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The Monsters Ball #5
Romancing the Monstrous Earl
Dear Lady Yvaine of Moray, It is with no great regret that Her Majesty informs you that after the unfortunate fencing incident with Lord Tyler, the stabbing of the younger Lord of Malay with a hat pin, and finally, the brawl with the Ladies Banning (including the Dowager), it is Her decree that you shall attend The Monsters Ball, and there you will find among them a husband to match your harridan, monstrous nature.
Lady Yvaine of Moray maintains that the above incidents were not entirely her fault. She was cursed, you see. Not to be a hat pin weilding menace—although that is a plus in her book— but to be claimed by a low level demon who has bedeviled her since childhood. Her only way marry someone more villainous, who will send the fiend scurrying with his tail between his legs. Well, Lady Yvaine has never been one for half measures. So she sets her cap for the most villainous monster of them all.
The grotesque Earl of Evernight, an impossibly large, horned beast with wings, claws, and a devil’s tail. He's ruled his lands without question for a lifetime, but now the fates have come calling. To keep his claim on Evernight, he must marry and produce an heir. Mael will take her body and soul for his own, but didn’t count on her heart. He's decided demons don’t love, but Yvaine has never been one to back down from a challenge. This Season, place your bets at White’ Will this be a match made in Hell, or an epic love to defy even the stars (and Her Most Irritated Majesty)?
This story is a stand alone novella-length novel set in the shared world of The Monsters Ball.
Lady Yvaine of Moray maintains that the above incidents were not entirely her fault. She was cursed, you see. Not to be a hat pin weilding menace—although that is a plus in her book— but to be claimed by a low level demon who has bedeviled her since childhood. Her only way marry someone more villainous, who will send the fiend scurrying with his tail between his legs. Well, Lady Yvaine has never been one for half measures. So she sets her cap for the most villainous monster of them all.
The grotesque Earl of Evernight, an impossibly large, horned beast with wings, claws, and a devil’s tail. He's ruled his lands without question for a lifetime, but now the fates have come calling. To keep his claim on Evernight, he must marry and produce an heir. Mael will take her body and soul for his own, but didn’t count on her heart. He's decided demons don’t love, but Yvaine has never been one to back down from a challenge. This Season, place your bets at White’ Will this be a match made in Hell, or an epic love to defy even the stars (and Her Most Irritated Majesty)?
This story is a stand alone novella-length novel set in the shared world of The Monsters Ball.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
About the author
Saranna DeWylde
89 books709 followersSaranna De Wylde has always been fascinated by things better left in the dark. She wrote her first story after watching The Exorcist at a slumber party. Since then, she’s published horror, romance and narrative nonfiction. Like all writers, Saranna has held a variety of jobs, from operations supervisor for an airline, to an assistant for a call girl, to a corrections officer. But like Hemingway said, “Once writing has become your major vice and greatest pleasure, only death can stop it.” So she traded in her cuffs for a full-time keyboard. She loves to hear from her readers.
Saranna writes nonfiction under the name Sara Lunsford. Her memoir about her time as a corrections officer called Sweet Hell on Fire releases Nov 1 from Sourcebooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 8, 2026
This had a lot going on with very little explanation... and the number of spelling errors was quite distracting.
But I enjoyed the concept, and plan to try a few others in the series.
But I enjoyed the concept, and plan to try a few others in the series.
July 21, 2024
This was…. not good. The writing needed a lot of editing, the story was all over the place and nowhere at the same time, and the romance was ??? nowhere to be found.
I was generally confused throughout the whole story. Why was the queen so invested in this guy’s (already can’t remember his name) marital status? Their relationship had no explanation but she was so determined for him to have kids so she could dote on them?
And the heroine just had a demon following her around everywhere her whole life? What? This also was not really explained and just kind of accepted. And then the conflict that this demon caused just fizzled out?
Also.. it was insta love but not super clear.. are they fated mates or something? He hadn’t met her yet before he started getting possessive. Plus zero chemistry between the two of them. Just a mess overall.
I think I’m done with this series unfortunately.
I was generally confused throughout the whole story. Why was the queen so invested in this guy’s (already can’t remember his name) marital status? Their relationship had no explanation but she was so determined for him to have kids so she could dote on them?
And the heroine just had a demon following her around everywhere her whole life? What? This also was not really explained and just kind of accepted. And then the conflict that this demon caused just fizzled out?
Also.. it was insta love but not super clear.. are they fated mates or something? He hadn’t met her yet before he started getting possessive. Plus zero chemistry between the two of them. Just a mess overall.
I think I’m done with this series unfortunately.
May 1, 2023
Pretty bad
Worst book in this series. Each book is written by a different author but all with the same concept and takes place in the same world.
This book was rushed. It had no heat. And I could argue there are enough plot points that are unresolved that this is basically a cliffhanger.
The author goes into my dnr pile.
Worst book in this series. Each book is written by a different author but all with the same concept and takes place in the same world.
This book was rushed. It had no heat. And I could argue there are enough plot points that are unresolved that this is basically a cliffhanger.
The author goes into my dnr pile.
June 20, 2023
Buddy Read June 2023 - 2.5 stars
There were a lot of little story-building ideas that I enjoyed in this book, despite the overall romance being sooo OTT. I liked how There was a lot going on for an under 100-pager, that's for sure!
The editing could use some work, and if it had been any longer I think I would've struggled to get through it. I do look forward to returning to the Monsters Ball in some of the other authors styles!
----------------------
Monsters Ball Universe
Her Majesty has deemed your Season a failure. With no further prospects at this time, you are hereby ordered to attend The Monsters Ball.
How To Marry a Marble Marquis - CM Nascosta
The Monstrous Duke And I - Dee St Holm
Romancing the Monstrous Earl - Sarrana DeWylde
Wanton for the Wolven King - Kristen Strassel
The Scoundrel and the Satyr King - Clio Evans
Beguiled by the Beastly Baron - YD La Mar
Emilia and the Eldritch Earl - Vivienne Hart
How The Marquis Found His Meow - Nova Blake
Mastered by the Sea Marquis - SJ Sanders
The Monster Marquis and the Maiden - Ashley Bennett - Cancelled
"I would say I don't like the look on your face," he began without even looking over at her. "But times and needs are dire. Whatever you're hatching, best make sure it works."
There were a lot of little story-building ideas that I enjoyed in this book, despite the overall romance being sooo OTT. I liked how There was a lot going on for an under 100-pager, that's for sure!
"Madam, I have visited no chambers but yours."
"I'm afraid if you did, I'd have to challenge you to a duel to defend my own honor." She stepped away from the window so he could enter. "And I'd win."
The editing could use some work, and if it had been any longer I think I would've struggled to get through it. I do look forward to returning to the Monsters Ball in some of the other authors styles!
----------------------
Monsters Ball Universe
Her Majesty has deemed your Season a failure. With no further prospects at this time, you are hereby ordered to attend The Monsters Ball.
How To Marry a Marble Marquis - CM Nascosta
The Monstrous Duke And I - Dee St Holm
Romancing the Monstrous Earl - Sarrana DeWylde
Wanton for the Wolven King - Kristen Strassel
The Scoundrel and the Satyr King - Clio Evans
Beguiled by the Beastly Baron - YD La Mar
Emilia and the Eldritch Earl - Vivienne Hart
How The Marquis Found His Meow - Nova Blake
Mastered by the Sea Marquis - SJ Sanders
The Monster Marquis and the Maiden - Ashley Bennett - Cancelled
March 3, 2024
Saranna DeWylde has some good bits of Romancing the Monstrous Earl that only left me wanting her to have really milked them for all they were worth. The characters were interesting and likable. She can write a sexy-as-hell dance scene. It wrapped too quickly for what I think was needed.
I have to say the best part was the dance scene. I loved it. I needed it. It helped me believe that these two were obsessed with one another. The MCs deserved the chance to fight harder for their ending, though, in my view.
As much as one can find an excellent individual scene, stringing them together made me want to rebuild the plot. I wondered, especially at the story's pacing halfway through. It felt like the characters were thinking aloud about different options for the plot's possible direction, and they went with the quickest path to a resolution. I felt rushed by them, and it was too bad! I was really enjoying myself!
I have to say the best part was the dance scene. I loved it. I needed it. It helped me believe that these two were obsessed with one another. The MCs deserved the chance to fight harder for their ending, though, in my view.
As much as one can find an excellent individual scene, stringing them together made me want to rebuild the plot. I wondered, especially at the story's pacing halfway through. It felt like the characters were thinking aloud about different options for the plot's possible direction, and they went with the quickest path to a resolution. I felt rushed by them, and it was too bad! I was really enjoying myself!
June 30, 2024
We All Have Our Demons
"Let's hunt a husband"
With a strong beginning and introduction I was really excited for this read. The Dandy Demon is an interesting contrast and the full "wild" lady of the manor. However the biggest hold back is that the major conflict just seemed to poof away. The character moments seemed a little bit surface especially seemed to not quite gel with keeping the historical in the historical romance but the steam was steamy and the story is a decent novella that sets up the continuing storyline. Interested in the author's other work
"Let's hunt a husband"
With a strong beginning and introduction I was really excited for this read. The Dandy Demon is an interesting contrast and the full "wild" lady of the manor. However the biggest hold back is that the major conflict just seemed to poof away. The character moments seemed a little bit surface especially seemed to not quite gel with keeping the historical in the historical romance but the steam was steamy and the story is a decent novella that sets up the continuing storyline. Interested in the author's other work
May 17, 2023
3,5, por aí.
gostei, mas fiquei com uma impressão de corrido demais sobre várias coisas
gostei, mas fiquei com uma impressão de corrido demais sobre várias coisas
April 18, 2024
Not developed enough and the ending is too convenient. The plot that is slowly unfolding over several books is so shoehorned in that it feels very awkward.
April 11, 2023
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Story 📖📖📖📖.5
Depth 💔💔💔.5
Steam 🔥🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Comm. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Growth 💗💗💗.5
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (rounded up)
DeWylde's writing brought the cast of characters to life in a surprising way. I was reminded of C.M. Nascosta's How to Marry a Marble Marquis in many ways, from the detailed descriptions to the language the character's used. I can only surmise that DeWylde has experience in the Historical Romance genre because this actually felt like a balanced combination of sub-genres.
This is a fairly short story so I'm judging the pacing by that alone and in that respect, I think it did wonderfully. There was no time for miscommunication and the characters managed to get to the heart of the matter rather quickly (which, given the previous books in this series is a god send). The banter between them was superb and even made the introduction of side characters so interesting.
The reason this doesn't get the full 5 stars (without rounding) is because I thought the characterization of Alasdair was a little floppy in the beginning, especially for how easily he was swayed to reconsider in the end. I think the relationship between Yvaine and Alasdair could have been smoothed out in a way that didn't paint him as this horrible thing in the beginning because by the end it tied up so nicely.
But I am rounding up for this quote alone:
No words. Just sighs
I am genuinely curious in this author's other works and will be delving into them. I'm also extremely hopeful that she will pursue more HistRom and/or HR-Monster works.
Story 📖📖📖📖.5
Depth 💔💔💔.5
Steam 🔥🔥🔥
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Comm. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Growth 💗💗💗.5
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (rounded up)
DeWylde's writing brought the cast of characters to life in a surprising way. I was reminded of C.M. Nascosta's How to Marry a Marble Marquis in many ways, from the detailed descriptions to the language the character's used. I can only surmise that DeWylde has experience in the Historical Romance genre because this actually felt like a balanced combination of sub-genres.
This is a fairly short story so I'm judging the pacing by that alone and in that respect, I think it did wonderfully. There was no time for miscommunication and the characters managed to get to the heart of the matter rather quickly (which, given the previous books in this series is a god send). The banter between them was superb and even made the introduction of side characters so interesting.
The reason this doesn't get the full 5 stars (without rounding) is because I thought the characterization of Alasdair was a little floppy in the beginning, especially for how easily he was swayed to reconsider in the end. I think the relationship between Yvaine and Alasdair could have been smoothed out in a way that didn't paint him as this horrible thing in the beginning because by the end it tied up so nicely.
But I am rounding up for this quote alone:
I feel for you in the way that a human man never could. I can’t even say I love you because it’s a shallow quantification of the breadth and width of my feelings. I would burn the world for you, Yvaine, and everyone in it. Already, if I were to lose you, there would never be another for me. You are my eternity. Your poets like to wax on about forever, but when I say it, I mean until stars extinguish and there is only nothingness. In that nothingness, I will remain, and so will my pain at losing you.
No words. Just sighs
I am genuinely curious in this author's other works and will be delving into them. I'm also extremely hopeful that she will pursue more HistRom and/or HR-Monster works.
August 16, 2024
Main Characters:
Lady Yvaine of Moray & Earl of Evernight
Review:
This was enjoyable but almost too short.
Tropes:
-Age Gap
-Demons
-Mates
-Monsters
-Novella
-Regency
Quotes:
“It’s not that I don’t feel for you. I feel for you in the way that a human man never could. I can’t even say I love you because it’s a shallow quantification of the breadth and width of my feelings. I would burn the world for you, Yvaine, and everyone in it. Already, if I were to lose you, there would never be another for me. You are my eternity. Your poets like to wax on about forever, but when I say it, I mean until stars extinguish and there is only nothingness. In that nothingness, I will remain, and so will my pain at losing you.”
"Let's hunt a husband"
Lady Yvaine of Moray & Earl of Evernight
Review:
This was enjoyable but almost too short.
Tropes:
-Age Gap
-Demons
-Mates
-Monsters
-Novella
-Regency
Quotes:
“It’s not that I don’t feel for you. I feel for you in the way that a human man never could. I can’t even say I love you because it’s a shallow quantification of the breadth and width of my feelings. I would burn the world for you, Yvaine, and everyone in it. Already, if I were to lose you, there would never be another for me. You are my eternity. Your poets like to wax on about forever, but when I say it, I mean until stars extinguish and there is only nothingness. In that nothingness, I will remain, and so will my pain at losing you.”
"Let's hunt a husband"
September 13, 2025
I think that this book actually had a decent backstory, but it felt like the writer kind of gave up easily on it and the storyline jumped all over the place. I know it’s supposed to be a fun, easy-to-read sexy book, but I feel like it could have had some substance and been longer. I didn’t hate it, but I do feel a little let down because you can tell that Saranna has some real writing talent, but needs a better editor to help her bring her ideas to fruition.
May 28, 2026
This was absolutely adorable and I was obsessed with every second of it. I absolutely love regency romance and this book was done so well, especially with the twist of adding monsters into the regency world. It was so well written and well paced, and I loved all of the characters, especially the MMC and FMC.
My only complaint is that this is about 300 pages shorter than I wanted it to be! I didn’t want it to end! 😭💕
My only complaint is that this is about 300 pages shorter than I wanted it to be! I didn’t want it to end! 😭💕
April 13, 2023
Great story!
I loved that the FMC was unapologetically herself and that the MC loved it so. I also really enjoyed that he gave up the fight of resisting.
Why it's 4 instead of 5 stars? The ending seemed sudden. There was a lot of opportunity missed. I would have at least liked an epilogue or something.
I loved that the FMC was unapologetically herself and that the MC loved it so. I also really enjoyed that he gave up the fight of resisting.
Why it's 4 instead of 5 stars? The ending seemed sudden. There was a lot of opportunity missed. I would have at least liked an epilogue or something.
April 17, 2023
fast fun steamy read
Another fantastic regency monster romance. The characters were vivid and you rooted for them to get everything they wanted. The demon element was very cool and a welcome expansion of this monsterverse. The story is a bit shorter than the other books. This was easy to read in one night.
Another fantastic regency monster romance. The characters were vivid and you rooted for them to get everything they wanted. The demon element was very cool and a welcome expansion of this monsterverse. The story is a bit shorter than the other books. This was easy to read in one night.
May 5, 2023
3.5/5 stars! A good, albeit short, entry into the Monsters Ball series. I enjoyed the characters and snake-esqe monsters are a particular favorite of mine. I appreciated the plus-size representation and the strong-will of the FMC. I will say that this book led like a prequel to a series and I'm not sure if this author is planning on continuing to write in this world.
June 26, 2023
It desperately needed an editor- there were so many mistakes that I found I couldn’t concentrate on the story. Even on that end, the story was convoluted and didn’t make much sense. I couldn’t understand most of the plot points, enough so that I never knew completely what was going on.
July 29, 2023
I like it until…
The ending was like being unexpectedly stopped in your tracks while you’re excited to get to your destination, and feeling the disappointment of knowing you’ll never get there. How unsatisfying.
The ending was like being unexpectedly stopped in your tracks while you’re excited to get to your destination, and feeling the disappointment of knowing you’ll never get there. How unsatisfying.
January 18, 2024
Spicy short novella
Great spicy story with a dandy of a demon and a fiery harridan. It was short, and steamy with a hint of intrigue. It also sets up the next story in the series! I only wish there was an epilogue.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
Great spicy story with a dandy of a demon and a fiery harridan. It was short, and steamy with a hint of intrigue. It also sets up the next story in the series! I only wish there was an epilogue.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
March 19, 2024
Was nice to have a strong FMC, but it didn't have the same pizzazz as other Monsters Ball stories. The character interactions were sweet though, and I definitely wanted more story about all the demonic shadow friends and their drama.
May 2, 2024
There is a lot of dislike for this one, but I thought it was adorable! It is very short so there isn't much depth in character or spice, but give me a winged man and fated mates any day of the week and I'll be happy.
May 27, 2024
DNF at 85%. Good premise. Mediocre execution. The spice was just light heat. Felt really rushed. Quit when there was a random letter from a character we didn’t even get mention of before. It’s just blah.
March 14, 2025
What in the what
I've read several of the Monsters Ball series, they've all been unique and interesting until this one. Huge gaping potholes and a lot of glossing over of details. The book ends abruptly without finishing a major plot point. Huh?
I've read several of the Monsters Ball series, they've all been unique and interesting until this one. Huge gaping potholes and a lot of glossing over of details. The book ends abruptly without finishing a major plot point. Huh?
May 28, 2026
I think this was cute and funny for a short lil regency monster romance. The writing could have been much improved. However, it was a quick, catching read. It’s like Bridgerton but with monsters. 4 stars.
April 13, 2023
It was interesting. Could use another proofread.
April 24, 2023
cliffhanger!!!!!
A fun jaunt in what is becoming a familiar world that ends on a cliffhanger! Gah!!! Cannot wait to find out what happens and if my guesses were correct!
A fun jaunt in what is becoming a familiar world that ends on a cliffhanger! Gah!!! Cannot wait to find out what happens and if my guesses were correct!
April 25, 2023
So cute!!! Love love love!!!
April 30, 2023
Snake…anatomy…
May 9, 2023
This series was nowhere near as good as I hoped. And this one is a dud as well. It was short and dull.
May 31, 2023
This is not a book. This a fever dream.
June 9, 2023
I was grumpy about the short-short story (74 pages where most of the others in the series are full-length novels,) but it turned out to be a blessing. So bad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews