What do you think?
Rate this book
Chosen by a Monster
He's a monster. Dangerous and powerful. My body ignites when he's near me, but crossing those boundaries could be the last thing I ever do.
Sephina Rossi stands at the rift as an Offering. Prepared to take her last breath, she discovers the rift isn’t a death sentence—it’s a portal to another realm. There's an entire world of monstrous creatures…and she’s been sold to one at auction.
Aurel’s plans have been derailed. He’s fighting for the future of his creatures, along with his own. The only thing that matters is putting a stop to the merger. A newly purchased assistant is the last thing he cares about—until he sees her walk in looking like that.
Her presence threatens to distract him from his carefully laid plans…or could she be the reason he gets everything he never knew he wanted?
Sephina Rossi stands at the rift as an Offering. Prepared to take her last breath, she discovers the rift isn’t a death sentence—it’s a portal to another realm. There's an entire world of monstrous creatures…and she’s been sold to one at auction.
Aurel’s plans have been derailed. He’s fighting for the future of his creatures, along with his own. The only thing that matters is putting a stop to the merger. A newly purchased assistant is the last thing he cares about—until he sees her walk in looking like that.
Her presence threatens to distract him from his carefully laid plans…or could she be the reason he gets everything he never knew he wanted?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
173 people are currently reading
346 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 59 reviews
October 25, 2024
Gotta love the monsters!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎 😃😋
The heroine: Sephina - when monsters opened a rift between Earth and another realm, it wasn’t long before governments fell, and lawlessness took over. Though the monster’s proposed a trade. They wouldn’t take over the Earth, if they were given small batches of sacrificed humans. Sephina’s father had been on the edges of the mafia all of her life, but after the monsters came, his drug business picked up making her family instantly wealthy. Though her father didn’t have the supply to fill the growing demand and ended up spending a lot of money he didn’t have. To save his life, he turned states evidence against his mob clients, but that wasn’t enough for the government. In order protect himself, he made a trade. His pampered daughter would be a sacrifice.
The Hero: Aurel - he was a sector leader on the other side of the rift. He had planned to merge with Cresinda, another sector leader through marriage. The two of them have been having a secret romantic relationship for a while, but hadn’t yet announced their merger plans, when all the sudden Cresinda’s merger with a different sector leader, Kadrol was announced. Aurel planned to do what he could to help release her from that obligation, which he assumed her father had set up before his death.
The Story: Sephina was surprised when she didn’t immediately die after going through the rift; even more so when she was put up for auction, sold and she found out that Aurel now owned her. She was to be his assistant. Aurel was determined to find out what Kadrol was doing in his sector. Since every other sector had been seeing decreases in production and Kadrol kept boasting about how his sector was thriving. Aurel couldn’t find any evidence of wrongdoing, but he had a gut feeling Kadrol was up to something.
It wasn’t long before the attraction between Aurel and Sephina came to a head. Though Aurel didn’t believe in taking advantage of the sacrifices under his control, he couldn’t stay away from Sephina. When Aurel continues his plan to help Cresinda get out of her merger with Kadrol, things spiral out of his control, and he loses Sephina. The storyline is intriguing to say the least. The one thing I didn’t like about the story is when characters stupidly put themselves or others in danger and you can just see it heading for a bad place. That happened in this one, though of course everything worked out in the end.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎 😃😋
The heroine: Sephina - when monsters opened a rift between Earth and another realm, it wasn’t long before governments fell, and lawlessness took over. Though the monster’s proposed a trade. They wouldn’t take over the Earth, if they were given small batches of sacrificed humans. Sephina’s father had been on the edges of the mafia all of her life, but after the monsters came, his drug business picked up making her family instantly wealthy. Though her father didn’t have the supply to fill the growing demand and ended up spending a lot of money he didn’t have. To save his life, he turned states evidence against his mob clients, but that wasn’t enough for the government. In order protect himself, he made a trade. His pampered daughter would be a sacrifice.
The Hero: Aurel - he was a sector leader on the other side of the rift. He had planned to merge with Cresinda, another sector leader through marriage. The two of them have been having a secret romantic relationship for a while, but hadn’t yet announced their merger plans, when all the sudden Cresinda’s merger with a different sector leader, Kadrol was announced. Aurel planned to do what he could to help release her from that obligation, which he assumed her father had set up before his death.
The Story: Sephina was surprised when she didn’t immediately die after going through the rift; even more so when she was put up for auction, sold and she found out that Aurel now owned her. She was to be his assistant. Aurel was determined to find out what Kadrol was doing in his sector. Since every other sector had been seeing decreases in production and Kadrol kept boasting about how his sector was thriving. Aurel couldn’t find any evidence of wrongdoing, but he had a gut feeling Kadrol was up to something.
It wasn’t long before the attraction between Aurel and Sephina came to a head. Though Aurel didn’t believe in taking advantage of the sacrifices under his control, he couldn’t stay away from Sephina. When Aurel continues his plan to help Cresinda get out of her merger with Kadrol, things spiral out of his control, and he loses Sephina. The storyline is intriguing to say the least. The one thing I didn’t like about the story is when characters stupidly put themselves or others in danger and you can just see it heading for a bad place. That happened in this one, though of course everything worked out in the end.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
March 3, 2024
I had so much fun reading this one! Monster romances always seem to hit just right!
I only wish there was more time spent on the emotionally connection between the leads-- there physical connection is well established, but I would have liked a bit less spice and a bit more depth in their emotional bond. Nevertheless, it was effortless to believe in their chemistry as a whole which drove this story forward. 3.5✨
I only wish there was more time spent on the emotionally connection between the leads-- there physical connection is well established, but I would have liked a bit less spice and a bit more depth in their emotional bond. Nevertheless, it was effortless to believe in their chemistry as a whole which drove this story forward. 3.5✨
January 20, 2023
Amazing, monster Mafia. A head strong socialite is sold to a leader in this paranormal world beyond our own but she does not go quietly.
There is something about a tall dark, grumpy, workaholic monster being undone by a small mouthy human and confessing his devotion as he fucks her hard that does it for me.
Add a corrupt system, touch her and die and a tail that can kill and pleasure and I could not put this book down.
There is something about a tall dark, grumpy, workaholic monster being undone by a small mouthy human and confessing his devotion as he fucks her hard that does it for me.
Add a corrupt system, touch her and die and a tail that can kill and pleasure and I could not put this book down.
May 15, 2023
At first I thought this book was going to be unbearably cheesy and predictable...and in some ways it was. HOWEVER, it was so friggin enjoyable at the same time! I enjoyed the drama and emotional pitfalls, and I have no idea what that says about me but here we are. I didn't love the characters at first, but they definitely grew on me and by the end I was very happy with the reading experience.
February 12, 2023
It took me longer than I would have liked to read this book. I say that because it was soo good I didn’t want to put it down.
This book reminded me of another author in the way the book is written. It has a good balance of spice & actually storyline. With the nature of the book it also touches are some touchy subject matters so ensure you read the triggers. Lylah has done a fantastic job with this book & is definitely worth the read if you enjoy dark romance.
I was honoured to be an ARC reader of this book.
March 26, 2024
unlikeable mfc
So my main issue with this book is the mfc. If you’re looking for a kicka** mfc you will be thoroughly disappointed! The mfc is a rich, spoiled, entitled B.
The mfc describes herself as keeping her head in the sand to her mafia king pin “daddy’s” business. She says she spends her days shopping and going to resorts with her friends. Two pages later she says she works hard when she has to and is an educated “businesswoman damn it!” Several chapters later she says she owned her own business that had gone bankrupt and prior to that she had been a secretary I’m assuming for her “daddy.” I have no idea how old this girl/woman is. So far she claims to be educated I would assume at least a 4 year college, but she worked as a secretary, then owned her own business, and this was before the rift and her father being rich again. She also mentions using Botox. Is she late 20s, 30s, 40s???? 50s?
I picture this woman as one of the rich B’s on the reality cop shows. Where they think they are gonna get away with something because of their last name, and when they realize they aren’t they start crying, throwing fits, and screaming for “daddy.”
The mfc spends the first several chapters constantly talking about her designer dress and shoes. Like every other paragraph she mentions them 🤮 I kept hoping someone was going to give her a beat down and knock her off her pedestal, and give her character an attitude adjustment.
Next issue, these people that are being given to the “rift” believe they are being led to their death. When they get through the other side and realize it’s just a portal, not one person tries to sneak away and hide? Maybe try to sneak back through the portal later? They are led to an auction, again everyone is cordial and nobody fights being sold as cattle? And all the while the mfc is lamenting on her dress and shoes.
Next, these monsters are just different looking or ugly compared to humans. Could just as easily call them aliens. They don’t really do anything monstrous. Essentially the rift is like being thrown back in time to carriages and hard labor. The world she lands in is really just earth knocked back several hundred years. So for me even when he cuts the guys head off, it’s not really monstrous as it is the era they are living in. He didn’t do it for shi** and giggles, there was a reason behind it.
Some word choices were also strange. For instance “slicing through water,” to describe him cutting easily through a man’s neck. Water gives resistance, so that is a horrible analogy.
Everything I have mentioned is before 20%. I started skimming in the teen percentage praying for the leading lady to get knocked down a peg. Sadly I couldn’t finish this book.
So my main issue with this book is the mfc. If you’re looking for a kicka** mfc you will be thoroughly disappointed! The mfc is a rich, spoiled, entitled B.
The mfc describes herself as keeping her head in the sand to her mafia king pin “daddy’s” business. She says she spends her days shopping and going to resorts with her friends. Two pages later she says she works hard when she has to and is an educated “businesswoman damn it!” Several chapters later she says she owned her own business that had gone bankrupt and prior to that she had been a secretary I’m assuming for her “daddy.” I have no idea how old this girl/woman is. So far she claims to be educated I would assume at least a 4 year college, but she worked as a secretary, then owned her own business, and this was before the rift and her father being rich again. She also mentions using Botox. Is she late 20s, 30s, 40s???? 50s?
I picture this woman as one of the rich B’s on the reality cop shows. Where they think they are gonna get away with something because of their last name, and when they realize they aren’t they start crying, throwing fits, and screaming for “daddy.”
The mfc spends the first several chapters constantly talking about her designer dress and shoes. Like every other paragraph she mentions them 🤮 I kept hoping someone was going to give her a beat down and knock her off her pedestal, and give her character an attitude adjustment.
Next issue, these people that are being given to the “rift” believe they are being led to their death. When they get through the other side and realize it’s just a portal, not one person tries to sneak away and hide? Maybe try to sneak back through the portal later? They are led to an auction, again everyone is cordial and nobody fights being sold as cattle? And all the while the mfc is lamenting on her dress and shoes.
Next, these monsters are just different looking or ugly compared to humans. Could just as easily call them aliens. They don’t really do anything monstrous. Essentially the rift is like being thrown back in time to carriages and hard labor. The world she lands in is really just earth knocked back several hundred years. So for me even when he cuts the guys head off, it’s not really monstrous as it is the era they are living in. He didn’t do it for shi** and giggles, there was a reason behind it.
Some word choices were also strange. For instance “slicing through water,” to describe him cutting easily through a man’s neck. Water gives resistance, so that is a horrible analogy.
Everything I have mentioned is before 20%. I started skimming in the teen percentage praying for the leading lady to get knocked down a peg. Sadly I couldn’t finish this book.
May 14, 2024
I initially started the book with high expectations because I enjoyed the other monster book by this author and this one almost started out this way. Our female character is potrayed as a spoiled daddy's girl who is offered for sacrifice at the beginning of the book, further down, she explains that she managed to build a million dollar company that somehow her father got his hands on and so she indulged in her father's money it also shows her explaining working as a secretary for rich mafia asshole men who treated her with disrespect? So many confusing things why would a girl who's father is rich work as an assistant for other rich men? And if she was so hard working smart and all those things shouldn't she have known better than to open a company thats attached to her father's evil business dealings? She sounds contradictory. On one hand a smart hard working beautiful woman who deserves everything she wants on the other a lazy daddy's girl who has had a simple easy life? She also sounds annoying, who in their right mind would care about a pair of expensive shoes when being sentenced to death? Girl please! Our male monster, he is arrogant smart and a ruler but also he is having an affair with a woman named cressinda, whom is potrayed like another love interest of his but she's just friends with benefits and also wants to merge sectors with him. Initially, he is doing everything for her but they don't love each other because now he is attracted to the human womam but also with Cresinda in mind, I am confused. Too much is going on. And the audacity of Aurel hitting Sephina even if it was a mistake not cool. Also Sephina claimed to not care what men thought of her but she was trying to flirt with the only other human man in this realm who seemed nice because apparently men on earth fall to her feet but also treated her like trash? She seemed a little vain, thinking every man would want her and it was simply annoying. I still powered through and gave this book a chance and the first 40% of it, I could have gladly skipped over because it makes you like the two main characters less. As I continued to read I began to eventually enjoy it our female character didn't seem so vain, still vain but at least she no longer cared only about a pair of shoes even though she kept mentioning how hard her life was without her expensive shoes or clothes. I eventually began to like them both Aurel and Sephina, and the plot was really good. Overall I enjoyed the writing of this book and it was nice and sweet not at all what you'd expect, all the monsters lived exactly like humans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
May 12, 2025**Dark Romance Stuff Your Kindle Haul 5/11/2025**
DNF @ 52%
I thought this book was fluff. I wanted fluff! Even though it was categorized as dark romance, I still thought maybe it would just be smut with little to no plot, and I would've been perfectly okay with that. Me = DISAPPOINTED.
At 20%, I was bored. At 30%, there was some spice (like the open-door scene, sure, but nothing 🥵). At 50%, I was just crying with frustration. Then I remembered that I do not need to keep reading. I did that because I kept hoping things would get better, but nope. I have a lot of books in my TBR that I could be reading instead.
Sephina was supposed to be an accomplished businesswoman who dealt with powerful, dangerous men on the reg when she was on Earth, so naturally, I expected her to be someone who could be smart and handle tough situations. Instead, we got someone who constantly cries and whines. And worst of all, someone who needs to be saved. I guess if you don't mind an FMC who acts like a damsel in distress, then you'd be totally fine with her. It's a big nope for me, tho.
She's also supposed to be Aurel's assistant, but she has not asked more questions about her job/responsibilities or asked questions to understand her new world. How is she going to be successful in her role if she doesn't know anything?
Now, Aurel. Oooh boy, I hated him. He couldn't make up his mind even at this point. I get it. He's conflicted because he wants to make sure he's putting his responsibilities first, and he thinks Sephina is a great distraction. But I hate MMCs who would suddenly go cold without explaining anything to the FMC, and then, when Sephina held back from him, he had the audacity to be angry. Plus, he had a "little jaunt" with another woman even after something had already happened between him and Sephina. I know they were not (yet) in a relationship at this point but still, my jealous ass hated that.
I'm pretty certain this is my first monster romance. Safe to say it was a flop. I just really hate weak FMCs and annoying, can't make up their mind MMCs.
DNF @ 52%
I thought this book was fluff. I wanted fluff! Even though it was categorized as dark romance, I still thought maybe it would just be smut with little to no plot, and I would've been perfectly okay with that. Me = DISAPPOINTED.
At 20%, I was bored. At 30%, there was some spice (like the open-door scene, sure, but nothing 🥵). At 50%, I was just crying with frustration. Then I remembered that I do not need to keep reading. I did that because I kept hoping things would get better, but nope. I have a lot of books in my TBR that I could be reading instead.
Sephina was supposed to be an accomplished businesswoman who dealt with powerful, dangerous men on the reg when she was on Earth, so naturally, I expected her to be someone who could be smart and handle tough situations. Instead, we got someone who constantly cries and whines. And worst of all, someone who needs to be saved. I guess if you don't mind an FMC who acts like a damsel in distress, then you'd be totally fine with her. It's a big nope for me, tho.
She's also supposed to be Aurel's assistant, but she has not asked more questions about her job/responsibilities or asked questions to understand her new world. How is she going to be successful in her role if she doesn't know anything?
Now, Aurel. Oooh boy, I hated him. He couldn't make up his mind even at this point. I get it. He's conflicted because he wants to make sure he's putting his responsibilities first, and he thinks Sephina is a great distraction. But I hate MMCs who would suddenly go cold without explaining anything to the FMC, and then, when Sephina held back from him, he had the audacity to be angry. Plus, he had a "little jaunt" with another woman even after something had already happened between him and Sephina. I know they were not (yet) in a relationship at this point but still, my jealous ass hated that.
I'm pretty certain this is my first monster romance. Safe to say it was a flop. I just really hate weak FMCs and annoying, can't make up their mind MMCs.
September 11, 2023
Read 👏🏼 This 👏🏼 Book 👏🏼
I don’t even know where to start with this. It was my first Monster Smoot Romance and I could not put it down until the end. Technically because it’s after midnight it would be considered two days, but I read it start to finish in one awake period. There is so much tied into this story you can’t look away. This author knows what she’s doing and I’m an here for every bit of it.
Sephina is a human living her best life. Until she’s not, thanks to dear old dad, his mafia connections, and a lot of debt. He trades her for the chance to be free of the debt. By trading her, Sephina has to go into the rift. She thinks it’s an end of life sentence only to walk through into another realm. Once there she has to go through a process to be bought by a sector.
Enter Aurel (Pronounced R L…thank you Lylah for teaching me that!). He is the leader of his sector. And secretly having a situationship with Cresinda, another leader of another sector. While there is “fun” is mostly casual and kept a secret. The idea formed between the two to strengthen their alliance and get married. Only Cresinda’s father doesn’t agree and sets her to be married to Kadrol. Who by the way, we do not like. He’s welcome to step on legos and shopkins.
Aurel had a plan. But he didn’t account for the woman who shake up everting. Sephina is trying to survive. Little did she know the monster who bought her was more than her saving grace. The chemistry between these too is HOT! The spice…yessssssssss. All the chili peppers. But it’s more than that. Sooo much more.
All the twist and all the turns will have you turning the pages so fast. Plot development, world building, characters. Everything. It’s amazing. I devoured this book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Check your trigger warnings!
Happy Reading Ya’ll
I don’t even know where to start with this. It was my first Monster Smoot Romance and I could not put it down until the end. Technically because it’s after midnight it would be considered two days, but I read it start to finish in one awake period. There is so much tied into this story you can’t look away. This author knows what she’s doing and I’m an here for every bit of it.
Sephina is a human living her best life. Until she’s not, thanks to dear old dad, his mafia connections, and a lot of debt. He trades her for the chance to be free of the debt. By trading her, Sephina has to go into the rift. She thinks it’s an end of life sentence only to walk through into another realm. Once there she has to go through a process to be bought by a sector.
Enter Aurel (Pronounced R L…thank you Lylah for teaching me that!). He is the leader of his sector. And secretly having a situationship with Cresinda, another leader of another sector. While there is “fun” is mostly casual and kept a secret. The idea formed between the two to strengthen their alliance and get married. Only Cresinda’s father doesn’t agree and sets her to be married to Kadrol. Who by the way, we do not like. He’s welcome to step on legos and shopkins.
Aurel had a plan. But he didn’t account for the woman who shake up everting. Sephina is trying to survive. Little did she know the monster who bought her was more than her saving grace. The chemistry between these too is HOT! The spice…yessssssssss. All the chili peppers. But it’s more than that. Sooo much more.
All the twist and all the turns will have you turning the pages so fast. Plot development, world building, characters. Everything. It’s amazing. I devoured this book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Check your trigger warnings!
Happy Reading Ya’ll
January 15, 2023
"Are you ready for your punishment, little doe?" His finger lifted, grazing the base of my chin before tipping it up.
"You set me up," I whispered, the heat from his body burning my skin...
~~~~
There's nothing a great pair of heels or a well-timed trip to Italy can't fix. Except when you're coming home with newly sun-kissed skin and there are FBI agents covering the lawn of your family mansion. For Sephina Rossi, that's exactly what happened.
The daughter of a mob boss, Sephina's no stranger to the dangerous games of debts and information trading. She really shouldn't be that surprised when her father trades her to the government as a human offering for the rift. Only instead of finding death on the other side of the rift, she finds salvation in the form of monsters and creatures she never dreamed existed. Maybe she even finds home in the arms of Aurel, the gorgeous sector leader who's also her new boss and totally *not* into her.
Tensions between Aurel and Sephina rise as her life is threatened and the downfall of the rift could mean absolute devastation for their realm. How can she trust the actions of a creature who's killed in front of her? How can he trust his feelings for the human offering that could jeopardize everything he's worked so hard to build in his sector?
~~~~
Sephina Rossi and Aurel are 2023's hottest couple in Dark Monster Romances.
Lylah Taylor delivers a novel packed full of creatures/mafia monsters, romance, spice and domineering male behavior.
So crawl on your knees like 'Good Girl' Sephina and go buy (or preorder) your copy today from Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!
"You set me up," I whispered, the heat from his body burning my skin...
~~~~
There's nothing a great pair of heels or a well-timed trip to Italy can't fix. Except when you're coming home with newly sun-kissed skin and there are FBI agents covering the lawn of your family mansion. For Sephina Rossi, that's exactly what happened.
The daughter of a mob boss, Sephina's no stranger to the dangerous games of debts and information trading. She really shouldn't be that surprised when her father trades her to the government as a human offering for the rift. Only instead of finding death on the other side of the rift, she finds salvation in the form of monsters and creatures she never dreamed existed. Maybe she even finds home in the arms of Aurel, the gorgeous sector leader who's also her new boss and totally *not* into her.
Tensions between Aurel and Sephina rise as her life is threatened and the downfall of the rift could mean absolute devastation for their realm. How can she trust the actions of a creature who's killed in front of her? How can he trust his feelings for the human offering that could jeopardize everything he's worked so hard to build in his sector?
~~~~
Sephina Rossi and Aurel are 2023's hottest couple in Dark Monster Romances.
Lylah Taylor delivers a novel packed full of creatures/mafia monsters, romance, spice and domineering male behavior.
So crawl on your knees like 'Good Girl' Sephina and go buy (or preorder) your copy today from Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!
February 2, 2023
I loved the cover art on this as it really brings to life the characters and helps along with the descriptions in the book. I had alot of thoughts during this thinking about how I would respond in Sephina's situation with reacting to the rift and every challenge she faces afterwards. I liked her determination and fearless quirks with how she spoke even when it could lead to danger. I also liked getting some background on Aurel and his insights in his chapters and that he also faced his share of challenges as the plot progressed. I thought her change in language and attitude progressed well as she started referring to them as creatures more than monsters as she settled into their world and became more confident in walking around the sectors. There were some powerful scenes with her in danger which sent a good message of her bravery and her connection with Aurel, as well as the way they both had similar personalities and thoughts/ambitions. It was nice to see their emotions and the way they felt about eachother in their minds and their moments that were intimate without being all about them wanting eachother physically. I think it was important for their relationship development; such as falling asleep or the way they hugged eachother. I'd of liked to see more of her reaction to the ending of the meeting with what Aurel asked her but I do like how it ended a few months after the end to give a sense of closure and the information about the other characters. It was very detailed and certain scenes were well written with intimate details and it was good that they were different and not repetitive. I also liked the dark leadership style writing and the friendships.
January 19, 2023
This is the second book I have the pleasure to get an ARCs copy for. This is a dark, monster romance with characters driven story but there are also plot driven points going across the story. These are my thoughts going into this book
Things I liked:
- The start of the book was medium pace and then it was picked up in about 20% in
- Lylah's writing definitely improved a lot compare to her first book
- The plot itself was fun and engaging
- Nice character development and interaction. I love the side characters (Marcus, Grayten)
- Believable reaction and motive on why they do the things they do
- I was genuinely happy that the other female characters in here are supporting each other and not be mean toward each other. It is refreshing to see them having their own drive and dream, not as a caricature
- Loveable characters
- No third act break up!! THANK YOU!!!
- The spice was good
Things that could be better:
- I need the Mc to grovel a bit more to earn the Fc's trust back
- I'd like to see more of the Mcs interaction to each other beside sleeping with each other
- It would be nice if the Fc show more of her leadership in the beginning to show her potential
- I would like them to share their past and showcase their bonding a little more
- This is a bit too insta-love for me
Overall, this is a good book for people who like demons, politics, characters and plot driven, a bit of mafia elements to it, then this book is right up your alley.
Things I liked:
- The start of the book was medium pace and then it was picked up in about 20% in
- Lylah's writing definitely improved a lot compare to her first book
- The plot itself was fun and engaging
- Nice character development and interaction. I love the side characters (Marcus, Grayten)
- Believable reaction and motive on why they do the things they do
- I was genuinely happy that the other female characters in here are supporting each other and not be mean toward each other. It is refreshing to see them having their own drive and dream, not as a caricature
- Loveable characters
- No third act break up!! THANK YOU!!!
- The spice was good
Things that could be better:
- I need the Mc to grovel a bit more to earn the Fc's trust back
- I'd like to see more of the Mcs interaction to each other beside sleeping with each other
- It would be nice if the Fc show more of her leadership in the beginning to show her potential
- I would like them to share their past and showcase their bonding a little more
- This is a bit too insta-love for me
Overall, this is a good book for people who like demons, politics, characters and plot driven, a bit of mafia elements to it, then this book is right up your alley.
January 27, 2023
Chosen by a Monster
I was provided an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
It took me a while to actually get into the book - for some reason I just struggled with the first couple of chapters but once the action started picking up the pace it was easier to read. It has an interesting storyline and is a decent standalone.
The book does have a few triggers so definitely take a look at the trigger warnings before reading. I didn’t find the book to be quite as dark as I expected but definitely if you have triggers check out the list before reading.
The storyline between the main characters was interesting and the spicy scenes were pretty good, but they didn’t really start until the last half of the book. They are pretty detailed spicy scenes so just be aware of that. (Read one out to my husband and his reaction was hilarious)
For a short standalone novel the world building was pretty good. I could’ve used a little bit more detail but that’s just me. I do kind of wish she the author explained a bit more about the power structure/government of the world that they were in a bit more.
I enjoyed the storyline each of the characters went through and the fight to gain/maintain power and what that entailed. I do wish that the MMC had to work harder to get the FMC to trust him though.
The ending was really sweet and leaves the reader with a feeling of completion.
All in all decent story - not my usual reading style but it was a nice change.
I was provided an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
It took me a while to actually get into the book - for some reason I just struggled with the first couple of chapters but once the action started picking up the pace it was easier to read. It has an interesting storyline and is a decent standalone.
The book does have a few triggers so definitely take a look at the trigger warnings before reading. I didn’t find the book to be quite as dark as I expected but definitely if you have triggers check out the list before reading.
The storyline between the main characters was interesting and the spicy scenes were pretty good, but they didn’t really start until the last half of the book. They are pretty detailed spicy scenes so just be aware of that. (Read one out to my husband and his reaction was hilarious)
For a short standalone novel the world building was pretty good. I could’ve used a little bit more detail but that’s just me. I do kind of wish she the author explained a bit more about the power structure/government of the world that they were in a bit more.
I enjoyed the storyline each of the characters went through and the fight to gain/maintain power and what that entailed. I do wish that the MMC had to work harder to get the FMC to trust him though.
The ending was really sweet and leaves the reader with a feeling of completion.
All in all decent story - not my usual reading style but it was a nice change.
August 19, 2024
I really enjoyed Lylah’s other monster romance book so I was super excited to read this one. However, it was a bit dissatisfying to me.
It started off with a great and intriguing plot, but it began to become lackluster rather quickly. It took me about a month to read, as I just didn’t find myself wanting to pick it back up. (This could also just be a personal feeling/mind set, perhaps I just wasn’t in a good one)
I had trouble connecting to the main characters, the FMC particularly, is a very spoiled, entitled woman, even if she did eventually own her own business, to me she gave the vibes of “I bought this business” and not “I GREW this business from the ground up with no help”. She remained a bit entitled the entirety of the story. Although, she did have some great “pep talks” with herself.
The world building was lacking; I wish there was more especially with the idea of the plot. I wish it were more detailed and that the power/infrastructure of the political government had more information, as I felt a little blind the entire time.
Overall, the book had a great concept, but it wasn’t executed to the best it could have been. It did end on a sweet note that left the story feeling complete, so I was appreciative of that.
I do suggest giving the authors other monster romance book a try, as this one doesn’t do the authors writing justice. I beg that you don’t dismiss her other writings based on this one review or book.
It started off with a great and intriguing plot, but it began to become lackluster rather quickly. It took me about a month to read, as I just didn’t find myself wanting to pick it back up. (This could also just be a personal feeling/mind set, perhaps I just wasn’t in a good one)
I had trouble connecting to the main characters, the FMC particularly, is a very spoiled, entitled woman, even if she did eventually own her own business, to me she gave the vibes of “I bought this business” and not “I GREW this business from the ground up with no help”. She remained a bit entitled the entirety of the story. Although, she did have some great “pep talks” with herself.
The world building was lacking; I wish there was more especially with the idea of the plot. I wish it were more detailed and that the power/infrastructure of the political government had more information, as I felt a little blind the entire time.
Overall, the book had a great concept, but it wasn’t executed to the best it could have been. It did end on a sweet note that left the story feeling complete, so I was appreciative of that.
I do suggest giving the authors other monster romance book a try, as this one doesn’t do the authors writing justice. I beg that you don’t dismiss her other writings based on this one review or book.
January 22, 2023
A Whole New World
A good monster Romance that was heavy on plot and less on steam. It had great character build up and the romance began to build as the story progressed.
Sephina didn't know what to expect when her father sold her to settle his debt. She accepted her fate as a Offering which was expected from humans at the request of monsters if they wanted to keep any semblance of normalcy on earth. Sephina was ready to di3. She was ready to be a human sacrifice. What she wasn't ready for was to be purchased at an auction to work as an assistant to one of the Sector Leaders in this new world.
Aurel has been fighting for the future of the creatures living in his realm. His goal was to stop an upcoming merger between Sectors that would give more power and territory to an evil Sector Leader. What he didn't expect was to be given a new assistant that caused him distractions
Sephina and Aurel had a few growing pains to work through as well as a little drama that almost ruined their relationship before it even started. When problems arouse in an attempt to strip Aurel away from his Leadership position, Sephina took matters into her own hands proving that there was more to her being human sacrifice that met the eye.
A good monster Romance that was heavy on plot and less on steam. It had great character build up and the romance began to build as the story progressed.
Sephina didn't know what to expect when her father sold her to settle his debt. She accepted her fate as a Offering which was expected from humans at the request of monsters if they wanted to keep any semblance of normalcy on earth. Sephina was ready to di3. She was ready to be a human sacrifice. What she wasn't ready for was to be purchased at an auction to work as an assistant to one of the Sector Leaders in this new world.
Aurel has been fighting for the future of the creatures living in his realm. His goal was to stop an upcoming merger between Sectors that would give more power and territory to an evil Sector Leader. What he didn't expect was to be given a new assistant that caused him distractions
Sephina and Aurel had a few growing pains to work through as well as a little drama that almost ruined their relationship before it even started. When problems arouse in an attempt to strip Aurel away from his Leadership position, Sephina took matters into her own hands proving that there was more to her being human sacrifice that met the eye.
October 17, 2023
Okay, so this book started off with a really great premise. But it kinda lost its traction as it went along. I loved Sephina and her peptalks, and I loved her feistiness. However, I really hated the power imbalance that they had between them and in their relationship, it felt really icky for me like did he seriously h!t her? And not like in the spicy kinda way, this was legit; I’m frustrated and I’ve kinda lost control. I think the main male character Aurel is meant to be bordering that line of morally grey, but he comes off to me as just being a bit off colour.
At 52% I feel as though I'm not really loving Aurel. He’s kind of a bit scattered with his affections. I’m not really hooked into the story. I think that’s the main issue. It feels a bit repetitive, this damsel in distress mode. It’s already happened a couple of times.
The spice is fine, but it’s not like monster spice, which I was kinda wanting and hoping for in this read. He’s just a giant dude, basically with a tail and horns with no extra spicy anatomy.
I really wanted to love this, I don’t think I was in the right mood for this read. I’m sorry Lylah.
At 52% I feel as though I'm not really loving Aurel. He’s kind of a bit scattered with his affections. I’m not really hooked into the story. I think that’s the main issue. It feels a bit repetitive, this damsel in distress mode. It’s already happened a couple of times.
The spice is fine, but it’s not like monster spice, which I was kinda wanting and hoping for in this read. He’s just a giant dude, basically with a tail and horns with no extra spicy anatomy.
I really wanted to love this, I don’t think I was in the right mood for this read. I’m sorry Lylah.
January 16, 2023
But it was her. She silenced the chaotic, urgent need I'd spent my entire life chasing. It was her that brought me peace.
The way this book started out made me think I wasn't going to really like it but damn, was I SO wrong.😂
We follow Sephina who has no choice but to travel to the monster's realm due to her father's betrayal and debt. She is chosen to be Aurel's assistant. Aurel is the leader of one of the sectors in their world and his top priority is to break the union of the two of the leaders (don't want to spoil to0 much).
I wasn't impressed with Sephina in the beginning. She came of vain and a bit conceited to me but I really loved her by the end of the book. She's strong and she knows her worth. Aurel is a very determined monster but very stubborn.
The spice was spicyyyyy. Aurel's mouth (and tail)!?!?🥵 And his little nickname for Sephina is so cute.
There is sliiiight other women drama but I believe it does get resolved very quickly and from someone who's not a fan of ow, I was really happy with it.
The way this book started out made me think I wasn't going to really like it but damn, was I SO wrong.😂
We follow Sephina who has no choice but to travel to the monster's realm due to her father's betrayal and debt. She is chosen to be Aurel's assistant. Aurel is the leader of one of the sectors in their world and his top priority is to break the union of the two of the leaders (don't want to spoil to0 much).
I wasn't impressed with Sephina in the beginning. She came of vain and a bit conceited to me but I really loved her by the end of the book. She's strong and she knows her worth. Aurel is a very determined monster but very stubborn.
The spice was spicyyyyy. Aurel's mouth (and tail)!?!?🥵 And his little nickname for Sephina is so cute.
There is sliiiight other women drama but I believe it does get resolved very quickly and from someone who's not a fan of ow, I was really happy with it.
January 20, 2023
I received an eARC copy of Chosen by a Monster from the author and I'm happy I got the chance to read this story.
I enjoyed the writing style and the story was easy to get sucked into right from the beginning. The plot was nicely paced and always kept me interested in where the story was going. I loved Sephina as a character, as well as the other female characters- there wasn't a shred of catty-ness between any of them which was refreshing.
The reasoning for 4 out of 5 stars is because I think I would've enjoyed it more if it wasn't so insta-lust/love. I feel like the author created such great tension in the beginning and I wanted more of that. I also would've liked if the characters had more relationship development outside of their sexual relationship to start. I wanted to know Aurel a little more and didn't enjoy his POV as much as Sephina's, he just needed a bit more depth for me but otherwise, I think he's a good male character.
In conclusion, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read!
I enjoyed the writing style and the story was easy to get sucked into right from the beginning. The plot was nicely paced and always kept me interested in where the story was going. I loved Sephina as a character, as well as the other female characters- there wasn't a shred of catty-ness between any of them which was refreshing.
The reasoning for 4 out of 5 stars is because I think I would've enjoyed it more if it wasn't so insta-lust/love. I feel like the author created such great tension in the beginning and I wanted more of that. I also would've liked if the characters had more relationship development outside of their sexual relationship to start. I wanted to know Aurel a little more and didn't enjoy his POV as much as Sephina's, he just needed a bit more depth for me but otherwise, I think he's a good male character.
In conclusion, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read!
January 13, 2023
Loved this so much!
Note: I received this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved so much about this book! The plot pulls you in and keeps you engaged. After her father basically sells her for his crimes, the posh and pampered FMC Sephina is sent through the rift between Earth and a monster realm. Once there she is sold at auction to our MMC Aurel and everything changes for them. Overall, you can sense the tension between the characters and how the pull they have on one another. I admire the drive Sephina has to maintain her dignity, pride, and personality throughout the whole ordeal and how Aurel tries to fight his feelings for her while also being compassionate and fair towards his people. Can I also just say the spice in this novel was excellent? All that tension releasing was so well done. All in all I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who l Ioves monster romance, or even just wants to dabble in it for the first time!
Note: I received this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved so much about this book! The plot pulls you in and keeps you engaged. After her father basically sells her for his crimes, the posh and pampered FMC Sephina is sent through the rift between Earth and a monster realm. Once there she is sold at auction to our MMC Aurel and everything changes for them. Overall, you can sense the tension between the characters and how the pull they have on one another. I admire the drive Sephina has to maintain her dignity, pride, and personality throughout the whole ordeal and how Aurel tries to fight his feelings for her while also being compassionate and fair towards his people. Can I also just say the spice in this novel was excellent? All that tension releasing was so well done. All in all I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who l Ioves monster romance, or even just wants to dabble in it for the first time!
January 20, 2023
“You do something to me, Sephina.” I nibbled on her ear. “If I have you now, I might require this from you often.”
———————————————————————————
When your the Mob bosses daughter, and your father kinda fks up with debt, what is the fix?
Oh yea, offering your daughter to the other realm.
Sephina came home from an excellent trip in Italy to find FBI on her lawn!
Being offered to the other realm and being sold to the top bidder!
I adored this book.
The spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I gave this book a 4 star rating just because I felt like the romance kinda happened to fast and I wish there was something more to the story.
BUT.
I did LOVE the story, the characters.
This story falls under the dark romance category, meaning it contains sensitive subjects. Please be advised, and take care. On page: Accidental Physical Abuse, Alcohol, Attempted Sexual Assault, BDSM Elements, Blood, Cursing, Death, Dubious Consent, Misogyny, Murder, Servitude, Violence. *IF ANY ADDITIONAL TRIGGERS ARE FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
———————————————————————————
When your the Mob bosses daughter, and your father kinda fks up with debt, what is the fix?
Oh yea, offering your daughter to the other realm.
Sephina came home from an excellent trip in Italy to find FBI on her lawn!
Being offered to the other realm and being sold to the top bidder!
I adored this book.
The spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I gave this book a 4 star rating just because I felt like the romance kinda happened to fast and I wish there was something more to the story.
BUT.
I did LOVE the story, the characters.
This story falls under the dark romance category, meaning it contains sensitive subjects. Please be advised, and take care. On page: Accidental Physical Abuse, Alcohol, Attempted Sexual Assault, BDSM Elements, Blood, Cursing, Death, Dubious Consent, Misogyny, Murder, Servitude, Violence. *IF ANY ADDITIONAL TRIGGERS ARE FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
January 20, 2023
Sephina is betrayed by her father and sent as a sacrifice through the rift to the monster realm. She is bought by Aurel to become his new assistant. He is drawn to her from the start but tries to resist because he had a preexisting relationship with another area leader. He tries but eventually gives in to his attraction to Sephina. He quickly pulls away though to try and stay on path and Sephina sees him with the other area leader. He sends her as a spy soon after to another territory but then becomes crazed when he learns she will close to his enemy. He eventually gets her back but she does leave again to help bring down his enemy but thankfully she helps attain evidence that his enemy has been stealing from other sectors. Aurel and Sephina become co leaders of his territory and get their HEA.
January 16, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
Ok, so world building and characters were very well done.
Sephina and Aurel were so adorable. In the beginning, Aurel is an ass of course, they usually are all assholes at first. But Sephina gives it right back. We all love a strong, independent woman. She did not disappoint.
I loved how she brought all the deception to light, I mean, Aurel and Cresinda were looking for clues, but she was the one that brought it to fruition.
Not gonna lie, that payback scene was just *chefs kiss* he totally deserved that and made me love him more.
All in all, this book was 4 stars, I was hoping for a bit more at the end, but it was still a sold book and worth a reread.
Ok, so world building and characters were very well done.
Sephina and Aurel were so adorable. In the beginning, Aurel is an ass of course, they usually are all assholes at first. But Sephina gives it right back. We all love a strong, independent woman. She did not disappoint.
I loved how she brought all the deception to light, I mean, Aurel and Cresinda were looking for clues, but she was the one that brought it to fruition.
Not gonna lie, that payback scene was just *chefs kiss* he totally deserved that and made me love him more.
All in all, this book was 4 stars, I was hoping for a bit more at the end, but it was still a sold book and worth a reread.
January 16, 2023
This book as steamyAF and let me just say- tail.
Sephina took her new life and owned it. She wasn’t given much information about this new world. But she adapted to it as well as she could. She was put into really bad positions and taken advantage of. But she overcame it.
Aurel- definitely fell first and hard. I loved his possessiveness and demands. I loved seeing how he finally came around to the idea of Sephina- that she was more than a distraction and not a pawn. Something he needed to protect. Swoons for morally gray men (and he is literally gray).
Beautiful cover art, page breaks and chapter art as always.
Sephina took her new life and owned it. She wasn’t given much information about this new world. But she adapted to it as well as she could. She was put into really bad positions and taken advantage of. But she overcame it.
Aurel- definitely fell first and hard. I loved his possessiveness and demands. I loved seeing how he finally came around to the idea of Sephina- that she was more than a distraction and not a pawn. Something he needed to protect. Swoons for morally gray men (and he is literally gray).
Beautiful cover art, page breaks and chapter art as always.
January 18, 2023
I received this book as an ARC read for an honest review. I liked the story but felt like I was missing another book to this. Sephina at first seemed liked a spoiled brat and very materialistic. But that changed after she got sent to hell for something her father did. I found out she is strong, voicetress, and smart. Aurel is the leader in Sector 12 and buys Sephina at an auction. The draw between is undeniable. I wish I would have known more about Kadrol and Cresinda. They were mentioned a lot throughout the book never really explained until more then half way through. I felt as if I missed a book on Aurel, Cresinda, and Kadrol.
February 24, 2023
Adult standalone read - no cliffhanger and no spoilers! Monster Romance, MF, forced proximity, monster realm, medium spice/burn
*Some BDSM scenes but appropriately handled
Sephina, our FMC, is thrust unwillingly into the Monster realm and true to her nature, tackles it head on.
Aurel, our MMC, is not prepared for the impact Sephina will make to his well structured plans and life, she is not quite what he paid for.
The World building is solid and well structured with a believable Political system.
An array of diverse characters each adding interest and colour to support Sephina and Aurel who have depth and are polar opposites themselves to add that certain zing.
Was pleased to see Sephina did not turn into a victim but strove to keep her identity regardless of circumstance.
Good balance between plot, world building and spice.
A quick read which I enjoyed and I shall certainly read more from this author.
Loved the cover art too.
*Some BDSM scenes but appropriately handled
Sephina, our FMC, is thrust unwillingly into the Monster realm and true to her nature, tackles it head on.
Aurel, our MMC, is not prepared for the impact Sephina will make to his well structured plans and life, she is not quite what he paid for.
The World building is solid and well structured with a believable Political system.
An array of diverse characters each adding interest and colour to support Sephina and Aurel who have depth and are polar opposites themselves to add that certain zing.
Was pleased to see Sephina did not turn into a victim but strove to keep her identity regardless of circumstance.
Good balance between plot, world building and spice.
A quick read which I enjoyed and I shall certainly read more from this author.
Loved the cover art too.
March 9, 2023
I went into this book blind based off a tiktok I came across from the author, and boy I’m glad I did!!
I don’t really know what I was expecting going in but I really enjoyed it! I think it’s a great starting point for monster romance newbies (aka me) because there is an actual plot and it’s balanced with the spicy scenes!
I rated this 4.5/5 stars ONLY because I wish there was more! It was a very fast read for me, it is fast paced but an overall good story. I also enjoyed that the author left clues, I like trying to guess what’s going to happen based off them, there was a ‘aha I was right!’ moment and I always enjoy those ☺️
I will be reading her other books as well.
I don’t really know what I was expecting going in but I really enjoyed it! I think it’s a great starting point for monster romance newbies (aka me) because there is an actual plot and it’s balanced with the spicy scenes!
I rated this 4.5/5 stars ONLY because I wish there was more! It was a very fast read for me, it is fast paced but an overall good story. I also enjoyed that the author left clues, I like trying to guess what’s going to happen based off them, there was a ‘aha I was right!’ moment and I always enjoy those ☺️
I will be reading her other books as well.
January 20, 2023
This was a fun take on a dark romance with monsters!
I loved Sephina’s sass and how her emotions were realistic for her situation. Seeing as she was forced to go through the rift, and was under the impression this would kill her, her reactions to finding out there is an entire realm of monsters on the other side must have been quite a surprise.
I loved the mix of her old personality and new as she came into her own in the monster realm. Also the connections she had to her mob family in the human realm translated rather well.
Aurel is everything a good leader should be and I loved who he gets knocked on his butt when he meets Sephina.
The journey these two take not only goes through the development of their relationship but navigate the dynamics of her human status in Aurel’s world. There are some devious happenings occurring in Aurel’s sector and it requires Sephina and Aurel to rely on each other if they want to have their happy ending.
There is a great plot to this story as well as some incredible characters. This is a fun read with a take on
monster meets mafia romance with plenty of steam!
I loved Sephina’s sass and how her emotions were realistic for her situation. Seeing as she was forced to go through the rift, and was under the impression this would kill her, her reactions to finding out there is an entire realm of monsters on the other side must have been quite a surprise.
I loved the mix of her old personality and new as she came into her own in the monster realm. Also the connections she had to her mob family in the human realm translated rather well.
Aurel is everything a good leader should be and I loved who he gets knocked on his butt when he meets Sephina.
The journey these two take not only goes through the development of their relationship but navigate the dynamics of her human status in Aurel’s world. There are some devious happenings occurring in Aurel’s sector and it requires Sephina and Aurel to rely on each other if they want to have their happy ending.
There is a great plot to this story as well as some incredible characters. This is a fun read with a take on
monster meets mafia romance with plenty of steam!
April 22, 2023
Chosen by a Monster
There are schemes, romance and politics. The world building is amazing. At the start you get a bit about the human world and what changed between ours and theirs (the appearance of hell). Hell is very different to what I thought it would be. The political set up and the way it’s divided is really interesting.
Sephina is an offering to hell. She is auctioned and taken as Aurels assistant and things go from there. There are plots from other sectors and danger in Aurels. Overall I really enjoyed it.
There are schemes, romance and politics. The world building is amazing. At the start you get a bit about the human world and what changed between ours and theirs (the appearance of hell). Hell is very different to what I thought it would be. The political set up and the way it’s divided is really interesting.
Sephina is an offering to hell. She is auctioned and taken as Aurels assistant and things go from there. There are plots from other sectors and danger in Aurels. Overall I really enjoyed it.
July 25, 2023
I had never read anything by this author before but wanted to give her a chance. I’m glad I did! This book followed the typical layout of a monster romance but in all honestly, I enjoyed it. However, one thing that kind of put me off was that the FMC seemed so tough and take charge at first and even said she was constantly but then just…became meek. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it only happened when she met the man in the story and…I don’t know. But I did enjoy the book very much! I’d give it a 3.5/5 but goodreads doesn’t allow that 😅
May 12, 2025
To be fair I'm ALMOST done with this book but I wanted to out my thoughts so far. This book that I started thinking it would be a fast, easy, smuttyish read has given so much more. The plot runs deep, the characters expand further than just the two main, the spice does not overwhelm the story, and the emotions run deep. The "not cheating but cheating" irritates my soul because sir... how the hell did you not think in your big monster noggin that maybe you can't have the best of both worlds without hurting other people?? I digress because again I haven't finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews