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Monster Match
Nightmare for Hire
Nox is a Nightmare, literally. Having been around for eons, he’s decided it’s time to have some fun… wrecking lives, that is. So he hires himself out to get revenge on bad exes, which leads him to joining the Monster Match app. He doesn’t exactly care what the circumstances are as long as he gets to have some fun scaring humans.
Cyrus moved to Rivenfield for a fresh start after a bad breakup. He just wants to keep his head down and work. Maybe meet a few monster cuties on Monster Match. He’s not expecting to click with someone so soon, but the mysterious Nightmare has him all hot and bothered awake and asleep.
After meeting Cyrus, Nox is flabbergasted why anyone would want to send a Nightmare after such a delightful human. He becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. It looks like the cure for his eternal boredom might just be falling in love.
Nightmare for Hire is an opposites attract MM monster romance featuring a sunshiny Nightmare and a human just wanting to belong. It’s part of the Monster Match series. Each book is a standalone, but why don’t you have fun with all our monstrous beasties?
Cyrus moved to Rivenfield for a fresh start after a bad breakup. He just wants to keep his head down and work. Maybe meet a few monster cuties on Monster Match. He’s not expecting to click with someone so soon, but the mysterious Nightmare has him all hot and bothered awake and asleep.
After meeting Cyrus, Nox is flabbergasted why anyone would want to send a Nightmare after such a delightful human. He becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. It looks like the cure for his eternal boredom might just be falling in love.
Nightmare for Hire is an opposites attract MM monster romance featuring a sunshiny Nightmare and a human just wanting to belong. It’s part of the Monster Match series. Each book is a standalone, but why don’t you have fun with all our monstrous beasties?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2024
About the author
Morgan Lysand
18 books66 followersHey peeps! I’m Morgan.
I’ve always been a reader and a daydreamer. My writer origin story is embarrassing now that I think about it. But also kinda funny, maybe. One day I might share. If people ask nicely. It involves a psychic.
I share an apartment with my sister in Southern Indiana where we keep the AC on year round and spend all our money at Target and weekly pizza. Okay, actually my sister spends all her money on K-Pop CDs (YES, CDs) and I spend all my money on books and writerly stuff.
I’ve always been a reader and a daydreamer. My writer origin story is embarrassing now that I think about it. But also kinda funny, maybe. One day I might share. If people ask nicely. It involves a psychic.
I share an apartment with my sister in Southern Indiana where we keep the AC on year round and spend all our money at Target and weekly pizza. Okay, actually my sister spends all her money on K-Pop CDs (YES, CDs) and I spend all my money on books and writerly stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 1, 2024
This book made me feel dirty. I’d say “ick” but I don’t feel that is a strong enough of a sentiment to get across how inappropriately this book not only dealt with trauma but also the blatant sexualization of a very infantilized character. I’m sorry, there is a difference between naive and childish and Nox was painted as a inexperienced child who had the mental processing/maturity of a 12 year old if I’m being VERY generous. And then he was promptly sexualized. Absolutely Disgusting.
I won’t even get into how poorly the subject matter of child trafficking and rape was handled here because I have been left speechless at the very prospect of an author thinking “oh yes. This silly romance book is a good place to throw in some child sexual trauma and rape into play.” Oh my god. If you want to work with subject matter like this, it must - MUST - be handled with so much care and INTENTION within the story and… it wasn’t. At all. In fact, I don’t think it was necessary to the plot at all.
I feel gross after this book and I think it’s actually going to take me some time to trust another self pub that I haven’t had directly recommended by someone I trust.
I won’t even get into how poorly the subject matter of child trafficking and rape was handled here because I have been left speechless at the very prospect of an author thinking “oh yes. This silly romance book is a good place to throw in some child sexual trauma and rape into play.” Oh my god. If you want to work with subject matter like this, it must - MUST - be handled with so much care and INTENTION within the story and… it wasn’t. At all. In fact, I don’t think it was necessary to the plot at all.
I feel gross after this book and I think it’s actually going to take me some time to trust another self pub that I haven’t had directly recommended by someone I trust.
February 18, 2024
I’m sorry.
The writing is pretty awful and the characters, especially Nox talks like he’s a child that’s hopped up on sugar. Even tho he’s supposed to be super old, eons ?
🚩There’s on-page drugging? And rape? Mick is using his ‘haze’ to make Cy have sex even tho Cy doesn’t want it then he says he does because of the effects of the ‘haze’. Mick later on says he had to use his ‘haze’ on Cy because he was taking too long to give in to having sex and he doesn’t like wasting time. Cy also wants Mick to use a condom and he doesn’t.
🚩Nox even calls out Mick for raping Cy.
🚩Not only has Cy been drugged/raped by his ex but apparently he’s also the victim of child SA.
How’re you gonna have these themes/topics and make everything so unserious.
Not for me, kthanksbye. ✌🏻
The writing is pretty awful and the characters, especially Nox talks like he’s a child that’s hopped up on sugar. Even tho he’s supposed to be super old, eons ?
🚩There’s on-page drugging? And rape? Mick is using his ‘haze’ to make Cy have sex even tho Cy doesn’t want it then he says he does because of the effects of the ‘haze’. Mick later on says he had to use his ‘haze’ on Cy because he was taking too long to give in to having sex and he doesn’t like wasting time. Cy also wants Mick to use a condom and he doesn’t.
🚩Nox even calls out Mick for raping Cy.
🚩Not only has Cy been drugged/raped by his ex but apparently he’s also the victim of child SA.
How’re you gonna have these themes/topics and make everything so unserious.
Not for me, kthanksbye. ✌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2024
1.5⭐ - and that half of a star goes up for Cyrus.
I can't help but think of this as a rip-off.
Why do I feel like that?
It's a later date of release than the book I'm thinking of and a lot of monster romances use the same themes, but these books - and again, this one - puts together the smoke, the portal to the monster world and the binding of two MMCs for eternity, so an interesting combination, to say the least.
You know, it's fine, but it just reminds me too much of the Monstrous series - the characters are good here, but they're not fleshed out and the storytelling isn't good, well - it definitely didn't work for me.
🟠 Both MMCs gay and demisexual
🟢 A lot of pronouns and labels
🟣 One MMC has a traumatic history but the vibe of the book is too light to tackle on something like that
🔵 The monster MMC is a complete virgin, has also a human form
🟡 Found family (sort of)
🟢 "Fated mates" - not thought-out, it was pointless
❗ Rape, sex trafficking, drugging, stalking - all wrapped up in this little "cutesy" story with a cherub monster who wears pink crop tops
🌶️ Some smut, but it's pretty boring as is the sex talk; both vers
Cyrus is one main character that I really liked in this story. He's had a terrible past, he's traumatised and at the beginning of the story is raped repeatedly by his merman boyfriend. Sadly the storytelling wasn't good, so as much potential as he had, everything got lost in sentences like
“Why fight it? I went through everything imaginable when I was trafficked as a kid, and if Mick wants to fuck me like he hates me, I can endure it.”
"I drop my eyes. I’m totally into the beasties. I figured humans put me through hell, why not try the so- called monsters? But Mick has proven there are baddies on both sides. Not like I expected it to be any different. I just expected it to take longer."
Yeah, wow. Cyrus has been through a complete shitshow of a life, yet he almost sounds aloof about it.
Nox is the Nightmare from the previous book and he's a small effeminate twink, yet can dissolve into black smoke and quickly go places and do his thing (sounds very familiar, but fine).
Nox's appearance and demeanor seems cute and could be very sexy, but the story didn't use that potential at all, he just giggles and sounds very innocent and oblivious for an entity who's lived for an eternity. He's like - oh I have a dick but what is it for? Where does it go? What does it do?? In all those years, even if he were demisexual or even asexual, he'd definitely learn what his dick's for, but okay.
Nox meets Cyrus because he's supposed to give him nightmares but he doesn't, because the guy who hired Nox is Cyrus' bad ex boyfriend, so there's the whole drama with the boyfriend, but in the meantime Nox and Cyrus get to know each other and that getting to know each other is a bit of a slow burn, but it's not interesting nor sexy.
"But I'm so hard. Please, give me a blow job thingy." I plead with my eyes and he's biting back another laugh.
"You don't have to add thingy. Just blow job or bj works. Blowie. Beej. Fellatio. Head. It all works."
What do you mean with "it all works"? Why aren't you letting him say "a blow job thingy" then?? Everything you say works, rather put it that way. Man I hate books where I'm literally instructed about how something should be called. It's so mechanical and if this author was going for sexy, they missed by a mile, because it's not, nothing is in this story.
Cyrus seemed like a guy who just wanted to be left alone and take a break for a while, so him getting together with Nox didn't really seem right. It also seems like he's not welcoming the intimacy, the exploring or the touches, he's basically deeply traumatised and has PTSD and that was just skimmed over, completely. It's told he had a therapist, but he's not disclosing the magnitude of his problems and I don't really think fucking the next guy that comes along is the answer to what he's going through.
Nox and Cyrus' budding relationship felt almost forced a bit - one day they were slowly exploring each other, another day they loved each other and then suddenly talked about eternity. It didn't seem like a natural progression to their story, the whole relationship seemed like it was more a safe bet for Cyrus than anything else.
“That sounds like a proposal.”
“I think it is.”
I nod. “Yeah, it is. Oh! I’m supposed to put a ring on it, aren’t I? Or is it I licked you, so you’re mine?” I lean down and lick his shoulder. “That’s right, right?”
Didn't like it one bit.
I did check out guys in pink skirts on Pinterest, so I at least got that out of it.
I can't help but think of this as a rip-off.
Why do I feel like that?
It's a later date of release than the book I'm thinking of and a lot of monster romances use the same themes, but these books - and again, this one - puts together the smoke, the portal to the monster world and the binding of two MMCs for eternity, so an interesting combination, to say the least.
You know, it's fine, but it just reminds me too much of the Monstrous series - the characters are good here, but they're not fleshed out and the storytelling isn't good, well - it definitely didn't work for me.
🟠 Both MMCs gay and demisexual
🟢 A lot of pronouns and labels
🟣 One MMC has a traumatic history but the vibe of the book is too light to tackle on something like that
🔵 The monster MMC is a complete virgin, has also a human form
🟡 Found family (sort of)
🟢 "Fated mates" - not thought-out, it was pointless
❗ Rape, sex trafficking, drugging, stalking - all wrapped up in this little "cutesy" story with a cherub monster who wears pink crop tops
🌶️ Some smut, but it's pretty boring as is the sex talk; both vers
Cyrus is one main character that I really liked in this story. He's had a terrible past, he's traumatised and at the beginning of the story is raped repeatedly by his merman boyfriend. Sadly the storytelling wasn't good, so as much potential as he had, everything got lost in sentences like
“Why fight it? I went through everything imaginable when I was trafficked as a kid, and if Mick wants to fuck me like he hates me, I can endure it.”
"I drop my eyes. I’m totally into the beasties. I figured humans put me through hell, why not try the so- called monsters? But Mick has proven there are baddies on both sides. Not like I expected it to be any different. I just expected it to take longer."
Yeah, wow. Cyrus has been through a complete shitshow of a life, yet he almost sounds aloof about it.
Nox is the Nightmare from the previous book and he's a small effeminate twink, yet can dissolve into black smoke and quickly go places and do his thing (sounds very familiar, but fine).
Nox's appearance and demeanor seems cute and could be very sexy, but the story didn't use that potential at all, he just giggles and sounds very innocent and oblivious for an entity who's lived for an eternity. He's like - oh I have a dick but what is it for? Where does it go? What does it do?? In all those years, even if he were demisexual or even asexual, he'd definitely learn what his dick's for, but okay.
Nox meets Cyrus because he's supposed to give him nightmares but he doesn't, because the guy who hired Nox is Cyrus' bad ex boyfriend, so there's the whole drama with the boyfriend, but in the meantime Nox and Cyrus get to know each other and that getting to know each other is a bit of a slow burn, but it's not interesting nor sexy.
"But I'm so hard. Please, give me a blow job thingy." I plead with my eyes and he's biting back another laugh.
"You don't have to add thingy. Just blow job or bj works. Blowie. Beej. Fellatio. Head. It all works."
What do you mean with "it all works"? Why aren't you letting him say "a blow job thingy" then?? Everything you say works, rather put it that way. Man I hate books where I'm literally instructed about how something should be called. It's so mechanical and if this author was going for sexy, they missed by a mile, because it's not, nothing is in this story.
Cyrus seemed like a guy who just wanted to be left alone and take a break for a while, so him getting together with Nox didn't really seem right. It also seems like he's not welcoming the intimacy, the exploring or the touches, he's basically deeply traumatised and has PTSD and that was just skimmed over, completely. It's told he had a therapist, but he's not disclosing the magnitude of his problems and I don't really think fucking the next guy that comes along is the answer to what he's going through.
Nox and Cyrus' budding relationship felt almost forced a bit - one day they were slowly exploring each other, another day they loved each other and then suddenly talked about eternity. It didn't seem like a natural progression to their story, the whole relationship seemed like it was more a safe bet for Cyrus than anything else.
“That sounds like a proposal.”
“I think it is.”
I nod. “Yeah, it is. Oh! I’m supposed to put a ring on it, aren’t I? Or is it I licked you, so you’re mine?” I lean down and lick his shoulder. “That’s right, right?”
Didn't like it one bit.
I did check out guys in pink skirts on Pinterest, so I at least got that out of it.
February 24, 2024
What a story, quite the ride!
A MM monster romance with chaos, fun, cuteness, unexpected emotional gut-punches! I adore Cyrus & Nox, devoured this book in 4hrs. Loved my #ARC, this series is enjoyable.
Nox is an ancient nightmare, he's bubbly, chaotic, badass, adorable & oblivious to most human things! He's fashionable & takes joy in small things.
Cyrus, oh my, he's earnest, cautious, so sweet, & deserves all the hugs! He's experienced so much trauma from his past, sweetie 🥺. He's caring & a baby nurse.
N finds about Cy through Mick, Cy's horrible asshole ex via his Nightmare for Hire services. I'm happy N's Character judgement is pretty good, Mick's bad vibes! That kept things suspenseful & me anxious 🤫.
Cy & N's relationship is pretty lovely & low angst. N discovers joys of sex, while being so patient with Cy 🥰. I liked the exploration & just being. Love me vers action 😉. N's oblivious-ness made some embarrassing moments for us humans tho 😅😳. Maddox & Dani are sweet friends! RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 4.75/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥰🥺😳😤😅🤭😏🔥🖤😉🤬😍😈
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 3/5 (past & ex!)
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Sweet love, terrible Ex) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5
A MM monster romance with chaos, fun, cuteness, unexpected emotional gut-punches! I adore Cyrus & Nox, devoured this book in 4hrs. Loved my #ARC, this series is enjoyable.
Nox is an ancient nightmare, he's bubbly, chaotic, badass, adorable & oblivious to most human things! He's fashionable & takes joy in small things.
Cyrus, oh my, he's earnest, cautious, so sweet, & deserves all the hugs! He's experienced so much trauma from his past, sweetie 🥺. He's caring & a baby nurse.
N finds about Cy through Mick, Cy's horrible asshole ex via his Nightmare for Hire services. I'm happy N's Character judgement is pretty good, Mick's bad vibes! That kept things suspenseful & me anxious 🤫.
Cy & N's relationship is pretty lovely & low angst. N discovers joys of sex, while being so patient with Cy 🥰. I liked the exploration & just being. Love me vers action 😉. N's oblivious-ness made some embarrassing moments for us humans tho 😅😳. Maddox & Dani are sweet friends! RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 4.75/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥰🥺😳😤😅🤭😏🔥🖤😉🤬😍😈
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 3/5 (past & ex!)
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Sweet love, terrible Ex) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5
July 15, 2024
«—Tú eres mi para siempre, Cy. No puedo esperar a pasar la eternidad a tu lado. Y así poder ver tus hermosos ojos felices.»
📚⇢ Esta historia me ha decepcionado pues tenemos un montón de temas mal tratados como lo es el tráfico infantil, el estrés postraumático y el abuso sexual. Tenemos a Cyrus quien mantenía una relación en donde su ex pareja ejercía su neblina de sirena para forzarlo a tener relaciones sexuales, a pesar de eso, vemos cómo se separan y después de poco tiempo Cy se muda de ciudad y es donde conoce a Nox; quien es una pesadilla que ha vivido desde antes de la creación del universo pero se supone que es sumamente inocente e infantil… Lo siento pero se me hace poco creíble.
📚⇢ Pese a los diversos traumas que ha sufrido Cy desde su infancia, es alguien que sigue en una lucha constante con su estrés postraumático y su superación, se nota que lo que él necesitaba era tiempo para sanar, pero en cambio comienza su relación con Nox, y es que cada interacción entre ambos me tenía completamente incomoda debido a la sobre carga de energía que resulta ser Nox, pues Cy casi ni hablaba o se sentía como si estuviera ensimismado en sus pensamientos; tampoco me termine de creer todo eso de que Nox era su tipo ideal, o quizás simplemente es que estoy muy arraigada a los roles en donde el bottom es más pequeño y el top más grande, protector y lleno de músculos. La cuestión fue que se centraron más en mostrarnos como aprendía Nox a usar su polla, que en darle un buen tratamiento a los temas que realmente merecían desarrollo.
📚⇢ Esta historia me ha decepcionado pues tenemos un montón de temas mal tratados como lo es el tráfico infantil, el estrés postraumático y el abuso sexual. Tenemos a Cyrus quien mantenía una relación en donde su ex pareja ejercía su neblina de sirena para forzarlo a tener relaciones sexuales, a pesar de eso, vemos cómo se separan y después de poco tiempo Cy se muda de ciudad y es donde conoce a Nox; quien es una pesadilla que ha vivido desde antes de la creación del universo pero se supone que es sumamente inocente e infantil… Lo siento pero se me hace poco creíble.
📚⇢ Pese a los diversos traumas que ha sufrido Cy desde su infancia, es alguien que sigue en una lucha constante con su estrés postraumático y su superación, se nota que lo que él necesitaba era tiempo para sanar, pero en cambio comienza su relación con Nox, y es que cada interacción entre ambos me tenía completamente incomoda debido a la sobre carga de energía que resulta ser Nox, pues Cy casi ni hablaba o se sentía como si estuviera ensimismado en sus pensamientos; tampoco me termine de creer todo eso de que Nox era su tipo ideal, o quizás simplemente es que estoy muy arraigada a los roles en donde el bottom es más pequeño y el top más grande, protector y lleno de músculos. La cuestión fue que se centraron más en mostrarnos como aprendía Nox a usar su polla, que en darle un buen tratamiento a los temas que realmente merecían desarrollo.
March 2, 2024
DNFed for inappropriate handling of extremely dark topics.
***Trigger warnings for discussion of rape, SA, CSA and trafficking***
*
There is on page drugging, rape and assault of an MMC. An MC who is ALSO a survivor of childhood abuse and sexual trafficking by his parents, repeatedly mentioned but in the context of an otherwise light-hearted PNR. These are about as serious as topics get and need careful handling, which was not done here. Not going into detail and brushing over it with "he's seeing a therapist" does not make it better. There was also no reason for the rape to be on page, especially given this is not positioned as a dark romance.
It's pretty much trauma porn woven around a lighthearted PNR.
It's not clear if the author is part of the LGBTQ+ community, but at the very least, I have no reason to believe that they are, or have ever been, a queer man. The ick factor of a seemingly cishet woman writing this is high.
Read the CWs and work from the basis that most of them are downplayed. E.g. it is an on-page, moderately lengthy penetrative r$pe after non-consensual drugging scene, not what you might think from a CW of "SA on page".
It's a shame because some of the characters and concepts are brilliant, but for me, it needed a heavy edit and sensitivity readers in order to not be offensive to multiple groups.
***Trigger warnings for discussion of rape, SA, CSA and trafficking***
*
There is on page drugging, rape and assault of an MMC. An MC who is ALSO a survivor of childhood abuse and sexual trafficking by his parents, repeatedly mentioned but in the context of an otherwise light-hearted PNR. These are about as serious as topics get and need careful handling, which was not done here. Not going into detail and brushing over it with "he's seeing a therapist" does not make it better. There was also no reason for the rape to be on page, especially given this is not positioned as a dark romance.
It's pretty much trauma porn woven around a lighthearted PNR.
It's not clear if the author is part of the LGBTQ+ community, but at the very least, I have no reason to believe that they are, or have ever been, a queer man. The ick factor of a seemingly cishet woman writing this is high.
Read the CWs and work from the basis that most of them are downplayed. E.g. it is an on-page, moderately lengthy penetrative r$pe after non-consensual drugging scene, not what you might think from a CW of "SA on page".
It's a shame because some of the characters and concepts are brilliant, but for me, it needed a heavy edit and sensitivity readers in order to not be offensive to multiple groups.
February 17, 2024
DNF @ 25% :(
I was super excited for this one because of the cover art and desperately wanted to love it but I just don’t think it’s for me :/ I feel like everything was pretty rushed from the get go and the r*pe scene and child trafficking mention were just dropped in with no preamble or any kind of depth?? Maybe it’s just me but I don’t feel the darkness of such subjects fits with the cutesy characters and cheesy dialogue. Idk I don’t want to completely shit on this book because I literally only read a quarter of it and the plot itself is original and fun and I’m sure lots of people will enjoy the story themselves!
I was super excited for this one because of the cover art and desperately wanted to love it but I just don’t think it’s for me :/ I feel like everything was pretty rushed from the get go and the r*pe scene and child trafficking mention were just dropped in with no preamble or any kind of depth?? Maybe it’s just me but I don’t feel the darkness of such subjects fits with the cutesy characters and cheesy dialogue. Idk I don’t want to completely shit on this book because I literally only read a quarter of it and the plot itself is original and fun and I’m sure lots of people will enjoy the story themselves!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
PROBABLY MY FAVOURITE STORY IN THE UNIVERSE!!
i adore nox and i want to give him a hug. right now.
cyrus deserves an unlimited amount of hugs but i'm sure nox has that covered!
mick was such a dick and i'm glad he got what he deserved.
i really enjoyed the contrast in nox and cy's appearances, they are so cute together.
AND LOOK AT THIS FREAKINGLY ADORABLE COVER!!
i adore nox and i want to give him a hug. right now.
cyrus deserves an unlimited amount of hugs but i'm sure nox has that covered!
mick was such a dick and i'm glad he got what he deserved.
i really enjoyed the contrast in nox and cy's appearances, they are so cute together.
AND LOOK AT THIS FREAKINGLY ADORABLE COVER!!
May 5, 2024
“Nox makes me feel like I can get through anything. I haven’t told him yet, but I love him.”
Cyrus loves me.
My shadows vibrate and hum inside my head. There’s no denying it. I love Cyrus, too.
May 20, 2024
Sweet, but...
...overall, pretty boring and borderline offensive. I stopped reading at 80% and skimmed the last bit (I skimmed some before that too). I am disappointed with this installment. I was really looking forward to Nox's HEA after meeting him in the previous book, but his actual story just didn’t sit right with me. It doesn't make any since that Nox has been around since before planets, and he lives among humans because he doesn't like the monster world, yet he doesn't know what things are or how things are done: waffles, seatbelts, riding in cars, sex, etc. The book even states he's had to have seen so much after eons of being in people's nightmares... And his sweet countenance is lovable, but it gets tiring because there's very little adult aspects to him (he’s almost infantilized to a degree). I wanted him to be sweet, gentle, and tender for Cyrus, because Cyrus needs it, but it was just OTT for too long. Cyrus, I loved. I wanted to get more from him and his POV. BUT, the inclusion of his traumatic past and present situation with Mick was not handled well. Child s*x tr@fficking and r@pe are heavy topics that need to be handled with care and respect, and this author did not do that. At lease (the very least), the author includes Cyrus going to therapy, but this author really does a disservice to anyone who’s survived such trauma. I feel like this story could have been done without Cyrus having such a tragic childhood, then more focus could have gone to the trauma Cyrus suffers from Mick (and in this alternate version, handled with respect). This author needs to find a sensitivity reader asap!
Moving on: if I read one more time that Nox took a breath that he didn't need, I was gonna throw my kindle. Why even include it? It just became repetitive and annoying.
Speaking of annoying: the pronoun thing. Holy f*ck. Almost everyone in this book not previously introduced in the series was referred to as they/them until (and if) they specified their pronouns. Oh, except for Nev who starts as they/them, is then referred to as he/him, and then goes back to they/them. And I don't think Cyrus, Mick, Devon, or Norris get the pronoun treatment either. If this author is gonna go this route (as annoying AF as it is), they gotta be sure to stay consistent. I'm not trying to read fun monster paranormal romance to get any kind of lesson on gender/pronouns.
I don't think I've read anything by this author before, and I won't be again. It's not technically written poorly, but I don't like the background messaging, tone, or style.
...overall, pretty boring and borderline offensive. I stopped reading at 80% and skimmed the last bit (I skimmed some before that too). I am disappointed with this installment. I was really looking forward to Nox's HEA after meeting him in the previous book, but his actual story just didn’t sit right with me. It doesn't make any since that Nox has been around since before planets, and he lives among humans because he doesn't like the monster world, yet he doesn't know what things are or how things are done: waffles, seatbelts, riding in cars, sex, etc. The book even states he's had to have seen so much after eons of being in people's nightmares... And his sweet countenance is lovable, but it gets tiring because there's very little adult aspects to him (he’s almost infantilized to a degree). I wanted him to be sweet, gentle, and tender for Cyrus, because Cyrus needs it, but it was just OTT for too long. Cyrus, I loved. I wanted to get more from him and his POV. BUT, the inclusion of his traumatic past and present situation with Mick was not handled well. Child s*x tr@fficking and r@pe are heavy topics that need to be handled with care and respect, and this author did not do that. At lease (the very least), the author includes Cyrus going to therapy, but this author really does a disservice to anyone who’s survived such trauma. I feel like this story could have been done without Cyrus having such a tragic childhood, then more focus could have gone to the trauma Cyrus suffers from Mick (and in this alternate version, handled with respect). This author needs to find a sensitivity reader asap!
Moving on: if I read one more time that Nox took a breath that he didn't need, I was gonna throw my kindle. Why even include it? It just became repetitive and annoying.
Speaking of annoying: the pronoun thing. Holy f*ck. Almost everyone in this book not previously introduced in the series was referred to as they/them until (and if) they specified their pronouns. Oh, except for Nev who starts as they/them, is then referred to as he/him, and then goes back to they/them. And I don't think Cyrus, Mick, Devon, or Norris get the pronoun treatment either. If this author is gonna go this route (as annoying AF as it is), they gotta be sure to stay consistent. I'm not trying to read fun monster paranormal romance to get any kind of lesson on gender/pronouns.
I don't think I've read anything by this author before, and I won't be again. It's not technically written poorly, but I don't like the background messaging, tone, or style.
March 14, 2024
This was so adorable
I totally fell in love with Nox when I read the previous book (Maddox & Dani). He's so effervescent, energetic, brilliant... A bundle of joy.
I loved the story of but I have a few questions about things that weren't clear to me: Was Mick really Cy's soul mate?
At first I thought it was a lie on Mick's part to manipulate Cy, but there are things that make me believe that he was indeed his soulmate, but that Cy, because of all the bad things Mick did to him, decided against that and chose Nox. Even if fate says: this is your soulmate, he still had the power to decide if that person is the one he wants.
So, although that part wasn't clear, I want to believe that Cy was Mick's soulmate, but Mick doesn't deserve it so Cy chose Nox, I choose to believe that it was so.
It's the first book with fated mates trope I've read in which Fate "gets it wrong" so to speak, and the person choose by themselves who they want to spend the rest of eternity with.
I totally fell in love with Nox when I read the previous book (Maddox & Dani). He's so effervescent, energetic, brilliant... A bundle of joy.
I loved the story of but I have a few questions about things that weren't clear to me: Was Mick really Cy's soul mate?
At first I thought it was a lie on Mick's part to manipulate Cy, but there are things that make me believe that he was indeed his soulmate, but that Cy, because of all the bad things Mick did to him, decided against that and chose Nox. Even if fate says: this is your soulmate, he still had the power to decide if that person is the one he wants.
So, although that part wasn't clear, I want to believe that Cy was Mick's soulmate, but Mick doesn't deserve it so Cy chose Nox, I choose to believe that it was so.
It's the first book with fated mates trope I've read in which Fate "gets it wrong" so to speak, and the person choose by themselves who they want to spend the rest of eternity with.
March 1, 2024
WOW...this was so good. Monster Match App has done it again:) Meeting Nox in His Primal Kiss, I knew I was gonna have fun reading this monster romance. Nox is a sweet, adorable, cute as can be nightmare. Eventhough he feeds off nightmares, he's all about giving justice to the wronged...whether human or monster. When he meets Cyrus under suspicious circumstances...OMG...they just clicked...all positive energy...no negativity...I was so happy for Cyrus after dealing with his ex...his ex really was a douche canoe...didn't think anyone could be that awful but...yeah he was and lets just say after all the awfulness, building of trust and love, Cyrus and Nox had a wonderful HEA. I truly enjoyed reading this sweet with heat romance and recommend to all who loves fem boys, fated mates and of course...monsters:)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 13, 2024
Not what I was expecting…
Until I saw the content warnings, I had no idea this one was going to deal with such heavy topics. Definitely heed those warnings, and be prepared for the “r”-word and several others. I know that’s a huge trigger for many folx, and some of them aren’t exactly easy for me to read, either.
The mechanics were shaky, but the story was great. I loved the characters, and the love story was very sweet and fitting. I love how closely these authors worked together to create a truly interconnected series. The world and the lore are still interesting and keeping me engaged.
4/5. The wonky bits were wonky, but it was worth it. Can’t wait to keep going!
Until I saw the content warnings, I had no idea this one was going to deal with such heavy topics. Definitely heed those warnings, and be prepared for the “r”-word and several others. I know that’s a huge trigger for many folx, and some of them aren’t exactly easy for me to read, either.
The mechanics were shaky, but the story was great. I loved the characters, and the love story was very sweet and fitting. I love how closely these authors worked together to create a truly interconnected series. The world and the lore are still interesting and keeping me engaged.
4/5. The wonky bits were wonky, but it was worth it. Can’t wait to keep going!
February 13, 2024
4.5 stars. I loved Nox in the previous book in this series (His Primal Kiss) and he is even more special in his own story. A lovely contrast - a sweet Nightmare and human Cyrus who has lived a lot of his life in a literal nightmare. Mick was awful and really deserved what happened to him.
February 19, 2024
Nox & Cy
I enjoyed reading this story. There are some very heavy themes in this so please mind the trigger warnings before starting this.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I enjoyed reading this story. There are some very heavy themes in this so please mind the trigger warnings before starting this.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
July 29, 2024
ME ENCANTAROOOOOON SO CUTE
lo único por lo que no le pongo 5/5 es porque bro wtf como que eres una sombra
lo único por lo que no le pongo 5/5 es porque bro wtf como que eres una sombra
February 23, 2024
Okay, so I need to keep Nox forever and ever! This little nightmare is the epitome of sunshine and rainbows who may protect his friends and the desering people of their little town with a terrifying vengeance. He has an innocence that you just want to bottle up and cherish, then you have Cyrus, who has been through so much and deserves this little ball of sunshine to chase all the nightmares away. These two are that cuddly couple that you want to just aww or gag, whichever mood you may be in.
What a beautiful blend of romance, comedy, and only a vengeance a nightmare can bestow. This was my third read in this series, and it definitely will not be my last. What a fun and unique series.
What a beautiful blend of romance, comedy, and only a vengeance a nightmare can bestow. This was my third read in this series, and it definitely will not be my last. What a fun and unique series.
February 19, 2024
OMG... where has this author been all my life? 🤣 This was one of the happiest books I have read in years. ALL the stars 🤩🥰🤩🥰🤩🥰🤩
February 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Nightmare (Nox), Cyrus (Cy)
Le Cauchemar et Infirmier Nourrice
Lecture simple, doudou et réconfortante.
Facile a lire tout en contenant des themes assez sensible : non_ consentement, amour de soi, acceptation de soi, pas de stéréotype.
Nox est une petite chose mignonne et magnifique et démoniaque et Cyrus est énorme, large et pourtant si fragile.
Ils ont su brisé les obstacles et créer leur réalité.
Le plot twist est peut être un peu faible mais ça a fait l'affaire.
🇬🇧 --
Simple, cozy and comforting read.
Easy to read while containing quite sensitive themes, no consent, self-love, self-acceptance, no stereotypes.
Nox is a cute and beautiful and demonic little thing and Cyrus is huge and broad and yet so fragile.
They knew how to break down obstacles and create their reality.
The twist plot may be a little weak but it did the trick.
________________
📖
🇬🇧 ---- English
Nox is a Nightmare, literally. Having been around for eons, he’s decided it’s time to have some fun… wrecking lives, that is. So he hires himself out to get revenge on bad exes, which leads him to joining the Monster Match app. He doesn’t exactly care what the circumstances are as long as he gets to have some fun scaring humans.
Cyrus moved to Rivenfield for a fresh start after a bad breakup. He just wants to keep his head down and work. Maybe meet a few monster cuties on Monster Match. He’s not expecting to click with someone so soon, but the mysterious Nightmare has him all hot and bothered awake and asleep.
After meeting Cyrus, Nox is flabbergasted why anyone would want to send a Nightmare after such a delightful human. He becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. It looks like the cure for his eternal boredom might just be falling in love.
🇫🇷 ---- French
Nox est littéralement un cauchemar. Ayant été là depuis des lustres, il a décidé qu'il était temps de s'amuser… en détruisant des vies, bien sûr. Il s'engage alors pour se venger des mauvais ex, ce qui le conduit à rejoindre l'application Monster Match. Il ne se soucie pas vraiment des circonstances, du moment qu'il s'amuse à effrayer les humains.
Cyrus a déménagé à Rivenfield pour un nouveau départ après une mauvaise rupture. Il veut juste garder la tête baissée et travailler. Peut-être rencontrer quelques mignonnes monstres sur Monster Match. Il ne s'attend pas à interagir avec quelqu'un si tôt, mais le mystérieux Cauchemar le rend tout chaud et le dérange éveillé et endormi.
Après avoir rencontré Cyrus, Nox est sidéré de savoir pourquoi quelqu'un voudrait envoyer un Cauchemar après un humain aussi charmant. Il devient déterminé à aller au fond de ce mystère. Il semble que le remède à son ennui éternel pourrait bien être de tomber amoureux.
📚
___________
📖 Citation 📖
“There are?! Let’s do that! Or—” He taps his lips with his finger. “We can make up constellations ourselves and make up stories. That would be more fun, wouldn’t it?”
“It would.”
Nox shoots his arm into the air. “See these five? I’m going to call them Cy’s Smile. They got into the sky because I kissed you.”
.
Nox looks around. “This isn’t anything like the redwood forest, but there’s this nice little path I like to float through. And there are a lot of pretty flowers. Do you like flowers? I do. Do guys get flowers? Or—”
“Nox?” Why does my voice have to come out broken?
“Yeah?” He whips around, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”
“Thank you,” I whisper. Stupid tears well in my eyes. I don’t want to cry, I want to send them back.
.
“Everything okay, Nox?”
“Yeah! I just forgot to see what boots you have on.” Another bright grin, then he’s on his hands and knees. I bite back a laugh.
Nox pets my shoe as I get my mind out of the gutter. “Omg Anita Lita special edition six buckle two inch midnight black with ... -- He squeals and pops back to his feet. He’s so excited my brain forgets I was about to spiral. “I have the same pair, but not midnight black. Mine are pink on pink.”
.
“Nox.” Cyrus pulls away and presses his forehead to my stomach. We’re both breathing hard. I don’t even need to breathe. He looks up at me. “I need things to go slow.”
“I have all the time in the universe, Cy.”
.
“You are my forever, Cy. I can’t wait to see what that brings. And I love your happy eyes.”
Nightmare (Nox), Cyrus (Cy)
Le Cauchemar et Infirmier Nourrice
Lecture simple, doudou et réconfortante.
Facile a lire tout en contenant des themes assez sensible : non_ consentement, amour de soi, acceptation de soi, pas de stéréotype.
Nox est une petite chose mignonne et magnifique et démoniaque et Cyrus est énorme, large et pourtant si fragile.
Ils ont su brisé les obstacles et créer leur réalité.
Le plot twist est peut être un peu faible mais ça a fait l'affaire.
🇬🇧 --
Simple, cozy and comforting read.
Easy to read while containing quite sensitive themes, no consent, self-love, self-acceptance, no stereotypes.
Nox is a cute and beautiful and demonic little thing and Cyrus is huge and broad and yet so fragile.
They knew how to break down obstacles and create their reality.
The twist plot may be a little weak but it did the trick.
________________
📖
🇬🇧 ---- English
Nox is a Nightmare, literally. Having been around for eons, he’s decided it’s time to have some fun… wrecking lives, that is. So he hires himself out to get revenge on bad exes, which leads him to joining the Monster Match app. He doesn’t exactly care what the circumstances are as long as he gets to have some fun scaring humans.
Cyrus moved to Rivenfield for a fresh start after a bad breakup. He just wants to keep his head down and work. Maybe meet a few monster cuties on Monster Match. He’s not expecting to click with someone so soon, but the mysterious Nightmare has him all hot and bothered awake and asleep.
After meeting Cyrus, Nox is flabbergasted why anyone would want to send a Nightmare after such a delightful human. He becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. It looks like the cure for his eternal boredom might just be falling in love.
🇫🇷 ---- French
Nox est littéralement un cauchemar. Ayant été là depuis des lustres, il a décidé qu'il était temps de s'amuser… en détruisant des vies, bien sûr. Il s'engage alors pour se venger des mauvais ex, ce qui le conduit à rejoindre l'application Monster Match. Il ne se soucie pas vraiment des circonstances, du moment qu'il s'amuse à effrayer les humains.
Cyrus a déménagé à Rivenfield pour un nouveau départ après une mauvaise rupture. Il veut juste garder la tête baissée et travailler. Peut-être rencontrer quelques mignonnes monstres sur Monster Match. Il ne s'attend pas à interagir avec quelqu'un si tôt, mais le mystérieux Cauchemar le rend tout chaud et le dérange éveillé et endormi.
Après avoir rencontré Cyrus, Nox est sidéré de savoir pourquoi quelqu'un voudrait envoyer un Cauchemar après un humain aussi charmant. Il devient déterminé à aller au fond de ce mystère. Il semble que le remède à son ennui éternel pourrait bien être de tomber amoureux.
📚
___________
📖 Citation 📖
“There are?! Let’s do that! Or—” He taps his lips with his finger. “We can make up constellations ourselves and make up stories. That would be more fun, wouldn’t it?”
“It would.”
Nox shoots his arm into the air. “See these five? I’m going to call them Cy’s Smile. They got into the sky because I kissed you.”
.
Nox looks around. “This isn’t anything like the redwood forest, but there’s this nice little path I like to float through. And there are a lot of pretty flowers. Do you like flowers? I do. Do guys get flowers? Or—”
“Nox?” Why does my voice have to come out broken?
“Yeah?” He whips around, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”
“Thank you,” I whisper. Stupid tears well in my eyes. I don’t want to cry, I want to send them back.
.
“Everything okay, Nox?”
“Yeah! I just forgot to see what boots you have on.” Another bright grin, then he’s on his hands and knees. I bite back a laugh.
Nox pets my shoe as I get my mind out of the gutter. “Omg Anita Lita special edition six buckle two inch midnight black with ... -- He squeals and pops back to his feet. He’s so excited my brain forgets I was about to spiral. “I have the same pair, but not midnight black. Mine are pink on pink.”
.
“Nox.” Cyrus pulls away and presses his forehead to my stomach. We’re both breathing hard. I don’t even need to breathe. He looks up at me. “I need things to go slow.”
“I have all the time in the universe, Cy.”
.
“You are my forever, Cy. I can’t wait to see what that brings. And I love your happy eyes.”
February 19, 2024
I adored this book! I fell in love Nox and his personality and Cyrus and his strength. I don't want to ruin this story for anyone and usually my reviews are a mixture of story and ending and how they made me feel. So I have been delaying writing this review, so I don't completely spoil it for everyone.
My heart broke for Cyrus. His soul could have been shattered at any point and yet he got up and tried again and again. I love that the author, Morgan Lysand, wrote in the book so openly about Cyrus's mental health and his therapy. In this day and again, no one should be shamed for seeking help and yet so many times we see that people are just too afraid to reach out. Nox is like a happy ray of sunshine that can not be dimmed. Wait, Nox is the Nightmare, right? Yeah!! His character is so awesome! He bebops around town in his boots and skirts and no one realizes that he is the Nightmare that they are so afraid of. You can't judge Nox by his lineage. Can he scare folks? Yes! Does he? Yes! But Nox is so much more than a Nightmare and Cyrus is more than his scars.
I love that Dani and Maddox are in this book. I love that continuation of their storyline as well. I love the introduction of Cael, the Eldritch Horror, as Nox's cousin. I would have to say that this is why I love collaborations so much. I love the story/character continuations and how new characters are introduced prior to their storyline. It gets me all excited. For me, it becomes about so much more than just one book, one favorite, it becomes about the collaboration as a whole. Now what I love about this story is Nox! Nox starts as a Nightmare, he starts a service to help people with situations, and then he grows more into himself learning what he likes, what brings him joy. I am so glad that I am reading this collaboration. Sometimes it takes a few authors that you know and love to get you to branch out into something different as a reader. Monsters that are scary AND looking for love? I can always get behind love. Morgan Lysand has woven a tale of love and strength and forever into a Nightmare for Hire. It is sweet and emotional and so full of love and friendships. I feel like Nightmare for Hire is a book that will be read and reread often.
My heart broke for Cyrus. His soul could have been shattered at any point and yet he got up and tried again and again. I love that the author, Morgan Lysand, wrote in the book so openly about Cyrus's mental health and his therapy. In this day and again, no one should be shamed for seeking help and yet so many times we see that people are just too afraid to reach out. Nox is like a happy ray of sunshine that can not be dimmed. Wait, Nox is the Nightmare, right? Yeah!! His character is so awesome! He bebops around town in his boots and skirts and no one realizes that he is the Nightmare that they are so afraid of. You can't judge Nox by his lineage. Can he scare folks? Yes! Does he? Yes! But Nox is so much more than a Nightmare and Cyrus is more than his scars.
I love that Dani and Maddox are in this book. I love that continuation of their storyline as well. I love the introduction of Cael, the Eldritch Horror, as Nox's cousin. I would have to say that this is why I love collaborations so much. I love the story/character continuations and how new characters are introduced prior to their storyline. It gets me all excited. For me, it becomes about so much more than just one book, one favorite, it becomes about the collaboration as a whole. Now what I love about this story is Nox! Nox starts as a Nightmare, he starts a service to help people with situations, and then he grows more into himself learning what he likes, what brings him joy. I am so glad that I am reading this collaboration. Sometimes it takes a few authors that you know and love to get you to branch out into something different as a reader. Monsters that are scary AND looking for love? I can always get behind love. Morgan Lysand has woven a tale of love and strength and forever into a Nightmare for Hire. It is sweet and emotional and so full of love and friendships. I feel like Nightmare for Hire is a book that will be read and reread often.
March 20, 2024
good couple, some elements needed further attention
Rating: 3.75🌈
Nightmare for Hire by Morgan Lysand is a part of Monster Match series by various authors spanning 9 books about a AP that matches up monsters with a client who wants to scare someone.
Morgan Lysand’s story revolves around an eternal being, a literal nightmare, called Nox. Out of boredom and perhaps a sense of curiosity, he’s come to earth, assuming a human shape and is hiring himself out to give nightmares to exes.
Lysand’s portrait of Nox is an interesting combination of intense curiosity, innocence of many facets of the human experience, and yet a being as old as time itself. While there’s some unevenness in this character, overall, from Nox’s joyful gender free dress and love of pink boots to his own distinctive personality, Nox is a win.
Cyrus is a more complex character and compelling storyline. He’s recently out of a controlling, abusive relationship (read the trigger warnings) and has relocated to a new town and job. Emotionally, there’s so many issues with Cyrus and the behavior/DA that’s behind the damage done in the relationship with his ex that there’s not enough narrative space for the author and characters to explore this fully.
So in some respects and scenes it’s not as deeply horrific as it’s should have been. But Cyrus and Nox are a engaging couple and their chemistry is lovely
I enjoyed the story and characters but felt it needed more development to full explore the background and elements the author introduced.
Monster Match 9 books
- [ ] Threading Carefully by Ashlynn Mills
- [ ] His Primal Kiss by Kota Quinn
- [ ] Nightmare for Hire by Morgan Lysand
- [ ] His Slender Embrace by Amanda Meuwissen
- [ ] Conjured Chaos Kisses by Ki Brightly
- [ ] Pieces of Me by Jacey Davis
- [ ] Spinning Out of Control by Kit Barrie
Rating: 3.75🌈
Nightmare for Hire by Morgan Lysand is a part of Monster Match series by various authors spanning 9 books about a AP that matches up monsters with a client who wants to scare someone.
Morgan Lysand’s story revolves around an eternal being, a literal nightmare, called Nox. Out of boredom and perhaps a sense of curiosity, he’s come to earth, assuming a human shape and is hiring himself out to give nightmares to exes.
Lysand’s portrait of Nox is an interesting combination of intense curiosity, innocence of many facets of the human experience, and yet a being as old as time itself. While there’s some unevenness in this character, overall, from Nox’s joyful gender free dress and love of pink boots to his own distinctive personality, Nox is a win.
Cyrus is a more complex character and compelling storyline. He’s recently out of a controlling, abusive relationship (read the trigger warnings) and has relocated to a new town and job. Emotionally, there’s so many issues with Cyrus and the behavior/DA that’s behind the damage done in the relationship with his ex that there’s not enough narrative space for the author and characters to explore this fully.
So in some respects and scenes it’s not as deeply horrific as it’s should have been. But Cyrus and Nox are a engaging couple and their chemistry is lovely
I enjoyed the story and characters but felt it needed more development to full explore the background and elements the author introduced.
Monster Match 9 books
- [ ] Threading Carefully by Ashlynn Mills
- [ ] His Primal Kiss by Kota Quinn
- [ ] Nightmare for Hire by Morgan Lysand
- [ ] His Slender Embrace by Amanda Meuwissen
- [ ] Conjured Chaos Kisses by Ki Brightly
- [ ] Pieces of Me by Jacey Davis
- [ ] Spinning Out of Control by Kit Barrie
May 31, 2024
It started well and I thought the premise was fun with the nightmare being the colourful MC out of the 2 then arf it went down…
1) First of all, using the word “penis” (over and over) during sexy time is a big mood killer for me. It feels medical or childish and in that case it mostly felt childish because of…
2) Nox is supposed to be older than Earth itself but doesn’t know anything about sex. AT ALL🙄. I get wanting to get some demisexual rep but there’s no way the guy doesn’t know anything at all. This was just ridiculous. And not only he’s clueless but he has to have his BFF explain to him SEX 101!?! He did enough researches online that he knows how he identifies in term of sexuality and gender identity but he couldn’t look up the basic about sex? Which brings on a very weird and uncomfortable scene where the BFF explains how sex works and honestly it feels like Nox is a kid in those scenes. And when he does have sex with Cy it’s a lot of “oh yes put your penis here like in the video I saw” 🤢 I had to skip all those sexy bits because they were creepy
3) Also, how can Nox be so old and have lived among humans but be so clueless about so many things (which gives conversations where he thinks babysitting= sitting on babies? Blowjobs= blow on my penis??) Over the top…
4) Overall I think it was too long with all the besties…
5) There are TW yes but honestly WHY did the author think the MC needed a past so traumatic that it involved child trafficking?? Like really, child trafficking? 🤮 A lot of other stories could have been used to justify Cy’s trauma, his tattoos, why he went out with Mick in the first place,…But going that far for a book that was otherwise light and with such a fun cover is very insensitive.
1) First of all, using the word “penis” (over and over) during sexy time is a big mood killer for me. It feels medical or childish and in that case it mostly felt childish because of…
2) Nox is supposed to be older than Earth itself but doesn’t know anything about sex. AT ALL🙄. I get wanting to get some demisexual rep but there’s no way the guy doesn’t know anything at all. This was just ridiculous. And not only he’s clueless but he has to have his BFF explain to him SEX 101!?! He did enough researches online that he knows how he identifies in term of sexuality and gender identity but he couldn’t look up the basic about sex? Which brings on a very weird and uncomfortable scene where the BFF explains how sex works and honestly it feels like Nox is a kid in those scenes. And when he does have sex with Cy it’s a lot of “oh yes put your penis here like in the video I saw” 🤢 I had to skip all those sexy bits because they were creepy
3) Also, how can Nox be so old and have lived among humans but be so clueless about so many things (which gives conversations where he thinks babysitting= sitting on babies? Blowjobs= blow on my penis??) Over the top…
4) Overall I think it was too long with all the besties…
5) There are TW yes but honestly WHY did the author think the MC needed a past so traumatic that it involved child trafficking?? Like really, child trafficking? 🤮 A lot of other stories could have been used to justify Cy’s trauma, his tattoos, why he went out with Mick in the first place,…But going that far for a book that was otherwise light and with such a fun cover is very insensitive.
February 18, 2024
So basically… ⚠️This book is really fluffy, but has some deep themes being discussed and depicted on page, so clearly check the TW before reading!⚠️
Nox is a different kind of Nightmare, he’s as old as time, he’s pure shadow and well… nightmares but h’es also cute, all pink and more on the effeminate side of things (which I loved so much!), sprinkles and sparkles and glitter all over when in his human form… Oh and he’s all for platform boots!✨
On a mission to help others, he starts his own business venture of Nightmare for Hire, where he helps others with their exes or whoever wronged them by giving them nightmares and scaring the s*it out of them, which actually seems really fun😂
So one day this merman walks in and he immediately notices a evil vibe about him asking to scare his ex, Cyrus… So he meets with Cy to get to the bottom of this.
Cy is super tall, he’s human, he kinda has a goth/emo vibe with the same love for platform boots but is the only person or even monster, that ever made Nox have any kind of reaction different from indifference and his eyes are what draw Nox in🤷🏼♀️ he’s the sweetest NICU nurse there is and he immediately understands that the problem here is not Cyrus, but his stupid merman ex.
As he gets to know Cyrus we also start to appreciate him, little by little he opens up to reveal all of his trauma and Nox being the most cute and weird and obnoxious guy there is helps him grow out of it and finally start appreciate himself and his life, and also the little things✨
So if you’re looking for a short book with all the fluff, first times, a bit of trauma and a slow burn so sweet that will make your teeth hurt, here it is!🥰
Nox is a different kind of Nightmare, he’s as old as time, he’s pure shadow and well… nightmares but h’es also cute, all pink and more on the effeminate side of things (which I loved so much!), sprinkles and sparkles and glitter all over when in his human form… Oh and he’s all for platform boots!✨
On a mission to help others, he starts his own business venture of Nightmare for Hire, where he helps others with their exes or whoever wronged them by giving them nightmares and scaring the s*it out of them, which actually seems really fun😂
So one day this merman walks in and he immediately notices a evil vibe about him asking to scare his ex, Cyrus… So he meets with Cy to get to the bottom of this.
Cy is super tall, he’s human, he kinda has a goth/emo vibe with the same love for platform boots but is the only person or even monster, that ever made Nox have any kind of reaction different from indifference and his eyes are what draw Nox in🤷🏼♀️ he’s the sweetest NICU nurse there is and he immediately understands that the problem here is not Cyrus, but his stupid merman ex.
As he gets to know Cyrus we also start to appreciate him, little by little he opens up to reveal all of his trauma and Nox being the most cute and weird and obnoxious guy there is helps him grow out of it and finally start appreciate himself and his life, and also the little things✨
So if you’re looking for a short book with all the fluff, first times, a bit of trauma and a slow burn so sweet that will make your teeth hurt, here it is!🥰
May 2, 2024
I was really not expecting this book. And I'm usure about how to rate it since there are several issues in it but it's not... bad?
Ok. First thing, I like how both main characters were introduced. I like the idea for the plot and kind of sort of feels like world bulding going on.
But then the plot doesn't really take you anywhere, it goes and goes pointlessly until it's resolved in a very anticlimactic and awkward way. The writing style is something else... as in the author writes like my ADHD thinks and that's not a compliment. In the beginning I thought it was just the way Nox thinks in his POV but that wasn't the case and it made the reading feel desperate, immature, impulsive.
A mixture of that and the planning and development of the plot had me triggered. Not because there are serious and dark themes in the story but because they were used in a very insulting way. Not the obvious gratuitous trauma p0rn way but definitely a plot point that never got the respectful perspective and time it needed.
As a survivor of abuse, more to the point child abuse, I can't vouch for this book. I don't know about the editing process the book or series had but it should've had sensitivity readers, plenty of them, not because of anything quite on page but because of how such sensitive topics are treated in the story is not right.
So... there are other aspects of this book I didn't quite like. I did enjoy some bits, Knox mostly, but I'm sorry to say I don't recommend it. I'll give it a 1.5 or 2... hopefully the author gets better than this in time, cause they did have a few good ideas that could've been developed better
Ok. First thing, I like how both main characters were introduced. I like the idea for the plot and kind of sort of feels like world bulding going on.
But then the plot doesn't really take you anywhere, it goes and goes pointlessly until it's resolved in a very anticlimactic and awkward way. The writing style is something else... as in the author writes like my ADHD thinks and that's not a compliment. In the beginning I thought it was just the way Nox thinks in his POV but that wasn't the case and it made the reading feel desperate, immature, impulsive.
A mixture of that and the planning and development of the plot had me triggered. Not because there are serious and dark themes in the story but because they were used in a very insulting way. Not the obvious gratuitous trauma p0rn way but definitely a plot point that never got the respectful perspective and time it needed.
As a survivor of abuse, more to the point child abuse, I can't vouch for this book. I don't know about the editing process the book or series had but it should've had sensitivity readers, plenty of them, not because of anything quite on page but because of how such sensitive topics are treated in the story is not right.
So... there are other aspects of this book I didn't quite like. I did enjoy some bits, Knox mostly, but I'm sorry to say I don't recommend it. I'll give it a 1.5 or 2... hopefully the author gets better than this in time, cause they did have a few good ideas that could've been developed better
March 3, 2024
4.25⭐️
Nightmare for Hire is one of my favorites in the series. I was intrigued by Nox’s appearance in His Primal Kiss and had a great time getting to know the walking ball of chaotic neutral rainbow glitter that he is. Nox is unapologetically who he is, and while he’s curious about humanity and enjoys many of its creations, he feels no need to assimilate and make himself be more human. He starts his monster for hire business to give himself something to do, feed himself in an acceptable way and punish some douchebags in the process. When he’s tasked to torment Cyrus, he knowz something is hinky, and once he meets Cyrus, he wants to protect him. Cyrus is restarting his life after being continually assaulted and r@ped by a merman who used his siren-like abilities on him.
Cyrus has a metric ton of childhood trauma that his abuser weaponized, but Cyrus is determined to take charge of his life. He doesn’t believe he deserves good things, especially someone as bright, joyful and beautiful as Nox, but he hopes to get to that place one day. He wants to feel free of his nightmarish past and feel free to be himself, and Nox helps him find that. Nox is a snuggly golden retriever and vengeful protector wrapped up in one package who values Cyrus in a way no romantic partner ever has. The pair are really wonderful together, and I couldn’t help but smile at Nox’s antics just like Cyrus. For the most part, the story manages a good balance between Cyrus’s really dark past and Nox’s sunshiny nature, and all in all it’s a very entertaining read
Nightmare for Hire is one of my favorites in the series. I was intrigued by Nox’s appearance in His Primal Kiss and had a great time getting to know the walking ball of chaotic neutral rainbow glitter that he is. Nox is unapologetically who he is, and while he’s curious about humanity and enjoys many of its creations, he feels no need to assimilate and make himself be more human. He starts his monster for hire business to give himself something to do, feed himself in an acceptable way and punish some douchebags in the process. When he’s tasked to torment Cyrus, he knowz something is hinky, and once he meets Cyrus, he wants to protect him. Cyrus is restarting his life after being continually assaulted and r@ped by a merman who used his siren-like abilities on him.
Cyrus has a metric ton of childhood trauma that his abuser weaponized, but Cyrus is determined to take charge of his life. He doesn’t believe he deserves good things, especially someone as bright, joyful and beautiful as Nox, but he hopes to get to that place one day. He wants to feel free of his nightmarish past and feel free to be himself, and Nox helps him find that. Nox is a snuggly golden retriever and vengeful protector wrapped up in one package who values Cyrus in a way no romantic partner ever has. The pair are really wonderful together, and I couldn’t help but smile at Nox’s antics just like Cyrus. For the most part, the story manages a good balance between Cyrus’s really dark past and Nox’s sunshiny nature, and all in all it’s a very entertaining read
February 17, 2024
Nightmare for Hire is the second book in the Monster Match multi-author series and my first book by Morgan Lysand. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to read more of this series!
Now for the story: this is a super sweet, low angst romance set in a world where monsters are allowed to travel to the human realm through a portal, provided they have a visa.
MC1 is Cyrus. At the beginning of the story, he is in an abusive relationship. He finally gets out and seeks a fresh start. He meets Nox through the Monster Match dating app and the connection between them is instant. Cyrus is a NICU and all around great guy with a traumatic past.
MC2 is Nox, a cute but fearsome nightmare not from either realm and older than the universe itself. He is a sunshine-y, happy character learning to navigate the human world. His misunderstandings provide a lot of comic relief in the story.
Cyrus's past comes back to cause trouble, but he is determined to hang on to his fresh start and his nightmare. The story features themes of second chances, found family, and self-discovery.
Finally, it is important to warn readers to heed the trigger warnings. There are instances of abuse of an MC by their significant other/ex (not the other MC), including rape. There are non-graphic descriptions of past child abuse and sex trafficking as well. Those scenes could be triggering for some readers, so know your limits.
Now for the story: this is a super sweet, low angst romance set in a world where monsters are allowed to travel to the human realm through a portal, provided they have a visa.
MC1 is Cyrus. At the beginning of the story, he is in an abusive relationship. He finally gets out and seeks a fresh start. He meets Nox through the Monster Match dating app and the connection between them is instant. Cyrus is a NICU and all around great guy with a traumatic past.
MC2 is Nox, a cute but fearsome nightmare not from either realm and older than the universe itself. He is a sunshine-y, happy character learning to navigate the human world. His misunderstandings provide a lot of comic relief in the story.
Cyrus's past comes back to cause trouble, but he is determined to hang on to his fresh start and his nightmare. The story features themes of second chances, found family, and self-discovery.
Finally, it is important to warn readers to heed the trigger warnings. There are instances of abuse of an MC by their significant other/ex (not the other MC), including rape. There are non-graphic descriptions of past child abuse and sex trafficking as well. Those scenes could be triggering for some readers, so know your limits.
February 20, 2024
This opposites attract paranormal romance is part of the multi-author Monster Match series. It’s my first read of the series and it can be a standalone. It was a fast read for me and I finished it in one day. It has a light hearted vibe to it but does deal with some heavy topics over the course of the book.
Nox is such a bundle of sweetness and energy who’s sometimes naive about the way the human world works despite being as old as the universe. He’s the perfect compliment to Cyrus who has had a difficult past and an atrocious ex-boyfriend who betrayed trust, crossed boundaries and done some awful things. Cyrus deserves all the goodness and is a sweet character as well. He’s a NICU nurse who is working through his past and I appreciated the open and honest way that his mental health journey was just part of the story and part of him.
It’s a low angst read but definitely check out the author’s webpage for content warnings for this book. There are some events on page as well as prior events both experienced by one MC that are sensitive topics and the author gives detail as to which chapters in case the reader might want to avoid those discussions.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this paranormal series and liked how characters from other stories appear enough to pique interest in their story but not that I felt I was missing out on something because I haven’t read that book yet. It feels like a well crafted universe that I hope to read more from.
Nox is such a bundle of sweetness and energy who’s sometimes naive about the way the human world works despite being as old as the universe. He’s the perfect compliment to Cyrus who has had a difficult past and an atrocious ex-boyfriend who betrayed trust, crossed boundaries and done some awful things. Cyrus deserves all the goodness and is a sweet character as well. He’s a NICU nurse who is working through his past and I appreciated the open and honest way that his mental health journey was just part of the story and part of him.
It’s a low angst read but definitely check out the author’s webpage for content warnings for this book. There are some events on page as well as prior events both experienced by one MC that are sensitive topics and the author gives detail as to which chapters in case the reader might want to avoid those discussions.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this paranormal series and liked how characters from other stories appear enough to pique interest in their story but not that I felt I was missing out on something because I haven’t read that book yet. It feels like a well crafted universe that I hope to read more from.
February 27, 2024
Meet Nox, a joyful nightmare creator who's got a knack for helping those in need. He's on a mission to give Cyrus, a guy with a tough past, some nightmares. But things get fishy when Nox meets Cyrus and realizes he's not the bad guy he thought he was. In fact, Cyrus makes Nox feel things he can't quite grasp.
Cyrus is trying to break free from a tricky situation that's been magically holding him back. So, he moves to Rivenfield and bumps into Nox, leaving him utterly stunned.
Nox and Cyrus are paired up on the Monster Match app for work reasons but soon find themselves drawn to each other without any magic involved. Nox turns out to be just what Cyrus needs - someone patient enough to deal with his traumatic past.
This is an engaging fantasy romance tale with low drama that keeps you hooked till the end. The chemistry between Nox and Cyrus is palpable throughout the book and their journey together is filled with ups and downs. The world-building is great, side characters are well-developed and the story flows seamlessly from the first two books in the series.
After reading book two, I was eager for Nox's story and it didn't disappoint! I loved his positive attitude towards life and how justice was served in the end. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to Morgan Lysand for the ARC copy.
Cyrus is trying to break free from a tricky situation that's been magically holding him back. So, he moves to Rivenfield and bumps into Nox, leaving him utterly stunned.
Nox and Cyrus are paired up on the Monster Match app for work reasons but soon find themselves drawn to each other without any magic involved. Nox turns out to be just what Cyrus needs - someone patient enough to deal with his traumatic past.
This is an engaging fantasy romance tale with low drama that keeps you hooked till the end. The chemistry between Nox and Cyrus is palpable throughout the book and their journey together is filled with ups and downs. The world-building is great, side characters are well-developed and the story flows seamlessly from the first two books in the series.
After reading book two, I was eager for Nox's story and it didn't disappoint! I loved his positive attitude towards life and how justice was served in the end. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to Morgan Lysand for the ARC copy.
March 2, 2024
This book is part of the multi-author Monster Mash series. All the books can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is the story of Nox and Cyrus. Nox is a nightmare and an ancient. He loves being in his human form. For someone with such power to do terrible things, Nox is surprisingly upbeat, happy and addicted to waffles and candy. We first met Nox in the book His Primal Kiss. His best friend has been slowly trying to teach Nox the nuances of human behavior and language. To avoid being bored, Nox has started a revenge business. People who have been treated badly or abused by their other can hire Nox to get revenge on their ex. Fortunately Nox insists upon a face to face meeting so that he can sort the wheat from the chaff. Cyrus is a neonatal nurse who loves his job and his best friends. He has just moved to town to escape from his ex who refuses to believe that it is over. Nox and Cyrus meet when Cyrus' ex tries to hire him. As soon as Nox met Cyrus, it confirmed all of Nox's doubts about the ex. The two of them hit it off. This is their story. I really liked this book. It has a few darker themes but overall I left happy. It is well written and easy to read. I will look for more from this author.
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2024
“Never in my life have I let human gender ideas decide how I dress. I dress for myself, and today I’m a happy pink princess. Right down to the pretty silver jeweled barrette in my hair that in the right light could be a tiara. I’m a guy that knows exactly what he wants and goes for it. Human ideals be damned.”
Nox was as perfect as I thought he would be. The monster of nightmares, older than time itself but loves to wear skirts and pink and just be his beautiful authentic self whether in human form or his terrifying monster form. He is absolutely hilarious, wise as only an omnipotent being can be but delightfully naive about being human, sexuality and personal boundaries. All of this to create one of the funniest characters I have read in a while.
“I push back the self-hate and pour through my memory for good affirmations. I am worthy of love. I am a good person. I am not my past. Good things come to me every day.”
My heart legit bleeds for Nox; seriously what he has been through it’s a wonder he can continue day in and day out. But he does. He is passionate about his career as a nurse and no matter how many times he has been kicked down he continues to fight.
I seriously adore these two and love thinking about them spending eternity together.
Now onto the next book; can’t wait to see who the MCs will be.
Nox was as perfect as I thought he would be. The monster of nightmares, older than time itself but loves to wear skirts and pink and just be his beautiful authentic self whether in human form or his terrifying monster form. He is absolutely hilarious, wise as only an omnipotent being can be but delightfully naive about being human, sexuality and personal boundaries. All of this to create one of the funniest characters I have read in a while.
“I push back the self-hate and pour through my memory for good affirmations. I am worthy of love. I am a good person. I am not my past. Good things come to me every day.”
My heart legit bleeds for Nox; seriously what he has been through it’s a wonder he can continue day in and day out. But he does. He is passionate about his career as a nurse and no matter how many times he has been kicked down he continues to fight.
I seriously adore these two and love thinking about them spending eternity together.
Now onto the next book; can’t wait to see who the MCs will be.
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