Monster's Obsession

Monsters in the Mountains #2

by Leann Ryans

The omega doesn't know it yet, but she's mine. I've never been anyone's first choice.
I would be happy living life on my own, but that's not allowed, and my heat is coming. I have to choose an alpha before it's too late, but I don't want any of the ones in my village, because they don't want me as I am. I'm not their idea of a perfect omega. Then the gifts start arriving on my doorstep. Things that are thoughtful, useful, not pointless trinkets. I never get to see the mysterious alpha wooing me. He comes in the night, and all I have to identify him is his scent. When I give in and follow that tantalizing smell, I find more than I bargained for, but maybe this monster can give me something those other alphas didn't. ***This is the second book in the Monsters in the Mountains series. This novella features a curvy heroine and can be read as a standalone.***

Genres: Omegaverse, Monster Romance, Monsters, Romance, Paranormal, Erotica, Novella

86 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2023

About the author

Wife and mother of four, my days have been reduced to begging for the littlest to sleep so I can have time to write my books. I'm blaming my reduced schedule on Cupcake.
Facebook is the best place to find me, or you can sign up for my newsletter here (https://leannryans.com) to keep up with current and upcoming projects as well as special promotions and such, or find me on Ream!

I grew up on Sci-fi and Fantasy books with some of my favorite authors being Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey. In 2013 I discovered paranormal romance and delved into a whole new world. After reading Omegaverse stories from Addison Cain and Nora Ash, I had the idea for The Omega Prize and decided to take a shot at writing a book of my own. The beginning was rough, it took two months to write the first five chapters, but as my 2019 New Year’s resolution I said I was going to finish the story and committed to writing every day. It didn't take long for the book to begin telling itself, and from there I just kept going.

All of my books are Omegaverse, but they span settings from Sci-Fi, dystopian, and historical barbarians. There is even a small-town Enemies to Lovers Romance story in there. They main contain dark elements but I wouldn't call them dark romance since my alphas tend to be a little mushy in the center. I promise there's always a HEA.

Reviews

[Cécile Smits]

The second in the series is about the brother of the first story.
He wants what his brother has and goes searching for his own Omega.
After finding her,he starts to stalk her,and leaving offerings at her door.
When her heat arrives,he knows it’s time to take her to his cave before any of the good for nothing Alphas of her village force her to be claimed.

Short,sweet and delicious.

[Sonya]

Story of Mel'cam who was the brother of Melar from "A Monster's Find". Mel'cam went in search of his own mate after Melar returned with a human Omega mate of his own. Being first born Melcam knew that he needed to find a mate if he wanted to continue the head of their Clan.

Meaghan was a human Omega who wasn't under the care of an Alpha. The Alpha's in her village didn't want her because she wasn't skinny and beautiful in their eyes. Instead Meaghan was a hard worker, resourceful and resilient. The Alphas in her village felt that she should be happy if any of them took notice of her and claimed her but Meaghan didn't desire any of the men in her village but with her heat fast approaching she knew that she didn't have much time before they came knocking.

This was a super cute story. Mel'cam stayed in the shadows of the forest watching Meaghan everyday. He knew as a monster he couldn't approach her right away so instead he paid attention to what she did and took it upon himself to provide for her in his own way the way an Alpha should provide. None of the other men in the village offered Meaghan any help or assistance. She worked from sun up to sundown hunting food, cleaning and trying to survive.

Mel'cam knew her heat was fast approaching and soon a human male would come to claim her. Realizing this Mel'cam put his plan into motion to claim his Omega mate. Meaghan's initial reaction to Mel'cam was hilarious but once she realized that he was the Alpha hiding in the shadows providing for her she realized that he was the better mate for her than the human men living in her village.

Mel'cam and Meaghan were an unconventional couple but they made it work. Mel'cam found an Omega worthy of ruling by his side and Meaghan found an Alpha worthy of her submission.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁]

A lonely omega, on the brink of her heat, is being courted by this monstrous alpha that lived in the woods. That's all it's about. Had a pretty good time and a pretty good smut.

[Angie]

“I will not go with you. You’ll have to take me, kicking and screaming.”
"Gladly, little beauty."

I read book 2 just in case 1 was a fluke and the author actually knew to introduce the concept of consent in her books. Turns out I was wrong to have hope. Will not be picking up the sequels.

[probably reading smut - safety reviews]

Three short novella stars ☆☆☆

This is an omegaverse story with an intriguing storyline. I enjoyed reading it. I do wish for a little more substance, but this is a novella so the length makes sense!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Djinn Duffy]

I liked this one a lot more than the first, but not quite as much as the fourth. As with the fourth, it’s earned 4 stars for doing exactly what I want it too. It primal, feral, omegaverse deliciousness with monsters. Do I have any real sense of what these monsters look like? No. Do I kinda lowkey want one to capture and carry me away to their cave anyway?

…Maybe.

[kymagirl]

Every gift, every scent, every glance pulls her deeper into his claim.

Meaghan has always relied on herself, surviving alone in a world that undervalues her strength and independence. Then the gifts start arriving, carefully chosen and impossible to ignore, each carrying a predator's scent marking her as his.

Mel'cam is a force of nature, a towering alpha whose presence dominates the forest and air around him. Every move is deliberate, every gaze calculated, keeping her safe while igniting a fire she cannot resist. His obsession is relentless, yet beneath the raw power, he watches her, learns her, to consume them both.

As Meaghan's heat arrives, the tension explodes. The monster who haunts her senses becomes inescapable, and she must navigate fear, curiosity, and the pull of his dominance. Surrender is tempting yet terrifying, and trust becomes a dangerous but irresistible bond.

In the end, their bond is unshakable, forged through obsession, desire, and the balance of power and care. Meaghan is cherished for who she truly is, while Mel'cam achieves the claim he has hunted for, and together they exist in a dark, erotic world where ownership, vulnerability, and devotion are inseparable.

Meaghan grows from a cautious omega into a woman who embraces her desires, and Mel'cam evolves from a possessive monster into an alpha who balances dominance with care. Their relationship develops into an intense bond where trust, vulnerability, and desire intertwine, culminating in mutual surrender and attachment.

The Elevator Pitch: A fiercely independent omega begins noticing mysterious gifts and a scent that seems to follow her, hinting at a presence she cannot see but cannot ignore. A powerful alpha moves through shadows and forests, drawn to claim her with an intensity that blends danger and desire. As their connection tightens, trust, surrender, and obsession collide, pulling them into a bond that challenges control, vulnerability, and the boundaries of longing.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

Audio: Narrator Sacha Husband delivers a compelling, immersive performance, giving Mel’cam a commanding, growly presence while capturing Meaghan’s mix of independence and vulnerability. He handles the ultra-steamy, emotionally charged scenes with clarity and confidence, making each moment of desire and obsession feel immediate.

[Hannah Reads a lot of Smut]

4.25 stars for Mel’cam and Meaghan’s monster omega story ♥️ Although this is a short one, it’s sooo delicious 🥵 Mel’cam’s brother has a human mate, and Mel’cam wants to find his own. So he searches until he finds Meaghan 🥰 once he does he goes into full stalker mode 😈 especially when he sees the alpha of her village not appreciating the little omega for how incredible she is 😭

Mel’cam was a really enjoyable hero. He started out with kind of selfish intentions but you quickly see his vulnerabilities. He’s a monster (of undefined qualities) so he knows Meaghan isn’t going to want him ☹️ this sets about a chain of wooing, mostly with practical gifts like mushrooms and dead rabbits 😂 but our girl is INTO it 😤 he’s showing he can provide what really matters 💅

Eventually the distance is too much for Mel’cam and Meaghan’s heat is coming in STRONG. So he kidnaps her 😂 after a spicy scene (nesting, knots and all 🤌🏼) and double claiming bites the book cuts out. Andddd it left me wanting more 😩 I really wished we’d gotten to see if Meaghan does end up ruling Mel’cam’s clan. I wanted an epilogue at least 💀

What I liked:
-omegaverse + monster romance 😈
-he falls first, and watches her from the woods 😤
-the woooing. Omg I was into his gifts. Our man got her truffles 💅 and chopped a ton of wood for her 😭
-the scene where Mel’cam didn’t want to light a fire for fear it would make her acceptance harder 😭
-pacing was really well done. Often novellas try to have too much story, but this one had a build up, even being so short 👏🏼
-Meaghan was competent AF. She lived on her own and made things work, she didn’t need any of the loser alphas in her village 💪🏼

What I didn’t like:
-no epilogue 😬
-they finally get together and that’s basically the end. It was jarring and had my wondering what happened
-I think I just really like this authors writing style and wanted this to be full length 😂 or at least a compact length. The novella had me wishing it would be an entire book

FAQ:
Dual POV
No other person drama
No third act break up (they basically get together in the third act)
Future pregnancy implied with the knotting
HFN

TLDR;
Short and sweet, with excellent pacing for a novella and a monster who loves to stalk his omega prey 💅

[Kati]

I really like this series of short stories. They are sweet and steamy. Even though the main characters are beasts, it's not really appearance that determines whether someone is a monster.
After Mel'ar found his omega among human women, the clan leader also decided to find one for himself. In one of the villages he came across two omega, but only one caught his attention. Although his instincts screamed for him to claim her for himself, he knew he had to wait for the right moment to be sure that the omega would accept him.
I liked that Meaghan was a strong woman who, despite her hard life, refused to accept any Alpha from her village. Though she knew she was running out of time to make a choice regarding the coming heat, she did not want a man who would not respect her as a woman.
Mel'cam was furious when he saw how Meaghan being treated. Although humans believe that his species is considered murderous monsters, they would never allow anyone as precious as omega to be neglected. His clan has always believed that omegas should be cherished and protected, even if they do not have chosen mates or family. I liked that Mel'cam appreciated Meaghan not only for her appearance, but also for her inner strength and determination. He did not want a submissive omega, but a strong woman to stand by his side as clan leader.
This time the story is a bit longer than the first part of the series. However, I still feel unsatisfied. I would love to read a novel of this genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima]

Mel’cam, the male alpha monster lead, was miffed when his brother found an omega before him, the clan leader. He has scoped out an available human omega for himself and is now courting her with gifts, intending to snatch her when her heat starts.

Meaghan, the female omega human lead, has been struggling to survive since her brother died because she refuses to choose an alpha from the village, as none of them appeal. She’s intrigued by the gifts she’s receiving and, especially, the scent on them.

When Mel’cam snatches Meaghan, she’s not thrilled but she is needy and he’s a far better option than anyone else!

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a cute and sexy tale. I enjoyed Mel’cam’s clever courtship and his patience. I enjoyed Meaghan’s resilience and her refusal to submit to societal norms that were degrading. I appreciated that, whilst Mel’cam took Meaghan, he ensured that she consented to intimate interactions and that he genuinely took care of her physically. I was entertained by Meaghan’s attitude and enjoyed both their happiness once they realised their affection was mutual.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington]

Meaghan and Mel’cam's Story . . .

Meaghan was never accepted by the alphas in her village who felt she didn’t match their physical image for the perfect female. She likewise wasn’t interested in any of them, except for the fact that she would soon go into heat and someone would take her.

But not everyone was as insensitive as those alphas. Someone is watching her and wants her to be his. Mel’cam observed, and brought her practical gifts he left for her which she could make use of. He took his time with her, waiting for her to accept him before he showed her he was a “monster”. He wanted her to be aware that he cared and would provide for her needs. She knew his scent only, and one day followed it. Would she be pleased with the male she finds? He didn’t judge her as her own people did. He cared about her and wanted her. He chose her and respected her. And all they both had ever wanted was to be loved. Would she realize what an excellent choice he would be for her? Or had she already known when she followed his scent?

[Laura Moylan]

Mel’cam, head of the Clan, and Mel’ar’s brother, is livid his brother found a mate first. Now he haunts the woods searching for his own mate, because he fears losing his place. He found a village with two omegas that would soon go into heat. He wanted the curvy one, Meaghan. Her brother died previously, and so there is none to hunt for her and the other omega, Lainy, told her it was good she rationed as she ate too much.

Mel’cam left an offering of mushrooms on her doorstep. Meaghan is different from other omegas. I really like how he woos her. The alphas in her village are jerks, idiots etc. I like how the different, the monsters are the heroes of the stories in this series. The scent of cinnamon makes me happy so I can see why Meaghan reacts to it this way. I really enjoyed the book. Although it was a little too short for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle]

I like that this Omega is really not the typical Omega we see. She's just not happy to settle with any Alpha but with no real options, she pretty much was just going to let nature takes it's course and hope for the best. Luckily for her, the one she least expects is waiting to claim her. A monster, who is more of a prince charming than the Alphas she is surrounded by, has scented and marked her for himself.

I really enjoy this monster series that this author has started. It's different and yet its in the genre that I am currently loving. I still have some issues picturing what the monster hero looks like. Mind you, my brain is just being uncooperative with me at this time I have a vague idea that I am happy with. I hope there is more from this universe, as I said, it's different and I'm liking that difference.

[La'Jacinth]

I have always had a thing for Omegaverse books..and this was answered the call.

Mel'cam was a monster but not all monsters are bad and horrendous. He wanted love and he was willing to show that he could provide..even if she had no clue as to who he was or what he was.

Meaghan was an outsider in her own village all cause she was thick girl (yay for us thick girls). The Alphas did not see the benefit of having an Omega that was strong, loving and brave. However, someone was watching and did see all her attributes plus more and the only way for her to know she was cared for was to provide on sly until she was ready,

Mel'cam saw Meaghan as his and would wait until she was ready....sometimes that is all it takes...a little show me then show me you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri Trawets]

Mel’cam is an alpha monster searching for an omega mate. He is attracted to Meaghan. Meaghan is an unusual omega. She is curvy, independent, able to cook, clean and sew. Her skills have made her less attractive to the village alphas. But, to Mel’cam, she is beautiful and alluring. Each day he presents her with gifts that will make her life easier. As she begins to recognize his scent, Meaghan is drawn to this generous alpha. What will happen once she sees his monster body? Will she be able to accept his caring presence? Will she run in fear?

I definitely recommend this caring story.

[kymagirl]

Meaghan (h), an omega who doesn’t meet the expectations of the alphas in her village, receives a series of gifts on her doorstep from an unknown alpha. As her heat rapidly approaches, she finds herself drawn to the cinnamon scented male who she’s yet to lay eyes on. Mel’cam (H) has come to a human village in search of an omega and Meaghan is just the curvy and strong female he’s searching for. He’s waiting until her heat is upon her to spirit her away so that she’ll overlook his monstrous appearance with fur, claws, fangs, and welcome him into her nest. Hot and steamy omegaverse quickie with heat, slick, biting, claiming and knotting.

[Silver]

Cute short read

This one seems to be either so good I devoured it or short, I was left wanting more of their story. I love how the "monster" was more HUMANE than the humans in caring for her. Hearing that another omega had said such awful things to her instead of being supportive was a shock as in most books omegas stick together. I was stupified at the villagers attitudes and could have a proper rant at the way she is viewed and treated but then I do that in reality about the unfairness of human attitudes so can only be expected lol think it's safe to say it was relatable and a good easy read

[Ciara Hartman]

Sweet & Spicy

Books 1 & 3 in this series didn’t have much of a story, basically just smut, but this book had a nice little storyline! It was adorable to see how this monster left the omega gifts and tried to care for her in a way none of her own people did. And I loved the omega’s grit since she wasn’t a normal meek type. - This short story offers a curvy FMC who is treated as less than, due to her size and her non-subservient attitude. But the alpha monster who wants her as his mate admires all those things about her. Size difference, nesting, breeding, kn0tting. Spicy scenes happen towards end of the story. Spice level 3/5. Def recommend!

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy]

Knotting
Kidnapping
Monster love
Omega female
Heat cycle
Breeding kink
🌶️🌶️

I really enjoyed this, such a short fun read. I loved the twist on the typical alpha being the bad guy and the monster being the good guy. I really really enjoyed the romance of the story, the beauty of the curvy FMC just looking for love was romantic and mixed with all that yummy smut it was a genuinely enjoyable book!
The story and world building was easy to fall into and flowed well. The narrator did well, there was not much different between the male and the female voice which was a little off putting but that’s the only negative.

[Karon Price]

I loved that the monster in the book was more intuitive than the other alphas living in the village and could figure out what gifts the heroine would want. This is a monster on a mission and he knows what he wants. Meaghan is intrigued by her "suitor" and although her dynamic will in some ways determine her fate, she is the one who picks the monster. It's a short story, but well developed. More monsters please.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di]

I read this in like a half hour! I liked the brevity of this short story and the fact that the author tried to give the characters life. The story concept is enticing, and I can see it as a longer book, I would read it again if it was expanded. There wasn't a huge plot happening in the background, but as I said earlier, it's a good quick read, the characters were likable and the intimate scenes were hot and well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze Prescot]

An Omega is meant to be slender and fragile, at least that's what Meaghan has been told, and she is neither. Her heat is approaching, and she had no one to protect her; she cares for herself and knows she will be claimed by an Alpha who has disparaged her appearance in the past.
Mel'cam is jealous of his brother's human mate; when he sees an unclaimed omega, he determines to woo her anonymously.
This is a touching short story by an expert in the field of alpha/omega tales. Passionate and moving, I loved it.

[Tasha]

This is a well written and entertaining story with, heat, an alpha monster, an omega female, passion, steamy scenes and more with a happily ever after ending. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is steamy and exciting and I loved the wooing with gifts that happens. It’s a must read story that will have you hooked from the start. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will definitely be reading more if the books are as good as this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mom2three]

I'm really enjoying this series of short monster romances by Leann Ryans. This is the second book in the series, but you don't need to have read book one to enjoy it.
One of the things that made me love this story is that Meaghan isn't the small, dainty, fragile Omega I'm used to reading about. She's larger, stronger, and easily takes care of herself. I love that she's the one who gets "picked" by Mel'cam, and the way he cares for her is so sweet. Mel'cam may look like a monster on the outside, and Meaghan may not be the ideal Omega, but together they are everything beautiful.

[Jenni]

Omega Meaghan had never been anyone's first choice, but with her heat fast approaching she needs to find an Alpha. When gifts start arriving at her door, a mysterious Alpha draws her in. But hes not any Alpha, he's Mel'cam a monster Alpha and he's going to woo her into being his mate. Well written, steamy hot, omega/Alpha monster romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Cox]

Are there any good alphas?!

Mel’cam Is haunted by his friend’s mate. She should have been his as he was the leader. He sets out to find his mate. Being a monster, he plans how he will woo her. Meaghan has been alone since her brother died. She struggles to care for herself. With her heat coming fast she must figure which worthless village alpha she will chose. I loved this book. It is a sweet monster omegaverse romance and I recommend it for everyone.

[Spender of Money]

I adore me some ABO and when the alpha is something new, something monstrous, I’m there with bells on. I’m relatively new to Leann Ryans -how?? Shame on me, this is being corrected ASAP- and I’m looking forward to ripping thru that backlist.

I gobbled this book up, hooked from page one thru to the end. Steamy, relatively low angst, well written and in a world I want to revisit. Often. Looking forward to more! I received a copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samina Rajiwate]

An amazing short story following Meaghan and her mate Mel'cam. Meaghan will be going into heat soon and shes being pressured to take a mate. But she doesnt want someone from her village. When she starts getting gifts from someone then meets the monster leaving them, she knows she finally found her mate. Loved reading their story. Thanx.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookSLoth]

What do you call monsters and Omegaverse? Monsterverse?! This is the best mash-up of two tropes that have been needed to come together.

It's short, but it's hot and heavy. It has the elements of A/O, but with monstrous fun. Though minimal character development, what is there is enough to get a sense for who and what they characters are going through. Overall, it's a fun steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer]

This little monster romance was delightful. The world building was vibrant without being distracting, the characterization was deft, and there was plenty of action and external conflict to keep the reading experience interesting and gripping. I would love to revisit this world in future with full length romances, since I enjoyed reading this novella so much. Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.