Monster romance is a subgenre that has seemingly dominated literature for decades. A majority of us probably first dipped our toes in with Twilight, or one of the several lesser-known novels it inspired. As we grow, our tastes and brains change, but we still find ourselves drawn to monstrous love. Be it a dark romance or something lighthearted, we cannot help but love our monsters. Below you will find some of our favorite monster love interests. While humans might be a focal point, it is their lovers that capture our attention.
Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett
Ashley Bennett’s Tentacles & Triathlons is the second novel in their Leviathan Fitness series. This novel details the relationship between Parks Department supervisor Reece Rollins and sea monster, Cyrus. As they learn to put aside their differences and to love each other, you cannot help but swoon at the sweet nature of Cyrus. Seemingly the last of his kind, Cyrus is a love interest who leaves you giddy.
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
Perhaps one of the most well-known novels on this list, Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians, is about a woman being abducted and stranded on a cold, harsh planet. A steamy entry into a genre mostly sought after for its spice, Dixon writes a complicated relationship between a human and a monstrous alien just trying to survive. Vektal is perhaps one of the monster lovers with the most pride, but he remains a favorite well after you set the book down.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
An unlikely alliance between a vampyre bride and a werewolf turns into a love story that leaves you wanting more. Misery Lark and Lowe Moreland are forced into an arranged marriage to maintain the peace between their species. Writing on forbidden love and politics, Ali Hazelwood creates a story of two swoon-worthy monsters. Misery Lark is a sensitive, sarcastic outcast who you cannot help but love and root for. Lowe Moreland is a strong, dominant alpha who matches Misery in wit and compassion. Both characters help to weave an incredible story, becoming favorites in their own right.
The Demon’s Mate by Delaney Rain
Max Tate is the host of a paranormal investigation show on a network dedicated to all things unknown and unexplainable. He has also sworn off relationships, demon or otherwise. Enter Demonologist Sal Dukes and a haunted hotel in Arizona. Sal Dukes is as charming as he is seductive. Patient for a demon, he is one of the best love interests of the genre. Sal leaves you with warm-fuzzy feelings and a desire to continue reading.
Treasure for Treasure by R. Cooper
Who doesn’t love a dragon? In this dragon-centric monster romance, Zarrin is sent to live in the small coastal town of Everlasting, shadowed by a once-great dragon. Enter Joe, who refuses to cower to dragons. Their love story is as intense as it is sweet. Zarrin is a soft-hearted breath of fresh air. Gentle for a dragon, Zarrin is another favorite love interest.
Soul Eater by Lily Mayne
In her debut novel, Lily Mayne writes a story about a soul eater and his chosen human mate in a post-apocalyptic United States. Wyn the soul eater appears every three years to slaughter humans across the country. Enter the strange human tasked with killing him. A human who captures his attention immediately. Wyn is as complex as they come. He is also another entry into the compassionate monster trope. As insecure as he is enduring, Wyn will upset and intrigue you.
Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett
In her first entry into the aforementioned Leviathan Fitness series, Ashley Bennett creates a romance between a werewolf and a human. After a wedding cake catastrophe, Tegan finds herself enamored by Atlas, a gym owner. During this sickly-sweet encounter, Atlas invites her to join him and take advantage of his wedding cake-lifting services. Tegan finds herself signing up for a membership and falling straight into the arms of a handsome werewolf. Atlas is a yearner, first and foremost. He is another breath of fresh air.
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
Kimberly Lemming writes a story of a human saving a demon while in a wine-drunk stupor. Cinnamon Hotpepper is the daughter of farmers, known for maybe drinking too much and getting herself into trouble. Fallon is a demon intent on destroying the evil witch enslaving his people. Their dynamic takes them on a quirky journey that just might make them fall in love. Fallon is a demon of many faces, one of which is protective. You cannot help but fall for Fallon.
Deceived by the Gargoyles by Lillian Lark
A librarian looking to start a family finds home in the arms of gargoyles. Grace comes from a powerful witch family that she can never seem to do right by. Enter Elliot, Broderick, and Alasdair. These three love interests provide Grace with the home that she so desperately needs. They are distinct and understanding. While three love interests can be a lot, Lillian Lark balances them seamlessly. Each one becomes a favorite.
Prey for Rabbit: A Dark Monster Romance by Aiden Pierce
A darker entry into this list, Prey for Rabbit details a story of the tension between rabbit shifters and werewolves. When Ruth is chosen as an annual sacrifice to maintain a truce, she could not be more terrified. Enter silver wolf Carver. Carver’s inner wolf has done its best to remain silent, that is, until he senses Ruth. Aiden Pierce weaves a dark tale of survival and the underbelly of love. While Carver is more of a sinister monster, his character lures you in. He is also the only one who does not underestimate Ruth, which adds a nice twist.
Monsters are charming, whether we like them or not. Their intrigue is what keeps us reading well past the witching hour, as well as their ability to be tender and understanding in love. These are only a few favorite monster characters from an incredibly expansive subgenre. Be sure to check out these romances and add them to your TBR. Happy reading!
Interested in more romance? Check out more recommendations here.
Find these titles and more on our Paranormal Romance Recs list.
