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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I just need to start by saying this book is everything. This was my most anticipated read of 2021 and it far bypassed my expectations.
The Monster is the third book in the Boston Belles Series. Technically you can read this as a stand-alone but please don’t. You will miss out on Hunter and Cillian’s stories which are amazing in their own right but also help establish the backstory and relationships between these characters. LJ Shen has built a strong interconnected world in Boston between the Penrose sisters, the Brennan’s and the Fitzpatrick Family and I feel like it won’t hit the same without that backstory.
The Monster revolves around the complicated relationship between Aisling Fitzpatrick and Sam Brennan. Sam was first introduced to us in Sparrow as the child of two truly awful people who was eventually adopted by Troy and Sparrow Brennan. If you’ve been waiting to hear how the adoption went down I can put your mind at ease as LJ finally gives us that story. What we know of Sam so far is that he is basically Troy Brennan on steroids. He’s meaner, crueler, more blood thirsty, more ambitious and has some serious issues with women. When he’s not plotting to take over Boston’s underground, he’s being paid handsomely to be the Fitzpatrick family’s fixer with the understanding that the youngest Fitzpatrick (Aisling) is strictly off limits.
Aisling Fitzpatrick from what we know of her so far is that she is the antithesis of Sam: quiet, sheltered, demure and a literal healer. She is smart, beautiful and completely enamored with Sam. Despite her family’s feelings on Sam, Aisling has been infatuated with him since they first met before she even knew who he was. Sam has been outwardly indifferent to her. At the end of The Villain we knew that Aisling was beginning to prepare to try and let this go. After all how long can a girl hold onto an unrequited love before she breaks completely?
If you’re worried that Aisling is going to be a shallow doormat for Sam to use, abuse and walk all over you got our girl all wrong. Aisling is not the timid little girl she once was, and is hiding a secret that will make you question everything you thought you knew about her. She is Sam’s match in every way and I loved every second of watching him struggle to come to terms with that.
You will love their banter, their ongoing game of cat and mouse, the twists, the heartbreak, the healing and the all consuming passion these two bring out in each other. I keep thinking that this series can’t get any better and LJ keeps proving me wrong.
While I had planned to slowly savor this book, Sam and Aisling’s story captivates and demands to be devoured in one sitting. At least I can say that it’s definitely worth the sleep deprivation. I can’t wait to dive back in for a reread (hopefully at a more leisurely pace this time).
The Monster will worm its way into your brain and consume you long after you’ve flipped the last page. This is a must read of 2021. Don’t miss out!
The Monster is the third book in the Boston Belles Series. Technically you can read this as a stand-alone but please don’t. You will miss out on Hunter and Cillian’s stories which are amazing in their own right but also help establish the backstory and relationships between these characters. LJ Shen has built a strong interconnected world in Boston between the Penrose sisters, the Brennan’s and the Fitzpatrick Family and I feel like it won’t hit the same without that backstory.
The Monster revolves around the complicated relationship between Aisling Fitzpatrick and Sam Brennan. Sam was first introduced to us in Sparrow as the child of two truly awful people who was eventually adopted by Troy and Sparrow Brennan. If you’ve been waiting to hear how the adoption went down I can put your mind at ease as LJ finally gives us that story. What we know of Sam so far is that he is basically Troy Brennan on steroids. He’s meaner, crueler, more blood thirsty, more ambitious and has some serious issues with women. When he’s not plotting to take over Boston’s underground, he’s being paid handsomely to be the Fitzpatrick family’s fixer with the understanding that the youngest Fitzpatrick (Aisling) is strictly off limits.
Aisling Fitzpatrick from what we know of her so far is that she is the antithesis of Sam: quiet, sheltered, demure and a literal healer. She is smart, beautiful and completely enamored with Sam. Despite her family’s feelings on Sam, Aisling has been infatuated with him since they first met before she even knew who he was. Sam has been outwardly indifferent to her. At the end of The Villain we knew that Aisling was beginning to prepare to try and let this go. After all how long can a girl hold onto an unrequited love before she breaks completely?
If you’re worried that Aisling is going to be a shallow doormat for Sam to use, abuse and walk all over you got our girl all wrong. Aisling is not the timid little girl she once was, and is hiding a secret that will make you question everything you thought you knew about her. She is Sam’s match in every way and I loved every second of watching him struggle to come to terms with that.
You will love their banter, their ongoing game of cat and mouse, the twists, the heartbreak, the healing and the all consuming passion these two bring out in each other. I keep thinking that this series can’t get any better and LJ keeps proving me wrong.
While I had planned to slowly savor this book, Sam and Aisling’s story captivates and demands to be devoured in one sitting. At least I can say that it’s definitely worth the sleep deprivation. I can’t wait to dive back in for a reread (hopefully at a more leisurely pace this time).
The Monster will worm its way into your brain and consume you long after you’ve flipped the last page. This is a must read of 2021. Don’t miss out!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As always, I was intrigued by the story. While I liked Aisling quite a bit, Sam just wasn’t my favorite. I much prefer LJ Shen’s “nicer” heroes. And as interesting as this read was, it just didn’t connect with me on an emotional level. Plus, I wasn’t as scandalized by Aisling’s job as I was supposed to be. Certainly not as much as Sam was. I grew up where that kind of thing is legal and accepted. While I can see how she might have been in legal danger, I just don’t see how anyone can compare what she was doing with what Sam did for a living. It’s completely different and didn’t make her any kind of a similar monster in my eyes.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
2 Monsters
Another great book by LJ Shen. This book wasn’t what I expected but that’s always what happens with her books. Even though I thought the story line would be different I absolutely love how this story played out. Sam is my favorite Monster. Sam and Aisling’s love story had me swooning whenever they were together. Throughout this book you really see Aisling turn into strong woman as she plays the Monsters game and wins.
Another great book by LJ Shen. This book wasn’t what I expected but that’s always what happens with her books. Even though I thought the story line would be different I absolutely love how this story played out. Sam is my favorite Monster. Sam and Aisling’s love story had me swooning whenever they were together. Throughout this book you really see Aisling turn into strong woman as she plays the Monsters game and wins.
Swoon Worthy
Sam....oh wow. I was expecting a lot of different things out of this book and was kinda gobsmacked with what I received. It was the most frustratingly wonderful push and pull between 2 people. I loved Ash's character development and how she really made Sam work for her in the end rather than continuing to be a doormat. I do wish Sam had more vulnerable moments but I would also say the ending had even more impact on me because there weren't as many tender moments with him. This was a fun read and kept me riveted the whole time. I love this series!
Sam....oh wow. I was expecting a lot of different things out of this book and was kinda gobsmacked with what I received. It was the most frustratingly wonderful push and pull between 2 people. I loved Ash's character development and how she really made Sam work for her in the end rather than continuing to be a doormat. I do wish Sam had more vulnerable moments but I would also say the ending had even more impact on me because there weren't as many tender moments with him. This was a fun read and kept me riveted the whole time. I love this series!