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Monsterly Yours #5
The Unicorn's Mare: A Monsterly Yours Romance
Steph Bennet has a 5 year plan to get ahead despite the new challenges that have come with the fae crossing into the human world. Regardless, she is focused on her goals, and that doesn’t include a shape-shifting unicorn who insists that she is his mate and the only key to his survival and getting his waning powers returned to him.
This can be negotiated...right?
Not wanting to be anyone's mate but also not wanting to be responsible for the death of a unicorn, she will pose as his mate and go with him across fae territory to the Heart of Wells in the golden grotto. Once his powers are restored and the magic binding them severed then it’s contract fulfilled and she can get back on track. No problem. Now if only she can just get rid of the ragtag band of fairies out for a nibble on blood infused with unicorn magic and make it there in one piece. She is prepared for anything except falling in love.
Eliph, like most unicorns, has waited centuries to find his mare, his perfect mate. He will allow her to think that there is escape but she will soon find out that fae matings, especially among unicorns, are forever.
Please be aware that this preorder date is subject to bumped up to a sooner date if the book gets finished on time.
This can be negotiated...right?
Not wanting to be anyone's mate but also not wanting to be responsible for the death of a unicorn, she will pose as his mate and go with him across fae territory to the Heart of Wells in the golden grotto. Once his powers are restored and the magic binding them severed then it’s contract fulfilled and she can get back on track. No problem. Now if only she can just get rid of the ragtag band of fairies out for a nibble on blood infused with unicorn magic and make it there in one piece. She is prepared for anything except falling in love.
Eliph, like most unicorns, has waited centuries to find his mare, his perfect mate. He will allow her to think that there is escape but she will soon find out that fae matings, especially among unicorns, are forever.
Please be aware that this preorder date is subject to bumped up to a sooner date if the book gets finished on time.
286 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2021
368 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sanders
86 books1,009 followersS.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
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 12, 2022
Final Review (1/30/22): This is a very light read with very flowery writing that worked for me but I could see why some readers got bogged down and DNFed. I think I read this because I wanted to finish the series not out of great enjoyment so it probably deserves a 2 star but I’ll leave it at 2.75 stars because honestly shape-shifting unicorns is honestly my kryptonite in fantasy romance. The earlier books had interested me in this world and apparently I absolutely loved The Pixie's Queen (I can’t really remember much about it but I’m not gonna change my 5 stars because I must have meant it at the time? I read it in 2020 so that speaks for itself.)
Let’s talk about characters because I can write off a weakass plot if I like the characters.
Grimsal the Goblin. He’s kinda like Donkey in Shrek but atleast Donkey gave us wonderful music numbers and freaking adorable Donkey-Dragon hybrids. Grimsal is following the couple around for no? reason and he’s kinda creepy. I never trusted him even though he
Eliph the unicorn. He is quite romantic and cares deeply for his mate. He shirks “traditional” unicorn customs of luring and functionally drugging their mates to get them to the unicorn wells. This book did address an important concept of consent which is nice because often in Monster romances, it feels as if the woman has no initial control over their relationships. They often move at lightning speeds. At great personal risk , he chose to take Steph home the long way as she wished. On the way there are some fights and adventures. Including a debacle, that reminds that consent is not just an issue for which women need to be protected but men too.
Steph the human mate. She has been burned before. Nothing seems to work out for her but she’s learned her lesson. That girl has a 5 year plan and it does not include a magical unicorn. Honestly as far as heroines go she was okay. She wanted to take her relationship slow and Eliph respected that. I did enjoy when her righteous indignation got ignited either at the Naga or Eliph himself when .
I’ll definitely continue the series but this is not the strongest unicorn 🦄 romance that I have read.
Do you guys know any solid unicorn romances? (And I mean literal unicorns, probably shifter romances. Not the “once in a blue moon” type guy. The “unicorn”.)
Let’s talk about characters because I can write off a weakass plot if I like the characters.
Grimsal the Goblin. He’s kinda like Donkey in Shrek but atleast Donkey gave us wonderful music numbers and freaking adorable Donkey-Dragon hybrids. Grimsal is following the couple around for no? reason and he’s kinda creepy. I never trusted him even though he
Eliph the unicorn. He is quite romantic and cares deeply for his mate. He shirks “traditional” unicorn customs of luring and functionally drugging their mates to get them to the unicorn wells. This book did address an important concept of consent which is nice because often in Monster romances, it feels as if the woman has no initial control over their relationships. They often move at lightning speeds. At great personal risk , he chose to take Steph home the long way as she wished. On the way there are some fights and adventures. Including a debacle, that reminds that consent is not just an issue for which women need to be protected but men too.
Steph the human mate. She has been burned before. Nothing seems to work out for her but she’s learned her lesson. That girl has a 5 year plan and it does not include a magical unicorn. Honestly as far as heroines go she was okay. She wanted to take her relationship slow and Eliph respected that. I did enjoy when her righteous indignation got ignited either at the Naga or Eliph himself when .
I’ll definitely continue the series but this is not the strongest unicorn 🦄 romance that I have read.
Do you guys know any solid unicorn romances? (And I mean literal unicorns, probably shifter romances. Not the “once in a blue moon” type guy. The “unicorn”.)
April 17, 2021
I mean, the cover is just everything.
Representing us full-figured, curly haired black folks.
Smexy times on the low scale. Interesting story but non-original.
Representing us full-figured, curly haired black folks.
Smexy times on the low scale. Interesting story but non-original.
Read
July 19, 2021DNF @41%
I was honestly super bored and did not understand why this guy was following the couple around. I just didn't feel like I needed to continue reading this.
I was honestly super bored and did not understand why this guy was following the couple around. I just didn't feel like I needed to continue reading this.
August 14, 2024
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this particular installment. I liked the set up and the meet cute. Eliph was adorably clueless at the beginning and I enjoyed the culture clash. However, his naivety was a little over done in regards to general world wisdom, specifically his world. For a being hundreds of years old, and one that obviously did spend time traveling, it was a bit much. Steph was interesting and understandably hesitant to trust some random fae guy who proclaimed that he was her mate. She had a learning curve as well, but that’s just kinda par for the course for a human in a magic world. She struck me as a bit obtuse at times, which could be obnoxious. It was cute enough.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: violence, gore, murder, kidnapping and captivity (not perpetrated by MCs), blood drinking, threatened cannibalism, threat of SA, drugging, mind control, suffocation, stalking behaviors
I have mixed feelings about this particular installment. I liked the set up and the meet cute. Eliph was adorably clueless at the beginning and I enjoyed the culture clash. However, his naivety was a little over done in regards to general world wisdom, specifically his world. For a being hundreds of years old, and one that obviously did spend time traveling, it was a bit much. Steph was interesting and understandably hesitant to trust some random fae guy who proclaimed that he was her mate. She had a learning curve as well, but that’s just kinda par for the course for a human in a magic world. She struck me as a bit obtuse at times, which could be obnoxious. It was cute enough.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: violence, gore, murder, kidnapping and captivity (not perpetrated by MCs), blood drinking, threatened cannibalism, threat of SA, drugging, mind control, suffocation, stalking behaviors
Read
July 28, 2021DNF @ 33%
Ugh, so wordy and going on and on for a romance with a unicorn - come on. Put me in a reading slump.
Ugh, so wordy and going on and on for a romance with a unicorn - come on. Put me in a reading slump.
July 22, 2025
Me parece una falta de respeto darle una estrella a este libro, pero no lo puedo dar menos.
Perdí tiempo de vida ;-;
Perdí tiempo de vida ;-;
September 15, 2021
3.5⭐️
This was a pretty fun and light read, I just wasn't expecting the actual romance aspect of the romance novel to take a back seat at times.
The chemistry between love interests varies depending on the chapter and perspective we're on so it was a little difficult to be all in on their dynamic but the world-building and quest aspect was so interesting. The couple also has some very cute and sweet moments exploring their cultural differences, which I really enjoyed seeing.
They address and rework unicorn lore from the jump in some light and comedic conversations which helped offsite the usual boring info-dumping approach.
The ending was very lovely and emotionally charged and bumped the rating up immensely.
CW: violence + assault, attempted murder, threat of rape, explicit sexual content (brief), manipulation
This was a pretty fun and light read, I just wasn't expecting the actual romance aspect of the romance novel to take a back seat at times.
