC does not shift or change from his Lupi form.

Oh, and bonus points for the FMC being 40! I love to see something other than early 20 somethings that literally everyone writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Claudia.
618 reviews
April 24, 2022
Welllll, what was that about to not follow strangers anywhere???? In a world like that, in her position... to do that. Oh my... that's what psychopaths or serial killers are made of.
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The blurbs of the current S.J. Sanders books are soooo long. I wish the author would change that. 😔
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This story had a couple of typos that need editing.
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What I always find fascinating in novels of this genre is the way these women describe the men they know for 5 minutes, have spoken to in 2 sentences and give them a character I wouldn't be able to if I'd known that guy for 5 years. It's so hilarious.
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The whole part where she wants to retrieve her things is so stupid. To cling to that though going back is so dangerous. Where are her priorities?
.
The epilogue was the best.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,080 reviews29 followers
March 10, 2022
Lupercalia - interesting subject, highly entertaining!
Gral, a Lupi, made his way to the human world, wanting to find a mate. Lucy is the lucky woman he sets his heart on. I love the way he charms his way into her good graces, convincing her to cross into the woods, beyond the safety of the city walls. Their journey holds many wonders, as the courtship continues. Great reading, wherein two very different beings find lasting love.
2,110 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2022
Wonderful Start

This was a wonderful kick off to start a new series. I loved Gral and how the author didn't make him into the usual shifter/werewolf. I just wish that Lucy was a bit stronger when it came to how she was treated by Robert and Danielle, but I understood why she wasnt. And I found the epilogue a great read too....makes me wonder about the farmer and his family and what he does know about the so-called monsters.
333 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2022
Amazing!

I jumped for joy when I saw Sanders had another story available! I immediately downloaded it and read it in less than a day! Lucy & Gral are perfect for one another. Gral is so attentive and kind towards Lucy, something she hasn’t experienced in a long time. I enjoyed reading how their relationship bloomed and Lucy’s change was unexpected as well. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Cecilia Moritz.
33 reviews
March 20, 2022
Loved it!

S.J. Sanders’ works are a great way to lose myself and relax. This book was perfect and I loved Lucy and Gral’s story. The world building was just enough to make the storyline enjoyable and the characters well developed without needing a lot of back story. Ms Sanders does not disappoint!
Profile Image for Kristina.
812 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2022
Loved it!

Loved this little story! Don't let someones appearance dictate how you treat them. I liked that Lucy doesn't scream or anything of that nature. It is sweet how Gral wants to take care of her. And of course there are some very steamy scenes. Looking forward to the next one.
327 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2022
did it again

I really like this series of what happen to world if mythical creatures came through rip in time. Every book is a stand alone, but contains a romance story full of mystery, action, laughter and romance. This evolved Lucy and her Lupi suitor Gral, their courtship to romance, it’s hot and steamy. Looking forward to her next book
Profile Image for Kirstie Sadlocha.
891 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2022
A unique version of werewolf but on a more beefed up scale

This was a unique version of a beefed up werewolf looking for his mate and to start a life with hopefully a mate to call his forever. What he finds is a woman mistreated and lonely and just about given up on her mundane life until she meets a monster who touches her spirit like no other!
Profile Image for EvaLovesRomance.
472 reviews
June 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!

This story just sucks you in and you don't even see it coming. It's romantic and erotic and you feel happy for Lucy. Gral is exactly what she needed in this new world that has monsters and different beings, which also comes with hunger for many humans. He sees her first and it's love at first sight for him.
Read this story and enjoy it like I did!!
Profile Image for Heather.
213 reviews
September 8, 2022
Spicy and Sweet

I grabbed this to read as a quick palate cleanser and I am so glad that I did! I really enjoyed this book, it was sweet and smutty, just how I like them. I will say that I have read many S.J. Sanders books and I always enjoy her writing, even the spiciest parts of the book are well written and have some beautiful imagery sprinkled in.
8 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2022
Loved it!

As always, SJ has delivered another book that I couldn't put down until I finished it. Her writing really brings the world and characters to life in your head and this book is no exception. Highly recommend. Especially if you like werewolf type love stories
417 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2022
Great

Another fantastic read by one of my favourite authors. I love the characters Gral and Lucy. I am glad they got their HEA I can't wait for the next book or novella that comes out for this series or by this author.
Profile Image for Kourtney McClain.
71 reviews
March 11, 2022
I Loved It!

I loved this story so much! S.J. always gives me what I need to read and this was it! I read it way too fast but I loved every second of it. The two main characters were wonderful and I wouldn’t mind another story featuring the Lupercalia.
Profile Image for Alexia Kumi.
124 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2022
I loved it😍😍😍❤️❤️🔥🔥.I didn’t even know Lucy’s real age 😳😳😳, I feel Robert was using her😠😠😠💔💔. But I’m glad Gral made her feel young again 😍😍😍😍😍, they deserve each other ❤️❤️❤️and I’m glad Gral scared Daniella and Robert senseless 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁. I actually enjoyed it even though it wasn’t plenty pages
862 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2022
Beautiful PNR

Lily & Gral were such a lovely couple. Seeing the "monster" fall in love with his mate was beautiful. Gral was sweet and protective for his mate but fierce to everyone else. Watching their story evolve was wonderful. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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