What do you think?
Rate this book
The Monsters Ball #1
The Monstrous Duke and I
Dear Miss Penelope Essex, on account of your unforgivably bookish ways and abysmal attempts at conversation, Her Majesty has deemed your Season a failure. With no marriage proposals, no dowry and no prospects, you are hereby ordered to attend The Monsters Ball.
Confirmed wallflower Penelope Essex has every intention of tending her brother’s library for the rest of her days. But first, she must survive the Monsters Ball.
Held at a remote gothic estate, the three-day ball is rife with monstrous nobles all determined to claim a mate. They’ll do whatever it takes to seduce her into hidden corners, to tempt her into signing a marriage contract. Escaping with her spinsterhood intact seems impossible, until she spots her childhood crush: the now monstrous Duke of Roth.
Lord William Warwick is normally as cool as the cold fire covering his body. When he became a frost-flame demon, he swore he’d never take a mate. Yet when he sees Penny Essex struggling to resist three monstrous nobles, he rushes to her side and pretends to be her fiancé.
A fake betrothal is the perfect cover. Except the longer they’re together, the more she wants his fire to claim her. But will her duke treasure her heart and her beloved books, or will their passion send them both up in flames?
Confirmed wallflower Penelope Essex has every intention of tending her brother’s library for the rest of her days. But first, she must survive the Monsters Ball.
Held at a remote gothic estate, the three-day ball is rife with monstrous nobles all determined to claim a mate. They’ll do whatever it takes to seduce her into hidden corners, to tempt her into signing a marriage contract. Escaping with her spinsterhood intact seems impossible, until she spots her childhood crush: the now monstrous Duke of Roth.
Lord William Warwick is normally as cool as the cold fire covering his body. When he became a frost-flame demon, he swore he’d never take a mate. Yet when he sees Penny Essex struggling to resist three monstrous nobles, he rushes to her side and pretends to be her fiancé.
A fake betrothal is the perfect cover. Except the longer they’re together, the more she wants his fire to claim her. But will her duke treasure her heart and her beloved books, or will their passion send them both up in flames?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
163 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 5, 2023
2.5 - 3 stars!
Roth and Penelope were quite honestly...
The Monstrous Duke and I had a fairly common plot with the fake dating to marriage of convenience trope. The smut was mostly generic and pretty tame for a monster romance. I would definitely classify this as a slow burn to a medium burn. There wasn't really a deep and meaningful connection between the MCs and I'm not even sure why they fell in love to be honest. From childhood friends to finding each other again at the Monsters Ball, it was clear there was a connection and chemistry but the relationship development didn't quite get there for me.
Individually the characters were meh. So was this good? Yeah it was but I found it mostly forgettable for my own tastes.
Roth and Penelope were quite honestly...
The Monstrous Duke and I had a fairly common plot with the fake dating to marriage of convenience trope. The smut was mostly generic and pretty tame for a monster romance. I would definitely classify this as a slow burn to a medium burn. There wasn't really a deep and meaningful connection between the MCs and I'm not even sure why they fell in love to be honest. From childhood friends to finding each other again at the Monsters Ball, it was clear there was a connection and chemistry but the relationship development didn't quite get there for me.
Individually the characters were meh. So was this good? Yeah it was but I found it mostly forgettable for my own tastes.
“You are mine,” he growled. “My duchess.”
“And… you are my… duke.”
March 27, 2023
“It is a fact universally acknowledged that a lady in possession of a failed season must be in want of a monster.”
giving 2 stars only for the opening because i love austen and this was fun but otherwise story was boring and felt like a bad parody of the duke and I by julia quinn
giving 2 stars only for the opening because i love austen and this was fun but otherwise story was boring and felt like a bad parody of the duke and I by julia quinn
March 1, 2023
I'm going to need more fire monsters in my life. Oh boy! 🥵
March 22, 2023
"The Monstrous Duke and I” by Dee St. Holm is part of “The Monsters Ball” nine book series written by various author. The premise is that there is some sort of virus/genetic marker that turns some well-bred English folk into various monsters (gargoyles, harpies, snakes, minitours, etc.), but they’re still aristocrats who need to get married. Given my current alien / monster reading and my love of historical romance novels, this seemed to be a book written for me.
The book was a bit of a disappointment. First, the cover picture. Our MMC is meant to be covered in blue flames – besides having blue skin, he does not look covered in fire. This seems relatively important as he’s worried about physically touching others and sexy times involve burning clothes from Penny (the FMC) without burning her (it’s a cold flame we’re reminded a lot).
Next, many historical romances have come a long way from some of the more basic plot points the genre may be improperly known for, but you wouldn’t know it reading this book. Our FMC doesn’t want to get married because her parents had a bad marriage....that’s it?! That is the scope of the dramatic tension??!! Our MMC doesn’t want to get married because his older brother, the “proper” duke died and he feels guilty - slightly better but still a tale as old as time. Yawn.
Third, we’ve got Bridgerton “Dearest Reader” publications to read (sigh, please no), some of the best lines cribbed from Jane Austen.
Finally, this book could use some editing. Do you know how many times I read that the flames are cold, that Penny’s had poor role models, or that heavy is the head that wears the ducal crown.....the answer is too many times.
I liked the monsters. If you took out the monsters there would be nothing distinguishable about the book, leaving a pretty lame historical romance.
Would I read some of the other novels? Yes, I have exceptionally low standards for my reading materials and do like the Regency romance with monster premise.
Would I judge Dee St. Holm by this one book? Nope, I'll try again and then judge.
The book was a bit of a disappointment. First, the cover picture. Our MMC is meant to be covered in blue flames – besides having blue skin, he does not look covered in fire. This seems relatively important as he’s worried about physically touching others and sexy times involve burning clothes from Penny (the FMC) without burning her (it’s a cold flame we’re reminded a lot).
Next, many historical romances have come a long way from some of the more basic plot points the genre may be improperly known for, but you wouldn’t know it reading this book. Our FMC doesn’t want to get married because her parents had a bad marriage....that’s it?! That is the scope of the dramatic tension??!! Our MMC doesn’t want to get married because his older brother, the “proper” duke died and he feels guilty - slightly better but still a tale as old as time. Yawn.
Third, we’ve got Bridgerton “Dearest Reader” publications to read (sigh, please no), some of the best lines cribbed from Jane Austen.
Finally, this book could use some editing. Do you know how many times I read that the flames are cold, that Penny’s had poor role models, or that heavy is the head that wears the ducal crown.....the answer is too many times.
I liked the monsters. If you took out the monsters there would be nothing distinguishable about the book, leaving a pretty lame historical romance.
Would I read some of the other novels? Yes, I have exceptionally low standards for my reading materials and do like the Regency romance with monster premise.
Would I judge Dee St. Holm by this one book? Nope, I'll try again and then judge.
May 4, 2023
Dear Reader, he burns the clothes right off her body 🔥
August 12, 2023
4 stars despite other reviews.
I liked this installment of the Monster Ball. I liked the MC's Penelope and William and even if it dragged a little and had a 3rd act break-up, I found I liked the characters themselves so that makes the story stronger for me. I liked that they had a history as children and that makes for a casual familiarity right off the bat.
Although they were a bit dim about their feelings for each other - Theo to the rescue!
Its not a bodice ripper, more of a slow burn and I was ok with that. More about the Monsters Ball please! That part I really enjoyed, especially the parts with the Countess and some intrigue.
When William sees her at the Ball:
"What the bloody hell was she doing here?
This ball was for failed ladies and lords—jackasses and bores and lightskirts—not gentle souls who could quote Byron in one breath and the latest theories on grain production in the next.
She didn’t belong here. She shouldn’t be anywhere near this randy mess of monsters and men."
I like that he already knew her based on the quote above. Although book learnin' is nothing compared to practical experience as she soon finds out. There is a slight mystery due to her Mother leaving behind a letter as well as a pact she made with her brother.
William decides a fake engagement will save them both, which turns into a marriage of convenience:
“Very well, William,” she said softly. “I accept your offer. I will accept your false courtship and feign interest.”
“Feign it, will you?” he murmured.
Her cheeks had to be as red as rose, but she lifted her chin and nodded. “Indeed. It shall be a great hardship, but I shall endeavor to smile through your dull conversation and—”
“I’ll show you dull,” he whispered in her ear." ooooh
I enjoyed her banter with her brother Theo:
"Forced to sit up to reach the missive, she pushed herself onto an elbow and reached for it. When it was promptly snatched out of range, she glared at her brother. “You are far too cheerful. It offends me.”
----------
"Oh God. He did want children. With her. She looked at her brother and nodded miserably.
Theo pinched the bridge of his nose. “The pair of you…”
We get our HEA without too much waiting and drama and I really liked the blue flame angle, it was unique. Her Father was a weak character, not portrayed very strongly as well as his parents. The epilogues were a great addition.
I liked this installment of the Monster Ball. I liked the MC's Penelope and William and even if it dragged a little and had a 3rd act break-up, I found I liked the characters themselves so that makes the story stronger for me. I liked that they had a history as children and that makes for a casual familiarity right off the bat.
Although they were a bit dim about their feelings for each other - Theo to the rescue!
Its not a bodice ripper, more of a slow burn and I was ok with that. More about the Monsters Ball please! That part I really enjoyed, especially the parts with the Countess and some intrigue.
When William sees her at the Ball:
"What the bloody hell was she doing here?
This ball was for failed ladies and lords—jackasses and bores and lightskirts—not gentle souls who could quote Byron in one breath and the latest theories on grain production in the next.
She didn’t belong here. She shouldn’t be anywhere near this randy mess of monsters and men."
I like that he already knew her based on the quote above. Although book learnin' is nothing compared to practical experience as she soon finds out. There is a slight mystery due to her Mother leaving behind a letter as well as a pact she made with her brother.
William decides a fake engagement will save them both, which turns into a marriage of convenience:
“Very well, William,” she said softly. “I accept your offer. I will accept your false courtship and feign interest.”
“Feign it, will you?” he murmured.
Her cheeks had to be as red as rose, but she lifted her chin and nodded. “Indeed. It shall be a great hardship, but I shall endeavor to smile through your dull conversation and—”
“I’ll show you dull,” he whispered in her ear." ooooh
I enjoyed her banter with her brother Theo:
"Forced to sit up to reach the missive, she pushed herself onto an elbow and reached for it. When it was promptly snatched out of range, she glared at her brother. “You are far too cheerful. It offends me.”
----------
"Oh God. He did want children. With her. She looked at her brother and nodded miserably.
Theo pinched the bridge of his nose. “The pair of you…”
We get our HEA without too much waiting and drama and I really liked the blue flame angle, it was unique. Her Father was a weak character, not portrayed very strongly as well as his parents. The epilogues were a great addition.
March 21, 2023
This was cute. Not as smutty as the previous book, but the pining was there and it was good.
I'm grateful for Penelope's brother for smacking some sense into both of them, because I was about to. Idiots in love.
I do always find it weird that the Queen in regency books always has such a vested interest in the marriages of random lesser nobility.
I'm grateful for Penelope's brother for smacking some sense into both of them, because I was about to. Idiots in love.
I do always find it weird that the Queen in regency books always has such a vested interest in the marriages of random lesser nobility.
March 22, 2023
I think I’m a sucker for Regency Monster books! Although the denial of feelings dragged on for a bit, I found this one to be very sweet and didn’t mind the slow burn.
March 1, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️s
Dee St Holm is a new to me author, and I’m so excited to find her! This book was everything it promised to be - a fun mix of regency and monster romances with a brother’s best friend and fake dating trope to top it all off.
Penelope and William each had their own issues to address, which I enjoyed. It gave their characters some depth. Their romance was sweet and perfect too. There was so much respect and adoration for each other.
I do wish William’s issues with his parents had been better addressed, and (to be completely honest) I wouldn’t have said no to turning up the heat with more spice. Overall though, I enjoyed this story a lot, and I can’t wait to read more from Dee in the future!
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️s
Dee St Holm is a new to me author, and I’m so excited to find her! This book was everything it promised to be - a fun mix of regency and monster romances with a brother’s best friend and fake dating trope to top it all off.
Penelope and William each had their own issues to address, which I enjoyed. It gave their characters some depth. Their romance was sweet and perfect too. There was so much respect and adoration for each other.
I do wish William’s issues with his parents had been better addressed, and (to be completely honest) I wouldn’t have said no to turning up the heat with more spice. Overall though, I enjoyed this story a lot, and I can’t wait to read more from Dee in the future!
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️s
March 4, 2023
thank goodness I read this one before the dreadful 1st in the series or I might have missed out on this gem.
And what a gem it was. A perfect mixture of regency and monster romance that had me feeling all the feels. I've never read this author before but I will be eagerly on the look-out for her other books.
I would have loved more spice, but the writing was simply so amazing. And the epilogues! Yes!!! I was soo happy.
Definitely recommend!
And what a gem it was. A perfect mixture of regency and monster romance that had me feeling all the feels. I've never read this author before but I will be eagerly on the look-out for her other books.
I would have loved more spice, but the writing was simply so amazing. And the epilogues! Yes!!! I was soo happy.
Definitely recommend!
March 3, 2024
Dee St Holm nailed a lot about The Monstrous Duke and I. The MCs were adorable, hopeless, and people I could root for. The fire play was creative and fun. Much of the plot was so cheesy, but I seriously wanted the best for these two that I sincerely did not care.
It would have been Penelope’s father if I could have tweaked anything. He seemed like nothing more than a dim sociopath, but sometimes that’s all there is to folks. So I wasn’t that turned off.
Overall, this story was a lovely addition to the series and enjoyable!
It would have been Penelope’s father if I could have tweaked anything. He seemed like nothing more than a dim sociopath, but sometimes that’s all there is to folks. So I wasn’t that turned off.
Overall, this story was a lovely addition to the series and enjoyable!
March 5, 2023
This was such a lovely read! Penelope and Roth are two of the sweetest couples I've read and most definitely deserve the happy ending they had 🥰 Not only is the sweetness top notched, the spice is 🥵🔥 The fire play?? Bloody amazing! I was completely immersed in this world, especially the High Tea! Another thing I love about this reas is the character cameos from How to Marry a Marble Marquis is too a delight to read about. I'm seriously excited to read the third book!
May 21, 2024
I liked it, but I just didn't love it. It felt very half-baked. I wanted a lot more from the characters-- the Duke didn't really feel like a monster. And I didn't get to know either one of them as well as I wuold have liked in 300+ pages. Overall, I really really liked the premise (think... Regency London, the Ton, but with monsters)!! But my expectations were just a bit too high I suppose. I'll definitely try the others in the series though as they are all by different authors.
May 23, 2023
2.75/5*
June 8, 2024
I loved the two main characters for this story. They made my heart stutter & flip for joy by the end!!
March 14, 2023
I am obsessed with these monster regency romances! Give me more!
March 7, 2023
I may be new to the world of monsters, but I am an expert reader of regency romance. This story evokes every charming facet of this genre with aplomb. The romance of this story had all the feels. The angst of longing, the anguish of the undeserving (even if they are in fact the most deserving of all), the pure joy in true friendships and the lust of desire combined expertly with the beauty of true love. Penelope is the picture of Bluestocking truth. A woman prepared to live a spinsters life and avoid the pitfalls of an unhappy marriage. But all that changes when she finds herself in the arms of the only man she ever desired. Her brothers long-lost friend, the Duke of Roth. William became a monster after falling sick. His life changed as his parents could not accept his new form. Having only the support of his beloved brother he isolated himself, pulling away from friends. Now a man grown, inheriting the dukedom after the loss of the only person who loved him. That grief is part of the anguish that he buries himself with but he cannot deny the pull to his friends little sister. Seeing a way to achieve both their desires, they agree to a match of convenience. Their desires though will be their downfall as they hickory realize their growing feelings. I delighted in this story. It was beautiful, charming and wickedly spicy. Roth’s cool blue flame becomes a character of its own right, it may be a cool flame but it burns hot!
June 9, 2023
It took me while to finish this one; the story was fine, and I liked the characters, yet there was just some excitement missing, some romantic energy.
The Monstrous Duke And I is very quickly flowing story of a childhood friends (I guess) who found each other after circumstances separated them years before.
This is a very gentle story; the romance is very light and progresses naturally, albeit little quick. To be honest, I felt like there was no real build up to the relationship – yes, Penelope and William knew each other from years ago, and there was certainly something between them, but from the moment they met again at the Monsters Ball and made a truce to pretend to be engaged, things just… happened?
At first they had some great banter, but then that spark fizzled. I don’t mind more of a “comfortable”, “gentle” couples, but here I’d love to see more of them maybe becoming friends first, then falling in love.
What I really liked was how well fleshed out was William as a character.
Both him and Penelope had pretty awful parents, but it was much more evident in the case of Duke of Roth. His parents not only feared him, but also seemed to feel disdain it was William, a monster, who was alive and not their very human heir. Roth not only struggled with tremendous guilt, and pressure to be the perfect Duke, but also with his own insecurities compared to his older (dead) brother.
Sadly, compared to William, Penelope fell a little underdeveloped as a heroine; there was moments she showed her spirited nature, but mostly she was just very deeply loyal to her brother, Theo.
Who, by the way, was pretty fun character himself. I really enjoyed every scene he had with William, and was actually more invested in them rekindling their friendship, than in the romance itself.
Like I mentioned at the beginning, this was an ok book; it might lack some spice, but sometimes a gentler and sweeter stories are what one needs.
3,5/5 stars
The Monstrous Duke And I is very quickly flowing story of a childhood friends (I guess) who found each other after circumstances separated them years before.
This is a very gentle story; the romance is very light and progresses naturally, albeit little quick. To be honest, I felt like there was no real build up to the relationship – yes, Penelope and William knew each other from years ago, and there was certainly something between them, but from the moment they met again at the Monsters Ball and made a truce to pretend to be engaged, things just… happened?
At first they had some great banter, but then that spark fizzled. I don’t mind more of a “comfortable”, “gentle” couples, but here I’d love to see more of them maybe becoming friends first, then falling in love.
What I really liked was how well fleshed out was William as a character.
Both him and Penelope had pretty awful parents, but it was much more evident in the case of Duke of Roth. His parents not only feared him, but also seemed to feel disdain it was William, a monster, who was alive and not their very human heir. Roth not only struggled with tremendous guilt, and pressure to be the perfect Duke, but also with his own insecurities compared to his older (dead) brother.
Sadly, compared to William, Penelope fell a little underdeveloped as a heroine; there was moments she showed her spirited nature, but mostly she was just very deeply loyal to her brother, Theo.
Who, by the way, was pretty fun character himself. I really enjoyed every scene he had with William, and was actually more invested in them rekindling their friendship, than in the romance itself.
Like I mentioned at the beginning, this was an ok book; it might lack some spice, but sometimes a gentler and sweeter stories are what one needs.
3,5/5 stars
March 9, 2023
📖 TikTok || Instagram 📖
Story 📖📖📖
Depth 💔💔💔.5
Steam 🔥🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️
Comm. 🗣️🗣️🗣️.5
Growth 💗💗💗
Overall ⭐⭐⭐
This was a decent book as a romance, but as a Historical Romance, it's actually pretty weak compared to the bevy of what is already published (trad or indie)(while it has a number of monster elements, it still exists majority in HistRom). The page count says it was over 300 pages but it felt like it was a lot shorter given how quickly I zoomed through it. But that also could be attributed to the simplicity of the story.
Starting with what I enjoyed, the basis for the plot happened fairly quickly; our leads are friends from childhood who rediscover each other at The Monsters Ball. Their attraction is evident even if it's confused as nostalgia in the beginning. It was pretty easy to surmise that this was going to be a Fake Dating trope that ends in Marriage of Convenience to True Love. I enjoy bluestocking heroines because I never know if I want be their best friend or throttle them; Penelope fell in the former. And William I flip-flopped on throughout but he didn't have a poor character, he was just kinda...meh.
What I didn't enjoy about the book was the both the lack of deeper feelings in H/h's internal conflicts, and the loose ends that were too neatly tied by the end. There is a bit of a mystery happening that Penelope is trying to solve and when it does get solved I was very underwhelmed. The slow-burn was embers at best and "ah-ha" emotional moments felt far too cliché for my enjoyment. There was also fair bit of historical inaccuracy in the third act between the main characters and the character's parents that threw me off. Despite this being a "monster romance" it's far more a historical and historical romance must follow certain rules to make it believable. Taking too many liberties just makes it revisionist.
My enjoyment of the dialogue was really a roller coaster, but my favorite character by far ended up being Theo. The author does say he will be getting his own novel (which I assume will also be part of The Monsters Ball series) so while this isn't going on my reread shelf, I will be looking forward to Theo's story.
_____
Notable Intimate Scenes:
50% first kiss
65% brief phantom fire limb(?) f*nger*ng
94% PIV🌶️
Story 📖📖📖
Depth 💔💔💔.5
Steam 🔥🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️
Comm. 🗣️🗣️🗣️.5
Growth 💗💗💗
Overall ⭐⭐⭐
This was a decent book as a romance, but as a Historical Romance, it's actually pretty weak compared to the bevy of what is already published (trad or indie)(while it has a number of monster elements, it still exists majority in HistRom). The page count says it was over 300 pages but it felt like it was a lot shorter given how quickly I zoomed through it. But that also could be attributed to the simplicity of the story.
Starting with what I enjoyed, the basis for the plot happened fairly quickly; our leads are friends from childhood who rediscover each other at The Monsters Ball. Their attraction is evident even if it's confused as nostalgia in the beginning. It was pretty easy to surmise that this was going to be a Fake Dating trope that ends in Marriage of Convenience to True Love. I enjoy bluestocking heroines because I never know if I want be their best friend or throttle them; Penelope fell in the former. And William I flip-flopped on throughout but he didn't have a poor character, he was just kinda...meh.
What I didn't enjoy about the book was the both the lack of deeper feelings in H/h's internal conflicts, and the loose ends that were too neatly tied by the end. There is a bit of a mystery happening that Penelope is trying to solve and when it does get solved I was very underwhelmed. The slow-burn was embers at best and "ah-ha" emotional moments felt far too cliché for my enjoyment. There was also fair bit of historical inaccuracy in the third act between the main characters and the character's parents that threw me off. Despite this being a "monster romance" it's far more a historical and historical romance must follow certain rules to make it believable. Taking too many liberties just makes it revisionist.
My enjoyment of the dialogue was really a roller coaster, but my favorite character by far ended up being Theo. The author does say he will be getting his own novel (which I assume will also be part of The Monsters Ball series) so while this isn't going on my reread shelf, I will be looking forward to Theo's story.
_____
Notable Intimate Scenes:
50% first kiss
65% brief phantom fire limb(?) f*nger*ng
94% PIV🌶️
November 17, 2024
I accidentally started with
How to Marry a Marble Marquis
, so I think I vaguely remembered mentions of William and Penny being together, but this was a good way to see their story. Plus, it was fun seeing Eleanor making an appearance.
Overall, I liked Penny. I did wish she hadn't pinned all her thoughts on a letter that she really knew nothing about. Yes, it was kind of misleading with everything so it is slightly understandable that Penny would have thought it was her mother's, but the fact that she pinned all her future plans on the note and assumptions she made about said note was a little frustrating. I liked that she stood up to her father and I would have liked to see her stand up to William's parents because it would have been glorious.
William was great as well. I did wish he'd stopped saying that he was taking things from Bennett though. It took a minute, and a session fighting like ferrets in jar with Theo, for him to understand that, but I was glad that he finally did and that he decided to use his title to take care of those he cared for. I also liked the fact that while he was trying to hide from his own feelings, he was still determined to help Penny however he could.
The whole thing with the Skevington siblings felt like it was heading somewhere and then got forgotten. I wish there had been a little more regarding them; some kind of reveal that they were scheming to get Stephana married to William or something. I don't know, it just felt like we were going somewhere with them and then they got dropped while William and Penny tried to pretend they weren't in love (which was hilarious, don't get me wrong).
Overall, I liked Penny. I did wish she hadn't pinned all her thoughts on a letter that she really knew nothing about. Yes, it was kind of misleading with everything so it is slightly understandable that Penny would have thought it was her mother's, but the fact that she pinned all her future plans on the note and assumptions she made about said note was a little frustrating. I liked that she stood up to her father and I would have liked to see her stand up to William's parents because it would have been glorious.
William was great as well. I did wish he'd stopped saying that he was taking things from Bennett though. It took a minute, and a session fighting like ferrets in jar with Theo, for him to understand that, but I was glad that he finally did and that he decided to use his title to take care of those he cared for. I also liked the fact that while he was trying to hide from his own feelings, he was still determined to help Penny however he could.
The whole thing with the Skevington siblings felt like it was heading somewhere and then got forgotten. I wish there had been a little more regarding them; some kind of reveal that they were scheming to get Stephana married to William or something. I don't know, it just felt like we were going somewhere with them and then they got dropped while William and Penny tried to pretend they weren't in love (which was hilarious, don't get me wrong).
March 6, 2023
The Monstrous Duke and I by Dee St. Holm is the first book by St. Holm I’ve ever read, but one I enjoyed a lot! Not only is it a monster romance, but it’s also a historical romance. It is one of three books that takes place at a monster masked ball.
Penelope Essex is being forced to attend the monster ball in order to find a husband. Penelope has no interest in doing so because she made a pact with her brother as a kid that she wouldn’t marry and because she doesn’t want to be stuck in a marriage like that of her parents. William Warwick, the Duke of Roth, is also forced to attend the ball since he is a single monster (he was inflicted with a flame illness when he was younger, causing him to emit cold flames from his body). He was the spare and didn’t expect to have the title of Duke, so he doesn’t want to marry since he doesn’t want to steal his brother’s legacy. The two reunite since they were friends before he fell sick and decide to pretend a relationship so they won’t be forced to marry.
This was such a fun and quick read! I loved how the issues between the hero and heroine were dealt with. I also loved how they were able to ease into their friendship even after being out of contact for years. William and Penelope were such a sweet couple to read about and I can’t wait to check out the Countess’s book!
If you’re a fan of historical romance, monster romance, the childhood friends to lovers trope, and the fake relationship trope, then this book is for you! It’s out now in ebook, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.
A huge thanks to Dee St. Holm for the ARC!
Penelope Essex is being forced to attend the monster ball in order to find a husband. Penelope has no interest in doing so because she made a pact with her brother as a kid that she wouldn’t marry and because she doesn’t want to be stuck in a marriage like that of her parents. William Warwick, the Duke of Roth, is also forced to attend the ball since he is a single monster (he was inflicted with a flame illness when he was younger, causing him to emit cold flames from his body). He was the spare and didn’t expect to have the title of Duke, so he doesn’t want to marry since he doesn’t want to steal his brother’s legacy. The two reunite since they were friends before he fell sick and decide to pretend a relationship so they won’t be forced to marry.
This was such a fun and quick read! I loved how the issues between the hero and heroine were dealt with. I also loved how they were able to ease into their friendship even after being out of contact for years. William and Penelope were such a sweet couple to read about and I can’t wait to check out the Countess’s book!
If you’re a fan of historical romance, monster romance, the childhood friends to lovers trope, and the fake relationship trope, then this book is for you! It’s out now in ebook, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.
A huge thanks to Dee St. Holm for the ARC!
April 1, 2024
"— É um fato universalmente reconhecido que uma dama que teve uma temporada fracassada está em busca de um monstro. — Penelope Essex sorriu para seu irmão mais velho enquanto parafraseava a última obra-prima venerável de Austen, uma cópia da qual estava escondida entre seus vestidos. — Não é verdade?"
Fiquei super ansiosa com vontade de ler este livro, mas não sei se foi isso, que ele foi uma certa decepção para mim. Achei mais bem escrito do que o primeiro, a autora se preocupa em criar e detalhar mais o ambiente, mas encontrei algumas erros de continuidade do livro passado para este, mas acho que é até normal, quando se trata de autoras diversas (nada muito problemático, mas como li em sequencia, estava bem claro para mim).
Eles já se conheciam, então não foi insta-love (?), mesmo eles não tendo se visto a trocentos anos. Poderia ter sido melhor desenvolvido isso aí, mas foi gostosinho de ler sobre eles.
O que realmente me pegou, foi o hot de péssimo e quase inexistente. Eles tinham tanta química, e foi pobre como foi.
Fiquei super ansiosa com vontade de ler este livro, mas não sei se foi isso, que ele foi uma certa decepção para mim. Achei mais bem escrito do que o primeiro, a autora se preocupa em criar e detalhar mais o ambiente, mas encontrei algumas erros de continuidade do livro passado para este, mas acho que é até normal, quando se trata de autoras diversas (nada muito problemático, mas como li em sequencia, estava bem claro para mim).
Eles já se conheciam, então não foi insta-love (?), mesmo eles não tendo se visto a trocentos anos. Poderia ter sido melhor desenvolvido isso aí, mas foi gostosinho de ler sobre eles.
O que realmente me pegou, foi o hot de péssimo e quase inexistente. Eles tinham tanta química, e foi pobre como foi.
March 10, 2023
This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. You can read it and enjoy it independently from the rest of the series.
Penny is a 24-year-old spinster who filed her Season, and is ordered by the Queen to attend the Monster ball. Similarly, William, the Duke of Roth, is attending the ball at the request of the Queen. They both want to avoid marriage for different reasons. They decide to form an arrangement that should prevent them from forming attachments by forming a fake engagement. What happens when real feelings surface? Read to find out!
I loved this book! The relationship between Penny and William was delightful, and although this is a slow burn, when it does happen, the spice is right!!! I understand Penny's reluctance to marry, and William's grief. The characters are so well-written! I can't wait to read Theo's story... I recommend this book to anyone who loves monster romance.
Penny is a 24-year-old spinster who filed her Season, and is ordered by the Queen to attend the Monster ball. Similarly, William, the Duke of Roth, is attending the ball at the request of the Queen. They both want to avoid marriage for different reasons. They decide to form an arrangement that should prevent them from forming attachments by forming a fake engagement. What happens when real feelings surface? Read to find out!
I loved this book! The relationship between Penny and William was delightful, and although this is a slow burn, when it does happen, the spice is right!!! I understand Penny's reluctance to marry, and William's grief. The characters are so well-written! I can't wait to read Theo's story... I recommend this book to anyone who loves monster romance.
May 23, 2023
Fiery Blue Horned Demon and His Bluestocking Bride
This is the third book for me in the Monsters Ball series. The writing and dialogue reminded me GREATLY of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. A book that I have read more times than I remember as it is my all-time favorite book!
Still, the writing reminded me A little too much of Austen! I enjoyed the writing which was great. I truly liked William and Penelope! They were a sweet and loving couple! The only thing lacking for this Monsters Ball story was that it wasn't steamy or sexy enough! Though well-written and with a cute leading couple, the lack of steam just didn't make it feel like a Monsters Ball book. Overall a good story with a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating, Steam Rating 1/2 a 🔥. Recommended read that reveals more Easter Eggs to our series mystery!
This is the third book for me in the Monsters Ball series. The writing and dialogue reminded me GREATLY of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. A book that I have read more times than I remember as it is my all-time favorite book!
Still, the writing reminded me A little too much of Austen! I enjoyed the writing which was great. I truly liked William and Penelope! They were a sweet and loving couple! The only thing lacking for this Monsters Ball story was that it wasn't steamy or sexy enough! Though well-written and with a cute leading couple, the lack of steam just didn't make it feel like a Monsters Ball book. Overall a good story with a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating, Steam Rating 1/2 a 🔥. Recommended read that reveals more Easter Eggs to our series mystery!
September 26, 2023
Your favorite foul-mouthed ladies are RANTY tonight and they’re diving into monster romance with The Monstrous Duke and I by Dee St. Holm! This is the second book in The Monsters Ball series. For Miss Penelope Essex, her failed Season results in an invitation to The Monsters Ball, where men who were infected by a virus and became monsters are looking for a match—although she is determined to remain single. When she’s cornered by a few monsters, who comes to her rescue but her brother’s best friend from childhood—except that now, he’s covered in cold blue flames.
Also discussed: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the technicalities of monsters with flames all over their bodies, and why daylight savings time is a bunch of crap.
Episode Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/...
Also discussed: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the technicalities of monsters with flames all over their bodies, and why daylight savings time is a bunch of crap.
Episode Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/...
February 18, 2024
This is a fun series and this book is no exception. I'm slowly working my way through this series as, while there are serious problems with which characters are dealing, there's no question whether the characters will work through them and end up in an HEA. I always keep the next book in this series available on KU so when I need a pick me up and few good laughs at some of the ridiculous situations in which the characters find themselves, I can reach for the next one. The real world is such a mess these days, it's a relief to seek a few hours of escape with the rotating authors of these books. I highly recommend the book if you like the era of 'Pride and Prejudice' if about a third of the Ton were striken with a virus making them a wide variety of monsters outside with honorable insides. This is a PG-13 story.
July 21, 2024
Main Characters:
Penelope Essex & Lord William Warwick, Duke of Roth
Review:
I enjoyed this but not as much as the Marble Marquis. I enjoyed the interactions between both Penelope and Roth, but I just wanted more.
Tropes:
-Childhood Friends
-Fake Dating
-Fantasy
-Friends to Lovers
-Grief
-Jane Austen
-Marriage of Convenience
-Monsters
-Regency
-Siblings Best Friend
Quotes:
“It is a fact universally acknowledged that a lady in possession of a failed season must be in want of a monster.”
"Without taking her eyes off the interior, she slowly pulled the door closed behind her and drew in a deep breath of that unique scent of paper and ink and dreams. A comforting smell, one that promised refuge, a moment’s respite from her worries."
"There was no point in crying over lost dukes."
"Fear is ever present in this life, and love comes round but rarely."
Penelope Essex & Lord William Warwick, Duke of Roth
Review:
I enjoyed this but not as much as the Marble Marquis. I enjoyed the interactions between both Penelope and Roth, but I just wanted more.
Tropes:
-Childhood Friends
-Fake Dating
-Fantasy
-Friends to Lovers
-Grief
-Jane Austen
-Marriage of Convenience
-Monsters
-Regency
-Siblings Best Friend
Quotes:
“It is a fact universally acknowledged that a lady in possession of a failed season must be in want of a monster.”
"Without taking her eyes off the interior, she slowly pulled the door closed behind her and drew in a deep breath of that unique scent of paper and ink and dreams. A comforting smell, one that promised refuge, a moment’s respite from her worries."
"There was no point in crying over lost dukes."
"Fear is ever present in this life, and love comes round but rarely."
March 29, 2023
I need a quick easy read with some romance and a dash of spicy and The Monstrous Duke and I fit that bill.
This book is very much Bridgeton with monsters. It dealt with the same trope of fake courting which (in the book) turns into a proposal for a marriage of convenience.
Penny is a bookworm that craves intellectual conversation and is terrified of marriage and having it turn out like her parents. Duke Roth doesn't want to have kids and pass on his demonic nature and deals with guilt over his dead brother who should have been Duke. The two had been friends as children and they see an opportunity to both get what they want: to remain single.
It is a very cute/cozy story with great characters and a sweet romance. There are some spicy scenes near the end but nothing overly explicit.
This book is very much Bridgeton with monsters. It dealt with the same trope of fake courting which (in the book) turns into a proposal for a marriage of convenience.
Penny is a bookworm that craves intellectual conversation and is terrified of marriage and having it turn out like her parents. Duke Roth doesn't want to have kids and pass on his demonic nature and deals with guilt over his dead brother who should have been Duke. The two had been friends as children and they see an opportunity to both get what they want: to remain single.
It is a very cute/cozy story with great characters and a sweet romance. There are some spicy scenes near the end but nothing overly explicit.
March 2, 2023
The Monstrous Duke and I is a lovely combination of Regency and monster romance. The author uses clear, crisp imagery to bring this world to life, from the epic mansions, intricate clothing, to the detailed monsters. She also did a great job of bringing a balance between the strict manners and social expectations of the time and real, fleshed out characters who are passionate and imperfect. Penelope and William both feel like fully fleshed out people. They truly felt like estranged childhood friends, who've grown up, suffered losses, and had hopes/plans for their futures. I highly recommend!
March 9, 2023
This was such a good read! The couple was everything angst and chemistry that I need in my Historical romances but with that touch of monster spice that makes it great. I really enjoyed the couple of the Duke William and Penelope, taking a bit of a lot of my favorite tropes and having it in one place with a happy ending
I know this is a story part of the Monster Ball series but I found it better than the first one, though the thing that always took me out of the story was how different the timelines were from one book to the other (like, seriously, different dimentions differences)
Still, I really enjoyed this story and I'm actually glad I got to discover this author!
I know this is a story part of the Monster Ball series but I found it better than the first one, though the thing that always took me out of the story was how different the timelines were from one book to the other (like, seriously, different dimentions differences)
Still, I really enjoyed this story and I'm actually glad I got to discover this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews