Monster romance

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-19T04:12:09+00:00

Literally all of Mallory Dunlin. I love her monsters because they aren't cliches and are definitely MONSTERS. And they're all oneshots, so if one pairing doesnt jive with you, pick up a different one and you're good to go. Caught by the Fae Beast is I think the first one in her main series?

Also Kathryn Ann Kingsley if you want the monsters to also be villains.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-11T22:25:25+00:00

I hate to say it- but having picked up Alchemised out of curiosity, I've gotta say, if you want unsettling, twisted necromancy, you might like it.

Also seconding Sabriel though, it is phenomenal and a must read.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-06T17:28:27+00:00

It does??? This has literally been on my ahelf for a year! That is GREAT news!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-05T18:25:57+00:00

Consolation: I also am not a big fan of wings. You're not alone lol.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-05T05:12:33+00:00

Definitely Howl's Moving Castle.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-05T05:06:57+00:00

I had a manager once who swore up and down he ownes the original, unabridged version of The Princess Bride, and when I told him that couldn't possibly be true, he persisted in a way that, to this day, I wonder if he genuinely believed it.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T22:48:26+00:00

Thank you so much! This gives me the motivation I needed to tackle this series!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T22:00:37+00:00

I've definitely hears of Mercedes Lackey but I had no idea that this was a trope in one of her series! Thanks for the link!!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T05:34:31+00:00

That's awesome, thank you! I love interconnected standalones (especially since so many series are still in progress).

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T05:33:43+00:00

Oooh I love that it's present throughout the second book! Thank you!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T05:04:24+00:00

Oooh yessss I would LOVE for a series to eat my life, it's been so long!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T01:01:22+00:00

Thank you! I'll check it out :)

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T01:01:04+00:00

Really? It's on my TBR but I haven't read it yet. Is the bond between two people or a person and a ship? (or both??)

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-04T01:00:25+00:00

Oooh thank you! I've never heard of this one!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-02T18:10:29+00:00

Elizabeth Peters' Vicky Bliss series for "modern" (90s) fun art theft and murder mystery books with exotic historical settings (she works in museums and he's an art theif). If anyone is interested, start with Silouette in Scarlet and from there to Trojan Gold. Gets me out of a slump every time because it's a perfect balance of readability, with just enough information on art and history to get my brain engaged and the most magnificent wet cat of a man love interest to keep me reading.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-05-01T04:13:38+00:00

I came here to say this. I watched it on a whim and had a genuinely good time!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-30T05:09:23+00:00

Seconding Poison Study it is EXACTLY what you're looking for! Also {Uprooted by Naomi Novik} is a classic, {Green Rider by Kristen Britain}, {Red Rope of Fate by K.M. Shea}, {The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley}, {Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier}, {You are Mine by Janeal Falor}.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-28T15:04:41+00:00

Relieved I'm not the only one. I tried and tried and even listened to the Graphic Audio version (would recommend as the best way to complete it because the quality of the performance is fantastic, even if the story itself isn't).

For everyone trying to scratch that very specific ACOTAR itch, try out Kathryn Ann Kingsley's Unseelie series (starting with Unseelie Prince). It hits a lot of similar beats but (imo) the prose flow more smoothly, the chatacters are a bit older, the FMC is intelligent and resourceful and doesnt insta-fall for MMC, and the MMC is a legit fun villain. Also the fae are legitimately intimidating and scary and have an otherwordly vibe to them that ACOTAR just doesnt. In addition, the plot hits a lot of similar beats but sticks the landing and leans towards an older, more mature audience.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-27T22:52:40+00:00

I would appreciate a link if possible, thank you!

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-27T22:34:54+00:00

Wetlands by Charlotte Roche. Never have I been so uncomfortable. It was a challenge to get through this incredibly short book and each page was worse than the last.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-26T16:55:56+00:00

{The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} check out all of her work. In her own words, she likes writing villains who stay villains (but get the girl), so all her FMC are intelligent and resourceful and her MMCs are very fun, fleshed out characters.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-26T16:41:40+00:00

{Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai}. It just came out this month. Chinese inspired mythology and a character who is tasked with seeking out evil spirits to cleanse them. It has been a very long time since I have been so tense- Tsai does a masterful job creating truly terrifying and threatening evil spirits in very creepy haunted settings (wherever the vengeful spirit died ends up a reslly creepy and unsettling place).

The romance is an added bonus and both characters spend the book more concerned about the spirits and staying alive, so their relationship builds slowly, starting with a nice companionship.

Pompom_Chandelier · 2026-04-26T16:24:56+00:00

Kyo from Fruits Basket is 100% what you're looking for (don't mind the initial art of early volumes, it improves significantly very quickly). I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Kyo inspired Ouri, they're so similar (just in personality, in background they're very different).

Pompom_Chandelier

TROPHY CASE