This novella is a spicy, surprisingly sweet monster romance perfect for fans of unique pairings and a fresh take on fantasy creatures. If you love brooding monsters with a soft side, slow-build chemistry, and heroines with both vulnerability and grit - this one is for you. The dynamic between a deadly basilisk and a blind heroine is not only intriguing but offers a clever play on their respective strengths and weaknesses. Add in vivid world-building, a little suspense, and some truly original steamy scenes, and you’ve got a fast, fun escape for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance (especially if you’re already a Kathryn Moon or Tempting Monsters fan).

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you prefer your romances to be longer and deeply fleshed out, the novella format here might leave you wanting more character background, especially for Marius. Spicy scenes are front and center, so those who don’t enjoy explicit content or the monster romance subgenre may want to skip this one. A few readers also noticed typos and wish there had been a bit more copy editing. Plus, if you’re a stickler for lots of world detail or classic romance tropes, you may feel it moves a little fast or lacks some traditional development arcs.

An imaginative, sexy monster romance with heart - quick to read and hard not to enjoy if you’re here for unique pairings and paranormal flair. Great for Tempting Monsters fans and anyone craving something a little different and a lot of fun.

About:

Readers are taken on a journey where Marius, a basilisk spying on Star Manor, unexpectedly meets Lillian, a naive and blind woman who can survive his deadly stare. The story unfolds with Marius evolving from a villain to a white knight, drawing Lillian out of her shell and forming a unique bond. The novella, with a length of 120 pages, is praised for its good plot, spicy elements, and the author's ability to captivate readers with a world of betrayal, romance, and monsters.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Marius being a complex basilisk and Lillian a naive yet strong blind woman, creating a sweet and evolving romance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and immersive, characterized by decadent descriptions that enhance the romantic and fantasy elements of the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a unique pairing between a basilisk and a blind woman, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and personal growth within a fantasy setting.

Setting:

The setting is a brothel within a richly imagined fantasy world, contributing to the story's themes and character dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slow but effectively builds tension and engagement, allowing for a meaningful development of the characters' relationship.

Notes:

The main character, Marius, is a basilisk, a creature that can kill with its gaze.

Lillian, the female main character (FMC), is blind, which adds a unique twist to their relationship.

The story is set in a brothel where Lillian seeks protection from her abusive family.

Despite being a short story, it develops a deep and patient romance rather than relying on instalove.

The novella explores themes of betrayal, confidence, and personal growth for both characters.

Marius initially goes to the manor for spy work but develops genuine feelings for Lillian.

Their interactions include a cute horse scene and spicy romantic elements as their relationship progresses.

The story includes light elements of tail play, which adds to its unique character dynamics.

Kathryn Moon’s writing is noted for its rich descriptions and sensory details, particularly through Lillian's perspective as a blind character.

The book is part of the larger 'Tempting Monsters' series but can be read as a standalone.

Readers appreciated the character growth, particularly Lillian's transition from naive to more confident.

The relationship is described as sweet and believable, with a slow build over time.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Moderate content warnings may include mentions of abuse, trauma, and explicit sexual scenes.

Has Romance?

There is a significant amount of romance in the story, marked by character development and emotional connection.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

The basilisk, Marius, is Star Manor's latest client, but he arrives fresh from an offer from the Manor's greatest enemy. The innocent young woman he is matched with for a companion challenges what he knows of his own nature and poses a problem for his bargain.

Can a cold heart thaw, or will a venomous man remain a poison to those he sinks his fangs into?

This is a scorching hot standalone novella set in the same world as A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor and includes several familiar faces from the Tempting Monsters series!

February 2023

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124 pages

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

redbud940

Liked It

3 months

It was nice to read about a blind character, and one who was naturally reserved and very sexually inexperienced (in contrast to the other FMCs in the main series who are basically sex maniacs lol). Lillian herself was fleshed out, more so than Marius, in fact. The part where he gifts her a horse was so touching. <3 I really liked the way the author described the, er, steamy bits without including the sense of sight. I did still feel there was a teeny tiny bit of insta-love going on - Marius went from 'no connection, all business' to 'I will protect you with my life'. But all in all, a decent addition.

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The Basilisk of Star Manor: A Tempting Monsters Story?

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The Basilisk of Star Manor: A Tempting Monsters Story

Kathryn Moon

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