📖 book review: Pretty Monster

It's always a journey diving into a dark romance, and Sheridan Anne's 'Pretty Monster' definitely offers a unique ride, even if it wasn't a five-star read for me. After finishing it, I know many of you are probably wondering about a few key things, so let's break them down! First off, let's tackle the burning question: Is 'Pretty Monster' a standalone? From what I've gathered and my reading experience, yes, it functions as a standalone novel. While authors sometimes revisit worlds or characters, this particular story of Kyah and Reid feels complete within its own pages. You won't be left hanging on a cliffhanger desperately waiting for the next installment to resolve their immediate story arc, which is a relief if you're like me and prefer self-contained narratives in this genre. Now for the spice level – a crucial detail in any dark romance! While 'Pretty Monster' is undeniably a "DARK STALKER ROMANCE" as proudly emblazoned on its cover, the spice isn't necessarily the hottest I've encountered in the genre. It's definitely present, contributing to the intense, obsessive dynamic between Kyah and Reid. The "twisted attraction" the original review mentioned certainly manifests in steamy scenes that push boundaries, fitting the dark romance theme. However, if you're looking for extreme, explicit spice on every other page, you might find it to be more about the psychological tension and dark themes with well-placed, impactful spicy moments rather than constant explicit content. It's enough to satisfy fans of the genre without overshadowing the plot. Another common question for romance readers is, "Is 'Pretty Monster' a why choose?" For those unfamiliar, "why choose" typically refers to a subgenre where the main character has relationships with multiple partners simultaneously. Based on my reading, 'Pretty Monster' does not fall into the "why choose" category. It focuses squarely on the intense, singular connection (albeit a very dark and twisted one!) between Kyah and Reid. There's no polyamorous dynamic at play; it's a strictly one-on-one (or rather, stalker-on-stalked) affair that morphs into something else. Regarding the characters, Kyah and Reid, I found them intriguing on paper, but I struggled to fully connect with them on an emotional level. While Reid embodies the morally gray, obsessive male lead typical of dark romance, and Kyah navigates a very challenging situation, their development felt a bit surface-level for me. The concept of the "monster hiding in plain sight" and the "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" vibes were strong, but I wanted to delve deeper into why they made certain choices or how their past truly shaped them beyond a superficial level. For a stalker romance, the fascination element was compelling, but the personal connection for me wasn't as profound as I'd hoped. My 3-star rating largely stems from this wanting more depth from the characters. Ultimately, if you're drawn to the premise of a dark romance book review that explores themes of stalking, violence, and obsessive behavior, and you appreciate complex, morally ambiguous characters even if you don't fully empathize with them, then 'Pretty Monster' might still be a book for you. Just manage your expectations regarding deep character connection and extreme spice, and be sure to check those trigger warnings again. It's a quick, atmospheric read that delivers on its "dark stalker romance" promise, perfect for a spooky evening if you're in the mood for something a little unsettling.