What do you think?
Rate this book
Monsters Wear Crowns
In Monsters Wear Crowns, debut author Adeline Humphries delivers a dark romance where obsession is power, love is a battlefield, and monsters rule the city. Perfect for fans of ruthless CEO's, morally gray antiheroes, and high-stakes passion.
Monsters don’t hide in shadows. They rule from thrones.
Adela Sinclair built her empire with fire and code, protecting the most powerful criminals in NYC. She’s untouchable—until the worst one imaginable stalks her.
Rafe Vaughan is a king without a crown—a monster draped in luxury and violence. He doesn’t ask. He takes. And he’s set his sights on her to shield his own empire from a brewing war.
Drawn by power, bound by lust, she agrees. But when his greatest rival turns his blade toward her, their fragile alliance twists into something far more dangerous. In his thirst for control, will she become the first woman he’s ever loved? Or a liability he cannot afford?
Monsters wear crowns.
And in the end, only one will rule.
Monsters don’t hide in shadows. They rule from thrones.
Adela Sinclair built her empire with fire and code, protecting the most powerful criminals in NYC. She’s untouchable—until the worst one imaginable stalks her.
Rafe Vaughan is a king without a crown—a monster draped in luxury and violence. He doesn’t ask. He takes. And he’s set his sights on her to shield his own empire from a brewing war.
Drawn by power, bound by lust, she agrees. But when his greatest rival turns his blade toward her, their fragile alliance twists into something far more dangerous. In his thirst for control, will she become the first woman he’s ever loved? Or a liability he cannot afford?
Monsters wear crowns.
And in the end, only one will rule.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
139 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Adeline Humphries
3 books26 followersTHE CROWNED MONSTERS DUET is her debut work as a dark romance author as well as a passionate first step into the literary world she’s long dreamed of joining.
She created Rafe Vaughan, her first MMC, with the knowledge that he would likely become a controversial name in the dark romance space. He's a villain who has never known love, and when he does experience it for the first time, it's messy.
Her current projects are:
- THE FALLING STAR TRILOGY - a dark rockstar romance (Street Team applications open 3/1)
- ARTICLE RED - a dark dystopian romance that she is co-writing with author R.Skye
Adeline Humphries is a 28-year-old dark romance author living in Manhattan with her husband and their two black cats, each a little shadow with a personality of their own. She is drawn to all things dark romance and dark feminine, and when she’s not lost in the pages of a twisted love story, she’s sipping coffee, reading obsessively, or cruising on their boat.
She created Rafe Vaughan, her first MMC, with the knowledge that he would likely become a controversial name in the dark romance space. He's a villain who has never known love, and when he does experience it for the first time, it's messy.
Her current projects are:
- THE FALLING STAR TRILOGY - a dark rockstar romance (Street Team applications open 3/1)
- ARTICLE RED - a dark dystopian romance that she is co-writing with author R.Skye
Adeline Humphries is a 28-year-old dark romance author living in Manhattan with her husband and their two black cats, each a little shadow with a personality of their own. She is drawn to all things dark romance and dark feminine, and when she’s not lost in the pages of a twisted love story, she’s sipping coffee, reading obsessively, or cruising on their boat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2025
Alright, I usually just give a note but not my written opinion about my reads (mostly because of my laziness), but this one ? I had to.
The characters and their complications ? Their development ? The plot ? Everything was absolutely perfect ! 😩
First, Adela. She's the strongest and at the same time the most vulnerable FMC I've ever encountered in a dark romance, and I've read a lot of it. Loved it, she's relatable and easily lovable. There was never a moment where I was like 'meh, she's boring or annoying'. On the contrary, I cheered her up and wanted nothing more than to comfort her through the story. 🥺
Then, Rafe. If you thought Zade Meadows was dark, then you're not ready for Rafe fu*king Vaughan. The complexity of his character, his development... I ate it up and I'm still craving for more ! Yes, he's an ass*ole and definitely not a good man. What he did to Adela... Damn. Unforgivable. No excuses. Yet, it brings back his humanity in a way where, no, you don’t condone what he did or approve or whatever people think we, readers of dark romance do, but you acknowledge the way he actually realizes his wrongs and actually tries to make it right in his own way. That is what makes his character so interesting and good for a dark romance. The point of those books isn't to romanticize this, it's to show that humans are complicated and sometimes, people forgive the unforgivable juste because they can and want to.
So yes, Rafe is fu*kep up and what he did is not excusable. Yet, he's so broken and lost because of his past, you can't bring yourself to hate him.
I also think only someone who went through something similar can understand why Adela forgave him. 🤷♀️
Anyway, this book was one of my darkest read this year so far and it was amazing ! Congratulations to the author because damn, everything from the characters, their complexity, the plot, the antagonist... It was all perfect for me. 🔥🫶
But be extra aware of the TW, it is NOT for everyone !!
