Review – Escaping Monsters

Escaping Monsters book cover

Title:

Escaping Monsters

Series:

Grayhaven #1

Author:

Rita Stradling & Alexa B. James

Genre:

Reverse Harem

Blurb:

First comes love…
Then comes marriage…
…and then comes my con-artist husband selling me to werewolves on our honeymoon.
On the run from my cruel captors, I stumble into Grayhaven. This secret supernatural settlement is packed with biker demons, fae royals, and witches dealing in death-magic. Their small town could be my salvation… or doom.
But when the Grayhaven werewolf pack tracks me down, I feel the noose of impending capture tightening around my throat. I’m an omega, the least dominant werewolf in the supernatural world. If I’m given an order—any order—I’m powerless to refuse.
The five dominant werewolves could enslave me with a word. Instead, they take me in, protect me, and call me their mate. I want to believe that they are mine… that I’m safe.
Yet, there is a malevolent darkness hunting me and it won’t stop until it’s claimed me once more, body and soul.

Review

4stars rating
INTRO:

Actually, this book really surprised me! 😀
Right from the start, we get swept away (pretty literally actually), in the mess that is Teagan’s life. Fake husband, fake honeymoon… all for the purpose of turning her into a wolf. An omega that needs to obey every single command given by a dominant wolf.
There is a silver lining though (har har), she manages to escape (yet again) and finds herself in the quaint town of Grayhaven where nothing is as it seems.

Upfront I would like to mention the following: expect topics like kidnapping, (psychological) abuse and murder. So if any of these topics trigger you, this might not be the right book for you.

On with the review!

Worldbuilding:

Was good, we learn alongside Teagan as she explores Grayhaven and learns more about the world and the nature of supernatural creatures living in it. Scenes and environments were well detailed and clear.

Character development:

Was good. Teagan has a very mistrustful nature (who wouldn’t after going through all that) so it is difficult for her to accept the help of strangers, even when she feels a connection towards them. So yes, there is an insta-connection between her and the men, but don’t think they will have it that easy! Especially Chad, poor Chad…
Anyways, so yeah, major trust issues going on.

Pacing & Flow:

Were great! As I’ve said before, you get swept away right from the start and it really doesn’t let you go till you finished it (and even then you’re checking if book 2 isn’t miraculously out yet as well). Great balance between action and conversation, keeping the story moving forward without it feeling rushed or slow. Really well done!

The book itself:

The book itself was well written with no (noticeable to me) errors. Yes, there is sex described in the book (if that is important to you).

Final Thoughts:

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all I really enjoyed it. It had everything you’d expect from a book: laughs, drama, facepalm-moments, action and of course, romance. I can’t wait for book 2!
Fans of RH with a darker side will love this one!