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The Monster was the book in the Boston Belles series that I was most looking forward to and I was not disappointed by Sam Brennan and Aisling Fitzpatrick. I love that all of the books in this series feel different from one another and The Monster’s dark, angsty feel was maybe my favorite so far.
Since reading Sparrow, I’ve been curious about Sam Brennan...his backstory is so unique, his upbringing with Troy and Sparrow was unconventional (to say the least) and his job as Boston’s most sought after fixer is intriguing. Everything about him is mysterious and he keeps so much of himself hidden, even with his family and friends. I was surprised by some of his more emotional decision making in the story - I know it made him finally seem human, but it seemed really out of character. But I really enjoyed this peek into his brain. The way he works, his motivations and his drive are so unique to him and finally getting an opportunity to see things from his POV was really interesting. Sam has always been a monster, but he’s human as well and finally getting to read about the experiences that made him both was a treat.
I was so curious about Aisling’s character - I knew there had to be more underneath the perfect facade she put up in public and even how she interacted with her friends and brothers. For the first half of the book, she’s that perfect princess of a girl who’s obsessed with the bad guy and really not all that interesting to me. But, once she finally snaps and grows a spine, I was here for Ash. She stops letting people walk all over her, speaks her mind, makes her opinions known and turns into a character I actually really enjoyed. I just wish we saw this side of Ash a long time ago.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was that Sam and Ash spent time together and peeled back the layers on each other, really getting to know who they truly are as people, not just who they appear to be on the outside. They learn things about each other that no one else understands and they grow to be better versions of themselves with the influence of the other. Their back and forth, push and pull, was unexpected since Ash was such a pushover in the first two books but I ended up really enjoying it. While I didn’t love how Sam treated Ash before she started standing up for herself, I feel like she let that be acceptable - she was such a lovesick child until then and was willing to take the scraps that Sam offered. Once Ash became confident in herself, their relationship really began to flourish and become something positive instead of questionable. Together they’re steamy, insatiable and are alright to let their monsters out. Their love story seemed to develop quickly, but they’ve been circling each other for 10 years, learning more from afar and preparing themselves for the day that they could finally be together.
Like in the other books in this series, I loved getting little bits of information about all of the past couples and their growing families, Emmabelle and Devon, Troy and Sparrow. I love all the little continuations and always get so excited for every little bit.
The Monster was a great addition to the Boston Belles series with an unexpected pairing but a sincere and deep connection. Really looking forward to what LJ Shen has in store for us with The Rake!
Since reading Sparrow, I’ve been curious about Sam Brennan...his backstory is so unique, his upbringing with Troy and Sparrow was unconventional (to say the least) and his job as Boston’s most sought after fixer is intriguing. Everything about him is mysterious and he keeps so much of himself hidden, even with his family and friends. I was surprised by some of his more emotional decision making in the story - I know it made him finally seem human, but it seemed really out of character. But I really enjoyed this peek into his brain. The way he works, his motivations and his drive are so unique to him and finally getting an opportunity to see things from his POV was really interesting. Sam has always been a monster, but he’s human as well and finally getting to read about the experiences that made him both was a treat.
I was so curious about Aisling’s character - I knew there had to be more underneath the perfect facade she put up in public and even how she interacted with her friends and brothers. For the first half of the book, she’s that perfect princess of a girl who’s obsessed with the bad guy and really not all that interesting to me. But, once she finally snaps and grows a spine, I was here for Ash. She stops letting people walk all over her, speaks her mind, makes her opinions known and turns into a character I actually really enjoyed. I just wish we saw this side of Ash a long time ago.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was that Sam and Ash spent time together and peeled back the layers on each other, really getting to know who they truly are as people, not just who they appear to be on the outside. They learn things about each other that no one else understands and they grow to be better versions of themselves with the influence of the other. Their back and forth, push and pull, was unexpected since Ash was such a pushover in the first two books but I ended up really enjoying it. While I didn’t love how Sam treated Ash before she started standing up for herself, I feel like she let that be acceptable - she was such a lovesick child until then and was willing to take the scraps that Sam offered. Once Ash became confident in herself, their relationship really began to flourish and become something positive instead of questionable. Together they’re steamy, insatiable and are alright to let their monsters out. Their love story seemed to develop quickly, but they’ve been circling each other for 10 years, learning more from afar and preparing themselves for the day that they could finally be together.
Like in the other books in this series, I loved getting little bits of information about all of the past couples and their growing families, Emmabelle and Devon, Troy and Sparrow. I love all the little continuations and always get so excited for every little bit.
The Monster was a great addition to the Boston Belles series with an unexpected pairing but a sincere and deep connection. Really looking forward to what LJ Shen has in store for us with The Rake!
Love me some Monsters
Brilliant book! A love affair woven in fate, desire, family, the mob and denial. Sam and Ainsley persevered, overcame their demons and with both families blessings found their HEA. A must read book.
Brilliant book! A love affair woven in fate, desire, family, the mob and denial. Sam and Ainsley persevered, overcame their demons and with both families blessings found their HEA. A must read book.
TITLE: The Monster
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: L. J. Shen
TROPE: Billionaire Romance
TYPE: Series (Boston Belles Book 3)
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Monster is Sam and Aisling's story where we learn the origin of Sam's nickname "Monster" and where this mistrust of women stems from. We find out more about Aisling and all the pressures she has to deal with in her home life that we have not seen in the earlier books in the series, along with how her infatuation for Sam starts. I was left feeling sorry for both characters for different reasons throughout the book. The Monster is standalone, but having the background in the characters from the first two books is helpful. I am not sure why there are so many one-star reviews, where this is not my favourite of the series so far, or even my favourite Mafia trope read this year, but I had no problem finishing the story. Aisling did not have as much of a backbone as other main characters, but I did find her endearing when she did show her spunk. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: L. J. Shen
TROPE: Billionaire Romance
TYPE: Series (Boston Belles Book 3)
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Monster is Sam and Aisling's story where we learn the origin of Sam's nickname "Monster" and where this mistrust of women stems from. We find out more about Aisling and all the pressures she has to deal with in her home life that we have not seen in the earlier books in the series, along with how her infatuation for Sam starts. I was left feeling sorry for both characters for different reasons throughout the book. The Monster is standalone, but having the background in the characters from the first two books is helpful. I am not sure why there are so many one-star reviews, where this is not my favourite of the series so far, or even my favourite Mafia trope read this year, but I had no problem finishing the story. Aisling did not have as much of a backbone as other main characters, but I did find her endearing when she did show her spunk. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
Sam Brennan is the best. I love love love him and I was shocked at Aisling alot. Lol In chapter 1 I already had cried a little bit and then by Chapter 4 I bawled my eyes with laughter. This book has been spot on with banter! Spot on with lust! I loved how they first met. This whole entire read gave me happy feels and giddiness. I was so so happy when I opened my email and seen the ARC approval for this book. So glad because I really love this one. It is the top Boston Belle book in my opinion!!!! Now onto The Rake
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Favorite book ever
I don’t know why but Sam Brennan grabbed ahold of me and has never let go. I’ve read worse characters who redeemed themselves on over the top fashion, but no character has grabbed me like Sam. Anyone who wonders if love is real or possible should read this.
I don’t know why but Sam Brennan grabbed ahold of me and has never let go. I’ve read worse characters who redeemed themselves on over the top fashion, but no character has grabbed me like Sam. Anyone who wonders if love is real or possible should read this.
Sam & Ash have been orbiting each other for 10 years. After a chance encounter both of their paths were forever changed. Everyone knew Ash was ‘secretly’ pining for Sam…but what about Sam?? His Ascent to power has taken many turns but was Aisling on his radar??
The Monster answer that question and so much more. Y’all Ash is kinda of a bada$$
The Monster answer that question and so much more. Y’all Ash is kinda of a bada$$
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was certainly a book. And not a good one. I genuinely can't get over all of the weird ass references the author makes, the constant subtle incest mentions, and the genuinely terrible and cringe dialogue. The number of mentions and allusions to incest is genuinely concerning and something I'm sure a therapist would love to unpack with the author.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is possibly the WORST book I have ever read. The other mafia book, which I hated with every fiber in my body, was not as terrible as this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content