Ruthless Creatures: Queens and Monsters Book 1 (Queens and Monsters, 1)

This antihero? Holy wowza, he is overwhelmingly INTENSE in the best of ways. An undomesticated alpha with a raw intensity that will keep you turning the pages, this antihero is loyal, lovable, and completely unforgettable. Every scene this couple is in together is SCORCHING, even when they’re fully dressed. The author was not lying when she said that this book is her hottest and dirtiest yet. I’ve read sixteen of her books now, so the level of steam doesn’t usually surprise me, but WOW, this couple has the kind of chemistry that cannot be ignored. I personally would’ve liked the steam to be taken down a notch or two, but the style fit perfectly with this particular couple, there’s no denying that. If you’re looking for an intensely sexy ride that will pull you in and hold your attention all the way through, this will definitely deliver.

The story follows Natalie, a woman whose life ended when her fiancé disappeared the day before their wedding five years ago. She’s been adrift ever since – celibate, depressed, and often suicidal. Then Kage enters her life. He’s mysterious, fiercely sexy, and incredibly scary, because he just reeks of bad news. But the chemistry between them is undeniable, and Kage has zero problem stating his intentions: he wants her. Natalie is confident that spending time with Kage is a terrible, terrible idea, but he’s brought her back to life in a way that she did not think was possible, and that’s got to count for something.

There are some incredible moments in this book that just took my breath away. I loved Kage from the start, and I never ever questioned his desire for Natalie. He’s not a good man – he’ll openly admit that – but I loved the vulnerability that laid beneath his rough exterior. Those tender moments are what made the book for me, even when it was the intensity that pulled me in. I didn’t always love the particular brand of steam in this one, but this is a truly unique couple, and the dynamics were absolutely fascinating. I loved the progression – how we see Natalie bloom and come alive again; how we see Kage turn from monster back into man. And I loved the dark humor that’s present throughout. There were small things along the way that bugged me, but nothing that took away from this pulse-pounding love story. It’s an intense, addictive ride – not light, easy, or tame, but wholly captivating. I received an early copy (then purchased it for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.

Seriously, so good! I am actually crying rn because I thought that all the books in this series were on this couple up until near the end…I loved them so much.

100% honesty, it started a little slow for me….but I’m so glad I stuck it out. Kage is deliciously intense in the most perfect way. And while Natalie started out kinda whiny…she turned out so bold, smart and funny. Even tho I’m sad I won’t be reading only about these 2 going forward, there’s no way I’m missing the rest of this series! Bring on book 2, I loved Sloane anyway!

I found this book in a Reddit thread as I was searching for a “dark-ish” mafia romance. I am so glad I followed the suggestion! I like dark romance, but avoid a particular “trigger warning” that is in a lot of DR…and didn’t have to worry about it with this one. So good!

This was a really good read and a mafia romance done right. Everything from the spice to the plot twist was done so well. The MMC was intense and the definition of an antihero. I loved that he was upfront about who he was and what the FMC could expect from him, even if he did make some concessions for her. The FMC was so witty and I loved that she wasn't afraid to banter with such an intense MMC. I thought that the author did a wonderful job at incorporating the spice and the kink. It's not very often that a book can leave me not knowing whats going to happen up until the end, but this one did an amazing job at that. Every time I thought I had it figured out, there would be a twist and I would be wrong. Overall I very much enjoyed this book. Very fun and easy read.

4.25 stars

That wasn’t the way I expected to play out. I knew this was mafia so that was no big surprise. I liked the mafia part of the story especially at the end, bringing adrenaline rushes and excitement. Plus the edge of danger was great too. The twist though not mind blowing was an interesting one that really upped the ante. I really liked that.

What I was unsure about was the romance. Caige and Nat did have great chemistry. The connection they had was pretty intense. I really liked when they showed each other tenderness and affection. The thing I didn’t care for was the majority of their focus as a couple was them sleeping together and all the erotic activities that they got up to. It was every time they got together. There wasn’t as much emotional intimacy as I would have liked. I just needed more romance and less horizontal mambo time.

However during those scenes I was very much appreciative of the amount of communication between the two of them especially when new things were introduced in the bedroom. It was very respectful and honest. In that way it did show a level of trust and intimacy between them, and it was really the only reason I could back them as a couple. I was glad it was in there.

-mafia -touch her and die -opposite attract

Hey, this was my first J.T. Geissinger book, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the contrast between the female and male main characters. Also, Sloane was the best side character ever; everyone needs someone like her in their life. I felt so bad for Nat and everything she went through. It was like she couldn't catch a break. And then, when she finally puts herself out there, she gets emotional whiplash from Kage. But, who wouldn't want Kage? He's such a bossy, possessive man.

I read the sample of this on a whim and just couldn't stop reading. Nat and Sloane have the funniest witty conversations that really have that best-friends-from-birth-and-I-know-all-your-secrets feeling. That first conversation drew me in and I stayed for the plot I swear 😉 But really Kage's POV is written so well and gasp he actually has a deep well of emotions! I'm so happy that he was not just written as some big overbearing possessive oaf like in a lot of mafia/bratva romances. I highly recommend this one and now don't bother me...I'm reading the next one 😁

Missing finance, heartbroken but dead inside woman and a grumpy deadly mafia guy…YES PLEASE! this was a very well written book with honestly some of the best banter and reality, (with regards to relationships/friendships) that I’ve read. Nat and Kage 100% have an explosive and spicy chemistry; but the banter between them two is golden; and I love how Kage is with Nat even if he can’t tell her everything. And Sloane…my girl….I love her raw energy and “ride or die” love for Nat. Secretly tho, Mojo is my favorite! The spice was soooo good! I’ve read spicier and more, in depth, books but this one was spicy in the realist way and made it feel like it wasn’t a book dream but something we’ve all experienced. (Definitely loved how it was thought out) I can definitely say the twists and turns it had towards the end with the Ex were not where I saw it going!!! But it was such a good plot twist and had me thinking hell yeah! I do think it ended kind of abruptly with the death and then boom Sloane’s “happening.” (This is why I cut it a star rating.) I get wanting to lead the reader on and giving a cliffhanger but it was like a left field throw and had me wishing there was a better ending that at least didn’t just completely upend things and not in the since of the typical cliffhanger. All in all, it’s a good, fun, spicy and laughable (at times) read.