The chemistry between love interests varies depending on the chapter and perspective we're on so it was a little difficult to be all in on their dynamic but the world-building and quest aspect was so interesting. The couple also has some very cute and sweet moments exploring their cultural differences, which I really enjoyed seeing.
They address and rework unicorn lore from the jump in some light and comedic conversations which helped offsite the usual boring info-dumping approach.
The ending was very lovely and emotionally charged and bumped the rating up immensely.
CW: violence + assault, attempted murder, threat of rape, explicit sexual content (brief), manipulation
July 10, 2023
Highlights:
I've never seen a unicorn in a monster romance before so this really called to me. The world-building with the different creatures and magic was the best part. Eliph was also an amazingly sweet and understanding male lead and I liked him a lot.
Lowlights:
I both liked and disliked the unicorn lore. Fated mates is okay for me but the other option being death is what I don't like. Steph's personality left much to be desired. She was very stubborn and brash and a bit unlikable. I also found the plot itself to be very slow.
Horn Level: 3/5
I've never seen a unicorn in a monster romance before so this really called to me. The world-building with the different creatures and magic was the best part. Eliph was also an amazingly sweet and understanding male lead and I liked him a lot.
Lowlights:
I both liked and disliked the unicorn lore. Fated mates is okay for me but the other option being death is what I don't like. Steph's personality left much to be desired. She was very stubborn and brash and a bit unlikable. I also found the plot itself to be very slow.
Horn Level: 3/5
July 6, 2025
Why do i keep doing this to myself
April 9, 2021
This author has a way with words! I have loved almost all of her books so far and this was no exception. Despite it being an insta-mate theme the romance was very slow burn- a tad too much so for my impatient self- but it was worth the wait. I'm not going to lie, I teared up and was sobbing - a true sign of an excellent romance is that you really do wonder if they'll get their HEA- you feel it deeply and desperately and worry. The author had me worried! This couple had to work for it.
Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2021
3 stars…
Please read. This is not a smutty monster book. Honestly it’s not even very romantic. It’s very much about the world and the adventure. There is practically no conflict within the relationship after the first 20% and the only conflict is her trust issues.
I was honestly hoping for a bit more but it wasn’t poorly written or anything. I wanted them to bone so hard in the lake. :(
1/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Meh
Please read. This is not a smutty monster book. Honestly it’s not even very romantic. It’s very much about the world and the adventure. There is practically no conflict within the relationship after the first 20% and the only conflict is her trust issues.
I was honestly hoping for a bit more but it wasn’t poorly written or anything. I wanted them to bone so hard in the lake. :(
1/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Meh
February 8, 2023
Fans of S. J. Sanders’ Monsterly Yours series (such as myself) will enjoy revisiting a previous, intriguing Unicorn side character in The Unicorn’s Mare. This story is a unicorn lover’s dream premise.
I could see the FMC going different ways for folks. There were times she let her own hurt and past experiences overpower her in ways that made me want to walk into the story and slap some good sense into her. This is a part of her story though. It is her growth so I was quick to forgive. Besides, I may have found her grating because she felt almost too familiar I will admit. Sometimes we dislike what we recognize in ourselves after all.
The aspect of this story that actually made sure this didn’t hit absolutely all the checks for me was Grimsal. He is a cool character! He is fun to read and an important balancing weight to the FMC and MMC to drive the plot forward. I just couldn’t really figure out his deal. I kept wanting everything to stop at some point and someone to ask him “just why are you here?” Just ONCE! I am wondering if I missed something because I felt like I kept waiting for that to happen. Grimsal’s absent motivation though wasn't nearly enough to stop me from enjoy the story overall.
I could see the FMC going different ways for folks. There were times she let her own hurt and past experiences overpower her in ways that made me want to walk into the story and slap some good sense into her. This is a part of her story though. It is her growth so I was quick to forgive. Besides, I may have found her grating because she felt almost too familiar I will admit. Sometimes we dislike what we recognize in ourselves after all.
The aspect of this story that actually made sure this didn’t hit absolutely all the checks for me was Grimsal. He is a cool character! He is fun to read and an important balancing weight to the FMC and MMC to drive the plot forward. I just couldn’t really figure out his deal. I kept wanting everything to stop at some point and someone to ask him “just why are you here?” Just ONCE! I am wondering if I missed something because I felt like I kept waiting for that to happen. Grimsal’s absent motivation though wasn't nearly enough to stop me from enjoy the story overall.
October 27, 2025
Desde que leí a Elif en el primer libro, supe que me encantaría. Tengo un amor especial por los unicornio, y este libro me encantó aún más.
Elif es un amor de macho, al ver que estaba dispuesto a morir por su ahandral, solo para que ella no tenga que estar obligada a estar con el, me hizo el corazón añicos. Steph es increíble, de carácter fuerte y que no se deja de nadie. La ame.
La relación es claramente un slow burn, a pesar de que la atracción fogoza estaba ahí.
El que si me atrapó y sorprendió fue el goblin verde que los ayudo en todo momento ya quiero leer su libro💖
Elif es un amor de macho, al ver que estaba dispuesto a morir por su ahandral, solo para que ella no tenga que estar obligada a estar con el, me hizo el corazón añicos. Steph es increíble, de carácter fuerte y que no se deja de nadie. La ame.
La relación es claramente un slow burn, a pesar de que la atracción fogoza estaba ahí.
El que si me atrapó y sorprendió fue el goblin verde que los ayudo en todo momento ya quiero leer su libro💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
So glad its here!
I waited so impatiently for this book! Of course SJ Sanders did not disappoint. I love that all thr monsters look like monsters and this is no easy romance. Lots of action, angst, comedy, and adventuring!! Great adddition to this series.
I waited so impatiently for this book! Of course SJ Sanders did not disappoint. I love that all thr monsters look like monsters and this is no easy romance. Lots of action, angst, comedy, and adventuring!! Great adddition to this series.
May 4, 2024
The main characters had many unnecessary dialogue. The plot barely moved along in the first three quarters.
Finally, and most damning of all, they there was no frolicking on meadows with other unicorns. boo
Finally, and most damning of all, they there was no frolicking on meadows with other unicorns. boo
October 2, 2021
2.5 stars
May 9, 2022
Not very enjoyable :(
Steph is not my favorite character. Her personality is so off-putting and her being super rude made me want to stop reading. I honestly didn't care for any of the characters :( I absolutely love the author's other books in this series and I really wanted to love this one too, but I just didn't enjoy the constant bickering amongst the characters.
Steph is not my favorite character. Her personality is so off-putting and her being super rude made me want to stop reading. I honestly didn't care for any of the characters :( I absolutely love the author's other books in this series and I really wanted to love this one too, but I just didn't enjoy the constant bickering amongst the characters.
April 5, 2021
Another fun read!
I was very happy when I stumbled across this authors backlog of books. This particular book is a continuation of the series with the Fae realms intersecting and interacting with human people. Without being overly dark it captures a sense of suspense and a true sense of wonder and a glorious sense of finding togetherness. It makes me happy to read these stories and that’s the best recommendation for any book.
I was very happy when I stumbled across this authors backlog of books. This particular book is a continuation of the series with the Fae realms intersecting and interacting with human people. Without being overly dark it captures a sense of suspense and a true sense of wonder and a glorious sense of finding togetherness. It makes me happy to read these stories and that’s the best recommendation for any book.
July 15, 2021
I think maybe this falls into the “I should’ve read this series in order” conundrum. I did enjoy it, it was fun. Super sweet scene at the end when they have their bonding moment. Definitely will continue but I’m gonna start at the beginning
Tarot Readathon Prompt: 9 of Pentacles (Book with one MC or small cast of characters)
Tarot Readathon Prompt: 9 of Pentacles (Book with one MC or small cast of characters)
March 31, 2021
Exquisite storytelling!
This is a new (for me) look at unicorns and other beings in the fae realm. I am fascinated by some of our misconceptions, aghast at the tribulations our characters face, absolutely thrilled with the outcome.
Eliph has such a romantic personality, placing the wishes of his mate above all others. Steph is angry from old losses. Watching the healing process as they travel is heartwarming. Grimsal, their companion on this incredible journey, is a source of humor, diversion tactics, and assistance without which the outcome could have been very different.
I love the story and the characters within!
This is a new (for me) look at unicorns and other beings in the fae realm. I am fascinated by some of our misconceptions, aghast at the tribulations our characters face, absolutely thrilled with the outcome.
Eliph has such a romantic personality, placing the wishes of his mate above all others. Steph is angry from old losses. Watching the healing process as they travel is heartwarming. Grimsal, their companion on this incredible journey, is a source of humor, diversion tactics, and assistance without which the outcome could have been very different.
I love the story and the characters within!
December 7, 2021
I was just bored. The love connection never really connected for me and I am still trying to find out the purpose for the goblin??? I was excited for this book but the male MC came off as very weak, not at all what I had been anticipating this character to be like. It all really fell flat and then you couple that with an extreme slow burn.... bored, very bored.
December 21, 2021
This was interminable!
Why was this so long?! I gave up so many times reading this because their adventure was mildly interesting but the story just seemed to drag on and on! To me the only interesting thing was the Goblin and we were left never knowing why he accompanied them in the first place. I did not enjoy this book!
Why was this so long?! I gave up so many times reading this because their adventure was mildly interesting but the story just seemed to drag on and on! To me the only interesting thing was the Goblin and we were left never knowing why he accompanied them in the first place. I did not enjoy this book!
January 12, 2026
The Unicorn’s Mare is the fifth novel in the Monsterly Yours series by S. J. Sanders and is a delightful romance featuring likeable characters and an adventure filled storyline.
Stephanie Bennett has a five year plan to get over the financial disaster her last boyfriend left her in. She’s solely focused on her goals despite the new challenges that have come with the fae crossing into the human world. And those goals don’t include a shapeshifting unicorn who insists she’s his mate and the key to his survival. Eliph has waited centuries to find his fated mate and now that he’s found her he will do whatever he can to keep her by his side. Even if it means telling a little white lie and letting his mate believe there is a way to get out of their mating. There isn’t; but Eliph is willing to let her think there is if it means Steph will journey with him to his unicorn grotto to help him restore his powers and “break” their connection. Eliph is hoping to use their time together to win her heart but with a goblin accompanying them and fairies on their tail, wanting to steal his mare, Eliph will need to bring out the big guys to win his lady loves heart. Steph doesn’t want to be tied to a fae—-no matter how sweet and adoring he is—-but journeying together soon makes it clear that perhaps fate does have idea what it’s soon and maybe, just maybe a unicorn really is her perfect match….
After being somewhat disappointed by the last instalment in this series—-The Pixie’s Queen—I was happy to discover that The Unicorn’s Mare proved to be a much more enjoyable novel with a really sweet romance and likeable characters. We first met Eliph in the very first Monsterly Yours instalment so it was nice to finally see the flirty unicorn feature. He ended up being much more of a sweetheart than I anticipated and I really liked how besotted he was with his mate—-it was adorable.
I do like that S. J. Sanders offers a diversity to her characters. There’s such a great range of creatures featured—-orcs, trolls, goblins, unicorns, werewolves, elves, fairies, pixies etc—-as well humans of various ages, races and stages of life. It’s nice seeing coloured leads and depth to the characters. You don’t see that often in the literacy world unfortunately. Steph and Eliph were both great characters to follow and I enjoyed bouncing back and forth between their heads in The Unicorn’s Mare. There was a lot of sweetness and humour to their story with much of the humour coming from Grimsal. He was absolutely hilarious as a goblin who decides to invite himself into Steph and Eliph’s lives and I can’t wait to read his story down the track.
Fun and flirty, The Unicorn’s Mare was a nice enjoyable monster read and leaves me keen to delve back into whatever romance/adventure S. J. Sanders has planned in this series next!
Stephanie Bennett has a five year plan to get over the financial disaster her last boyfriend left her in. She’s solely focused on her goals despite the new challenges that have come with the fae crossing into the human world. And those goals don’t include a shapeshifting unicorn who insists she’s his mate and the key to his survival. Eliph has waited centuries to find his fated mate and now that he’s found her he will do whatever he can to keep her by his side. Even if it means telling a little white lie and letting his mate believe there is a way to get out of their mating. There isn’t; but Eliph is willing to let her think there is if it means Steph will journey with him to his unicorn grotto to help him restore his powers and “break” their connection. Eliph is hoping to use their time together to win her heart but with a goblin accompanying them and fairies on their tail, wanting to steal his mare, Eliph will need to bring out the big guys to win his lady loves heart. Steph doesn’t want to be tied to a fae—-no matter how sweet and adoring he is—-but journeying together soon makes it clear that perhaps fate does have idea what it’s soon and maybe, just maybe a unicorn really is her perfect match….
After being somewhat disappointed by the last instalment in this series—-The Pixie’s Queen—I was happy to discover that The Unicorn’s Mare proved to be a much more enjoyable novel with a really sweet romance and likeable characters. We first met Eliph in the very first Monsterly Yours instalment so it was nice to finally see the flirty unicorn feature. He ended up being much more of a sweetheart than I anticipated and I really liked how besotted he was with his mate—-it was adorable.
I do like that S. J. Sanders offers a diversity to her characters. There’s such a great range of creatures featured—-orcs, trolls, goblins, unicorns, werewolves, elves, fairies, pixies etc—-as well humans of various ages, races and stages of life. It’s nice seeing coloured leads and depth to the characters. You don’t see that often in the literacy world unfortunately. Steph and Eliph were both great characters to follow and I enjoyed bouncing back and forth between their heads in The Unicorn’s Mare. There was a lot of sweetness and humour to their story with much of the humour coming from Grimsal. He was absolutely hilarious as a goblin who decides to invite himself into Steph and Eliph’s lives and I can’t wait to read his story down the track.
Fun and flirty, The Unicorn’s Mare was a nice enjoyable monster read and leaves me keen to delve back into whatever romance/adventure S. J. Sanders has planned in this series next!
Read
April 25, 2023DNF @36
Yeah... imma just DNF this. Its SO boring, and I don't need things to happen all of the time but damn at least let something happen. Steph is... alright the most I like about her is the family dynamic she has with her mom, sister, and neice. But she falls under that trap of feeling more "aggressive and hurtful" that just sassy (I think is what they were going for) I like the Goblin, he's pretty neat, sometimes you just gotta follow along to see the shit show ya know? Eliph at first was a very naive sweetheart and I adore that character, but he's kinda just there now.
Here's what grinded my gears:
I don't like the writing of discrimination and segregation against a species in a book with a BWMC written by a non black or POC author. It holds no bearing on the story (from what I've read), shit I'm pretty sure the rest of the book takes place in the fae world. So why do we need it?
Again I haven't read the others in series (and im not going to) so IDK if it was introduced in the others. But the way the book is written makes it sound like it wasn't. Like come on black women don't need a reminder about this stuff while reading a romance story about Unicorns. We read to get away, not to be reminded.
It just urks me personally (as a black woman obviously). Like I don't feel "represented" just bogged down, especially considering this is the only story in this series that DOESN'T star a WWMC, and it's the 5th book in the series... which means if I read it as a series like it was intended, I would have to read 4 other books just to feel barely represented...
Also, not saying I know anything about Unicorns, but I feel like this book should have been about a Kelpie instead. Them being water fae and kidnapping (or drowning depending on whose telling the story) humans by luring them in with their magic and making humans touch them, seems eerily similar. Which is awesome if that's where the inspo comes from but... using that lore and creating a romance out of that with a Kelpie would have been dope asf.
Yeah... imma just DNF this. Its SO boring, and I don't need things to happen all of the time but damn at least let something happen. Steph is... alright the most I like about her is the family dynamic she has with her mom, sister, and neice. But she falls under that trap of feeling more "aggressive and hurtful" that just sassy (I think is what they were going for) I like the Goblin, he's pretty neat, sometimes you just gotta follow along to see the shit show ya know? Eliph at first was a very naive sweetheart and I adore that character, but he's kinda just there now.
Here's what grinded my gears:
I don't like the writing of discrimination and segregation against a species in a book with a BWMC written by a non black or POC author. It holds no bearing on the story (from what I've read), shit I'm pretty sure the rest of the book takes place in the fae world. So why do we need it?
Again I haven't read the others in series (and im not going to) so IDK if it was introduced in the others. But the way the book is written makes it sound like it wasn't. Like come on black women don't need a reminder about this stuff while reading a romance story about Unicorns. We read to get away, not to be reminded.
It just urks me personally (as a black woman obviously). Like I don't feel "represented" just bogged down, especially considering this is the only story in this series that DOESN'T star a WWMC, and it's the 5th book in the series... which means if I read it as a series like it was intended, I would have to read 4 other books just to feel barely represented...
Also, not saying I know anything about Unicorns, but I feel like this book should have been about a Kelpie instead. Them being water fae and kidnapping (or drowning depending on whose telling the story) humans by luring them in with their magic and making humans touch them, seems eerily similar. Which is awesome if that's where the inspo comes from but... using that lore and creating a romance out of that with a Kelpie would have been dope asf.
April 7, 2023
The Unicorn’s Mare
HERO /HEROINE Steph is not stopping for love or any man who catches her eye. She’s on a mission to be successful in her career and her life. She’s been hurt before and taken advantage of.
Eliph is a unicorn! For two centuries he’s traveled and explored all over but never found his true mate. He is terribly lonely. He is romantic as fuck though.
REPRESENTATION black woman main character
OVERALL THOUGHTS Eliph is romantic as hell and I was sobbing for him on his POV’s because he was truly just trying to do right by his fated mate.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE This was so much longer than it needed to be. We had a whole chapter on getting through a portal and how nervous our main character was. They stood in the same spot and just gabbed for so long I was like wth are we doing here? JUST FUCKING GOOO.
I did not like our female main character Steph. So annoying. She made the journey miserable to read about. Complaining constantly and whining often. I can’t imagine her being a good match for Eliph. I didn’t see their connection. Eliph came off as a pushover and exhausted himself trying to make everything comfortable for Steph and she didn’t make it easy on him.
I understand Steph has been hurt in the past but she was almost cruel to him. Even in her attempts to understand him, others like him, the bond, she came off as snarky and stuck up.
HERO /HEROINE Steph is not stopping for love or any man who catches her eye. She’s on a mission to be successful in her career and her life. She’s been hurt before and taken advantage of.
Eliph is a unicorn! For two centuries he’s traveled and explored all over but never found his true mate. He is terribly lonely. He is romantic as fuck though.
REPRESENTATION black woman main character
OVERALL THOUGHTS Eliph is romantic as hell and I was sobbing for him on his POV’s because he was truly just trying to do right by his fated mate.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE This was so much longer than it needed to be. We had a whole chapter on getting through a portal and how nervous our main character was. They stood in the same spot and just gabbed for so long I was like wth are we doing here? JUST FUCKING GOOO.
I did not like our female main character Steph. So annoying. She made the journey miserable to read about. Complaining constantly and whining often. I can’t imagine her being a good match for Eliph. I didn’t see their connection. Eliph came off as a pushover and exhausted himself trying to make everything comfortable for Steph and she didn’t make it easy on him.
I understand Steph has been hurt in the past but she was almost cruel to him. Even in her attempts to understand him, others like him, the bond, she came off as snarky and stuck up.
June 7, 2021
4&1\2terrific 🌟s for Unicorn's Mare
This is Eliph's story we met this lonely Unicorn in the first fabulous Monsterly Yours book. He was definitely looking for love in all the wrong places.lol. Now he's entered the human realm he's having coffee and he's on his way out the door when it barely misses hitting him in the face. When he looks up he sees Steph and knows in his I often could be has finally met his mare his true would mate . Now he just needs to convince her of that. Steph is having a bad day and she just needs some coffee. When she almost crashed into a beautiful otherworldly male. When he tells her she's his mare she laughs in his face. No one stays and people hurt you. Her father died and her boyfriend stole from her and broke her heart. She is pretty closed off .Eliph can't believe that fate has given him a beautiful , strong fiery mate. Everything he loves about her will make it a true challenge to win her heart. On a pretence they go on a journey to the realm of the fae to try to sever their bond. During the journey Eliph hopes to show her that he is a worthy male that will love her for eternity. You Will not want to miss out on this addition to the series. I can't wait for the next one !!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
This is Eliph's story we met this lonely Unicorn in the first fabulous Monsterly Yours book. He was definitely looking for love in all the wrong places.lol. Now he's entered the human realm he's having coffee and he's on his way out the door when it barely misses hitting him in the face. When he looks up he sees Steph and knows in his I often could be has finally met his mare his true would mate . Now he just needs to convince her of that. Steph is having a bad day and she just needs some coffee. When she almost crashed into a beautiful otherworldly male. When he tells her she's his mare she laughs in his face. No one stays and people hurt you. Her father died and her boyfriend stole from her and broke her heart. She is pretty closed off .Eliph can't believe that fate has given him a beautiful , strong fiery mate. Everything he loves about her will make it a true challenge to win her heart. On a pretence they go on a journey to the realm of the fae to try to sever their bond. During the journey Eliph hopes to show her that he is a worthy male that will love her for eternity. You Will not want to miss out on this addition to the series. I can't wait for the next one !!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
January 8, 2022
Fated mate, and instant love, isn't always my thing. However I will make an exception. Because the relationship built throughout this book, Is one that truly makes you believe in that Happy Ever After.
Steph is an all business women who has been burned by love before. She's learned her lesson, she's wondered off track, and now she has a 5 year plan that does not include romance.
Eliph knows she is his fated mate as soon as his eyes land on her. Despite his instincs, despite his nature, despite what is at stake, he wants his mate to have a choice. Even if all he wants to do is sweep her off her feet and whisk her away to his magical home.
Sweet, Enjoyable, and even a little silly. This book takes you to a magical world on a journey where love is found along the way.
🔥🔥🔥- I give this book a slow (but very worth it) burn. The passion is there and we'll written!
Solid 4 stars for me, I enjoyed it!
Steph is an all business women who has been burned by love before. She's learned her lesson, she's wondered off track, and now she has a 5 year plan that does not include romance.
Eliph knows she is his fated mate as soon as his eyes land on her. Despite his instincs, despite his nature, despite what is at stake, he wants his mate to have a choice. Even if all he wants to do is sweep her off her feet and whisk her away to his magical home.
Sweet, Enjoyable, and even a little silly. This book takes you to a magical world on a journey where love is found along the way.
🔥🔥🔥- I give this book a slow (but very worth it) burn. The passion is there and we'll written!
Solid 4 stars for me, I enjoyed it!
April 3, 2021
An enjoyable fantasy romance.
The world building in this novel was vivid. The Fae realm came to life for me. I felt like the characterization was a little clumsy in my opinion. The heroine was a champion whiner and complainer, which made her significantly less sympathetic than she would otherwise be. The hero was sweet and devoted, so I really liked him. I thought he deserved a much better heroine, honestly. The development of the romantic relationship was a sweet slow burn, which was totally appropriate for the character arc of the heroine. However, I will admit to being disappointed there was not more sizzle. Especially after reading the previous book in this series, which steamed up my glasses. The book ended on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that was a plus. Overall I enjoyed it, but I expected to enjoy it more than I did.
The world building in this novel was vivid. The Fae realm came to life for me. I felt like the characterization was a little clumsy in my opinion. The heroine was a champion whiner and complainer, which made her significantly less sympathetic than she would otherwise be. The hero was sweet and devoted, so I really liked him. I thought he deserved a much better heroine, honestly. The development of the romantic relationship was a sweet slow burn, which was totally appropriate for the character arc of the heroine. However, I will admit to being disappointed there was not more sizzle. Especially after reading the previous book in this series, which steamed up my glasses. The book ended on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that was a plus. Overall I enjoyed it, but I expected to enjoy it more than I did.
June 25, 2021
Girl yes!
Ok, I will preface this by saying that I love unicorns. I was that girl that collected and read all there was to know about them. Just like Steph, I watched legend and last unicorn all the time, but what endeared me to her is the fact that although she was jaded in the love department, she was never really a b. She was reserved but kind. I wasn’t so sure about the unicorn. I couldn’t get the pure, innocent and sweet unicorn image out of my head for a bit but I found myself smiling and giggling my way through this book. Who wouldn’t love a man that brought you daisies and gummy worms...that is just adorable.I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more of her stuff in the future.
Ok, I will preface this by saying that I love unicorns. I was that girl that collected and read all there was to know about them. Just like Steph, I watched legend and last unicorn all the time, but what endeared me to her is the fact that although she was jaded in the love department, she was never really a b. She was reserved but kind. I wasn’t so sure about the unicorn. I couldn’t get the pure, innocent and sweet unicorn image out of my head for a bit but I found myself smiling and giggling my way through this book. Who wouldn’t love a man that brought you daisies and gummy worms...that is just adorable.I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more of her stuff in the future.
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