Cruel Angel

by Rebecca F. Kenney

There was a time I felt lost and alone…until I met them, and together our souls took My gentle Raoul and our deadly Angel of Music.

Haunted by the violent death of her parents, Christine Daaé longs to find solace in music, but debilitating stage fright keeps her firmly in the shadows. All she can hope for is a few stolen moments singing to herself in the mournful silence of the backstage stairwell…until one night, the shadows sing back.

In exchange for complete devotion, her mysterious Phantom promises to teach her everything he knows—and with his praise boosting her confidence, Christine is finally able to take center stage…catching the eye of her sweet childhood friend turned something more, Raoul.

But her mysterious mentor is as obsessive as he is demanding, and he will not share Christine with anyone—not unless he can have them both in a bargain that is as dangerous as it is seductive. Light and shadows, gentleness and raging passion, the three of them should not fit so perfectly together. Yet as a supernatural force looms, ready to tear them apart forever, Christine must decide if love can truly exist in the space between beauty and madness…and whether she's finally ready to fully embrace the music of the night.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Phantom of the Opera with a magical twist.

RICH BONUS FEATURES  

Gorgeous b&w interior artAdditional scenesAnd more!

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Why Choose, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Retellings

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 14, 2026

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Cruel Angel is a standalone spicy retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in modern day times.
Christine Daaè is alone. Orphaned after her parents and siblings were killed during their time in a cult fighting a war they believed in, Christine has lived her life since working for a friend of her family and longing to sing. Her only solace is when she let's herself go to the music but her crippling stage fright keeps her from pursuing a career. When the Angel speaks to her one evening and begins to teach and guide her to reach her full potential and gain her confidence to audition for the lead in the upcoming production by Raoul, Christine finds her emotions stirring for them both. As she gets closer to them both and they get closer not just to her but to each other, why should any of them choose when they could all have each other.
This book is very spicy and includes vampires, shifters, magic, darkness, and pain, as well as trigger warnings that I would advise you to check out before reading.
I loved the song titles dropped like Easter eggs within the book, which any phantom fan will delight in.

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Rebecca Kenneys retellings and im super into phantom of the opera at the moment. I love how the author gives the characters a modern unique twist to their characters that sets them aside from their original stories. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of retellings or the original plot

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom of the Opera retelling plus why choose with ⚔️?! What’s not to love!! This was such a smutty, enjoyable read!!

Christine lost her parents and left their cult and is now trying to survive on her own. Christine has a passion for singing and dancing but is too shy to share her singing passion with the world until an “Angel” hears her singing in the back stairwell of work one day. The Angel encourages Christine to perfect her voice and begins giving her vocal coaching, all without ever seeing one another. Christine tries out for a play as a singer and the Playwrite happens to be her childhood friend Raoul. Raoul begins pining but the dark, possessive angel must both protect Christine and help her flourish by slightly threatening Raoul to get her the lead role.

Raoul and the Angels chemistry is immediate and so delicious. The Angel aka the Phantom struggles with his jealousy and wanting to keep Christine all to himself. Neither knows that Christine is harboring a big secret. What other secrets are there?

This book kept me guessing constantly and some of those guesses were wrong 🤣 I was thoroughly entertained and I love a good, smutty standalone from Rebecca Kenney!

Read this if you like:

🎭 MMF why choose
🎭 Phantom of the Opera retelling
🎭 paranormal world with a multitude of creatures
🎭 mutual pining
🎭 spicy scenes
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you to Rebecca Kenney for the giveaway copy! Thank you for letting me participate in the giveaway and letting me read this one early!

Cruel Angel releases on April 14, 2026!!

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts are my own.

Cruel Angel is the fourth title of Rebecca Kenney’s Gilded Monsters series, is a Phantom of the Opera reimagining, and follows The Phantom, Raoul and Christine.

The Phantom, The Poet and The Blood Queen.

Rebecca has such a way with words and reading this book reminded me of all the reasons I fell in love with her writing. I’ve always admired the way she can take a beloved classic and put her own fantastical spin upon it, sweeping me away into the story and stealing my heart time and again.

Book four of her Gilded Monsters series immerses readers within a lush world of artistry, where music bridges the gap between unlikely bedfellows, and there’s more to pretty much everyone than meets the eye.

Read this if you love:
New Adult paranormal romance
Multi POV
“Mine”
MFM / throuple vibes
Magic
Supernatural creatures
Complex family dynamics
LGBTQIA+ rep
Longing
Mental health rep
Morally gray characters
Secrets aplenty
Medium burn
Groveling

& honestly so much more— please go read this series.

Thank you to Rebecca F Kenney, SourceBooks Casablanca & NetGalley for the early digital ARC.

[whatmarissareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a bit too much supernatural elements going on for me to fully engage in this story…

I love a Phantom of the Opera retelling, so I was really excited going in... but between the heavy supernatural elements and the insta love?? I just never felt fully pulled into the story

I kept waiting for that moment where everything would click… and it just didn’t happen for me

That being said, I can definitely see how this could work for readers who enjoy heavier supernatural elements and faster paced romance it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally

[Savannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

phantom of the opera is one of my all time favorite musicals so when i saw a phantom inspired romantasy i knew i had to read it. this was really interesting because it has a paranormal aspect, which got a little spooky!! the tension between the characters was my absolute favorite part of this story. it was soooo good. i will say, this did confuse me A LOT at times. there were a few plot holes and this was a little all over the place. this was a very fast paced and entertaining read for me though and i’m interested in reading more from the author!

[Em (findingfantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rebecca for the opportunity to read the ARC!

This was a really interesting, smutty fantasy take on The Phantom of the Opera. I only know the outline of the plot, so I did go into this fairly blind compared to fans of the musical and the book.

I definitely did not expect the revelation about Christine’s real nature, and I thought that was a great choice. As with a lot of Rebecca’s FMCs, it’s refreshing and different that she wasn’t an entirely innocent ingenue. She did a great job of writing her backstory (and all of the characters)

Angel is possessive in a way where I still found it exciting and darkly romantic, rather than tipping me over to a point where I felt put off. I think I enjoyed reading his POV the most, probably in part because that’s where you see the most character development, and there were some surprisingly beautiful lines in there.

Raoul’s POV was perhaps the least interesting for me to read, but he was very sweet and a perfect foil to Angel - kind of the glue that held the three MCs together. He and Christine share a similar background in some ways, but it shaped them very differently.

The dynamic between the three characters wasn’t what I expected but made complete sense to me. I thought Rebecca built the sexual tension between the characters really well, and the cute date chapter was a very pleasant surprise, such a nice change of pace from a book with fairly dark themes.

I’d anticipated the ending a bit earlier than it came, and I was surprised to realise I had 20% to go! That said, the ending did wrap up the story in a way that made you feel the characters could completely move on from their past.

[jade ⋆₊˚ ᰔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

• phantom of the opera inspired retelling
• dark paranormal romance
• mmf / why choose
• obsessive devotion
• gothic drama
• high spice
• morally gray everyone

cruel angel is basically phantom of the opera if it decided to get paranormal, emotionally messy, and very horny. it’s gothic, dramatic, and fully committed to the bit, with obsession, power plays, and supernatural chaos baked into the story from the start.

thank you to netgalley and rebecca kenney for the chance to read this as an arc.

overall, i had a really good time with cruel angel and i’ll be reading more from this series & author.
this book knows exactly what it wants to be and goes all in on vibes, spice, and drama. the phantom inspiration is obvious in the best way, but it still feels like its own thing instead of a copy & paste retelling.

the chemistry is where this book shines. the tension is intense, the dynamics are messy on purpose, and when the story slows down to let the characters actually interact, i was fully locked in. it’s theatrical, it’s indulgent, it’s a little unhinged at times, but in a way that works for the story and makes it fun to read.

the only thing is that there is just… a lot going on. i could tell a lot of the characters and plot threads were setting up future stories, but at times it still felt like too much all at once.

that said, i really enjoyed myself. the world is rich, the romance is compelling, and the book absolutely delivers on dark, dramatic, spicy chaos. even with a few moments of confusion, cruel angel was engaging from start to finish!!

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ✨

Review of Advance Copy Received from NetGalley

A masked man can’t be a red flag if he sings like an angel…right?

Did I think I needed a Phantom of the Opera retelling in my life? No. Was I proven very wrong once I started reading? Yup.

Rebecca always has such a fun and unique take when she writes a retelling and this story was no different. I love where the plot line went with this book. Which is a wild statement, because I don’t even typically like vampire romances.

This was such a fun, dark gothic romance vibe, and I genuinely don’t think you can go wrong picking it up for a quick read.

Tropes
~ Found Family
~ Masked MMC
~ Why Choose

A special thank you to Rebecca F. Kenney, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, and NetGalley for this ARC

[Cassie Schauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Spicy Retelling
Series: Gilded Monsters

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Cruel Angel, which the author does not frequently do, and it did not disappoint. She is phenomenal at world building gothic settings with a modern edge. The characters are alluring and their electric chemistry is addictive. If you enjoy retellings that explore shadows without losing sight of the humanity inside them, this Phantom of the Opera one is worth diving into.

[Rachel (Bookishxvampyre) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good spicy retelling of Phantom of the Opera!

I really related to the fmc Christine due to her stage fright. I really enjoyed the modern twist on all of the characters and story, it was super unique and the world building was so well done.
Also, the chemistry between the two mmc's and the fmc was undeniable, I loved Raoul, the angel and Christine so much. The why choose was so hot and watching her get coaching/help with singing and the stage fright was so beautiful.

Definitely pick this up if you enjoy a smutty, fun retelling of Phantom with a modern twist!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paranormal contemporary retelling of Phantom of the Opera, the blurb for this book ticked all my boxes. Each character had trauma to overcome and inner demons to conquer. I was immediately hooked. But as the story progressed, the chemistry between our main characters fell a bit flat, and some of the scenes and situations felt forced, making the energy and pacing feel uneven. Ruthless Devotion remains my favorite in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Sourcebook Casablanca, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!!

“When she sings, the chaos of my mind is quiet”

I love this author’s retellings and this was no exception !!! Phantom of the Opera? Gimme Gimme Gimme !!!
What if Christine wanted both of them? What if Roul wanted the Phantom too?
Vampire ghosts and shifters defines the intricacies of the complicated dynamic between three tortured and devastated people. Three humans who have been through hell and found themselves in the beauty and delicacy of music and each other. This book was spicy, addicting, possessive, intense and devastatingly beautiful. I loved every second of reading it. Each scenes filled with its own magic. Its own darkness. And light too. The plot below the scene lead to a grand finale that kinda surprised me but not really. But most of all, it lead me to a deeper love for a character I already could not love more: Erik. I loved loved loved this book !!! I need more from this author !!!

P.S. I’m such a sucker when Taylor Swift’s songs are mentioned in the story !!

“It’s the most naked, monstrous, indestructible kind of love”

[Bobbi Hasard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

omg. I was not prepared for this Rebecca 😫

this book got me hooked from the title but I stayed for those characters. phantom is literally perfect and a man who *grovels* yasss queen. please add this to your tbr asap

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a complete lover of Rebecca's books and with this newest one I couldn't wait to see what she did. Rebecca F Kenney took The Phantom of the Opera and turned it into something dark, juicy, intriguing, and my favorite description - ménage. 🥵 I mean, what's better than not only turning a tragic tale upside down with a happily ever after, but also giving everyone a happy ending 😏 in the process.

Each new twist added a new layer that fit seamlessly into this new rendition of an old classic and it was shockingly fantastic!! I never expected where this story would led me and I loved every new development that led to a twisted happy ending!💙❤️

The Phantom, who is notorious as a dark, wrath-like man, his face shrouded by a mask, spending his days haunting a theater and terribly in love with a soprano singer, Christine Daaè. He still embodies a lot of the classic Phantom attributes, but he also made me laugh. This morose character, that is known to be dark, moody, stalker-like and most definitely known for stealing away the singer within an opera house is still all that, but he’s also tender and awkward because he's new to being part human. He's funny in his brooding, along with being possessive and dominant when it comes to how he feels. I loved how chaotic he was at times and it was because of this duality that lived inside of him that I think this book worked so well. He can't help all these new feelings that continually overtake him and as much as he wants to enjoy his new human form, he is also morose over missing his god status. It makes him extremely likable and empathetic in a strange way. 

Christine is fierce, aside from her stage fright, she was the one between the three main characters that gave off the "don't mess with me" vibes. She wanted both men, but also she didn't want to give herself over to them emotionally. She'd already had a lot of loss in her life and she wasn't about to lose more. Her character had a lot of layers and she was quite fascinating to unwrap as the story went along.

Then there is the golden retriever, Raoul. He’s sweet, soft and a poet. He’s also hiding some secrets, but at his core he's the glue that helped hold the trio together, or also could potentially tear them apart with his secrets, it's fifty-fifty.😏 Truly Raoul, is the grounding wire and keeps both Christine and Phantom reigned in and I loved how his backstory fit into the entire book.

I love reading Rebecca's books to see how she breaks down a traditional tale, what elements she will add to twist everything up, and how everything works out by the end. If you're looking for a true classic rendition, then this book isn't for you, but if you want a parallel universe where happy endings occur, monsters live, and the impossible happens than Cruel Angel is that kind of book to jump in, read, and experience. 😍💖

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a complimentary copy of the book for review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.75 Stars!

Okay, so this is book 4 in this series, but if you haven't read the others/missed one or two (for example, I haven't read Ruthless Devotion yet, but I've read the others), you won't be totally lost. It will make references make more sense but you won't miss big details on this story.

I liked that the author moved things from France to Nashville, but also made things fit. The paranormal aspects were intriguing as well. This series has worked well at building that mythology out and I liked getting more as things went on. The reveals on Lloyd-Henry's doings (and I'll admit I'm a little upset that he wasn't 100% nuked after the crap he pulled in Charming Devil , but at the same time, we wouldn't have gotten the story we did if he had been so yeah. At least the Phantom made his realizations and kind of got that closure, even if Lloyd-Henry thought he was a god himself). Then there was the reveal on what, or more specifically who he was unable to locate and I'm wondering if the author might have another series up her sleeve.

The relationship between Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom/Erik was a weird combination of just what they all needed and very toxic. Christine pointed things out when she tried to run, but she also walked herself to the realization that they might be what each other needs to keep the toxicity at bay and somehow it made their relationship work. It was definitely rocky for a minute, but I liked the three of them finding their footing.

The reveal on Raoul was interesting. Made the reasons his family was a sh*tty to him as they had been make a bit more sense. Didn't excuse a thing, but it explained it. Then there's the reveal on Phillipa's hold, and his choice to leave via email was actually smart. Although I'll admit part of me kind of wanted him to reveal he was an alpha, but that also wouldn't have quite fit Raoul's character so having things fall out in the way they did really was for the best.

This book releases April 14, 2026

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

|Category | | Rating |
⬇️. ⬇️. Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Emotional Damage 💔💔💔
Chaos Factor 🎭🎶 A wild, supernatural sprint from the shadows to the spotlight.

I jumped into Cruel Angel expecting some spicy paranormal vibes, but Rebecca Kenney basically handed me an emotional grenade and pulled the pin.
If you came for a "safe" or "sweet" story, turn back now. This isn't just a romance; it’s a full-blown wreckage of miracles and absolute supernatural mayhem. Kenney takes the classic stage vibes, douses them in kerosene, and hands you a dark love triangle where every choice feels like a beautiful disaster.
The "Someone Call Security" Vibe

➡️The Cover: We have to address the aesthetic first. This cover is a total "Proceed with Caution" sign wrapped in high-end art. It’s got that moody, dramatic energy that whispers, "I’m about to ruin your sleep schedule... and you’re going to thank me for it." It’s the kind of book you want to display just for the vibes, even if the content makes you want to hide under the covers.
➡️The Plot: Christine isn’t just a girl with a voice; she’s a mess of stage fright and haunted memories. Then this mysterious "Angel" steps out of the shadows with a vibe that screams, "Give me your devotion and I’ll give you the world." It’s toxic, it’s intense, and—let’s be honest—it’s exactly why we’re here. Toss in a version of a childhood friend who actually has some backbone (and his own dark side), and you’ve got a recipe for a 3 AM existential crisis. 🔥
➡️My Emotional Journey
➡️ 10% in: "Okay, this dark Angel energy is exactly what my gothic heart was craving."
➡️30% in: "I definitely should not find this level of obsession attractive. My moral compass is officially broken."
😲60% in: [Internal screaming as the supernatural betrayals start hitting like a freight train]
😍 The Finish: "I’ve officially reached emotional orbit. I don't think I'm coming back down."

Final Thought: This book is for the person who always wanted the "villain" to win and for the romance to be as messy and obsessive as possible.

If you’re ready for a guilty-pleasure spiral that’ll leave you staring at the ceiling for hours, Cruel Angel is your next obsession.

[Kerbuhbuhbear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for providing this ARC copy in exchange for review.

I'm a fan of Rebecca F. Kenney and have read a good handful of her books. Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite stories, having been obsessed with the musical as a kid, and I was excited to read Kenney's spicy take on it.

Unfortunately, this is my least favorite out of all the books of hers I've read.

It felt immaturely written and like she was trying to shove all the fantasy lore into one book. The Phantom is a captured god, Christine is a vampire, and Raoul is a werewolf. She pulled a lot from Irish lore, which required me to Google a lot. I don't mind that so much because I enjoy learning new things, but it does take me out of the story when I have to do it a lot. It would have been better if she explained what everything was in the narrative or had a glossary.

The worst part about this, and the reason I said the writing felt immature, was the overuse of metaphors and adjectives. There were so many descriptors that the book was a SLOG to get through. Maybe Kenney added them trying to recreate the poetry and music that floats over the story of the Phantom of the Opera, but it fell flat and unnecessary in my opinion.

"I dream in cotton candy colors, but the reality is a sour gummy worm, dust coated and too hard to chew." This was the worst metaphor in my opinion. On its own, this sentence isn't too bad, but after reading things like this every other sentence, I was so fed up I wanted to quit reading.

The spicy parts were appropriately spicy, but there was a male on male spicy scene where she referenced body parts as "swords". "... 'It can shift into a different kind of hug. Maybe something called a sword fight.'... when I point out the swords in question..." I have never heard anyone seriously call it a sword fight. Again, the writing here felt immature. Maybe she wrote it that way on purpose since the characters are in their 20s, but it took me out of the world and made me think, " WHAT?! Who says that?!"

In conclusion, what made this book ok was that the spicy scenes were extra spicy and it was fun to hop out of the cishet romance tropes, but maybe skim the narrative and dive deeper into the spicy stuff if you read this book.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book completely in love.
I read a lot of romance, and because of that, many stories can start to feel familiar in terms of tropes and structure. Cruel Angel felt genuinely different. Rebecca F. Kenney takes a well known inspiration and spins it into something that feels entirely her own, with layered mythology, intentional worldbuilding, and characters that quickly became people I deeply cared about.
The lore in this book impressed me over and over again. The way shifters, vampires, gods, magic, and supernatural politics coexist felt cohesive and thoughtfully constructed, not thrown together. Even familiar creatures were given specific rules, history, and consequences. I never felt lost, even without prior familiarity with the classic story that inspired it ... the world stands completely on its own.
What really surprised me was how emotionally invested I became in all of the characters. The relationship dynamic evolves into something that feels inclusive, loving, and deeply earned. There is jealousy, tension, and danger, but it never undermines the bond, instead, it strengthens it. The tenderness between the characters, especially the way they speak to and name each other, gave me a literal toothache in the best way. I found myself rooting for everyone’s happiness.
The prose deserves special mention. Rebecca’s vocabulary is rich without being inaccessible, and there were multiple lines that stopped me in my tracks ... quietly profound statements that hit home. I genuinely learned new words while reading, which is something I don’t expect but always appreciate.
Yes, this book is very spicy, but the intimacy never overshadows the story. The balance between plot, emotion, and heat is excellent. The intimate scenes feel purposeful, grounded in character and connection, not gratuitous.
By the end, the HEA was everything I hoped for and more. It felt joyful, confident, and fully earned. The kind of ending that makes you close the book with a smile and immediately want to read more from this world.
This book made me a more of a genuine fan of Rebecca F. Kenney’s writing, and it left me eager to go back and read the rest of the series. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually my first read from this author and I was so glad I got an early copy to read!

When I say I went into this blind, I truly mean it. This was a Phantom of the Opera retelling with a modern spicy fantasy twist, but I know nothing about Phantom of the Opera. Even not knowing anything about it, I was truly surprised and really enjoyed this book.

Our main characters, Christine, Angel (The Phantom), and Raoul are all fantastic and have the perfect dynamic. I don't typically read MMF romances, but I thought this was written really well and I enjoyed it. Christine is attempting to survive after her parents have passed and she left the cult that they were a part of. She is living and working in the theatre world as she has a passion for singing and dancing, however, she is terrified to sing in front of others. When an "angel" hears her singing in one of the stairwells of the theatre (her safe space) and starts encouraging her and coaching her on her voice, Christine starts to become more confident. She is convinced that Angel (as she has named him) is a ghost sent by her parents.

With Angel's encouragement Christine finally tries out for a role in an upcoming musical when she discovers that the writer/director was actually one of her childhood friends, Raoul. The Angel doesn't like that Raoul immediately begins pining for Christine, and confronts him, but he cannot fight the chemistry between the two of them.

I was not surprised to learn what Christine truly is, but I was shocked about Raoul. I did not figure that one out! This book definitely kept me guessing and hooked in wanting to know what was going to happen next. The spicy was spicing too!

If you like fantasy, spice, Phantom of the Opera, retellings, MMF, all written in a very captivating way, I really think you will enjoy this story. Again, I know nothing about Phantom of the Opera, and was hooked in and really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for the pleasure of reviewing this amazing book!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted by the violent loss of her parents, Christine Daaé retreats into music, though her crippling stage fright keeps her hidden from the spotlight. Everything changes when a mysterious voice emerges from the shadows, offering to train her in exchange for her complete devotion. Under his guidance, Christine finds the confidence to perform, drawing the attention of her kind and steadfast childhood friend, Raoul. But her enigmatic mentor, the Phantom, is as possessive as he is talented, unwilling to share her unless it’s on his own dangerous terms. As supernatural forces close in, Christine is forced to confront both her past and her future.

This is a strong addition to the author’s series of spicy retellings. The characters feel familiar enough to satisfy fans of the original, while still being distinct enough to justify the reinterpretation. The writing is consistently solid, striking a good balance between heat and plot so the story never feels like it’s stalling for either. I also appreciated the Tennessee setting, which gives the story a slightly different texture and atmosphere than the more traditional Paris backdrop. The supernatural elements add an extra layer of intrigue, helping the story stand apart from more straightforward retellings.

There are moments where the number of moving pieces makes the story feel a bit crowded, particularly as the supernatural aspects come more into play. I also can’t speak in detail to how closely it follows the original source material, though I found the plot engaging regardless. Ultimately, this is an entertaining, slightly chaotic ride that leans fully into its premise without holding back. If you’re looking for something sexy, dramatic, and just a little unhinged, this delivers. Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC. This is my honest review.

4.5/5 A little chaotic, very sexy, and fully committed to the drama.

[ABlikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what time it is? That's right, it's review time! Today we are diving headlong back into the world of Rebecca Kenney's Gilded Monsters series with the fourth (and I believe final) book Cruel Angel.

Series preface questions, Do I need to have read the previous three to understand this book? Over all, no. Will you be left with questions involving those books? Yes. Also the previous three have just been so dang good I don't know why you would deprive yourself.

On to business! Cruel Angel is a modern southern gothic retelling of Phantom of the Opera. You have the usual players, but now pull it all forward to now, put it in music city, Nashville, TN. Now, add supernatural beings, and a resurrected albeit muted deity.

Now Christine dreams of singing, but has stage fright, and some secrets. One day while in an empty portion of her work she hears a voice that enchants her and offers to train and help her. Enter Raoul, the composer and lyricist of a new musical and old classmate to Christine. Raoul has his own secrets though and his own demons. That doesn't include the one that just pinned him to a wall and told him to stay away from Christine before kissing him and disappearing into the night.

This story starts in a way that makes you think that maybe there's going to be more angst between our three MCs than there really ended up being. I mean don't get me wrong there was tension and it is like this cord that just keeps getting tighter until it finally snaps in the most delicious way. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say it's sunshine and daisies after that because yeah there's more still going on.

These three come together in a beautiful three part harmony that balances each other in ways they didn't realize or just couldn't see. They provide for each other things they needed in life they had but lost, or always needed. In the end they make a beautiful triad that is just *chef's kiss*

[Abe Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"... ever since I first heard his lovely voice. I wanted him to be someone beautiful, remote, and sacred—a paragon of artistic loveliness and moral rectitude. Maybe a bit of angelic weakness, just enough that I could tempt him. I never pictured a dark, lonely, exiled god with a tormented past and a storm of lust in his heart."

Thank you to the publisher through Netgalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for review!

Cruel Angel is a why-choose, MMF, vampire x shifter x god-made-man romance reimagining of Phantom of the Opera set in modern day Nashville amongst the backdrop of country music, an intergalactic space opera, and a very dominating shifter clan. And I LOVED it! 🎸🕯️📜🩸

Initially I was a little put off from the setting of Nashville. I'm used to classic Phantom of the Opera set in a dreamy Paris where the city itself leeches into the story with canals and catacombs, so you can imagine my hesitation. While I think Paris would be a better choice, I was really onboard with Nashville by the end! They call it The City of Music, so why not?

Christine, Raoul, and Erik share a romance for the ages as each of them have to face their own traumatic backstories to come together as the ultimate power-thruple, and damn their romance is heated! The stolen glances through two way mirrors in the beginning, hold out for mystical love-making in Phantom's candle-lit lair by the end.

"believing that pain and fear were the key to unlocking my second form and getting me to shift for the first time, when in actuality, all it took was a threesome with a god and a vampire."

Overall BIG fan of this book! Rebecca F Kenney is one of my favorite authors of all time and this didn't disappoint! I'm looking forward to reading Ruthless Devotion from the Gilded Monsters series next!

[Elly Christmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is part of the Gilded Mosters book. I have not read the previous books. Even though it is said that it could be read as a standalone. I think you should read the other books just to understand what is going on and the world-building.

It was smutty, yes. But some of the scenes just didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect to any of the characters. They all come from sad backgrounds. The build-up to their sexual attraction just wasn't there for me. The book dragged at times for me. I think maybe it would have been better to start at the beginning to get a better picture of the characters. Some parts of other books in the series were referenced, and I would have better understood the meaning behind those references, such as the part that goes down in a cemetery that the Phantom alludes to. I think I would have understood the bargain and what that meant if I had read that book.

That, along with some other references. For example, the ones to Taylor Swift and her music did nothing for me. Since I don't listen to her music. When authors put new slang or reference certain songs or artists. It does nothing for those who don't use the slang or listen to the artist. I feel it also dates the book. In 5 to 10 years, will these songs or words be known as well?

I'm not old, I am a millinial but I just don't listen to mainstream music or have social media, so I miss 99% of anything new coming out. It's a me thing, not a you thing.

Overall, it was an okay book. I just couldn't resonate with any of the characters and felt nothing for them or their situations. The smut was okay. Not all of it was to my taste. Even though this one didn't knock my socks off. It doesn't mean that these characters and scenes aren't for someone else.

[reading historical romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 57%. I have really, really enjoyed the Gilded Monsters series so far, but this one missed the mark for me. This retelling of Phantom of the Opera had all the makings of a great paranormal romance, but somehow, there really wasn't much of a plot happening? Maybe it was because the author was trying to include too many elements of the original story, so it got bogged down pacing-wise? I'm really not sure exactly what the issue is, but I was just bored.

What I enjoyed the most are the plot elements and continuity of the story from the other books in the series, and that Christine is the daughter of some of Wolfsheim's followers. I loved that the Phantom is the fae resurrected by Heathcliff in Ruthless Devotion (which is my favorite of the series so far).

Introducing Raoul as a werewolf was a great twist!

I bailed at the point of the "kidnapping" of Christine and Raoul in the Phantom's lair, and the three-way between the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul. I just didn't buy all of them together at all. The Phantom is a stalker, Raoul is a wimp, and I didn't get chemistry between Christine and either one of the two men. The whole spicy scene was kind of cringy as a result, and didn't even really make a lot of sense in terms of character development (for any of the them), nor did it further what little plot there was. As a result, it felt gratuitous to me to throw all of them in bed together. Good for them, I guess?

My hot take: The Phantom and Raoul should have been the couple here, with Christine serving as the crucible whose function is to bring the two of them together.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. I was not compensated in any way for this review and all opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a note, this review is based on an ARC from NetGalley. It is also a spoiler-free review.

Rebecca F. Kenney’s latest addition to the Gilded Monsters series, Cruel Angel, takes on Phantom of the Opera and gives it Kenney’s classic twist of the supernatural, action, adventure, and more than a little spice. Christine Daae, an aspiring singer in Nashville, Tennessee, is haunted by the deaths of her parents. The only peace she finds for herself is in music, singing to herself backstage at the New Orpheum Theatre. It’s during one of these times where Christine first encounters the Phantom, her Angel and protector. At the same time, Christine also comes back in contact with her childhood friend, Raoul, and the three of them proceed to change one another’s lives in the most explosive way possible.

Setting the novel in modern times – and in Nashville – helps ground the story and create a reality for the characters many people may know from the various versions of Phantom of the Opera that is new and fresh. Creating a love triangle that becomes a relationship between Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom, was one of the highlights of the book as the trio’s relationship makes so much sense that I couldn’t imagine any other outcome. Together, the characters compliment each other better than they ever could in any other combination. While I often wondered why Christine had to choose in the first place, this book cemented the idea that being with both the Phantom and Raoul was the best option.

With twists and turns that capture and keep the reader’s attention until the very end, Cruel Angel is a book that can’t be missed. I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of the original novel-or any interpretation of the source material, especially if they like their books with a supernatural touch – check this book out.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Honestly deserves 10 stars!)

I wish I could give this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera 10 stars—it was absolutely magnificent! Rebecca F. Kenney is a phenomenal writer, and what she has done with this classic tale is something I won’t soon forget.

The Phantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorite classic novels. I’ve read many twisted retellings over the years, but this one felt completely fresh and original with its MMF why-choose spin. Deliciously dark, steamy, and primal, the chemistry crackles—from the intense one-on-one encounters to the full trio dynamic.

Here, the Phantom masterfully orchestrates a sensual love triangle between a werewolf Raoul and a vampire Christine, and together they create beautiful music—both in and out of the bedroom. The pacing is steady, the storytelling is excellent, and the atmosphere is rich and immersive. Kenney does an amazing job bringing the old theater to life, along with a compelling cast of characters, including the eerie ghosts bound to the god of death—the Phantom himself.

I don’t want to give too much away since the book doesn’t go live until April 2026, but I will say this:
If you’ve ever had a thing for the Phantom and the handsome Raoul and wondered why you couldn’t have both… this book answers that question. If the classic made your heart race and your toes curl, this version will absolutely set your panties on fire.

When people ask me from now on if I’ve read any good twisted classics lately, Cruel Angel will be one of my first recommendations. It’s an unforgettable story with complex main characters and some truly fantastic secondary ones as well. 😉❤️

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca F. Kenney for the pleasure of reviewing this amazing book! 💋

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Angel is dark paranormal romance at its finest. Rebecca Kenney delivers a captivating twist on the Phantom of the Opera that plunges readers into a twisted steamy world of monsters set in Nashville’s music and theatre scene. The writing is captivating and draws you into the depths of its morally gray characters and their intricate relationships. As a Nashville native, the setting adds an enchanting and familiar atmosphere to the story which I really enjoy. Despite being a retelling of a classic story, it still feels fresh and new in a way that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next.

The familiar characters of Raoul, Christine, and the enigmatic Phantom are layered and complex making it easy to become emotionally invested. Instead of having a clear hero and villain, each character has their own moral battles and backstory that adds weight to their choices. I particularly appreciate the multiple viewpoints, which provides deeper insight into their motivations and struggles and helps to make the ending far more meaningful.

The spice in this book is off the charts. The trio are electric together and the love scenes are just the right level of naughty but also have emotional depth making it feel like a true love story. This is definitely an adult story and I would enjoy it away from the prying eyes of anyone under 18.

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours because it is such a page-turner. Kenney has created a sexy haunting tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. For me, this book hit all the marks that I want from a dark spicy paranormal romance and earns it an easy 5 stars. Cruel Angel is an absolute must-read for fans of the genre.

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “Cruel Angel” by Rebecca Kenney

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

A Dancer with a Supernatural Secret..
A Poet torn between Duty & Desire..
The Masked Death God that ties them together..
The musical tale you know...
Reimagined with triple the symphony!

From the author of the “Wicked Darlings” series and “Beloved Villains” series comes the fourth installment in the "Gilded Monsters” series by Rebecca Kenney that's a Paranormal Romance reimagining of “The Phantom of the Opera”! This exciting read not only delivers a unique reimagining of the story you love, but also expands upon the societal structures and lore of Kenney’s Dark Paranormal universe. Christine, Raol, and Erik are each given a spotlight into their own individual character arcs , development, and conflicts while also playing off of each other in their chemistry, gradually learning to better communicate their needs to each other with every chapter. Even legendary supporting characters that were originally featured in the classic Gaston Leroux update get some ingenious new updates..with a twist! Curious to dive back in Kenney's universe and embrace this spicy, “phan-tastic” symphony? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits shelves on April 14, 2026!

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Tropes: Paranormal Romance, Southern-Gothic Romance, Reimagining, Why-Choose, MMF Romance, Dancer FMC × Poet MMC × Masked Death God MMC, Vampires, Werewolves & Shifters, Forbidden Romance, Musical Production Subplot, and Secret Societies & Cults.

Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Cults and Religious Trauma, Discussions and Depictions of Abusive Family Members, Sibling Conflict (Sister/Brother), Deaths of Family Members (Off-Page, Historical), Gruesome Injuries, Prejudice & Classism, Relationship Anxiety, and Existentialism.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing that matters is the power you possess to stir a soul, to move emotions, to alter the course of a heart. Music can do that. You can do that. I know you can, because you’ve done it for me. I am resurrected every time I hear you sing.
~
Listen, I know that’s a long quote, but Rebecca’s prose in this book was extra beautiful, and I couldn’t get that whole line out of my head. Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom have my heart. I went absolutely feral when I found out that this was the next take in the Gilded Monsters, and it was masterfully done, keeping homage and nods to The Phantom of the Opera while truly making these characters their own. The emotional journey that all three of the main characters went on was raw and emotional and beautifully healing. And I don’t know why, but I did NOT expect the Phantom to be who he was, and it really got me flipping the pages faster early on. The half truths that lead up to the reveals had me rereading sentences and paragraphs, in the best way! The spice? Immaculate and fiery, as always, trust me on this one. And it happens in HIS LAIR! The Nashville setting as the City of Music and music truly being how the three of them healed in their own ways is such a tribute to how music and artistry impact lives every day. This was truly the perfect conclusion to the series, for now, and I’m tearing up as I write this because I don’t want to say goodbye to this world, nor do I want to say goodbye to the threesome of misfits who have finally found their happy ending so soon. I will never stop recommending these. Bravo, Rebecca. Curtain call?