Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus]'s Reviews > The Lovely Dark: A Monster Romance Anthology

I only picked this up to read Zoey Draven’s novella, but I might check out the other stories someday. Zoey’s story was really good! There is an accompanying short story that should be read before this one that you can find on her website (also comes in audiobook form and both are free 👍)

I’m intrigued by the world she created here, although the world building in regard to the races and history was a bit confusing to me coming from her in the same universe but different planet so no overlap Kylorr series. There were a few interesting side characters and backstories I’d like to know more about. Also the Below! I was really hoping we’d see any of that in this novella as we got a glimpse in the short story, and even though the plot had a lot to do with the Below we don’t see it at all. Too bad. I’d love to see future books about the Below King or even Marion’s half-enemy Veras, the local crime lord, but after hearing Marion’s sister’s sad story I can’t imagine him with anyone else… Marion and Lorik’s romance though was really sweet and the setting of this book was really cozy if not a little spooky. I liked the cottage in the dangerous woods with her potion making and her garden filled with flowers and the insects she tends to and of course her cat-like creature, Peek! Loved him. Overall just a fun read and I’m curious to see what else Zoey might write in this world.

ETA: I read most of Juliette Cross’ novella, but finally decided to stop torturing myself and DNF it. It was…real bad and full of cliches, just throwing around the word ‘male’, fated mates and having a bat winged H like that would make the whole story. Pass. Might still check out the mermaid novella lol