What do you think?
Rate this book
Elemental World #3.5
A Very Proper Monster
Power, passion, and politics collide in an Elemental World that is ruled by the ancients.
In Victorian-era Dublin, Josephine Shaw spends long nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with the fantastic and the macabre, unaware that the suitor her father has arranged is one of the dark creatures she’s always dreamed. For Tom Dargin, courting an ailing spinster was only one duty in a long life of service to his sire. But after he meets the curious Miss Shaw, will Tom become the seducer or the seduced? Can a love fated to end in tragedy survive a looming grave?
A VERY PROPER MONSTER is an Elemental World historical novella originally published in the Beneath a Waning Moon gothic duology. This special stand-alone edition contains a bonus short story, Night in the Waking City.
Tom and Josie travel to New York City to meet with allies and publishers, but a chance encounter sends Josie into a rage, leaving Tom to look for unexpected allies in the city that never sleeps. Can a young human and an ancient vampire find his ailing mate before Josie does something she’ll regret?
In Victorian-era Dublin, Josephine Shaw spends long nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with the fantastic and the macabre, unaware that the suitor her father has arranged is one of the dark creatures she’s always dreamed. For Tom Dargin, courting an ailing spinster was only one duty in a long life of service to his sire. But after he meets the curious Miss Shaw, will Tom become the seducer or the seduced? Can a love fated to end in tragedy survive a looming grave?
A VERY PROPER MONSTER is an Elemental World historical novella originally published in the Beneath a Waning Moon gothic duology. This special stand-alone edition contains a bonus short story, Night in the Waking City.
Tom and Josie travel to New York City to meet with allies and publishers, but a chance encounter sends Josie into a rage, leaving Tom to look for unexpected allies in the city that never sleeps. Can a young human and an ancient vampire find his ailing mate before Josie does something she’ll regret?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
330 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
83 books6,306 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 22, 2017
3,5 Stars
Irish Victorian setting, a romance between a dying human heiress and Gothic author Josephine Shaw, and ex-pugilist vampire Tom Dargin. Gore-lite, quick pace and smooth writing with some clever touches of humour and some literary references to Le Fanu's Carmilla.
There's an extra bonus novelette at the end, Night in the Waking City, where Josie has a very amusing showdown with an arrogant writer.
Buddy-read with Anna :)
Read
April 3, 2017TOM AND JOSIE ARE BACK!
First off, this is absolutely a re-release. I want to make that very clear. If you have bought Beneath a Waning Moon, you already have this story. Same Tom and Josie. Same gothic romance. BUT new stuff too.
So when Grace Draven and I decided to release the BaWM stories individually (they're both part of larger series) I knew that I wanted to include something extra for readers who wanted to purchase the stand-alone edition. Also, I just really, REALLY love Tom and Josie as a couple. For real, they're one of my favorites. She's kind of odd and hilarious and yes, slightly insane. He's kind of rough around the edges and not-terribly-handsome and older.
(Though, holy cow, someone in my reader group posted a picture of this as her Tom.
and UMMMMM yes. That definitely works for Tom.)
Anyway, I really love these characters. I love their dynamic. So when I was re-releasing Monster, I decided to put in a bonus short story. And let's just say that "Night in the Waking City" is a nice long, juicy short story. Josie's gettin a little crazy. Tom's gettin a little growly. Adverbs are being abused. (Just read it, it'll make sense later.)
I think you'll really enjoy revisiting these characters and a few reader favorites might show up in NYC, too. *cough*Benzin*cough*
Hope you enjoy! And... thank you, Fiona, for that visual inspiration for Tom.
Thank you.
First off, this is absolutely a re-release. I want to make that very clear. If you have bought Beneath a Waning Moon, you already have this story. Same Tom and Josie. Same gothic romance. BUT new stuff too.
So when Grace Draven and I decided to release the BaWM stories individually (they're both part of larger series) I knew that I wanted to include something extra for readers who wanted to purchase the stand-alone edition. Also, I just really, REALLY love Tom and Josie as a couple. For real, they're one of my favorites. She's kind of odd and hilarious and yes, slightly insane. He's kind of rough around the edges and not-terribly-handsome and older.
(Though, holy cow, someone in my reader group posted a picture of this as her Tom.
and UMMMMM yes. That definitely works for Tom.)
Anyway, I really love these characters. I love their dynamic. So when I was re-releasing Monster, I decided to put in a bonus short story. And let's just say that "Night in the Waking City" is a nice long, juicy short story. Josie's gettin a little crazy. Tom's gettin a little growly. Adverbs are being abused. (Just read it, it'll make sense later.)
I think you'll really enjoy revisiting these characters and a few reader favorites might show up in NYC, too. *cough*Benzin*cough*
Hope you enjoy! And... thank you, Fiona, for that visual inspiration for Tom.
Thank you.
April 3, 2017
This was wonderfully written and I was immersed from the moment I began to the very end.
A Very Proper Monster was the first that I have read of Elizabeth Hunter, and I am sure I will now be bringing her books to the top of my TBR pile. In A Very Proper Monster, a sad, but very sweet tale, she introduces to us Tom and Josie. Everyone believes something is wrong with Josie because she never emerges from her home into society. But in truth, she is a woman with failing health. The dreaded Tuberculosis. Her father meets with Murphy, Declan, and Thomas, men with a secret of their own, and asks if one might marry his daughter. The man that steps forward is Tom. Later he finds himself curious and sees the woman he is planning to court to marry him in person. From that moment, you knew he had fallen in love. The two were a perfect match, with a heart-wrenching ending that turns around to something uplifting and happy. Elizabeth did an amazing job at pulling at our heart strings!
A Very Proper Monster was the first that I have read of Elizabeth Hunter, and I am sure I will now be bringing her books to the top of my TBR pile. In A Very Proper Monster, a sad, but very sweet tale, she introduces to us Tom and Josie. Everyone believes something is wrong with Josie because she never emerges from her home into society. But in truth, she is a woman with failing health. The dreaded Tuberculosis. Her father meets with Murphy, Declan, and Thomas, men with a secret of their own, and asks if one might marry his daughter. The man that steps forward is Tom. Later he finds himself curious and sees the woman he is planning to court to marry him in person. From that moment, you knew he had fallen in love. The two were a perfect match, with a heart-wrenching ending that turns around to something uplifting and happy. Elizabeth did an amazing job at pulling at our heart strings!
April 3, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can not say enough how much I love this author's writing. Every character that she creates weaves its way through the holes in the wall around my heart and implants themselves inside it. Tom and Josie are no different. I had read the first part of this book before when it was together with another book, but the additional short story is priceless. Getting to see a couple that you have fallen in love with, years after you saw how they began, is always such a treat! And May I say that I feel that Tom only gets better with time!! The connection between these two is envious!! And secretly I have always felt that I connect with Josie, I have several nuts loose and would love to be lost in the stories that live inside my head!! Also, I don't really get along with others in society most of the time! LOL The little adventure that she and Tom have in NY made me laugh so much. I am always thankful when I get to see characters from past books brought together with the current story. Tenzin and Josie made a fabulous team! Oh boy, I think I would read an entire series on the shenanigans that these two could get up to alone! I can imagine the adventures! I love how they dealt with that arrogant author together. Josie's mind may not be all there as she struggles to control her mind in immortality, but the freedom that it brings her seems enticing to Tenzin. She is drawn to it I think, because even though Tenzin is always in control of herself, she is much like Josie in her free thinking, their minds don't work like most but they are similar to each other in a way. I hope that maybe we see Josie and Tom pop up in the future Ben and Tenzin books. I think they would make a fantastical alliance!
All in all a 5 star read :)
I can not say enough how much I love this author's writing. Every character that she creates weaves its way through the holes in the wall around my heart and implants themselves inside it. Tom and Josie are no different. I had read the first part of this book before when it was together with another book, but the additional short story is priceless. Getting to see a couple that you have fallen in love with, years after you saw how they began, is always such a treat! And May I say that I feel that Tom only gets better with time!! The connection between these two is envious!! And secretly I have always felt that I connect with Josie, I have several nuts loose and would love to be lost in the stories that live inside my head!! Also, I don't really get along with others in society most of the time! LOL The little adventure that she and Tom have in NY made me laugh so much. I am always thankful when I get to see characters from past books brought together with the current story. Tenzin and Josie made a fabulous team! Oh boy, I think I would read an entire series on the shenanigans that these two could get up to alone! I can imagine the adventures! I love how they dealt with that arrogant author together. Josie's mind may not be all there as she struggles to control her mind in immortality, but the freedom that it brings her seems enticing to Tenzin. She is drawn to it I think, because even though Tenzin is always in control of herself, she is much like Josie in her free thinking, their minds don't work like most but they are similar to each other in a way. I hope that maybe we see Josie and Tom pop up in the future Ben and Tenzin books. I think they would make a fantastical alliance!
All in all a 5 star read :)
March 31, 2017
Okay. For all of you Elizabeth Hunter fans, I know what great characters Giovanni & Malachi are. Two of the best men ever written. Right? Those two are a given. But for me, two that have always been really close seconds, are Damien and Patrick Murphy. I now have a third one to add to that mix. Tom.......sigh.... I loved Tom and Josie's story when A Very Proper Monster first came out. For some reason, these two characters get me in the feels. It's probably because they're not typically "pretty" characters, and they're both a little weird. I'm a fan of weird. I'm a fan of normal looking people. I am a fan of Tom's because he's an older guy. And I'm a huge fan, because these two love each other so much. Not that all Ms. Hunter's characters don't love the hell out of each other, but Tom and Josie love each other so much, when no one else probably would have. I love that it started out as kind of a "planned" marriage, but then turned into a very 'proper' one. Their story is always worth reading again. You need to buy this book because of the beautiful story. You need to buy this book because of the beautiful cover art, and you need to buy this book for the bonus at the end. More Tom and Josie!! With cameos from three of your favorite characters from previous books! I don't want to write a spoiler, but let me leave you with this: I would love to see a relationship develop between Josie and Tenzin, and I want more Tom and Josie! BUY THIS BOOK!
September 10, 2017
A short gothic romance that i just fell in love with. I will definitely be checking out more of Elizabeth Hunters work.
Lately i've been feeling this strong pull towards historical fiction and the 18th + 19th Century which i think may be because i'm currently studying it for uni. So im looking for any good recommendations in that genre preferably with a fantasy or paranormal element.
Lately i've been feeling this strong pull towards historical fiction and the 18th + 19th Century which i think may be because i'm currently studying it for uni. So im looking for any good recommendations in that genre preferably with a fantasy or paranormal element.
April 25, 2020
Great novella! I loved Tom and Josie and how much Tom LOVED Josie so much! Totally teared up on those parts. I was super close to giving this book a 4 star only because of how much Anne and Patrick were in it and I hated seeing how cute they were together before their separation because it just made their HEA after their separation in their own book pointless. Like they're so happy together again, but this just shows they were before too, so how do I know Patrick won't do that to Anne all over again if they ever separate for any reason, again?
BUT, Ben and Tenzin appeared for the extra story and this book automatically went back up to a 5 star because their amazing-ness erased dumb Patrick and Anne out of my head, and of course Tom and Josie only got cuter and cuter. Now onto Lucien's story!
*
Anne shook her head. “Good heavens, you two really are perfect for each other. Who would have guessed?”
“Me,” Josie said with a sweet smile. “I knew we’d get on the first night he called on me.”
Tom smiled and went back to his paper. Sweet butterfly girl…
“Oh?” Anne asked. “Why’s that?”
“It was obvious,” Josie said. “He brought me a book.”
*
Love Tom❤
BUT, Ben and Tenzin appeared for the extra story and this book automatically went back up to a 5 star because their amazing-ness erased dumb Patrick and Anne out of my head, and of course Tom and Josie only got cuter and cuter. Now onto Lucien's story!
*
Anne shook her head. “Good heavens, you two really are perfect for each other. Who would have guessed?”
“Me,” Josie said with a sweet smile. “I knew we’d get on the first night he called on me.”
Tom smiled and went back to his paper. Sweet butterfly girl…
“Oh?” Anne asked. “Why’s that?”
“It was obvious,” Josie said. “He brought me a book.”
*
Love Tom❤
June 16, 2024
In the first story, I loved finding out how Tom and Josie first met and fell in love. They are a perfect balance for each other. Seeing some early days of Patrick and Anne was nice too. In the second story, we get a fun short glimpse of Tom and Josie in the present; they are still going strong. And we also get to see some Ben and Tenzin too; so much fun! ;-)
March 31, 2017
A lovely story.
I had read the main story quite awhile ago, but from a library and loved it. I even checked it out several times to reread it. But I am glad I bought this version as the add on story was just delightful.
I had read the main story quite awhile ago, but from a library and loved it. I even checked it out several times to reread it. But I am glad I bought this version as the add on story was just delightful.
September 28, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I have been very happy this week because I am diving back into the Elemental World (with its many spin offs) created by Ms. Hunter after I realized that I had missed a few of the books in the various series. For those readers that are not familiar with this World, Ms. Hunter has created an all encompassing World where all of the characters - while there might be different and completely unrelated plots - are still part of the World and everyone all over the globe it seems is either related by family (by choice or blood) or knows others who know others. It really is a WONDERFUL World.
This one takes us back and tells the story about the Murphy clan - Patrick Murphy and his two children that areacting as his "brothers" for Society purposes. They are looking into acquiring a shipping business from a Mr. Shaw. This starts in the 1800's (I think) and Patrick Murphy has not yet become the head of the clan in Ireland.
We then meet the Shaw's. The father is very sick and declining rapidly and so is his daughter. She has consumption - or tuberculosis - as it is now known. She doesn't have long to live and the father wants to make sure that after he passes that she will be taken care of and not have someone (her evil cousin) be able to take away her inherited business or her fortune.
It really is a great story. I do not remember Tom from the series beforehand (he is the male lead) and I LOVED watching their love develop and I have to say there were a couple of times I wanted to bang Patrick Murphy's head into a wall.
I did find one typo (at least I think it was) and it had to do with the time and year given for the Epilogue. Granted, this book has been in my library for many years so I'm sure it is fixed in the current formats, but it did make me spend way too much time trying to figure out how the timing worked :)
I have been very happy this week because I am diving back into the Elemental World (with its many spin offs) created by Ms. Hunter after I realized that I had missed a few of the books in the various series. For those readers that are not familiar with this World, Ms. Hunter has created an all encompassing World where all of the characters - while there might be different and completely unrelated plots - are still part of the World and everyone all over the globe it seems is either related by family (by choice or blood) or knows others who know others. It really is a WONDERFUL World.
This one takes us back and tells the story about the Murphy clan - Patrick Murphy and his two children that areacting as his "brothers" for Society purposes. They are looking into acquiring a shipping business from a Mr. Shaw. This starts in the 1800's (I think) and Patrick Murphy has not yet become the head of the clan in Ireland.
We then meet the Shaw's. The father is very sick and declining rapidly and so is his daughter. She has consumption - or tuberculosis - as it is now known. She doesn't have long to live and the father wants to make sure that after he passes that she will be taken care of and not have someone (her evil cousin) be able to take away her inherited business or her fortune.
It really is a great story. I do not remember Tom from the series beforehand (he is the male lead) and I LOVED watching their love develop and I have to say there were a couple of times I wanted to bang Patrick Murphy's head into a wall.
I did find one typo (at least I think it was) and it had to do with the time and year given for the Epilogue. Granted, this book has been in my library for many years so I'm sure it is fixed in the current formats, but it did make me spend way too much time trying to figure out how the timing worked :)
April 4, 2017
A Very Proper Monster is a re-release of Beneath a Waining Moon with the addition of the short story Night in the Waking City.
In A Very Proper Monster Josie and Tom start their relationship by agreeing to a marriage of convenience to save her ailing father's company. They are an unlikely pair: Tom is brutish and built like a brick wall, Josie is whimsical and slender as a reed, but it's instant attraction. They both have a secret. Josie's secret is that she writes gothic romances under a pen name but Toms secret is a little more dangerous. Their love for each other deepens until Josie's failing health forces Tom to make a decision that will change both of their lives forever. Beneath a Waining Moon continues Josie and Tom's story in modern day New York and features Elemental World favorites Ben and Tenzin!
Hunter's writing is fantastic as always. Her style in the novella mimics the Gothic romances Josie writes and switches back to a more contemporary feel in the short story. It's been a little while since I've been in the Elemental World and this was a lovely reminder of why I loved it so much!
In A Very Proper Monster Josie and Tom start their relationship by agreeing to a marriage of convenience to save her ailing father's company. They are an unlikely pair: Tom is brutish and built like a brick wall, Josie is whimsical and slender as a reed, but it's instant attraction. They both have a secret. Josie's secret is that she writes gothic romances under a pen name but Toms secret is a little more dangerous. Their love for each other deepens until Josie's failing health forces Tom to make a decision that will change both of their lives forever. Beneath a Waining Moon continues Josie and Tom's story in modern day New York and features Elemental World favorites Ben and Tenzin!
Hunter's writing is fantastic as always. Her style in the novella mimics the Gothic romances Josie writes and switches back to a more contemporary feel in the short story. It's been a little while since I've been in the Elemental World and this was a lovely reminder of why I loved it so much!
March 31, 2017
I loved getting to know Tom and Josie's story.. From the very beginning I knew they were perfect for each other. They balance each other perfectly. Where Tom is so serious, Josie is so unexpectedly freespirited..she captivates him the way Elizabeth Hunter captivates us with her amazing books. He loves her stories and her imagination and it's that imagination and that desire for life that leads to her being such a delightful new vampire. I look forward to more from Tom and Josie and definitely more from Elizabeth Hunter! Then there is the added bonus of Night in a Waking City short story.. Oh my gosh I loved it!! I laughed so hard when Josie and Tenzin were giving the writer advice..they are perfect as friends.. both a little different but so much fun!! Hope to hear more from this new friendship. Oh and loved Toms advice to Ben!
March 30, 2017
A lovely couple
That's a lovely couple of vampires AND a lovely couple of stories about them. Tom Dargin is Patrick Murphy's right-hand man who falls in love with the gentle gothic novelist Josie. Unfortunately Josie is extremely ill in a time before modern medicine. A beautiful story of when opposites attract.
The original tale is now joined by a new one. Josie and Tom are visiting New York in the modern day, where they make new friends. We learn some more background info on the O'Brien clan, and Tom gives Ben something important to think about.
That's a lovely couple of vampires AND a lovely couple of stories about them. Tom Dargin is Patrick Murphy's right-hand man who falls in love with the gentle gothic novelist Josie. Unfortunately Josie is extremely ill in a time before modern medicine. A beautiful story of when opposites attract.
The original tale is now joined by a new one. Josie and Tom are visiting New York in the modern day, where they make new friends. We learn some more background info on the O'Brien clan, and Tom gives Ben something important to think about.
November 6, 2025
Fantastically CHEEKY!!!!!
This was such a refreshing and fun read. Tom and Josie are a magical pair. I can only hope we get more glimpses of the steadfast Tom and the whimsical Josie in future books. Absolutely loved this book! It was so worth the accumulated sleep debt. 😆
This was such a refreshing and fun read. Tom and Josie are a magical pair. I can only hope we get more glimpses of the steadfast Tom and the whimsical Josie in future books. Absolutely loved this book! It was so worth the accumulated sleep debt. 😆
February 21, 2018
That was devastating. And achingly romantic.
Also, I thought I couldn't hate Patrick Murphy more than I already did. Turns out I could. He's a complete and utter bastard.
Also, I thought I couldn't hate Patrick Murphy more than I already did. Turns out I could. He's a complete and utter bastard.
August 19, 2020
I never thought Josie and Tom would become my favourite couple of their series but they are just so sweet together, a gothic writer and her very proper monster
September 3, 2021
Elemental World #3.5 & 4.5
This book contains an Elemental World short story by Elizabeth Hunter. It is the story of Tom, Murphy's right-hand man & his lady love Josephine, entitled, "A Very Proper Monster" (Elemental World #3.5). As always, Ms. Hunter has done a superb job in adding to this most excellent series!
The second story in this book, "Night in the Waking City" (Elemental World #4.5) is a more recent look into the lives of Tom and Josie, which ends up requiring a little help from Brigid, Carwyn, Ben and Tenzin. Even though I already owned "A Very Proper Monster" in the "Beneath a Waning Moon" Anthology, it was well worth buying it again just for this added story. Enjoy!
Elemental Universe books in my preferred reading order:
1. A Hidden Fire – Elemental Mysteries #1 – Giovanni (Gio) Vecchio and Beatrice (B) De Novo
2. This Same Earth – Elemental Mysteries #2 – Giovanni and Beatrice
3. The Force of Wind – Elemental Mysteries #3 – Giovanni and Beatrice
4. A Fall of Water – Elemental Mysteries #4 – Giovanni and Beatrice
5. Building From Ashes – Elemental World #1 – Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid Connor
6. A Not-so-Special Night found in The Stars Afire anthology - Elemental Mysteries #4.1 – Ben, Giovanni, Beatrice and Tenzin
7. Waterlocked – Elemental World #1.5 – Terrence (Terry) Ramsey and Gemma Melcombe
8. Blood and Sand – Elemental World #2 – Baojia and Natalie Ellis
9. Merry Christmas Tenzin found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.2 – Ben, Tenzin, Giovanni and Beatrice
10. The Bronze Blade – Elemental World #2.5 – Tenzin
11. All the Stars Look Down (Anthology) Lost Letters and Christmas Lights can also be found in The Stars Afire – Elemental Mysteries #4.5 – Giovanni and Beatrice as well as, Zeno Ferrera and Serafina (Fina) Rossi
12. A Very Proper Monster also found in the Anthology Beneath a Waning Moon – Elemental World #3.5 - Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw
13. The Scarlet Deep – Elemental World #3 – Patrick Murphy and Anne O’Dea
14. Shadows and Gold – Elemental Legacy #0.25 – Tenzin and Benjamin (Ben) Vecchio
15. Imitation and Alchemy – Elemental Legacy #0.5 – Tenzin and Ben
16. A Stone-Kissed Sea – Elemental World #4 – Lucien Thrax and Dr. Makeda Abel
17. Omens and Artifacts – Elemental Legacy #0.75 – Tenzin and Ben
18. Night in the Waking City, found in “A Very Proper Monster” – Elemental World #4.5 – Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw with a little help from Tenzin and Ben
19. Midnight Labyrinth – Elemental Legacy #1 – Tenzin and Ben
20. Finding Richard found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.6 – Giovanni, Beatrice, Ben, Tenzin, Gavin and Chloe
21. Desires of the Heart found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.7 – Giovanni & Beatrice
22. Blood Apprentice – Elemental Legacy #2 – Tenzin and Ben
23. The Devil and the Dancer – Elemental Legacy #2.5 – Gavin Wallace and Chloe Reardon
24. Night's Reckoning – Elemental Legacy #3 – Tenzin and Ben
25. Valley of the Shadow – Elemental World #4.5 – Baojia and Natalie
26. Dawn Caravan – Elemental Legacy #4 – Tenzin and Ben
27. Saint's Passage – Elemental Covenant #1 – Carwyn and Brigid
28. The Bone Scroll – Elemental Legacy #5 – Tenzin and Ben
29. Martyr's Promise – Elemental Covenant #2 – Carwyn and Brigid
30. More to come…
Read:
December 26, 2015 - Kindle Edition of Beneath a Waning Moon
March 25, 2016 - Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
February 5, 2017 - Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
December 31, 2017 – Kindle Edition
January 2, 2018 – Kindle Edition
March 28-April 1, 2019 – Audible Audiobook
September 3, 2021 – Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
This book contains an Elemental World short story by Elizabeth Hunter. It is the story of Tom, Murphy's right-hand man & his lady love Josephine, entitled, "A Very Proper Monster" (Elemental World #3.5). As always, Ms. Hunter has done a superb job in adding to this most excellent series!
The second story in this book, "Night in the Waking City" (Elemental World #4.5) is a more recent look into the lives of Tom and Josie, which ends up requiring a little help from Brigid, Carwyn, Ben and Tenzin. Even though I already owned "A Very Proper Monster" in the "Beneath a Waning Moon" Anthology, it was well worth buying it again just for this added story. Enjoy!
Elemental Universe books in my preferred reading order:
1. A Hidden Fire – Elemental Mysteries #1 – Giovanni (Gio) Vecchio and Beatrice (B) De Novo
2. This Same Earth – Elemental Mysteries #2 – Giovanni and Beatrice
3. The Force of Wind – Elemental Mysteries #3 – Giovanni and Beatrice
4. A Fall of Water – Elemental Mysteries #4 – Giovanni and Beatrice
5. Building From Ashes – Elemental World #1 – Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid Connor
6. A Not-so-Special Night found in The Stars Afire anthology - Elemental Mysteries #4.1 – Ben, Giovanni, Beatrice and Tenzin
7. Waterlocked – Elemental World #1.5 – Terrence (Terry) Ramsey and Gemma Melcombe
8. Blood and Sand – Elemental World #2 – Baojia and Natalie Ellis
9. Merry Christmas Tenzin found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.2 – Ben, Tenzin, Giovanni and Beatrice
10. The Bronze Blade – Elemental World #2.5 – Tenzin
11. All the Stars Look Down (Anthology) Lost Letters and Christmas Lights can also be found in The Stars Afire – Elemental Mysteries #4.5 – Giovanni and Beatrice as well as, Zeno Ferrera and Serafina (Fina) Rossi
12. A Very Proper Monster also found in the Anthology Beneath a Waning Moon – Elemental World #3.5 - Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw
13. The Scarlet Deep – Elemental World #3 – Patrick Murphy and Anne O’Dea
14. Shadows and Gold – Elemental Legacy #0.25 – Tenzin and Benjamin (Ben) Vecchio
15. Imitation and Alchemy – Elemental Legacy #0.5 – Tenzin and Ben
16. A Stone-Kissed Sea – Elemental World #4 – Lucien Thrax and Dr. Makeda Abel
17. Omens and Artifacts – Elemental Legacy #0.75 – Tenzin and Ben
18. Night in the Waking City, found in “A Very Proper Monster” – Elemental World #4.5 – Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw with a little help from Tenzin and Ben
19. Midnight Labyrinth – Elemental Legacy #1 – Tenzin and Ben
20. Finding Richard found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.6 – Giovanni, Beatrice, Ben, Tenzin, Gavin and Chloe
21. Desires of the Heart found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.7 – Giovanni & Beatrice
22. Blood Apprentice – Elemental Legacy #2 – Tenzin and Ben
23. The Devil and the Dancer – Elemental Legacy #2.5 – Gavin Wallace and Chloe Reardon
24. Night's Reckoning – Elemental Legacy #3 – Tenzin and Ben
25. Valley of the Shadow – Elemental World #4.5 – Baojia and Natalie
26. Dawn Caravan – Elemental Legacy #4 – Tenzin and Ben
27. Saint's Passage – Elemental Covenant #1 – Carwyn and Brigid
28. The Bone Scroll – Elemental Legacy #5 – Tenzin and Ben
29. Martyr's Promise – Elemental Covenant #2 – Carwyn and Brigid
30. More to come…
Read:
December 26, 2015 - Kindle Edition of Beneath a Waning Moon
March 25, 2016 - Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
February 5, 2017 - Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
December 31, 2017 – Kindle Edition
January 2, 2018 – Kindle Edition
March 28-April 1, 2019 – Audible Audiobook
September 3, 2021 – Audible Audiobook of Beneath a Waning Moon
May 26, 2017
A Very Proper Monster:
Having been a fan of Hunter’s work in the past, I couldn’t resist getting to read the next novella in the vampire series. I do have to say that while the fully length novels are great, Hunter’s novellas are also equally great. It takes extreme skill from an author to be able to write an action packed story into a novella size. And that is something that Hunter has been able to pull off quite well.
I loved the characters and the way I could see and feel how they all interact with each other. No matter how small of a role a character had, they were given a completely different voice than the others. Tom and Josephine’s relationship was one that amused me because of how it was very typical for that time frame, yet at the same time it was great to see how they came to care about each other – and eventually love each other.
Once again Hunter has crafted an amazing story that even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series in the past, I would say that this will give you a great tease and make you want to read more. I couldn’t get enough of this story and I can’t wait for the next one to be released!
Night in the Waking City:
I have to admit, I was really excited about this story because I did love Tom and Josie’s story before I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book is how we learn more about Josie’s “differences” between her and “normal” vampires. I liked that part because it showed that not all vampires are alike. Tom’s character shows that as well because he’s very down to earth.
I really liked that we got to see Tenzin and Ben again. I have to admit – there was a part in the story where I wanted to reach through my kindle and smack Ben, but Tom put him in his place very quickly. Tenzin was just – Tenzin. I loved that we got to see more of her playful side in this book. And the friendship that bloomed between her and Josie are what made this book for me.
Overall – I thought that the addition of this story to A Very Proper Monster was a great treat and totally worth the re-purchase on my part!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
Having been a fan of Hunter’s work in the past, I couldn’t resist getting to read the next novella in the vampire series. I do have to say that while the fully length novels are great, Hunter’s novellas are also equally great. It takes extreme skill from an author to be able to write an action packed story into a novella size. And that is something that Hunter has been able to pull off quite well.
I loved the characters and the way I could see and feel how they all interact with each other. No matter how small of a role a character had, they were given a completely different voice than the others. Tom and Josephine’s relationship was one that amused me because of how it was very typical for that time frame, yet at the same time it was great to see how they came to care about each other – and eventually love each other.
Once again Hunter has crafted an amazing story that even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series in the past, I would say that this will give you a great tease and make you want to read more. I couldn’t get enough of this story and I can’t wait for the next one to be released!
Night in the Waking City:
I have to admit, I was really excited about this story because I did love Tom and Josie’s story before I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book is how we learn more about Josie’s “differences” between her and “normal” vampires. I liked that part because it showed that not all vampires are alike. Tom’s character shows that as well because he’s very down to earth.
I really liked that we got to see Tenzin and Ben again. I have to admit – there was a part in the story where I wanted to reach through my kindle and smack Ben, but Tom put him in his place very quickly. Tenzin was just – Tenzin. I loved that we got to see more of her playful side in this book. And the friendship that bloomed between her and Josie are what made this book for me.
Overall – I thought that the addition of this story to A Very Proper Monster was a great treat and totally worth the re-purchase on my part!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
March 27, 2024
This novella picks up after "The Scarlet Deep," offering deeper insight into the dynamics between Patrick Murphy, Anne, Tom Dargin, Josie, and Declan. While Murphy's relationships are well-defined, minus Josie, this story reveals how Josie integrates into their circle and copes in the years that follow. The characters are particularly engaging as they navigate their youth and strive to find their place.
In this paranormal romance set in the Elemental Mysteries universe, Elizabeth Hunter, a USA Today bestselling author, weaves a tale of gothic intrigue.
During the Victorian era in Dublin, Josephine Shaw dedicates her nights to crafting gothic tales filled with the fantastical and the grotesque, oblivious to the fact that her betrothed, arranged by her father, is the very creature of darkness she writes about. For Tom Dargin, wooing a sickly spinster is merely a commitment in his extensive service to his master. Yet, upon encountering the enigmatic Miss Shaw, it's uncertain whether Tom will be the charmer or the charmed. Is their doomed love strong enough to defy the shadow of death?
"A Very Proper Monster" is an Elemental World historical novella, initially released in the "Beneath a Waning Moon" gothic collection. This exclusive standalone version includes an additional short story, "Night in the Waking City."
As Tom and Josie venture to New York City to forge alliances and engage with publishers, a random meeting plunges Josie into fury, prompting Tom to seek unlikely friends in the sleepless city. Amidst the urban chaos, can a mortal and a timeless vampire rescue his sick companion before Josie's wrath leads to regret?
The stories provoked laughter, tears, smiles, and even direct conversation. It was a delightful read, and while both narratives were enjoyable, the unexpected glimpse into Tenzin and Ben's independent journey was a particularly gratifying surprise.
In this paranormal romance set in the Elemental Mysteries universe, Elizabeth Hunter, a USA Today bestselling author, weaves a tale of gothic intrigue.
During the Victorian era in Dublin, Josephine Shaw dedicates her nights to crafting gothic tales filled with the fantastical and the grotesque, oblivious to the fact that her betrothed, arranged by her father, is the very creature of darkness she writes about. For Tom Dargin, wooing a sickly spinster is merely a commitment in his extensive service to his master. Yet, upon encountering the enigmatic Miss Shaw, it's uncertain whether Tom will be the charmer or the charmed. Is their doomed love strong enough to defy the shadow of death?
"A Very Proper Monster" is an Elemental World historical novella, initially released in the "Beneath a Waning Moon" gothic collection. This exclusive standalone version includes an additional short story, "Night in the Waking City."
As Tom and Josie venture to New York City to forge alliances and engage with publishers, a random meeting plunges Josie into fury, prompting Tom to seek unlikely friends in the sleepless city. Amidst the urban chaos, can a mortal and a timeless vampire rescue his sick companion before Josie's wrath leads to regret?
The stories provoked laughter, tears, smiles, and even direct conversation. It was a delightful read, and while both narratives were enjoyable, the unexpected glimpse into Tenzin and Ben's independent journey was a particularly gratifying surprise.
June 23, 2017
I have written and erased this review multiple times; not because I disliked anything about the book, but because I loved it so much, words are escaping me.
Elizabeth Hunter takes beloved characters from her other books and gives them their own novella, opening the door to the lives of Tom and Josie, a couple who shouldn't be a couple but are some of the most interesting characters she's written about. I loved learning the background of how they met, married, and fell in love. An arranged marriage in 19th century Dublin turns into an epic love story that spans decades--how could it not be intriguing? Tom is the perfect tough guy romantic, and Josie is the whimsical Gothic writer (is that some sort of oxymoron?) who happens to have a death sentence hanging over her head. They complement each other's lives in a way neither one realizes they need.
A Very Proper Monster and Night of the Waking City are quick reads, yet Ms. Hunter's ability to fit so much into so few pages is something that always astounds me. I always feel like I've read a full-length novel when I've finished her novellas, because she so eloquently packs so much pertinent detail into them to make the storyline clear and understandable.
While it's not necessary to have read the Elemental World series to follow along with A Very Proper Monster, it helps with some of the characters in Night of the Waking City.
I look forward to the next adventure!
Elizabeth Hunter takes beloved characters from her other books and gives them their own novella, opening the door to the lives of Tom and Josie, a couple who shouldn't be a couple but are some of the most interesting characters she's written about. I loved learning the background of how they met, married, and fell in love. An arranged marriage in 19th century Dublin turns into an epic love story that spans decades--how could it not be intriguing? Tom is the perfect tough guy romantic, and Josie is the whimsical Gothic writer (is that some sort of oxymoron?) who happens to have a death sentence hanging over her head. They complement each other's lives in a way neither one realizes they need.
A Very Proper Monster and Night of the Waking City are quick reads, yet Ms. Hunter's ability to fit so much into so few pages is something that always astounds me. I always feel like I've read a full-length novel when I've finished her novellas, because she so eloquently packs so much pertinent detail into them to make the storyline clear and understandable.
While it's not necessary to have read the Elemental World series to follow along with A Very Proper Monster, it helps with some of the characters in Night of the Waking City.
I look forward to the next adventure!
November 3, 2018
This is one book in the ELEMENTAL series that you could read without reading the series, but I love the series too much not to read all of them.
Tom has been a background character in the books that include scenes in Dublin. He’s been an enforcer for the Murphy clan for years and was seen most, I think, when Bridget worked with him in the office.
Josie is a young woman with tuberculosis in the 1800’s. She writes successfully under several pen names but is dying from her disease. Her father is also ill, and in arranging his affairs decided to sell his businesses to Murphy, but as part of the deal wants one of the Murphy “brothers “ to marry his daughter. He’s concerned that a nephew might try to harm her to get her money. Tom volunteered to do it, and they ended up really loving each other.
The story is beautiful and great on it’s own, but a second story is included that is a treat. I think it’s Elizabeth’s chance to vent about other writers in a fun way. She had me laughing out loud talking about adverbs! I have to agree with her about male writers who write using women as their main characters. Loved both stories.
August 22, 2022
I'm not sure how, but I managed to miss this book completely in my first time going through the Elementalverse novellas. And that was a shame, because both it and 'Night in the Waking City' were absolute gems to read.
Josie initially gives me distinct Drusilla vibes, although she's far smarter and snarkier than Dru, and I am 100% here for it. Tom was awesome, and a classic case of still waters running deep.
Meanwhile, the overarching non-romantic plot threads are showing us exactly HOW Murphy (and Declan and Tom) became the shipping power we meet him as in Building from Ashes.
And when Josie and Tenzin meet in 'Night in the Waking City', it is every bit as delightfully shenanigan-filled as you'd expect. Although I do have to wonder which male author/s condescended to Ms Hunter enough to get immortalised as Duncan Night.
All in all, I really, really loved this instalment. The Elementalverse really is my happy place right now.
Josie initially gives me distinct Drusilla vibes, although she's far smarter and snarkier than Dru, and I am 100% here for it. Tom was awesome, and a classic case of still waters running deep.
Meanwhile, the overarching non-romantic plot threads are showing us exactly HOW Murphy (and Declan and Tom) became the shipping power we meet him as in Building from Ashes.
And when Josie and Tenzin meet in 'Night in the Waking City', it is every bit as delightfully shenanigan-filled as you'd expect. Although I do have to wonder which male author/s condescended to Ms Hunter enough to get immortalised as Duncan Night.
All in all, I really, really loved this instalment. The Elementalverse really is my happy place right now.
January 2, 2020
Patrick Murphy wants to buy the mill and boat works of their dying owner Shaw, but Shaw is worried about his only child Josephine. Jo, a popular romance writer, has been sick with consumption almost all her life and wouldn’t be able to handle the business on her own. The vultures are circling. But a marriage to one of Patrick’s brothers would solve the whole problem.
By the middle of the story I was crying my eyes out and hating Murphy. But love the way things worked out.
Footnote: 1) Included with the book is a short story ‘Night in the Waking City’. One hundred thirty years after the previous story, Josie and Tom take a trip to New York to visit her new writing agent. Very interesting look into Jo’s new vampire personality.
Fave scenes: Jo in the garden at night, Tom finding out about Jo’s writing and Murphy finally making a decision.
By the middle of the story I was crying my eyes out and hating Murphy. But love the way things worked out.
Footnote: 1) Included with the book is a short story ‘Night in the Waking City’. One hundred thirty years after the previous story, Josie and Tom take a trip to New York to visit her new writing agent. Very interesting look into Jo’s new vampire personality.
Fave scenes: Jo in the garden at night, Tom finding out about Jo’s writing and Murphy finally making a decision.
July 27, 2021
Tom and Josie are my absolute favorites, too. The short story at the end is enchanting. These characters are so rich, they are real to me, valued friends. I can’t wait to see them again and take another peek into their lives.
I must also say, what a pleasure to read an author who can conjugate the verb, “drink,” correctly. I mean that in all sincerity. I have read multiple books — released from publishers! —that still have the wrong verb tense, especially this one. Really, does “have drunk” sound correct? No, it does not! But it IS…. It really is. And to those of us who know that, it’s important that a published work utilize the correct verb tense. Also, it’s extremely annoying to be editing in my head when I should be enjoying the read. With Ms. Elizabeth Hunter, worry not. ;)
Edit:
Ahhh…. A former English teacher? Yes, that makes sense. So I can relax and enjoy the ride….
I must also say, what a pleasure to read an author who can conjugate the verb, “drink,” correctly. I mean that in all sincerity. I have read multiple books — released from publishers! —that still have the wrong verb tense, especially this one. Really, does “have drunk” sound correct? No, it does not! But it IS…. It really is. And to those of us who know that, it’s important that a published work utilize the correct verb tense. Also, it’s extremely annoying to be editing in my head when I should be enjoying the read. With Ms. Elizabeth Hunter, worry not. ;)
Edit:
Ahhh…. A former English teacher? Yes, that makes sense. So I can relax and enjoy the ride….
February 7, 2018
A short novella set in the world of her Elemental vampires, this story introduces Tom and Josie in Dublin past. Tom is a quiet enforcer on Patrick Murphy's undead staff, and Josephine is a writer of salacious gothic tales who also happens to be dying. When these two are thrust together they find an attraction right away that transcends their differences, and ultimately leads them to recognize each other as the mate they never thought they would have.
Elizabeth Hunter gives us real characters in an unreal world that we can relate to - they aren't gorgeous, perfect specimens and life isn't easy. Their heartbreak is palpable and their triumph is touching. Hunter really made this one stick.
Elizabeth Hunter gives us real characters in an unreal world that we can relate to - they aren't gorgeous, perfect specimens and life isn't easy. Their heartbreak is palpable and their triumph is touching. Hunter really made this one stick.
September 20, 2017
Seriously Good Read
Very much enjoyed this visit into Ms Hunter's Elemental World. Josie is an exciting character and I adore her ability to grab hold of life with both hands while still accepting that life itself isn't perfect. Her Tom is her perfect match and his devotion is priceless. This story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, and want to read more about this marvelous world.
Very much enjoyed this visit into Ms Hunter's Elemental World. Josie is an exciting character and I adore her ability to grab hold of life with both hands while still accepting that life itself isn't perfect. Her Tom is her perfect match and his devotion is priceless. This story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, and want to read more about this marvelous world.
April 14, 2018
Two short stories in one book
I really liked these novellas! It was awesome to catch a glimpse at the inside of Josie’s head. I’d be lying if I said I have t been intrigued by her and her story! Not only did I get a glimpse into her head, I also got to know Tom and even had a touch of the dynamic between Anne and Patrick prior to his stupidity a hundred years ago. Super satisfying!!
I really liked these novellas! It was awesome to catch a glimpse at the inside of Josie’s head. I’d be lying if I said I have t been intrigued by her and her story! Not only did I get a glimpse into her head, I also got to know Tom and even had a touch of the dynamic between Anne and Patrick prior to his stupidity a hundred years ago. Super satisfying!!
June 18, 2019
Tom & Josie
So great to get the story of this endearing couple.
Have to say I adored Josie - even as a human she was frail and ill - but she didn’t let it defeat her, she kept a hold of her dreams and embraced her different ness.
Loved that Tom came to see that even though she was bit out of her head sometimes, she was still the one for him. And she definitely keeps him on his toes.
So great to get the story of this endearing couple.
Have to say I adored Josie - even as a human she was frail and ill - but she didn’t let it defeat her, she kept a hold of her dreams and embraced her different ness.
Loved that Tom came to see that even though she was bit out of her head sometimes, she was still the one for him. And she definitely keeps him on his toes.
August 17, 2020
Different and interesting
Someone recommended this book to me. I didn't know it was about vampires, and I am not into the whole vampire genre, but this was rather interesting. There is enough wit in the dialogue to keep it light. However, the plot elements were interesting and had some tension. I wish there was a little less about the vampire aspect and more about the relationship between the H and h.
Someone recommended this book to me. I didn't know it was about vampires, and I am not into the whole vampire genre, but this was rather interesting. There is enough wit in the dialogue to keep it light. However, the plot elements were interesting and had some tension. I wish there was a little less about the vampire aspect and more about the relationship between the H and h.
November 8, 2021
I loved reading both short stories in the book.
The first story is about Tom Dargin meeting his human mate, Josie Shaw, and falling in love with her.
The second story is about Tom and Josie's visit to NY 130 years later, when Josie has one of her spells without Tom around. With Josie lost in NY, Tom calls Brigid back in Dublin asking for help from anyone she knows and trusts in NY to help find his wife. That's where Tenzin and Ben come in.
A great book!
The first story is about Tom Dargin meeting his human mate, Josie Shaw, and falling in love with her.
The second story is about Tom and Josie's visit to NY 130 years later, when Josie has one of her spells without Tom around. With Josie lost in NY, Tom calls Brigid back in Dublin asking for help from anyone she knows and trusts in NY to help find his wife. That's where Tenzin and Ben come in.
A great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews