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Writer's pictureApollo Imperium

Weekly Book Recs 47-2024: Monster romance (and smut)

WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week


Hey, babes! It’s time to get wild with this week’s theme—monster romances! Whether you’re here for the swoon-worthy paranormal love stories or a little smut with your supernatural, I’ve got six book recs that will make you fall head over claws. Get ready to dive into some steamy, magical, and downright monstrous love stories. And yes, we’ve got a couple of spicy indie gems in here too! 😉


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1. A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon (Indie Pick)

  • Rating: 4.6/5

  • Genre: Monster Romance, Paranormal Erotica

  • Tropes: Reverse Harem, Smutty, Paranormal

  • Main Characters: Esther, Dr. Underwood, Mr. Tanner


What It's About:Esther, a fun-loving and adventurous woman, finds herself invited to Rooksgrave Manor, a mysterious house where supernatural men indulge in her every desire. From a sexy sphinx to a refined vampire, Esther’s life is full of passion, secrets, and steamy encounters.

Review:Oh my goddess, this book is straight-up smutty in the best way. Esther is an unapologetic queen who knows exactly what she wants, and the supernatural men in her life? Each one is hotter (and more dangerous) than the last. It’s a reverse harem romance, so there’s plenty of steamy scenes to go around. The chemistry is off the charts, and the manor setting gives off these gothic, moody vibes that are perfect for fall. Just know, this one is spicy—if you’re looking for something that blends romance with monster mayhem (and a whole lot of smut), you’ll devour it.


2. Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta (Indie Pick)

  • Rating: 4.4/5

  • Genre: Monster Romance, Sci-Fi Romance, Erotic

  • Tropes: Workplace Romance, Human/Monster, Slow Burn

  • Main Characters: Violet, Rourke


What It's About:Violet needs a job—badly. So when she stumbles upon an opening at Morning Glory Milking Farm, she jumps at the opportunity, despite the, uh... unique nature of the position. There, she meets Rourke, a Minotaur with a heart of gold, and the sparks between them are undeniable.

Review:Okay, stay with me on this one. Morning Glory Milking Farm sounds wild, but it’s actually an oddly sweet and surprisingly heartwarming love story. Yes, it’s a monster romance, and yes, there are definitely spicy scenes (if you’re into Minotaurs, you’ll love this), but it’s also about finding connection and love in the unlikeliest places. Violet and Rourke’s relationship is so well-developed, and the world-building is unique and fascinating. The slow-burn romance between them is chef’s kiss. If you’re open to a monster romance that’s equal parts spicy and sweet, this indie gem is for you.


3. Radiance by Grace Draven

  • Rating: 4.8/5

  • Genre: Fantasy Romance, Slow Burn

  • Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Monster/Beauty

  • Main Characters: Ildiko, Brishen


What It's About:In a world where humans and the nocturnal Kai coexist, Ildiko, a human, is married off to Brishen, a Kai prince, to solidify an alliance. While they find each other physically repulsive, a deep friendship—and eventually love—grows between them, transcending their differences.

Review:This book is a beautifully written slow-burn romance between two very different species. Ildiko and Brishen’s relationship starts as one of convenience, but the way their friendship slowly blossoms into love is absolutely heartwarming. The world-building is rich, and the dynamic between the two leads is so tender and respectful. There’s a lot of emotional depth here, but don’t worry—there are still plenty of swoon-worthy moments (and some spice). If you’re looking for a monster romance that’s more about connection and heart with a side of steam, Radiance is perfection.


4. The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

  • Rating: 4.5/5

  • Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic

  • Tropes: Forced Proximity, Human/Dragon, Smut

  • Main Characters: Briar Rose, Sol


What It's About:Briar Rose makes a deal with a demon and is sold to Sol, a massive dragon shifter who’s looking for a mate. What starts as a cold transaction soon turns into fiery passion as Briar and Sol navigate their unconventional arrangement and their growing feelings for one another.

Review:If you love your romance with a whole lot of heat (pun totally intended), this one’s for you. Katee Robert doesn’t shy away from the spice, and Sol is one hot dragon shifter. The chemistry between Briar and Sol is sizzling right from the start, and the scenes between them are very explicit, so be ready for that! But beyond the steamy moments, there’s a surprisingly sweet romance at the heart of it all. The power dynamics, the mutual respect, and the way Briar comes into her own make this a super satisfying read. If you’re craving a fiery, monster-human romance, this will absolutely deliver.


5. Seraphim Academy 1: Wicked Wings by Elizabeth Briggs

  • Rating: 4.3/5

  • Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Reverse Harem

  • Tropes: Forbidden Love, Angels and Demons, Reverse Harem

  • Main Characters: Raven, The Seraphim


What It's About:Raven, a half-human, half-angel, enrolls in Seraphim Academy to find answers about her mysterious past. But she quickly finds herself torn between four powerful angels—each more alluring than the last. As danger looms, Raven must navigate not only her new powers but also her growing attraction to her heavenly suitors.

Review:This one is so much fun! If you love academy settings, reverse harems, and tons of supernatural drama, you’ll be obsessed with Wicked Wings. Raven is a fierce and determined heroine, and the four angelic men vying for her attention are all totally swoon-worthy in their own ways. The tension builds up nicely, and there’s plenty of steamy moments to satisfy monster romance fans. Plus, the plot is full of twists and action. It’s a bit tropey, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re into paranormal romance with a reverse harem twist, this is the perfect series starter.


6. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

  • Rating: 4.7/5

  • Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance

  • Tropes: Alpha Male, Fated Mates, Dark and Brooding Hero

  • Main Characters: Wrath, Beth Randall


What It's About:The first in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Dark Lover follows Wrath, the king of the vampire race, who’s bent on avenging his parents’ death. When he’s tasked with protecting Beth, a half-human unaware of her vampiric heritage, their connection grows—and soon, Wrath must confront feelings he never thought possible.

Review: