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The Monsters Ball #4
Beguiled by the Beastly Baron
Dear Miss Antônia Santos Pereira, at the bequest of your late father’s will and on account of your potential ruined status and age, her majesty has hereby ordered you to attend the Monsters Ball to find suitable prospects for your family lineage.
Antônia is back in London after the passing of her father. Living overseas most her life, without the burden of her family affairs, she is accustomed to a life that allows her to do as she pleases, when she pleases without answer to anyone. The missive changes everything, however, and affairs at court that weren't to have been her duty suddenly fall upon her. She will do as she must, but if her husband thinks he will rule her, he will be sadly mistaken.
Hiding behind the guise of a beastly baron, Louis Lockheart, the unseelie king has little patience for the giggling mass of women and the unsavory human world. He tolerates it for only one purpose: to find the one he was betrothed to long ago. When fate brings him face to face with her at the Monsters ball, he is determined to take what her father promised him. Through much headache and tribulation, he is intent on sweeping this innocent maiden off to the Unseelie Court, no matter the cost.
Can Antonia find love in this forced matrimony to a monster that both frightens and fascinates her, or is she doomed to be trapped in his courts lonely forever?
Antônia is back in London after the passing of her father. Living overseas most her life, without the burden of her family affairs, she is accustomed to a life that allows her to do as she pleases, when she pleases without answer to anyone. The missive changes everything, however, and affairs at court that weren't to have been her duty suddenly fall upon her. She will do as she must, but if her husband thinks he will rule her, he will be sadly mistaken.
Hiding behind the guise of a beastly baron, Louis Lockheart, the unseelie king has little patience for the giggling mass of women and the unsavory human world. He tolerates it for only one purpose: to find the one he was betrothed to long ago. When fate brings him face to face with her at the Monsters ball, he is determined to take what her father promised him. Through much headache and tribulation, he is intent on sweeping this innocent maiden off to the Unseelie Court, no matter the cost.
Can Antonia find love in this forced matrimony to a monster that both frightens and fascinates her, or is she doomed to be trapped in his courts lonely forever?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
103 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Y.D. La Mar
93 books680 followersI'm a reader, first and foremost. Just like everyone else.
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 22, 2024
Picked it up for the "Ancient Magus Bride but they fuck" vibes, stayed for...Well, not sure, but it was a quick listen at least.
It sounds incredibly romantic to have been won in a gamble, right? And to have been watched all your life by unseen fae forces? Ehh.
This had shades of dark romance blended with a monster romance, not in a way I enjoyed. Overbearing, with anger issues and a staunch refusal to respect boundaries is probably the nicest way I'd explain Louis. There's a soulmate trope used, and he proceeds to control everything about Antonia, from clothes to literally breaking down a door when she wants to be alone.
Antonia was a promising character who sadly was weakened immensely by marriage, I guess. Her propensity for mathematics and estate accounting never comes up again; once married, she just wanders around. She's supposed to be smart and capable, but was baffled at symptoms of pregnancy, apparently unable to put two and two together. The third act conflict was absolutely ridiculous.
The writing itself was ehh, terms like "turned on" jarring in a regency romance, even if fantasy. Improper grammar and words made its way even into the audio narration several times. Several terms were overused, especially a distinctive fae term of endearment.
CW for pregnancy, and a lot of controlling behavior and violent rage resulting in property damage.
Best part was the cover, and Louis' anatomy.
It sounds incredibly romantic to have been won in a gamble, right? And to have been watched all your life by unseen fae forces? Ehh.
This had shades of dark romance blended with a monster romance, not in a way I enjoyed. Overbearing, with anger issues and a staunch refusal to respect boundaries is probably the nicest way I'd explain Louis. There's a soulmate trope used, and he proceeds to control everything about Antonia, from clothes to literally breaking down a door when she wants to be alone.
Antonia was a promising character who sadly was weakened immensely by marriage, I guess. Her propensity for mathematics and estate accounting never comes up again; once married, she just wanders around. She's supposed to be smart and capable, but was baffled at symptoms of pregnancy, apparently unable to put two and two together. The third act conflict was absolutely ridiculous.
The writing itself was ehh, terms like "turned on" jarring in a regency romance, even if fantasy. Improper grammar and words made its way even into the audio narration several times. Several terms were overused, especially a distinctive fae term of endearment.
CW for pregnancy, and a lot of controlling behavior and violent rage resulting in property damage.
Best part was the cover, and Louis' anatomy.
May 19, 2023
An Unseelie Monster
Book 2 in this series was good. The plot was interesting. The writing didn't flow as well as book 1. Some parts were confusing, and it had a feel like some of the details had been stripped out during editing. The Baron was interesting, he turned out to be the Unseelie King ***spoiler... He has some weird freaking equipment and though I liked his character, I didn't feel an attraction for him like you normally do when reading about the hero in a romance. He was just too creepy for me. Though he seemed besotted by Antonia and I believe that he was a good husband to her.
Even with the writing issues, I probably would have rated this Book higher except I just ended up not liking the FMC Antonia. For the first part of the book she seemed pretty strong, she was older (29), and had lived on her own for years in Brazil. She was very self-sufficient and self-assured. And I liked her for all of those qualities.
Then after she married the Baron she became whiny, bitchy, immature, and bipolar. I don't think that marriage does that to most women.
I probably would have liked her more if she had started out weak like that but it seemed like she became a totally different character. She turned out to be a disappointment because I like strong mature women opposite a dangerous, and freaky, male love interest.
The story fits right in with this universe though, and provides details about the monster's ball that book 1 didn't, it actually left a little mystery cliffhanger about the hostess of the ball. So, I am hoping that the authors have coordinated in this multiple author series, because I would like an answer to that mystery in the next book or two.
As far as furthering the series, book 2, is a must read.
Book 2 in this series was good. The plot was interesting. The writing didn't flow as well as book 1. Some parts were confusing, and it had a feel like some of the details had been stripped out during editing. The Baron was interesting, he turned out to be the Unseelie King ***spoiler... He has some weird freaking equipment and though I liked his character, I didn't feel an attraction for him like you normally do when reading about the hero in a romance. He was just too creepy for me. Though he seemed besotted by Antonia and I believe that he was a good husband to her.
Even with the writing issues, I probably would have rated this Book higher except I just ended up not liking the FMC Antonia. For the first part of the book she seemed pretty strong, she was older (29), and had lived on her own for years in Brazil. She was very self-sufficient and self-assured. And I liked her for all of those qualities.
Then after she married the Baron she became whiny, bitchy, immature, and bipolar. I don't think that marriage does that to most women.
I probably would have liked her more if she had started out weak like that but it seemed like she became a totally different character. She turned out to be a disappointment because I like strong mature women opposite a dangerous, and freaky, male love interest.
The story fits right in with this universe though, and provides details about the monster's ball that book 1 didn't, it actually left a little mystery cliffhanger about the hostess of the ball. So, I am hoping that the authors have coordinated in this multiple author series, because I would like an answer to that mystery in the next book or two.
As far as furthering the series, book 2, is a must read.
April 11, 2023
I had a hard time getting into this story. The Baron, I didn’t find charming at all. He was controlling and rude. He has know Antonia was his souls mate since her birth and he’s been stalking her her entire life! But he doesn’t really explain any of that to her until much later in the book.
The part that really lost me was the third act conflict. Antonia wants to know Louis’s real name. Instead of telling her he tries to distract her with sex, which works until he goes for the butthole.
1) it’s annoying that she lets him distract her with sex in the fist place
2) instead of her saying no she doesn’t want her butthole touched she runs away and then has a breakdown as if she did something wrong and he’ll leave her if she doesn’t do what he wants???
It felt like she went from being a strong 29-30 year old woman to a scared childish girl. It felt like such a strange way for them to start fighting and far from how the character’s personality was originally established. I didn’t like it or the Baron’s reaction to her running away from him in that moment.
Eventually they resolve their issue over his name but they never talk about wether or not butt stuff is ok and that’s the real crime here.
This one just wasn’t for me.
The part that really lost me was the third act conflict. Antonia wants to know Louis’s real name. Instead of telling her he tries to distract her with sex, which works until he goes for the butthole.
1) it’s annoying that she lets him distract her with sex in the fist place
2) instead of her saying no she doesn’t want her butthole touched she runs away and then has a breakdown as if she did something wrong and he’ll leave her if she doesn’t do what he wants???
It felt like she went from being a strong 29-30 year old woman to a scared childish girl. It felt like such a strange way for them to start fighting and far from how the character’s personality was originally established. I didn’t like it or the Baron’s reaction to her running away from him in that moment.
Eventually they resolve their issue over his name but they never talk about wether or not butt stuff is ok and that’s the real crime here.
This one just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Honestly bad, like legitimately poorly written. I only finished this because I listened to 89% of the audiobook at work and just decided to continue, but it wasn't worth it.
No feelings, stupid plot (not the monster ball part, that is silly and fun and ridiculous) but there was no real plot in this. It's like the author knew some points in the story she wanted to hit and wrote around her outline, it was all very disjointed. Their 2nd convo they're arguing because he's being super rude, he goes in for a hug this arouses her (?) and makes her like him. I'm sorta not even exaggerating, a switch was flipped and that was it. Rest of the story held no feelings or warmth or really anything at all. Again, this was written extremely poorly.
Also in the very beginning of the audiobook, they played most of chapter at 80%, as like a teaser? So you were waiting for those scenes but they happen at the very end? why would they do that? We also only get his POV in the last two chapters. Why even include them at this point? Bad, lazy writing, definitely skip.
Also how stupid is his face on the cover? He looks like a doofus. He's a fae king 🙄 But that skull is so fucking dumb lol 💀
No feelings, stupid plot (not the monster ball part, that is silly and fun and ridiculous) but there was no real plot in this. It's like the author knew some points in the story she wanted to hit and wrote around her outline, it was all very disjointed. Their 2nd convo they're arguing because he's being super rude, he goes in for a hug this arouses her (?) and makes her like him. I'm sorta not even exaggerating, a switch was flipped and that was it. Rest of the story held no feelings or warmth or really anything at all. Again, this was written extremely poorly.
Also in the very beginning of the audiobook, they played most of chapter at 80%, as like a teaser? So you were waiting for those scenes but they happen at the very end? why would they do that? We also only get his POV in the last two chapters. Why even include them at this point? Bad, lazy writing, definitely skip.
Also how stupid is his face on the cover? He looks like a doofus. He's a fae king 🙄 But that skull is so fucking dumb lol 💀
March 3, 2024
YD La Mar will explore those shadowy, problematic corners of dark romance, and Beguiled by the Beastly Baron is no exception. I love that stuff. She took two main characters I found interesting and sometimes problematic and fit them together well.
Some specific parts of the story kept me from giving a higher rating but did not stop me from enjoying myself. I would have liked more of the Baron’s POV in the beginning as much as in the end. I also think there was room for more apparent character development for Antonia. She seemed willing to be more vulnerable the longer she was with the Baron, but I am also not entirely sure.
By the end of the book, I really enjoyed the gothic fairytale vibes I felt La Mar was putting out there. Would love more of that.
Some specific parts of the story kept me from giving a higher rating but did not stop me from enjoying myself. I would have liked more of the Baron’s POV in the beginning as much as in the end. I also think there was room for more apparent character development for Antonia. She seemed willing to be more vulnerable the longer she was with the Baron, but I am also not entirely sure.
By the end of the book, I really enjoyed the gothic fairytale vibes I felt La Mar was putting out there. Would love more of that.
April 22, 2023
BIG YIKES
„I was Antônia Santos Pereira, the woman who lived life the way she chose not this sobbing pathetic thing standing here now.“
Is…is this women who lives life the way she choses in the room with us right now? 👀
„I was Antônia Santos Pereira, the woman who lived life the way she chose not this sobbing pathetic thing standing here now.“
Is…is this women who lives life the way she choses in the room with us right now? 👀
May 2, 2023
Thank goodness this was a short one. Almost gave up multiple times. The lack of connection in the story, lack of world building and character building. I was confused for like more than half of the book. Truly wild.
April 2, 2024
This was harder to get into, but once I settled into the story I was hooked. As the relationship progressed and we got to see Louie’s soft side and the full breadth of his obsession (love), I was fully gone for him. You can’t help but fall for an underlord whose sole focus is his queen. He has pined for this woman since her very existence and has bided his time to make her his. Nia is quickly becoming a force in her own right, having the will to tame the Unseelie King. Their playful banter and loving nature make this story sweet, even when you can’t picture sweetness coming from such a dark realm. They truly are the perfect match and enjoyed their story immensely, from the sweet moments to the steamy ones, I was fully engrossed.
June 2, 2023
Full of red flags…
Almost didn’t finish this one.
Between Louise’s aggressive stalker behavior, and Nia’s childlike tantrums it was all too much.
It started off ok with a independent intelligent foreign female lead and her quirky companion/mother figure. But it abandons all that when the Baron is introduced. At first her reaction to his behavior is understandable, but the moment she starts deciding she likes his red flags I lost interest.
She looses her intelligence trading it in for orgasms, seems fine giving up her hard fought independence, and adds in irrational downward depressive spikes that suddenly appear out of nowhere.
In fact the big fight at the end is a perfect example of what is wrong with this book. She freaks out over something kinda funny, then instead of addressing it she deflects to something so stupid making it a big deal. He of course does what he alway does and doesn’t tell her what his issue is. We never find out the real reason for his reluctance, though it’s hinted at its never fully addressed, and other than a weak apology she never fully addresses her freak out or deal with her issues. It all gets brushed under the rug through more sex and another announcement.
So many things were set up but had no payout. So many questions asked but none really answered. Basically I spent hours of reading to end up asking myself what just happened…
(*insert John Travolta looking around in question meme here*)
Gets one extra star for the beginning.
Almost didn’t finish this one.
Between Louise’s aggressive stalker behavior, and Nia’s childlike tantrums it was all too much.
It started off ok with a independent intelligent foreign female lead and her quirky companion/mother figure. But it abandons all that when the Baron is introduced. At first her reaction to his behavior is understandable, but the moment she starts deciding she likes his red flags I lost interest.
She looses her intelligence trading it in for orgasms, seems fine giving up her hard fought independence, and adds in irrational downward depressive spikes that suddenly appear out of nowhere.
In fact the big fight at the end is a perfect example of what is wrong with this book. She freaks out over something kinda funny, then instead of addressing it she deflects to something so stupid making it a big deal. He of course does what he alway does and doesn’t tell her what his issue is. We never find out the real reason for his reluctance, though it’s hinted at its never fully addressed, and other than a weak apology she never fully addresses her freak out or deal with her issues. It all gets brushed under the rug through more sex and another announcement.
So many things were set up but had no payout. So many questions asked but none really answered. Basically I spent hours of reading to end up asking myself what just happened…
(*insert John Travolta looking around in question meme here*)
Gets one extra star for the beginning.
April 20, 2024
I guess the whole series can't be winners, huh? This was just not it.
I really disliked how this was written. It was very 'tell' and no 'show'. Antonia was just plain stupid. I understand she grew up without her mother and back in the day pregnancy was not spoken of plainly, but girl is 29 and doesn't know what it means to miss a period. And even if I could forgive that, no one decided to clue her in during her pregnancy about what happens when your water breaks? Plus, her being mad about the name thing was just dumb.
I would have DNFed if it wasn't already so short. I'm hoping there aren't any other duds in the series.
I really disliked how this was written. It was very 'tell' and no 'show'. Antonia was just plain stupid. I understand she grew up without her mother and back in the day pregnancy was not spoken of plainly, but girl is 29 and doesn't know what it means to miss a period. And even if I could forgive that, no one decided to clue her in during her pregnancy about what happens when your water breaks? Plus, her being mad about the name thing was just dumb.
I would have DNFed if it wasn't already so short. I'm hoping there aren't any other duds in the series.
March 30, 2023
🌸 TikTok || Instagram 🌸
Story 📖.5
Depth 💔
Steam 🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Comm. 🗣️
Growth 💗
Overall ⭐.5
You know those couples that put all their business in public, either online or in person, and you keep following them just to watch the sh*tshow? That was this except less amusing.
I'll just put the rest under here bc it's not really a spoiler it just long 🙃
....
This was a slog to get through even though I'm a fast reader and I only kept going bc I had some misguided hope that it would get better. This book is also too long. It's like 199 pages and it really could have been like 30 pages shorter because the first half of the book dragged and then the second half just exploded from one high to a low to another confused high. I'm not even sure how these two fell in-love bc there was next to zero tension.
Rounding up on the star for decent spice.
I say that generously.
Story 📖.5
Depth 💔
Steam 🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Comm. 🗣️
Growth 💗
Overall ⭐.5
You know those couples that put all their business in public, either online or in person, and you keep following them just to watch the sh*tshow? That was this except less amusing.
I'll just put the rest under here bc it's not really a spoiler it just long 🙃
....
This was a slog to get through even though I'm a fast reader and I only kept going bc I had some misguided hope that it would get better. This book is also too long. It's like 199 pages and it really could have been like 30 pages shorter because the first half of the book dragged and then the second half just exploded from one high to a low to another confused high. I'm not even sure how these two fell in-love bc there was next to zero tension.
Rounding up on the star for decent spice.
I say that generously.
April 10, 2023
Ugh, I wanted to love this series but the authors' writing styles are so vastly different and this one I just couldn't get into.
This book simply didn't flow well and I really didn't like the FMC at all. Plus it didn't read like a regency romance which was disappointing.
This book simply didn't flow well and I really didn't like the FMC at all. Plus it didn't read like a regency romance which was disappointing.
April 17, 2023
Sweet and well-written but there was one problem with this book.... the author describes the most insane 🍆 features ever and then never brings them up again. Seems like a wasted opportunity but what do I know?
May 31, 2023
What in the pick-me-girl, monster fucking hell was this⁉️0/10
November 11, 2024
this was a mess. my biggest issues were as follows
1. the main couple seemed allergic to explaining things to each other. the biggest fight they get into circles around him just literally not explaining himself to her. to explain:
2. the book is full of historical inaccuracies and anachronistic phrases that really broke immersion. some of it an editor could have easily fixed, but others were just wildly out of place. out of nowhere these regency era characters would just say incredibly modern phrases that made it very clear the author didn't know what they were doing. not to mention that at 29, antonia would've been considered a spinster. the fact that she wasn't definitely broke immersion for a regency era romance, even against details like unseelie courts and monster viruses.
3. the book spends the entire first half acting like antonia's maid is her bffl lylas bestie, to the point that antonia insists her maid comes to live with her. but once we get to the unseelie court, the maid is pretty much never mentioned again, even in moments when it would make sense for her to be around. when eventually
4. the relationship in this one is beyond toxic. at one point he tries to do butt stuff, and instead of telling him she isn't ready for that, she just full on runs away. his response? to angrily break down her door and scream "you denied me?!" ew. ew ew ew.
5. the lore is cluuuumsy. at no point did i feel like i had a solid grasp on it, and up until the very end the book was trying to throw new lore at us to fix plot holes (inexplicably creating more plot holes almost every time).
idk, i really enjoy this series but this book was a marked dip in quality compared to the others. feel free to make your own judgement, but i wish i would've skipped this one.
1. the main couple seemed allergic to explaining things to each other. the biggest fight they get into circles around him just literally not explaining himself to her. to explain:
2. the book is full of historical inaccuracies and anachronistic phrases that really broke immersion. some of it an editor could have easily fixed, but others were just wildly out of place. out of nowhere these regency era characters would just say incredibly modern phrases that made it very clear the author didn't know what they were doing. not to mention that at 29, antonia would've been considered a spinster. the fact that she wasn't definitely broke immersion for a regency era romance, even against details like unseelie courts and monster viruses.
3. the book spends the entire first half acting like antonia's maid is her bffl lylas bestie, to the point that antonia insists her maid comes to live with her. but once we get to the unseelie court, the maid is pretty much never mentioned again, even in moments when it would make sense for her to be around. when eventually
4. the relationship in this one is beyond toxic. at one point he tries to do butt stuff, and instead of telling him she isn't ready for that, she just full on runs away. his response? to angrily break down her door and scream "you denied me?!" ew. ew ew ew.
5. the lore is cluuuumsy. at no point did i feel like i had a solid grasp on it, and up until the very end the book was trying to throw new lore at us to fix plot holes (inexplicably creating more plot holes almost every time).
idk, i really enjoy this series but this book was a marked dip in quality compared to the others. feel free to make your own judgement, but i wish i would've skipped this one.
November 25, 2024
It was spooky season, so I was in the mood for some monster romance.
The Monsters Ball series had an excellent first book (How to Marry a Marble Marquis, now permanently on my fav/reread shelf), a solid second book and…
Yeah.
This book was rather rough around the edges.
I liked the premise and the characters. For the most part.
Both the hero and the heroine were a little over the top, but I enjoyed their interactions. I liked the dark, spooky, almost horror-like elements of the world building, mostly because of the Unseelie Court the hero ruled over.
Actually, the Baron’s design and his powers were the most interesting part of the whole story.
But the awkward and aggressive modern language paired with first person perspective, completely ruined this book for me.
I'm not a stickler when it comes to what words or phrases sound too modern or out of place in a historical romance. In many cases what I would expect to be at least a late 20th century expression or word turns out to be used as early as the 1800s. But a heroine from the early 19th century, in a Regency setting (granted, a fantasy regency) saying she wants to “check out new ribbons”, or constantly proclaiming she's “turned on”, or that she's “single”, is just so awkward to me.
I don't know, maybe I will be proven wrong again and those phrases/words are time period appropriate, but it will only marginally make this book better.
There was just some spark missing, even the incredibly spicy sex scenes didn't help.
2,5/5 stars
The Monsters Ball series had an excellent first book (How to Marry a Marble Marquis, now permanently on my fav/reread shelf), a solid second book and…
Yeah.
This book was rather rough around the edges.
I liked the premise and the characters. For the most part.
Both the hero and the heroine were a little over the top, but I enjoyed their interactions. I liked the dark, spooky, almost horror-like elements of the world building, mostly because of the Unseelie Court the hero ruled over.
Actually, the Baron’s design and his powers were the most interesting part of the whole story.
But the awkward and aggressive modern language paired with first person perspective, completely ruined this book for me.
I'm not a stickler when it comes to what words or phrases sound too modern or out of place in a historical romance. In many cases what I would expect to be at least a late 20th century expression or word turns out to be used as early as the 1800s. But a heroine from the early 19th century, in a Regency setting (granted, a fantasy regency) saying she wants to “check out new ribbons”, or constantly proclaiming she's “turned on”, or that she's “single”, is just so awkward to me.
I don't know, maybe I will be proven wrong again and those phrases/words are time period appropriate, but it will only marginally make this book better.
There was just some spark missing, even the incredibly spicy sex scenes didn't help.
2,5/5 stars
June 17, 2023
I can't with this book. Most of the book is from Antonia's POV, and each chapter heading had her name. I was waiting and waiting for the hero's POV, and just when I figured we would not get it, at EIGHTY SIX PERCENT, we get his POV. Most of the book, the hero is flat as hell. No personality beyond "your father gambled and lost so I get to marry you." Most of their interactions are either brief or are referenced instead of shown. We are told about their conversations and relationship, but are shown very little. The dialogue is wooden, and the characters are rote. The 3rd act breakup was laughable.
Antonia starts the book with TELLING us she is a strong, independent woman but rarely demonstrates it. The baron is a stalkery nightmare who has temper tantrums. I don't think I've disliked both main characters in a romance before!
This is the third book I've read in this series, and I have been liking the little overarching mystery behind the Countess and her mysterious past love. The way it is shoehorned into this book is so awkward and terribly written. I really hope the next book is better, or I will have to DNF this series.
I stopped and read another book partway through PURELY so this book was not my 100th book of the year.
Antonia starts the book with TELLING us she is a strong, independent woman but rarely demonstrates it. The baron is a stalkery nightmare who has temper tantrums. I don't think I've disliked both main characters in a romance before!
This is the third book I've read in this series, and I have been liking the little overarching mystery behind the Countess and her mysterious past love. The way it is shoehorned into this book is so awkward and terribly written. I really hope the next book is better, or I will have to DNF this series.
I stopped and read another book partway through PURELY so this book was not my 100th book of the year.
April 2, 2024
I was a little apprehensive starting this one as I've never read this kind of monster in a monster romance before. That said, I loved it so much more than I thought I would! I loved how hardcore the Baron was for Antonia. There was a little pining on his end which was just perfection! I loved how smoothly the Baron was tied to the unseelie fae court and how Antonia transitioned with ease. I'm really glad that the author kept things light in this aspect and put her main focus into our main couple.
My two small complaints were that when Antonia traveled towards the end, the Baron was able to travel after her. Which, it confused me because he had previously told her that he was unable to cross the sea because of the unseelie borders or something like that? I mean I'm glad he travelled, I just thought that was weird how it didn't match up. My other complaint is that when it came to the barons equipment, I was all kinds of confused. Like that there was a ribcage but tentacles but also a maw, I think? I either needed a visual or more detail because my brain was not picking up what the author was putting down.
That all said, I still really enjoyed this book! What ever kind of monster the Baron was, I'm here for it!
My two small complaints were that when Antonia traveled towards the end, the Baron was able to travel after her. Which, it confused me because he had previously told her that he was unable to cross the sea because of the unseelie borders or something like that? I mean I'm glad he travelled, I just thought that was weird how it didn't match up. My other complaint is that when it came to the barons equipment, I was all kinds of confused. Like that there was a ribcage but tentacles but also a maw, I think? I either needed a visual or more detail because my brain was not picking up what the author was putting down.
That all said, I still really enjoyed this book! What ever kind of monster the Baron was, I'm here for it!
July 5, 2024
Strangely disappointing
I really liked the premise of this one, but between spelling errors and strangely constructed scenes that had to be read multiple times to be understood, I kept getting pulled away from the story itself. And it was basically a good story, I have to give that to the author, and the characters were interesting; however, having a character set up as bold and almost manly and not what others expect of women of the time, to then have them be tongue tied and nervous is disappointing. Much of the description was good, again, the concepts of the story and characters were good, just not executed as I felt they could have been.
So, I would say this is worth reading, if you are just curious how the story turns out - one of the things I suffer from, terrible curiosity - but it's not quite up to the standard of some of the others in this series that I've read from other authors. I hate to say it, because I'd much rather give all the five-star reviewing I can to support authors, but I'm not going to lie, either.
Not horrible, but not excellent.
I really liked the premise of this one, but between spelling errors and strangely constructed scenes that had to be read multiple times to be understood, I kept getting pulled away from the story itself. And it was basically a good story, I have to give that to the author, and the characters were interesting; however, having a character set up as bold and almost manly and not what others expect of women of the time, to then have them be tongue tied and nervous is disappointing. Much of the description was good, again, the concepts of the story and characters were good, just not executed as I felt they could have been.
So, I would say this is worth reading, if you are just curious how the story turns out - one of the things I suffer from, terrible curiosity - but it's not quite up to the standard of some of the others in this series that I've read from other authors. I hate to say it, because I'd much rather give all the five-star reviewing I can to support authors, but I'm not going to lie, either.
Not horrible, but not excellent.
March 31, 2023
The hero is extremely obsessed with her. The moment she enters the ball he is attached to her side. He immediately asks her to dance and she can't think of a polite way to refuse. He scares her at first but she is attracted to him.
He barely dances with her then tries to sneak her outside for fresh air. She is trying not to go with him so the Master of Ceremonies intervenes. She is relieved. The hero basically proposed marriage to her right away. She says she needs more time.
There are many steamy scenes. He likes to be in charge.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
We find out she is his soul mate and he knew about her from her birth. He used to watch her from her window in Brazil. He never spoke to her or met her before because he knew she needed to grow up and develop her personality without him.
They have a son who is half human and half Unseelie.
He barely dances with her then tries to sneak her outside for fresh air. She is trying not to go with him so the Master of Ceremonies intervenes. She is relieved. The hero basically proposed marriage to her right away. She says she needs more time.
There are many steamy scenes. He likes to be in charge.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
We find out she is his soul mate and he knew about her from her birth. He used to watch her from her window in Brazil. He never spoke to her or met her before because he knew she needed to grow up and develop her personality without him.
They have a son who is half human and half Unseelie.
October 25, 2025
If you wanted ancient magus bride smut this book slaps! I will say the creature is very hot with his description and for a smut book the plot/world building is great. Although his motivations/actions could have been written a bit better BUT I did like seeing him as being just as awkward as Elias from ancient magus bride. It helps explain why he gets confused emotionally and it does explain the twist at the end about just how long he has been yearning for the main character.
(Also the author was very clear about this being SMUT and all in good fun for anyone wanting an ancient fey creature pining over them/breeding them)
(Also the author was very clear about this being SMUT and all in good fun for anyone wanting an ancient fey creature pining over them/breeding them)
April 3, 2023
I love this series!
I have enjoyed every book so far in this series and this one is equally as good. From what I gather, each set that is released is the same season of the monster ball and are intertwined with the same characters in both.
Louis and Antonia’s relationship did start out a little rocky but it does work out in the end.
I will be continuing this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the future monster ball seasons!
I have enjoyed every book so far in this series and this one is equally as good. From what I gather, each set that is released is the same season of the monster ball and are intertwined with the same characters in both.
Louis and Antonia’s relationship did start out a little rocky but it does work out in the end.
I will be continuing this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the future monster ball seasons!
October 14, 2023
I forced myself through this one, simply because I wanted to continue with the series and didn't want to risk missing something that might connect to the rest. I didn't like Louis and despite Antonia supposedly being an independent woman, in reality she was just stubborn and mouthy with no real purpose. Louis is a stalker, plain and simple. I found the smut boring despite the way it was written, and honestly, the climactic argument they had was dumb.
I would not endorse this one.
I would not endorse this one.
September 9, 2024
not even 1 star!!
What is this? The writing style is no good, the characters fall flat and are stupid. No way in hell I understand why she agreed to marry him... yea and that is when I stopped reading. This story makes no sense what so ever. Lot of blah blah to fill the pages. I do not even know how to prescribe this mess. I wanted to check out this Author and if that is how she writes stories.. no thanks.
What is this? The writing style is no good, the characters fall flat and are stupid. No way in hell I understand why she agreed to marry him... yea and that is when I stopped reading. This story makes no sense what so ever. Lot of blah blah to fill the pages. I do not even know how to prescribe this mess. I wanted to check out this Author and if that is how she writes stories.. no thanks.
March 30, 2023
This book is absolutely amazing. Its so realistic but set in a time less modern. A true monster with a relationship you dont see coming. The arguments, the love these two learn felt so amazingly real. Reading this fictional book made me question some aspects in my own relationships. It takes true love to conquer all and this book knocked it straight out of the park. In one word... AMAZING
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
DNF @68%. This book is not in the same style as the previous ones in the series. I didn't find either of the main characters likeable and the MMC reminded me HEAVILY if another book series about a wendigo like creature whose eyes also change colour according to emotions and have tentacles as part of their anatomy....
April 2, 2023
Monster Lovers meets Bridgerton
Apparently I'm not a huge fan of period pieces where the woman is naive as the carnal way of things (thing Bridgerton season 1) so while I did think this was well written it wasn't my cup of words.
Apparently I'm not a huge fan of period pieces where the woman is naive as the carnal way of things (thing Bridgerton season 1) so while I did think this was well written it wasn't my cup of words.
April 3, 2023
3 stars
* Hero(s) - 2/5
* Heroine(s) - 2/5
* Secondary Characters - 3/5
* Plot/Storyline - 3/5
* Romance/Steam - 2/5
* Drama/Conflict/Angst - 3/5
* Worldbuilding/Atmosphere - 3/5
* Writing Style - 3/5
* Hero(s) - 2/5
* Heroine(s) - 2/5
* Secondary Characters - 3/5
* Plot/Storyline - 3/5
* Romance/Steam - 2/5
* Drama/Conflict/Angst - 3/5
* Worldbuilding/Atmosphere - 3/5
* Writing Style - 3/5
August 18, 2023
I loved this book! I can relate to the FLC and visualize the story as it plays out! The more you get to know the MLC the more you understand his ways. Before you know it you will be drawn into their story and rooting for them to as a couple! I can’t wait to read more of this series!
March 30, 2023
Fun story. Interesting monsters. Demanding love Interest.
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