The characters and their complications ? Their development ? The plot ? Everything was absolutely perfect ! 😩
First, Adela. She's the strongest and at the same time the most vulnerable FMC I've ever encountered in a dark romance, and I've read a lot of it. Loved it, she's relatable and easily lovable. There was never a moment where I was like 'meh, she's boring or annoying'. On the contrary, I cheered her up and wanted nothing more than to comfort her through the story. 🥺
Then, Rafe. If you thought Zade Meadows was dark, then you're not ready for Rafe fu*king Vaughan. The complexity of his character, his development... I ate it up and I'm still craving for more ! Yes, he's an ass*ole and definitely not a good man. What he did to Adela... Damn. Unforgivable. No excuses. Yet, it brings back his humanity in a way where, no, you don’t condone what he did or approve or whatever people think we, readers of dark romance do, but you acknowledge the way he actually realizes his wrongs and actually tries to make it right in his own way. That is what makes his character so interesting and good for a dark romance. The point of those books isn't to romanticize this, it's to show that humans are complicated and sometimes, people forgive the unforgivable juste because they can and want to.
So yes, Rafe is fu*kep up and what he did is not excusable. Yet, he's so broken and lost because of his past, you can't bring yourself to hate him.
I also think only someone who went through something similar can understand why Adela forgave him. 🤷♀️
Anyway, this book was one of my darkest read this year so far and it was amazing ! Congratulations to the author because damn, everything from the characters, their complexity, the plot, the antagonist... It was all perfect for me. 🔥🫶
But be extra aware of the TW, it is NOT for everyone !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 4/5
🧠 3/10
Noteworthy: TWs are very valid, so take them seriously. This book could use additional editing. This is a debut author.
I had to sleep on this review to get my thoughts together. I will say that I did like this book and will give book 2 a try.
The first thing I want to get off my chest here. If you took a shot of every time the word "powerful" is used, you would die of alcohol poisoning. Also, the spice is Carolina Reaper hot.
I rolled my eyes several times at the decisions made by both mains in the first half of this book. It took me hundreds of pages to realize the reason I felt that way is because I really didn't know the FMC. The development and understanding of how she grew up and the things she's done are vaguely referenced but not explored. So when she makes decisions to put herself or the MMC puts her in harms way, it's because she has some experience with those highly dangerous situations. It is stated that she's used to dealing with dangerous men but isn't expounded upon. The MMC understood she was used to it because he knew her better than us, the reader. We just needed more character development here.
The last 3rd of this book was gripping. I wasn't sure what either of these characters would do because their thoughts and emotions were all over the place. It felt like the psychopathic behavior you would expect from high-level criminals. These two people were perfect for each other, yet terrible together at the same time. Adela makes some insanely bad choices, but some of them humanized her in my eyes.
When Rafe does the unforgivable late in this book, her relative quickness to forgive (but not forget) should have annoyed me, but it fits this characters way of thinking when it comes to this man. Rafe's whiplash thoughts and feelings about the betrayal and his actions were a little terrifying. It felt like he could snap hard at any time. Intense storytelling there.
The epilogue feels like it just came out of nowhere. It felt like the author made a snap decision to create additional conflict instead of giving us an HEA. I'm not really mad at it, though.
This is one of those books that will stick with me for a bit, and I may adjust my rating later.
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 4/5
🧠 3/10
Noteworthy: TWs are very valid, so take them seriously. This book could use additional editing. This is a debut author.
I had to sleep on this review to get my thoughts together. I will say that I did like this book and will give book 2 a try.
The first thing I want to get off my chest here. If you took a shot of every time the word "powerful" is used, you would die of alcohol poisoning. Also, the spice is Carolina Reaper hot.
I rolled my eyes several times at the decisions made by both mains in the first half of this book. It took me hundreds of pages to realize the reason I felt that way is because I really didn't know the FMC. The development and understanding of how she grew up and the things she's done are vaguely referenced but not explored. So when she makes decisions to put herself or the MMC puts her in harms way, it's because she has some experience with those highly dangerous situations. It is stated that she's used to dealing with dangerous men but isn't expounded upon. The MMC understood she was used to it because he knew her better than us, the reader. We just needed more character development here.
The last 3rd of this book was gripping. I wasn't sure what either of these characters would do because their thoughts and emotions were all over the place. It felt like the psychopathic behavior you would expect from high-level criminals. These two people were perfect for each other, yet terrible together at the same time. Adela makes some insanely bad choices, but some of them humanized her in my eyes.
When Rafe does the unforgivable late in this book, her relative quickness to forgive (but not forget) should have annoyed me, but it fits this characters way of thinking when it comes to this man. Rafe's whiplash thoughts and feelings about the betrayal and his actions were a little terrifying. It felt like he could snap hard at any time. Intense storytelling there.
The epilogue feels like it just came out of nowhere. It felt like the author made a snap decision to create additional conflict instead of giving us an HEA. I'm not really mad at it, though.
This is one of those books that will stick with me for a bit, and I may adjust my rating later.
May 12, 2025
My Rating: 4.5/5
My Thoughts: Adela Sinclair is a CEO who protects powerful men. While she seems untouchable to the world, she is struggling to unleash her secret desires, until him. Rafe Vaughan has been keeping a close eye from afar, in the shadows, on Adela. Adela's body becomes aware of him as she secretly waits to see what he will do. Adela and Rafe's story is very dark, filled with stlkers, criminal wars, a strong female character, spice, twists, and suspense. The character development was true to the underworld and realistic.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I was instantly drawn to the characters and couldn't put it down. I thought it was very thoughtful to put the trigger warnings in the chapter headers to prepare the reader. I was not prepared for that twist at the end. My jaw literally dropped, and I was instantly looking to see when book 2 is coming out. Overall, this was such a great read for Adeline's debut, and I can't wait to continue this series.
My Thoughts: Adela Sinclair is a CEO who protects powerful men. While she seems untouchable to the world, she is struggling to unleash her secret desires, until him. Rafe Vaughan has been keeping a close eye from afar, in the shadows, on Adela. Adela's body becomes aware of him as she secretly waits to see what he will do. Adela and Rafe's story is very dark, filled with stlkers, criminal wars, a strong female character, spice, twists, and suspense. The character development was true to the underworld and realistic.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I was instantly drawn to the characters and couldn't put it down. I thought it was very thoughtful to put the trigger warnings in the chapter headers to prepare the reader. I was not prepared for that twist at the end. My jaw literally dropped, and I was instantly looking to see when book 2 is coming out. Overall, this was such a great read for Adeline's debut, and I can't wait to continue this series.
September 30, 2025
OMFG
This sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions! Very very dark in places and gave me haunting/hunting adeline vibes!
Rafe Vaughan has my heart! 🖤
That epilogue had me screaming though!! WTF get me the second book NOW!
This sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions! Very very dark in places and gave me haunting/hunting adeline vibes!
Rafe Vaughan has my heart! 🖤
That epilogue had me screaming though!! WTF get me the second book NOW!
April 26, 2025
Dark love with plenty of smut!
Wow! What a great read! I do recommend reading trigger warnings as some scenes are graphic.
Adela is a baddie in her own right and is craving something in her life. Enters Rafe! He's psychotic, hot, and dangerous. Come on my fellow book baddies, we love that in our men! Stalking, check. Burn the world down for his woman, check. Let's her live out her dark fantasies, also check.
Then we have the enemy, Moreau (might have misspelled his name, who cares though.) He'll stop at nothing to take down Rafe and take Adela away.
This book was everything I was looking forward to reading. I couldn't put it down once I started. It does hang on a cliffhanger into the next book. I am feral for it. For her first book Adeline hit it out the park. I cannot wait for it! Again read the trigger warnings before heading in.
Wow! What a great read! I do recommend reading trigger warnings as some scenes are graphic.
Adela is a baddie in her own right and is craving something in her life. Enters Rafe! He's psychotic, hot, and dangerous. Come on my fellow book baddies, we love that in our men! Stalking, check. Burn the world down for his woman, check. Let's her live out her dark fantasies, also check.
Then we have the enemy, Moreau (might have misspelled his name, who cares though.) He'll stop at nothing to take down Rafe and take Adela away.
This book was everything I was looking forward to reading. I couldn't put it down once I started. It does hang on a cliffhanger into the next book. I am feral for it. For her first book Adeline hit it out the park. I cannot wait for it! Again read the trigger warnings before heading in.
November 6, 2025
A video from the author came up on my FYP on TikTok, I was intrigued and coming off a several day reading hiatus after Under Your Scars wrecked me, so I decided to get it on KU. With that being said, I was enamored with this book and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I feel like it was really well written and the story had me sitting up in bed at 2am. PLEASE read your trigger warnings; the author was gracious enough to label the triggers on the chapters which a lot don’t do. I get how this wouldn’t be for everyone but I loved it. I’m unfortunately a Rafe apologist and I know how terrible that makes me but I am who I am.
August 11, 2025
I knew from about 15% on that I was rating this book 5⭐️ and then he went and SA her. And as happy as I am and as much as I liked it, just can’t be 5 bc of that.
August 22, 2025
I wanted to love it so much and about 90% of it I did. But when Rafe thinks he is betrayed I can’t deal with that scene. I understand dark romance but that killed it for me.
May 30, 2025
Oh my god, I don’t even know where to start. Adeline Humphries is a master manipulator of words. A solid god tier dark romance for me, and 5/5 🌶️ check your TW’s before you read! My review will be spoiler free!
Adela is a very strong character. She is not the damsel in distress, she is a queen who can handle her own and fight her own battles. Adela is a complex character, she’s got multiple layers. No man has ever made her feel alive, until Rafe comes into the picture.
Rafe is extremely complex. He’s got so much going on, he’s a monster deep inside and he struggles for control. When his control slips, he’s someone unrecognizable. Rafe has never been in love, thought he was incapable of it. So what happens when he becomes obsessive and possessive over Adela?
This whole book had me in a chokehold. I could not stop reading when I picked it up. The plot was thick, its is very spice heavy, but the spice is perfect for the characters. The character development throughout this novel was top tier. There were some jaw dropping moments. A part where I cried for Adela for a few minutes. The obsession Rafe has for her was what had me in a chokehold the most. He is so unhinged, you never know what his next move will be. He is definitely a villain, he is morally black not gray that’s for sure. He’s never claimed to be a good guy with good morals. Throughout the story we get banter, spice, action, love, betrayal…
The spice. Oh. My. God. THE SPICE. 🥵 I have never read spicy scenes like these, these were mostly different from most I’ve read. There is some CNC in this book so definitely check TW’s if you’re sensitive to that kind of content. The way Rafe claims Adela? I melted over and over again.
The ending of this book has me on the edge of my seat for book two. Adeline Humphries will be an instant buy author for me. I cannot believe this was her debut novel?! Insane work, Adeline. God tier.
Happy reading! ✨
Adela is a very strong character. She is not the damsel in distress, she is a queen who can handle her own and fight her own battles. Adela is a complex character, she’s got multiple layers. No man has ever made her feel alive, until Rafe comes into the picture.
Rafe is extremely complex. He’s got so much going on, he’s a monster deep inside and he struggles for control. When his control slips, he’s someone unrecognizable. Rafe has never been in love, thought he was incapable of it. So what happens when he becomes obsessive and possessive over Adela?
This whole book had me in a chokehold. I could not stop reading when I picked it up. The plot was thick, its is very spice heavy, but the spice is perfect for the characters. The character development throughout this novel was top tier. There were some jaw dropping moments. A part where I cried for Adela for a few minutes. The obsession Rafe has for her was what had me in a chokehold the most. He is so unhinged, you never know what his next move will be. He is definitely a villain, he is morally black not gray that’s for sure. He’s never claimed to be a good guy with good morals. Throughout the story we get banter, spice, action, love, betrayal…
The spice. Oh. My. God. THE SPICE. 🥵 I have never read spicy scenes like these, these were mostly different from most I’ve read. There is some CNC in this book so definitely check TW’s if you’re sensitive to that kind of content. The way Rafe claims Adela? I melted over and over again.
The ending of this book has me on the edge of my seat for book two. Adeline Humphries will be an instant buy author for me. I cannot believe this was her debut novel?! Insane work, Adeline. God tier.
Happy reading! ✨
October 18, 2025
0 stars, negative -1000 stars.
Cannot say enough bad things…
This is single handedly the worst book I’ve ever read. Every single paragraph was a burden, every chapter was agony. I don’t DNF books & I had to see if there was even a single redeeming quality in these 400 pages - there was not.
This author should keep her day job, she literally does not know how to structure a sentence let alone a plot.
As an avid dark romance reader, I’m very well versed in dubious content. This was rape, FMC admits to it, and she still goes back to the MMC? He doesn’t even say he loves her until AFTER HE DOES IT???
There’s so much shit in the book that doesn’t make sense - AI could have written a better book. Major holes like the villain being fucking stupid. Don’t even get me started on the FMC. There was an entire chapter where the best friend’s name was Lauren but in the rest of the book her name is Laura???????? MMC is literally incapable of not just an original thought, but any thought at all.
Jesus Christ I only finished it so I could stand on this review with full confidence knowing this book was absolute ASS.
Make publishing hard again… for fuck sake. Don’t trust booktok, this wasn’t just a waste of my time, it was a waste of the author’s..
Cannot say enough bad things…
This is single handedly the worst book I’ve ever read. Every single paragraph was a burden, every chapter was agony. I don’t DNF books & I had to see if there was even a single redeeming quality in these 400 pages - there was not.
This author should keep her day job, she literally does not know how to structure a sentence let alone a plot.
As an avid dark romance reader, I’m very well versed in dubious content. This was rape, FMC admits to it, and she still goes back to the MMC? He doesn’t even say he loves her until AFTER HE DOES IT???
There’s so much shit in the book that doesn’t make sense - AI could have written a better book. Major holes like the villain being fucking stupid. Don’t even get me started on the FMC. There was an entire chapter where the best friend’s name was Lauren but in the rest of the book her name is Laura???????? MMC is literally incapable of not just an original thought, but any thought at all.
Jesus Christ I only finished it so I could stand on this review with full confidence knowing this book was absolute ASS.
Make publishing hard again… for fuck sake. Don’t trust booktok, this wasn’t just a waste of my time, it was a waste of the author’s..
December 14, 2025
Very dark romance which could be better
I was very intrigued when I read the blurb, but that scene with Rafe made me really think if I should continue with this duet (I did and second one si way better than the first one). I read mostly dark romance and the darker the better, but there is line for me and that is r@pe from main male character, that is just not justified for me and eventhough she forgave which I understand it is fiction, but I really hated him for it. Also the writting is very repetitive, how many times do you want to read that she is strong, she doesn’t want to end up like her mother or him claiming he is monster and she is his and no one touches her in the same words. I get that, but I don’t want to read it in every chapter. Also the spice was just too much for me, but it is just me I could do with less spicy scenes, but they were written very good. If you don’t read the epiloge than you don’t have to read the second one, but as I mentioned the second one is much better and way darker. What you can expect from this book:
• strong female, but weak for him
•possesive, OTT and so so so jealous antihero
• long list of TW like murder, r@pe between main charachters, dubcon, lots of violencw, childabuse,…
• sooooo many spice scene
• dual first person POV, but mostly from her side
I am between 2 or 3 ⭐️, but it is debut novel so I don’t want to be harsh. Also I apretiate that the chapters with TW are marked, but for me it was spoiler. I would write it at the end and mentioned in the begginging for those who wants be preparrd or have some TW scroll to the end, but for me with this, the book lost its dark sparkle.
I was very intrigued when I read the blurb, but that scene with Rafe made me really think if I should continue with this duet (I did and second one si way better than the first one). I read mostly dark romance and the darker the better, but there is line for me and that is r@pe from main male character, that is just not justified for me and eventhough she forgave which I understand it is fiction, but I really hated him for it. Also the writting is very repetitive, how many times do you want to read that she is strong, she doesn’t want to end up like her mother or him claiming he is monster and she is his and no one touches her in the same words. I get that, but I don’t want to read it in every chapter. Also the spice was just too much for me, but it is just me I could do with less spicy scenes, but they were written very good. If you don’t read the epiloge than you don’t have to read the second one, but as I mentioned the second one is much better and way darker. What you can expect from this book:
• strong female, but weak for him
•possesive, OTT and so so so jealous antihero
• long list of TW like murder, r@pe between main charachters, dubcon, lots of violencw, childabuse,…
• sooooo many spice scene
• dual first person POV, but mostly from her side
I am between 2 or 3 ⭐️, but it is debut novel so I don’t want to be harsh. Also I apretiate that the chapters with TW are marked, but for me it was spoiler. I would write it at the end and mentioned in the begginging for those who wants be preparrd or have some TW scroll to the end, but for me with this, the book lost its dark sparkle.
September 4, 2025
I wanted to like this book so much, I really did. I struggled to get through it. I almost DNF’ed more than once, but wanted to give this new author a chance.
First, he was her stalker, which ok I can get on board with this, however he reveals himself within the first couple of chapters. It would have been nice with more of a lead up to his reveal.
Then, they were in bed together again with in the fifth chapter, than she all of a sudden was living with him. The pace was too fast for this kind of book.
Don’t get me started on all the nicknames he had for her as well. Little doe? What is up with using animals for nicknames. It’s not attractive at all.
The FMC I think would have been just as impactful of a character if she only showed how powerful she was through actions, instead of constantly saying how powerful of a bitch she was throughout.
The MMC liked him at first, but then he raped her and that really killed it for me. That whole scene felt very unnecessary to me. Like be mad, fine, but he straight up raped her and she forgave him for it only a few chapters later and was back in bed with him. No! Absolutely not, I don’t care how much you love someone.
I had high hopes, but I will not continue onto the next book. Also, the author should have double checked formatted of the book. Mine had several pages that were duplicates, so that was annoying.
First, he was her stalker, which ok I can get on board with this, however he reveals himself within the first couple of chapters. It would have been nice with more of a lead up to his reveal.
Then, they were in bed together again with in the fifth chapter, than she all of a sudden was living with him. The pace was too fast for this kind of book.
Don’t get me started on all the nicknames he had for her as well. Little doe? What is up with using animals for nicknames. It’s not attractive at all.
The FMC I think would have been just as impactful of a character if she only showed how powerful she was through actions, instead of constantly saying how powerful of a bitch she was throughout.
The MMC liked him at first, but then he raped her and that really killed it for me. That whole scene felt very unnecessary to me. Like be mad, fine, but he straight up raped her and she forgave him for it only a few chapters later and was back in bed with him. No! Absolutely not, I don’t care how much you love someone.
I had high hopes, but I will not continue onto the next book. Also, the author should have double checked formatted of the book. Mine had several pages that were duplicates, so that was annoying.
Read
October 30, 2025Don't even get me started on how fucking awful this book was–getting raped and going back to the dude?!?!? are u fucking right in the head mate?!?!?!?! The fmc was painted to be someone with dark fantasies but there's literally nothing special with the way she does things with the mfc! plain, old, boring stuff! The mfc was nothing but a bitch who was constantly saying that I will make the enemy bleed whilst doing fucking nothing! the couple pissed me off so much with the way they were handling things when they were literally at WAR?!?! bitch wake the fuck up! the only character having a semblance of a brain was fmc's best friend–Lauren/Laura. The guy that was the enemy looked better in comparison to the mfc! the mfc had the same sob story and literally nothing was special about him or made him stand out! his dialogues form the book literally consisted of telling fmc that
"You're mine! tell me you're mine! Say it!
that's fucking it! I can say that the fmc had more guts than him! the fmc was painted to be a strong, independent boss lady who wouldn't turn out to be like her mother but that's exactly what she did! she got raped by the mfc and then was back in bed with him few days later because sHe LoVeD hIm! bitch, wtf! I'm so fucking over authors writing fmc getting raped by the mfc in the name of dark romance! for fucks sake–get your head checked!
"You're mine! tell me you're mine! Say it!
that's fucking it! I can say that the fmc had more guts than him! the fmc was painted to be a strong, independent boss lady who wouldn't turn out to be like her mother but that's exactly what she did! she got raped by the mfc and then was back in bed with him few days later because sHe LoVeD hIm! bitch, wtf! I'm so fucking over authors writing fmc getting raped by the mfc in the name of dark romance! for fucks sake–get your head checked!
October 12, 2025
What is this book actually about? Asserting dominance?? Something-dark??These words are repeated so often I almost thought I was reading a page twice.
Starting with the plot, we’re given a nurse-prisoner storyline and it was interesting. But soon the scene shifts with the nurse working for the police as an analyst. And don’t even get me started with the kidnapping her to a secluded place then releasing her and telling her to run.
But our female character is so smart that despite his warning to stay away from his business she snoops around because duh she’s a police officer now?? And somehow the guy knows. His mysterious aura is shit.
And I think it’s because they switch povs five times in a chapter. I don’t need explanations for his actions! What I need is a plot!!
And his backstory isn’t winning him any pity awards. Like I didn’t need to know you LOVED a woman 11 years ago and she betrayed you to explain your reclusive nature. And to readers who haven’t yet read this scene, trust me when I say it was executed so poorly I almost sobbed.
And how is he obsessive? By giving her a way out every time she cries?I’m 64% through and I’m determined to hate read it. Will give my two cents after finishing!
Starting with the plot, we’re given a nurse-prisoner storyline and it was interesting. But soon the scene shifts with the nurse working for the police as an analyst. And don’t even get me started with the kidnapping her to a secluded place then releasing her and telling her to run.
But our female character is so smart that despite his warning to stay away from his business she snoops around because duh she’s a police officer now?? And somehow the guy knows. His mysterious aura is shit.
And I think it’s because they switch povs five times in a chapter. I don’t need explanations for his actions! What I need is a plot!!
And his backstory isn’t winning him any pity awards. Like I didn’t need to know you LOVED a woman 11 years ago and she betrayed you to explain your reclusive nature. And to readers who haven’t yet read this scene, trust me when I say it was executed so poorly I almost sobbed.
And how is he obsessive? By giving her a way out every time she cries?I’m 64% through and I’m determined to hate read it. Will give my two cents after finishing!
May 22, 2025
DEFINITELY A DARK READ. But SO good!!
A little longer of a review than I usually write, but I loved it. This is Adeline's first book, and I was so impressed. The FMC has some desires that the MMC happily accommodates. He's HOT and the spice level is EVEN HOTTER. I couldn't put this book down and by the time I was done, my jaw was on the floor. Book 2 is going to be insane lol. When I realized there was going to be a second, I squealed.
*There is a really dark scene, but it has purpose. Some books don't seem to have an actual reason for including some of the violence, but this one does. There's a lot of complexity to the characters, and even when I wanted to hate the MMC, I couldn't. The author does include trigger warnings in the chapter titles which is something I'm not used to seeing and it was nice.
I did see a couple of minor grammatical stuff, but I never usually mind that. I love reading indie authors and know that many usually edit their own work since hiring is pretty expensive. I always give them grace for that. :)
Overall, this was a favorite for me this year and I'm excited to see what else she writes!
5 star!
A little longer of a review than I usually write, but I loved it. This is Adeline's first book, and I was so impressed. The FMC has some desires that the MMC happily accommodates. He's HOT and the spice level is EVEN HOTTER. I couldn't put this book down and by the time I was done, my jaw was on the floor. Book 2 is going to be insane lol. When I realized there was going to be a second, I squealed.
*There is a really dark scene, but it has purpose. Some books don't seem to have an actual reason for including some of the violence, but this one does. There's a lot of complexity to the characters, and even when I wanted to hate the MMC, I couldn't. The author does include trigger warnings in the chapter titles which is something I'm not used to seeing and it was nice.
I did see a couple of minor grammatical stuff, but I never usually mind that. I love reading indie authors and know that many usually edit their own work since hiring is pretty expensive. I always give them grace for that. :)
Overall, this was a favorite for me this year and I'm excited to see what else she writes!
5 star!
September 7, 2025
* 4.5/ 5 *
Adela & Rafe
I loved this story. You have really two broken souls that meet under interesting circumstances (lol), but in the end after everything they go through they both realize they are each other’s saving grace.
The FMC is like a moth drawn to a flame (MMC) and she will get burnt if she doesn’t pay attention to the heat. She isn’t naive she just simply craves for a love that she has dreamt of for years.
The MMC is a kingpin of sorts and is lethal when he needs to be. He is rough around the edges and only knows how to take what he wants. Once he meets Adela things quickly change and he has to learn to fight his demons and how to become a better version of who he is.
This is not going to be an easy read for everyone so please do read the TW’s. I truly appreciate how the author even would mention the TW on the chapters just to give the reader a heads up. Some may not care for this but I thought it was nice, especially for those who may be new to dark romance.
Adela & Rafe
I loved this story. You have really two broken souls that meet under interesting circumstances (lol), but in the end after everything they go through they both realize they are each other’s saving grace.
The FMC is like a moth drawn to a flame (MMC) and she will get burnt if she doesn’t pay attention to the heat. She isn’t naive she just simply craves for a love that she has dreamt of for years.
The MMC is a kingpin of sorts and is lethal when he needs to be. He is rough around the edges and only knows how to take what he wants. Once he meets Adela things quickly change and he has to learn to fight his demons and how to become a better version of who he is.
This is not going to be an easy read for everyone so please do read the TW’s. I truly appreciate how the author even would mention the TW on the chapters just to give the reader a heads up. Some may not care for this but I thought it was nice, especially for those who may be new to dark romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
I read this book primarily because I've seen a few people talking about how controversial the mmc was, and I was curious. Verdict: NOT DISAPPOINTED.
Also, I guess the author just made recent updates to their script because of the grammatical errors mentioned in the negative reviews. Because when I read this book, I didn't see any and actually really enjoyed the book. My friend read the older version and liked it regardless of the grammatical issues (we're all human and make mistakes, so whatever). She is actually very sweet and engaging on her Insta account and open about her mess-ups, and that makes me feel better about her honestly.
I want to stick up for this book in terms of the spice (very well done, especially the cnc scenes). Some authors aren't the best with those, but the mmc ensures she's okay during those. There is one scene where there is abuse between him and the fmc, but being who he is, I get it.
Also, I guess the author just made recent updates to their script because of the grammatical errors mentioned in the negative reviews. Because when I read this book, I didn't see any and actually really enjoyed the book. My friend read the older version and liked it regardless of the grammatical issues (we're all human and make mistakes, so whatever). She is actually very sweet and engaging on her Insta account and open about her mess-ups, and that makes me feel better about her honestly.
I want to stick up for this book in terms of the spice (very well done, especially the cnc scenes). Some authors aren't the best with those, but the mmc ensures she's okay during those. There is one scene where there is abuse between him and the fmc, but being who he is, I get it.
May 5, 2025
An INCREDIBLE debut! Adeline Humphries delivers her first novel and I am obsessed. I gave it a shot because I saw some people talking about it and her video ads are amazing. If you like ANY of the popular dark romance books, you'll like this.
It was everything I was looking for in a dark romance (dark-haired and unhinged MMC + badass FMC, kinks, ample and descriptive spice, a good plot).
There are some darker themes, so definitely read the TW! The author does an amazing job inserting certain trigger warnings under the chapter title so the reader knows what's coming. I don't require that but I know other readers will really appreciate it.
Overall, one of my TOP READS of 2025 and I genuinely believe Adeline Humphries is going to be a powerhouse in the dark romance space soon. I NEED book 2 NOW.
It was everything I was looking for in a dark romance (dark-haired and unhinged MMC + badass FMC, kinks, ample and descriptive spice, a good plot).
There are some darker themes, so definitely read the TW! The author does an amazing job inserting certain trigger warnings under the chapter title so the reader knows what's coming. I don't require that but I know other readers will really appreciate it.
Overall, one of my TOP READS of 2025 and I genuinely believe Adeline Humphries is going to be a powerhouse in the dark romance space soon. I NEED book 2 NOW.
September 5, 2025
I kept seeing videos for this on Instagram so I gave it a chance. I'm so happy I did!! I found my new favorite MMC (other than Zade).
I WILL SAY that there is an SA scene (like stated in other reviews) out of a fit of rage. Some can't get past that, but I saw what the author meant to do. She has stated that Rafe is a "TRUE VILLAIN" and his redemption arc is seen more in the second book. Basically, you're gonna wanna dropkick the man in the first book lol. I'm interested to see what his redemption looks like honestly.
In my opinion, it's realistic in loving someone like that. But if anyone can, it's Adela mf Sinclair!!!
I WILL SAY that there is an SA scene (like stated in other reviews) out of a fit of rage. Some can't get past that, but I saw what the author meant to do. She has stated that Rafe is a "TRUE VILLAIN" and his redemption arc is seen more in the second book. Basically, you're gonna wanna dropkick the man in the first book lol. I'm interested to see what his redemption looks like honestly.
In my opinion, it's realistic in loving someone like that. But if anyone can, it's Adela mf Sinclair!!!
August 4, 2025
I still feel the burn after finishing Monsters Wear Crowns almost over a week ago!
Adena Sinclair was raw, hungry, and unapologetically dangerous, a woman who chased fantasies and desires so vividly, it felt like reading my own secret thoughts back to me.
She built her empire in the shadows of
New York's underworld, ruling with code, fire, and an iron will.
Then along came Rafe Vaughan, a monster who wore a crown fy like a king, violent, luxurious, and absolutely merciless. He didn't ask permission. He took what he wanted, and what he wanted was Adena.
loved Rate, even when he was so, so bad. Morally grey to his core, unpredictable, a monster draped in silk and blood, but with Adena? He showed devotion that scorched. Their partnership was both an alliance and a battlefield, a dance of power and obsession that kept my heart pounding until the very last page.
This book isn't for the faint of heart. It's dark, relentless, and dripping with sinful passion. o
Every single part was filthy, fierce, and laced with pain.
But in the quiet, stolen moments, when his monster bowed only to her, it became something achingly beautiful.
This wasn't a romance. It was a war.
And I wanted every bloodstained second of it.
Thank you for giving us a heroine who owned her darkness, and a man who loved her like it was his only law. Thank you for a story that was both a savage fight and a burning promise.
I'm scarred. I'm wrecked.
And I wouldn't have it any other way. • book two couldn't come fast enough!!
"She was a powerful woman, untouchable to most. But I knew what she craved beneath all that control. She wanted to be fucked-hard. Dominated. To have her power stripped away, to be taken until there was nothing left of her but gasping breaths and desperate cries."
Adena Sinclair was raw, hungry, and unapologetically dangerous, a woman who chased fantasies and desires so vividly, it felt like reading my own secret thoughts back to me.
She built her empire in the shadows of
New York's underworld, ruling with code, fire, and an iron will.
Then along came Rafe Vaughan, a monster who wore a crown fy like a king, violent, luxurious, and absolutely merciless. He didn't ask permission. He took what he wanted, and what he wanted was Adena.
loved Rate, even when he was so, so bad. Morally grey to his core, unpredictable, a monster draped in silk and blood, but with Adena? He showed devotion that scorched. Their partnership was both an alliance and a battlefield, a dance of power and obsession that kept my heart pounding until the very last page.
This book isn't for the faint of heart. It's dark, relentless, and dripping with sinful passion. o
Every single part was filthy, fierce, and laced with pain.
But in the quiet, stolen moments, when his monster bowed only to her, it became something achingly beautiful.
This wasn't a romance. It was a war.
And I wanted every bloodstained second of it.
Thank you for giving us a heroine who owned her darkness, and a man who loved her like it was his only law. Thank you for a story that was both a savage fight and a burning promise.
I'm scarred. I'm wrecked.
And I wouldn't have it any other way. • book two couldn't come fast enough!!
"She was a powerful woman, untouchable to most. But I knew what she craved beneath all that control. She wanted to be fucked-hard. Dominated. To have her power stripped away, to be taken until there was nothing left of her but gasping breaths and desperate cries."
November 2, 2025
I really wanted to like this book but it was tricky. The FMC's friend's name changes regularly between Laura and Lauren, and other little things, but when the FMC developed a baby crush on the MMC's sworn enemy that is trying to kill them, simply because he was interested in her, I quit the book. I hope the ending is great but this just isn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
FUCK THIS BOOK. There is zero plot. Zero. If you like reading abt someone getting SA and then going back to be with the man that did it, this book is for you! Absolutely horrible read.
November 25, 2025
you went back to him after he did that...
July 8, 2025
I found this book through Tic Tok. I saw the authors video describing this book and sounded interesting so I downloaded it on kindle. Please do me a favor and read this book! U will love it!! Rafe is my new book bf/ husband. Ugh, this man is possessive, obsessive and everything you want in a man! This book will have you eating up every word. So this guy Rafe is in a mafia war and needs help to make sure his work is covered . In comes Ms . Adela and this woman is a no nonsense FMC that won’t take no crap from no one. When they meet up their whole world flips upside down. Some of these scenes I had to just put the book down and go touch grass lol I can’t wait to read the second book because the first ended up in a cliff hanger and I need to know what the heck happened!?
September 6, 2025
5 ⭐️ 5 🌶️ Omg!!!! Need the next book ASAP!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews