Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Monsterville, USA #5

Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?

Rate this book
My ex-boyfriend was transformed into a medusa, and he’s set his eyes on me.

Ten years ago, I was convinced I’d one day marry my high school boyfriend, Darrow. But when a mad scientist experimented on him and others in Petrified Woods, they were changed into monsters. My parents dragged me from town before I could make sure Darrow was okay. Not long after that, they told me he was dead.

Now I’m back in Petrified Woods to be the maid of honor at a friend’s wedding. And guess who’s the best man?

Darrow.

He’s not dead.

He’s mad at me for leaving him.

And his steely gaze could turn me to stone with a single glance.

Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under? is a part of the Monsterville, USA Series. Each book is a standalone but best if read in order. Expect romantic hijinks with monsters, heat, and a happily ever after.

Check out the entire Monsterville world!

Candy for my Orc Boss
Orc Me Baby One More Time
Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun
Don’t Go Knotting My Heart
Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?
Uptown Ogre
Oops, I Elf’d it Again
My Orc-y Breaky Heart
Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix
Who Let the Demon Out?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2023

About the author

Ava Ross

106 books628 followers
AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
384 (42%)
4 stars
267 (29%)
3 stars
190 (20%)
2 stars
57 (6%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Esther Carretero.
Author 6 books37 followers
September 27, 2023
La idea me parece que puede tener mucho más juego. Aunque agradezco algo más de contexto para ese mundo con monstruos, aquí hay demasiados personajes de libros anteriores y, si no los has leído, se te hace un poco confuso todo.

Si la historia se hubiera centrado sólo en la pareja principal (humano x gorgona) me hubiera gustado más, pero creo que la trama se distrae con historias de personajes secundarios...
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books16 followers
June 7, 2023
Darrow and Paige were torn apart. I can't imagine the shock she must have felt to see her dead ex only friend standing up at the wedding. It was beautiful how she held on to her love, but his reactions were understandable too. This story is full of feel good vibes, redemption, and rekindling a love that never died. I loved the inclusion of all the characters from other stories. I think it's magical how the other stories don't leak through during the telling of the one I'm reading! That's some crazy good writing skill right there. The book is steamy, the two of them try to make up for lost time, but they ease into the big, ultimate intimacy that is building between them.
Profile Image for Jen.
86 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2024
Cozy Monster Romance

I love these sweet and steamy monster romances. Darrow and Paige are reunited high school sweethearts. They are absolutely still in love and meet again at a friend's wedding. I thought the pretending to be a princess sub plot was a bit cheesy, but not enough to make me love it less.
Profile Image for Lisbeth .
4,257 reviews
May 25, 2024
Cursi y exagerado, pero me gustó y me entretuvo un rato.
Profile Image for Nevena.
731 reviews17 followers
June 2, 2023
🖤 “You’re one wonderful surprise after another.”
~~~
Paige is such a lovely woman! And she’s so kind and sweet. But her heart never recovered completely after a love lost a long time ago. I loved her so, so much!

And I absolutely adored Darrow! The smoking-hot Gorgon is such a charming, teasing and fun male. And he’s quite the talented sculptor, too. But his life hasn’t been easy after he was taken, experimented on and turned into a Gorgon. I loved his strength, determination and resilience to deal with the changes in his life, learn to control his abilities and accept himself exactly as he is. He’s such a wonderful man!

I loved everything that happened between Paige and Darrow! They were in love and best friends when they were teenagers, but they were torn apart when Darrow was taken and changed into a monster and Paige’s family fled Petrified Woods. And when she agreed to be the maid of honor at a friend’s wedding ten years later, the last thing she expected was to see the man she was told was dead standing as a best man. From the moment they met at the wedding, sparks flew. But there was also anger, surprise and so many things left unsaid. Nevertheless, I loved their chemistry and, when they decided to give themselves another chance, their banters were so much fun to read. And when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! Oh, Darrow and that dirty mouth of his! He and Page were so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved a second chance in happiness and love.

Overall, the story is another sweet and fantastic addition to the series! It’s filled with so much emotion, humor, fun snowy moments, passion and wonderful characters.

I loved it!
Profile Image for Kate Presley.
223 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2023
Again, a great concept, an execution that fell flat. Spoilerssss <3

I love the childhood friends reconnecting, but I hate that it almost felt like she let what her parents did and said slide.
If my parents told me that my childhood friend turned lover who I wanted to spend my life with was dead, when in reality he had turned into something he didn't even recognize and needed me more than ever, I would have lost it. You don't tell your child someone that important to them is gone. They should have never taken away her choice, and then to come back and absolutely slam not only her lover, but also the entire monster "race" as a whole just showed me exactly who they are and that they are trash, recycled, belong in a junk yard.

I liked that they were able to reconnect and find their love for each other once more, but again, as much as I love these steamy little quick reads that tickle my monster fancy, I wish there was more depth and deep diving into the relationships not only of the main characters, but of the side characters as well.

This book was setting at her friends wedding, and we learned next to nothing about the bride or groom other than they were friends of the MC's and a few other side characters relationships related to them.

All in all, I'm going to continue the series, because they are the perfect length for a midnight snack, but I am crossing my fingers, toes and nose that there is more built into the stories than what's offered currently. These could be so so great!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,242 reviews203 followers
June 9, 2023
The events that took place in Monsterville ten years ago did a number on quite a few people and, frankly, Darrow got a pretty raw deal. I'm not talking about the turning into a monster part, either, because he's pretty much come into his own on that front. Nope, I'm talking about Paige's parents taking Paige from Monsterville and forcing him to deal with his new monster-y issues on his own.

On Paige's end, she's never forgotten Darrow. She might believe he's dead (thanks to her parents, those jerk faces), but he still holds a place in her heart. Seeing him at her friend's wedding REALLY throws her at first. First off, she's shocked that her Darrow is still alive and then she has to deal with his animosity. Because, you know, he thinks she abandoned him when things were at their worst. It takes some teary explanations and one well-timed phone call for him to accept that maybe Paige hadn't done the things he'd thought.

Once THAT is cleared up, these two start making up for lost time. They have ten years of missed sexy times to work through, after all.

A weekend with friends that morphs into a romantic getaway for our couple, a sleigh ride, a bubble bath, an accidental royal, and a whole lot of lovin'. Because ten years, man. TEN.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Virginia.
229 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2023
Paige and Darrow were childhood sweethearts until the night Paige’s parents took her away and told her Darrow was dead. They did this because Darrow was held against his will by a crazy scientist and turned into a Medusa. They reunite when they are Maid of Honor and Best Man for friends. Imagine the shock! This was a case of sorting out the lies, and then the grownup version of picking up where they left off. I think there could have been a little more discussion about the past when they reunited, but otherwise, this was a sweet reunion surrounded by some of my favorite characters from this series. Grannie Vi is, and always will be, the most outrageous person in the room! She kills me! The interruptions to Paige and Darrow’s alone time were pretty funny, and so perfectly timed. These two were very spicy, and the humor was classic Ava Ross! When I pick up one of her books, I know I’m going to have a really good read and a lot of laughs. Looking forward to the next Monsterville installment!
Profile Image for Rose.
2,629 reviews26 followers
June 27, 2023
First love gets a chance to be last love.

I liked this reunion of first love romance story. It was entertaining and enjoyable although frustrating at times. There were things I wanted to know that I felt weren’t answered by the end but I still liked it a lot. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. In ways I can understand why Francine and Franklin made the choice that they did but in other ways I felt it was really wrong. Paige and Darrow had been best friends since childhood and that closeness changed to love as they grew older. After an incident where Darrow was kidnapped, Paige was told that Darrow died. Paige returned to her hometown for her friend’s wedding and was shocked to see who the best man was. There was drama and angst, but also sweetness and some steam. I’m not usually a second chance romance person but this was really well done. I loved how the story ended. If there was an epilogue further out I would have been even happier. I recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,574 reviews14 followers
Read
September 6, 2023
Good

Darrow and Paige

An unexpected meeting of childhood sweethearts, allows a gorgon and his first love to have a second chance at romance.

This time in the Monsterville, USA series, we meet a human who was turned into a monster by force- the series contains the native born monsters, those who turned willingly, and those who were turned involuntarily, but I think this one is the first of the latter that we’ve seen.
Darrow was turned as a teen, and though he has since gained control of his abilities, it’s been a steep learning curve.
Paige thought her first love was dead, so to say their first meeting is a bit of a shock, is an understatement.

Since it’s Monsterville, USA, you can expect hot and steamy times, a sweet romance, a few cameo appearances from previous books’ couples and some comedic moments courtesy of Granny Vi and Uncle Bub.
It’s a quick read, but a fun one, and monster lovers or fans of paranormal romance will enjoy this quick to read treat.
909 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2023
Another great Monsterville book. Darrow was turned into a Medusa when he was 16 by an evil scientist. The love of his life left town with her parents, never to be seen or heard from again. Even his own mother took off and left him. It has taken him years to come to terms with what happened to him and carve out a fulfilling life for himself. When he agree's to be the best man in his friends wedding he never expects to see "her" walking down the isle as the maid of honor.

Paige has never forgotten the love of her life, even after all of these years. His death just about destroyed her but she has finally gotten on with her life. She never understood why her parents left town in the middle of the night, but without Darrow it didn't really matter.

These two have been cruelly deceived and now come face to face. Can they get past the trauma and get a second chance?
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,669 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2023
"...a feeling of promise bloomed inside me."

This is a second chance romance with humor, fireworks galore, and a castle full of chemistry and sparks.

When Paige shows up to be in the wedding of a high school friend the last person she expects to encounter is her teenage boyfriend -- who died when she was 16.

They've each spent ten years living with broken hearts thanks to lies and miscommunication... can a rift like that be healed during one wedding weekend?

This done in one kindle unlimited quick read is full of winter wonderland fun, with characters from previous stories adding to the tight knit community we spend these pages with, it's easy to come out of this book feeling like one of the gang -- hopefully the normal one, and eager to read more about the gang's antics.
33 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2023
Another great read in the Monsterville world! This is a second-chance romance. In this book, we meet Paige and Darrow who fell in love as teenagers. They were torn apart by the events that happened in Petrified Woods. Paige believed Darrow was dead, while Darrow believed Paige abandoned him. Years later, the two run into each other at a friend's wedding, and sparks fly. Will Darrow let go of the past or will he let it ruin his second chance with Paige?

I love reading books in the Monsterville world. They are all quick reads and are interconnected with each other. I love getting to see updates about the characters in the previous books. All the books have monsters and include a HEA. What more could you want?
696 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2023
This weekend Paige is going to Petrified Wood to be her best friends maid of honor. She used to live in Petrified Wood until her parents moved them away after what happened to her boyfriend. They told her Darrow was dead. She greived but never really got over him.10 years later she is practicing law in Monsterville.
Darrow was experimented on and is now a monster. He's never forgotten Paige and how she abandoned him. He's the best man and is shocked when he sees Paige walking towards him.
Ava tells a great story full of angst, reconnecting, fun outdoor activities, and so much steam. Her monster world is so rich in detail and her characters are realistic, to a point. Another great addition to her series.
1,256 reviews10 followers
June 16, 2023
Paige and Darrow were once childhood sweethearts. They never got the chance to see where it might lead them though. It wasn't just misfortune that happened to separate them. Paige's parents had a very large part to play. There are white lies to make sure your friend doesn't find out about her surprise party and then there is telling your daughter that the one she loves is dead. Imagine her surprise when arriving to be the maid of honour at her friend's wedding she discovers that Darrow, while very much alive is not how she last thought of him. Is that sprak that was between them so long ago dead or could this be a once in lifetime opportunity at a second chance?
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,369 reviews
June 22, 2023
Truth always prevail

Again, Ava knows how to leave you teetering on the edge of will they or wont they.

Being a parent, I understand why her parents were afraid, but they had no right to embarrass him, especially when he was the one traumatized.

I have to say that I love Paige's courage and determination to love, and Darrow's strength to be "human" despite what others see and to love in spite of the pushback.

The support of the "monsters" toward any and everyone is what I pray the world to be and feel. Ava's books always show the full picture, whether good or bad, and that if we are true in heart and soul, we are perfect.
Profile Image for T Nelson.
1,777 reviews23 followers
May 6, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Paranormal, Second Chance
Monsterville, USA series Book 5

Trigger/Content warnings
Kidnapping
Experimentation on humans
Lies about the death of character


Darrow (mmc, monster)
Paige (mfc, human)

Paige and Darrow were high school sweethearts until he was taken. Afterward, her parents told her he was dead and moved her out of town. She's spent years thinking he was dead, and he spent years thinking she abandoned him. Until their friends get married and they are both needed for the wedding. Will she run again, or will they get their chance?

I enjoyed this one and seeing repeat characters is always fun. Look forward to the rest.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
446 reviews
May 27, 2023
Darrow and Paige were in love and best friends when they were teenagers when Darrow was kidnapped and turned into a Gorgon. Paiges parents took her away, telling her that he had died. 10 years later they meet at a wedding. This is such a sweet but steamy story. I absolutely love these "Monster" books whether set in the Petrified Woods or Monsterville. They are fun with a thread of serious run through them. The romance is hot and the stories always touch my heart. Ava Ross is one of my favorite writers, she is a guaranteed good time. Always 1-click. 5 very happy stars.
98 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023
Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under by Ava Ross is a second chance love story with a HEA set in Monsterville. It is wonderfully sweet and oh so steamy! Darrow was a human turned into a gorgon against his will at age 16. Paige was Darrow’s best friend and love until she was told he had died (and then she was quickly whisked away by her parents). Ten years later, the couple meet again and find that what once was there is stronger than ever! This is a wonderful addition to a fantastic series, with plenty of love, warmth, and fun!
October 16, 2023
IT WOULD BE MONSTERVILLE - AVA ROSE:
• Book #01 : "Candy for my Orc Boss" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #02 : "Orc Me Baby One More Time" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #03 : "Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun" - READ ➕ 3.5 ⭐
• Book #04 : "Don’t Go Knotting My Heart" - READ ➕ 3.5 ⭐
• Book #05 : "Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?" - READ ➕ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Book #06 : "Uptown Ogre" -
• Book #07 : "Oops, I Elf’d it Again" -
• Book #08 : "My Orc-y Breaky Heart" -
• Book #09 : "Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix" -
• Book #10 : "Who Let the Demon Out?" -
179 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
💙❄️💙Darrow & Paige💙❄️💙

There is a lot going on in this story. Most of it is really great. It's cute, funny, engaging & steamy. We get to see lots of former characters & some new ones. We see young love reignited, betrayal from parents, healing, so much from a short story. Also, the details & activities that were planned at the castle wedding venue were amazing. Like a dream.

I know my review is vague & that's because I want you to enjoy the story firsthand. It's a fun read.
Profile Image for SHERRY DAVIS.
114 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2023
Paige
Her parents told her he was dead. That was the most devastating day of her life. Imagine her surprise when she saw he was alive. It didn't matter that he was now a Medusa.
Darrow
When he saw Paige at his friend's wedding, he was hurt. How could she be here after breaking him? Deserting him when he needed her most.
Things weren't what they seemed to be.
Guaranteed HEA!!! Steamy, Steamy.
230 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2024
This was a cozy, slow burn romance but it fell a bit flat for me. I kind of wished there was more character depth and story, it just seemed like constant explaining of all the other characters and monsters and not enough plot.

Darrow and Paige are best friends from childhood. When Darrow is kidnapped and turned into a Medusa by a group of scientists he finds out Paige is gone, her family moved in the night. Years later they reconnect and the truth comes out.
403 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2024
This one, sadly, was not the best imo. I just couldn’t get into the relationship between Darrow and Paige… like, at all. Partially because I’m just not a fan of second chance romances, but mostly because their characters just didn’t have chemistry! Also, it was confusing as hell how the story was also kind of following the two wedding planners. I really didn’t get that part. Overall, the story just felt pretty aimless and without much development anywhere.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,340 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
Paige and Darrow were young and in love, when Darrow is kidnapped and physically changed forever. Paige’s parents, in an attempt to protect her, told her Darrow died. Ten years later they are both part of a wedding party and are shocked to see each other. That weekend they reconnect and reconnect they do :). Great storyline with great characters which includes others from the series.
Profile Image for Trixie.
4,364 reviews
May 26, 2023
This story is a wedding and a romantic getaway for our couples. The other MCs from the authors other books are also here but the story focuses on Darrow and Paige, the rekindling of their blossoming love that was “lost”. The two reconnected and we get to learn what happened to their yesterday and what’s in their future.
680 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2023
Five solid star read, Ava Ross continues to amaze her readers with her writing! I loved the characters Paige and Darrow, especially that the story was set in the Petrified Woods, monster heaven in my opinion. What a wonderful afternoon spending time with lovable monsters. Download and enjoy this treat!❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Carmen.
1,819 reviews11 followers
June 7, 2023
Childhood sweethearts Darrow & Paige are reunited after being forcefully and deceitfully ripped apart after the fateful Halloween party that changed so many people. Her life was destroyed by a lie. But when Paige returns for her friend's wedding and sees Darrow all bets were off. Their attraction to each other is re-ignited and it takes a painful truth for it all to work out.
89 reviews
June 9, 2023
great read

I loved this story and I’m glad they found their way back to each other, my only complaint would be there were some questions left unanswered with her parents if she will ever talk to them again and what their future turned out to be. Hopefully we see them again in the next book in this series
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,173 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2023
Steamy and Then Some

Page and Darrow were best friends and almost first loves when he was kidnapped and turned into a Medusa. Her parents packed up everything and told her he had died. He only knew that she had fled abandoning him.
Years later, they’re both in a wedding and the truth comes out.
A great blend of thwarted young love and grown up passion freed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.