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Monsters Within #1
Endless Anger
Sometimes the pomegranate doesn't fall far from the tree...
Asher Anderson is angry―at the world, at himself, at the way his best friend Lucy Wolfe seems determined to tune out this buzzing connection between them. He doesn't mean to solve all his problems with violence, but maybe he has too much of his father in him. That's why the faculty at Avernia College hates him, right? Because of the "evil" blood in his veins?
He should know better than to darken the old, ivy-covered university's door, but it's practically a law of the universe: wherever Lucy goes, Asher follows. Even if that means entering a twisting labyrinth of secret societies, human sacrifices, and a very personal history soaked in blood.
Lucy is used to being an outcast. She's even used to Asher being her dark, brooding shadow. What she isn't used to is him shattering her resolve by taking her up against library bookshelves as she desperately pretends her heart hasn't always been his. She should know better than to play with fire, but with unexplained deaths and pointed threats ripping apart the university's fabric, Asher and Lucy soon find themselves at the center of the turmoil…where they'll have to confront their feelings or die trying.
From USA Today bestselling author Sav R. Miller comes the first in a dazzling spin-off trilogy focusing on the children of the original Monsters & Muses: a dark and twisted contemporary romance inspired by the Greek Furies, set at an exclusive (and dangerous) university.
Asher Anderson is angry―at the world, at himself, at the way his best friend Lucy Wolfe seems determined to tune out this buzzing connection between them. He doesn't mean to solve all his problems with violence, but maybe he has too much of his father in him. That's why the faculty at Avernia College hates him, right? Because of the "evil" blood in his veins?
He should know better than to darken the old, ivy-covered university's door, but it's practically a law of the universe: wherever Lucy goes, Asher follows. Even if that means entering a twisting labyrinth of secret societies, human sacrifices, and a very personal history soaked in blood.
Lucy is used to being an outcast. She's even used to Asher being her dark, brooding shadow. What she isn't used to is him shattering her resolve by taking her up against library bookshelves as she desperately pretends her heart hasn't always been his. She should know better than to play with fire, but with unexplained deaths and pointed threats ripping apart the university's fabric, Asher and Lucy soon find themselves at the center of the turmoil…where they'll have to confront their feelings or die trying.
From USA Today bestselling author Sav R. Miller comes the first in a dazzling spin-off trilogy focusing on the children of the original Monsters & Muses: a dark and twisted contemporary romance inspired by the Greek Furies, set at an exclusive (and dangerous) university.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2025
669 people are currently reading
15078 people want to read
About the author
Sav R. Miller
24 books5,887 followersJoin my Facebook reader group for exclusive content & to learn about new projects before anyone else: https://facebook.com/groups/savrmiller
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Sav R. Miller is a USA Today bestselling author of adult romance with varying levels of darkness and steam.
In 2018, Sav put her lifelong love of reading and writing to use and graduated with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Nowadays, she spends her time giving morally gray characters their happily-ever-afters.
Currently, Sav lives in Kentucky with her dogs Lord Byron, Poe, and Arrow. She loves sitcoms, silence, and sardonic humor.
Follow me on Instagram/Facebook: @srmauthor
Or Tik Tok: @authorsavrmiller
To keep up with all things Sav, subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/p2n6z9
Sav R. Miller is a USA Today bestselling author of adult romance with varying levels of darkness and steam.
In 2018, Sav put her lifelong love of reading and writing to use and graduated with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Nowadays, she spends her time giving morally gray characters their happily-ever-afters.
Currently, Sav lives in Kentucky with her dogs Lord Byron, Poe, and Arrow. She loves sitcoms, silence, and sardonic humor.
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March 8, 2025WE HAVE A COVER AND BLURB PEOPLE, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
Sometimes the pomegranate doesn't fall far from the tree...
Asher Anderson is angry―at the world, at himself, at the way his best friend Lucy Wolfe seems determined to tune out this buzzing connection between them. He doesn't mean to solve all his problems with violence, but maybe he has too much of his father in him. That's why the faculty at Avernia College hates him, right? Because of the "evil" blood in his veins?
He should know better than to darken the old, ivy-covered university's door, but it's practically a law of the universe: wherever Lucy goes, Asher follows. Even if that means entering a twisting labyrinth of secret societies, human sacrifices, and a very personal history soaked in blood.
Lucy is used to being an outcast. She's even used to Asher being her dark, brooding shadow. What she isn't used to is him shattering her resolve by taking her up against library bookshelves as she desperately pretends her heart hasn't always been his. She should know better than to play with fire, but with unexplained deaths and pointed threats ripping apart the university's fabric, Asher and Lucy soon find themselves at the center of the turmoil…where they'll have to confront their feelings or die trying.
RELEASING AUGUST 19TH
Sometimes the pomegranate doesn't fall far from the tree...
Asher Anderson is angry―at the world, at himself, at the way his best friend Lucy Wolfe seems determined to tune out this buzzing connection between them. He doesn't mean to solve all his problems with violence, but maybe he has too much of his father in him. That's why the faculty at Avernia College hates him, right? Because of the "evil" blood in his veins?
He should know better than to darken the old, ivy-covered university's door, but it's practically a law of the universe: wherever Lucy goes, Asher follows. Even if that means entering a twisting labyrinth of secret societies, human sacrifices, and a very personal history soaked in blood.
Lucy is used to being an outcast. She's even used to Asher being her dark, brooding shadow. What she isn't used to is him shattering her resolve by taking her up against library bookshelves as she desperately pretends her heart hasn't always been his. She should know better than to play with fire, but with unexplained deaths and pointed threats ripping apart the university's fabric, Asher and Lucy soon find themselves at the center of the turmoil…where they'll have to confront their feelings or die trying.
RELEASING AUGUST 19TH
August 25, 2025
✨ Endless Anger by Sav R. Miller ✨
Monsters Within #1
3.5 stars ⭐️
Okay sooo… this was not bad at all, but I didn’t fall in love with it either 👀. It had moments where I was like “YES this is what I wanted” and then other times where I felt kinda meh and lost.
The romance? The saving grace.
Asher and Lucy were the best part hands down. Friends-to-lovers but make it dark academia, cursed bloodlines, and creepy universities?? Their chemistry was actually 🔥. Asher being completely obsessed, pathetically down bad, ride-or-die for Lucy?? Yeah, I ate that up. I’ll always love a boy who’s like “it’s her or no one”.
The setting + vibes?
The whole ivy-covered university, secret societies, creepy rituals, curses thing was soooo aesthetic 🌙🕯️… but also felt half-baked. Like, I wanted MORE. The mystery and worldbuilding didn’t feel fleshed out enough, and sometimes the plot was just messy. Lots of moments where I didn’t know what was going on, and not in a good mysterious way, more in a “wait what did I miss?” way.
Spice?
🌶️🌶️🌶️. It doesn’t hit until later but when it does—it delivers.
My main issue:
It kinda feels like you need to read the Monsters & Muses series first. I haven’t, so half the time I was confused about families, history, and why the school hated Asher’s last name so much. It made me feel like an outsider looking in instead of fully immersed. This should’ve stood stronger as a new-gen starter.
But like… Asher + Lucy? They carried. The slow-burn tension, the pining, the angst?? Yeah, I was kicking my feet.
Final thoughts:
I had fun with the romance, but the rest was just okay. Will I keep reading? Absolutely. Mostly because the parents’ series sounds even more my vibe and I’m dying for Noelle x Professor Dupont in the next book 🤭. Student x professor?? Yeah I’m already seated.
So yeah—3.5 stars. Dark, messy, kinda confusing, but with a romance that kept me hooked.
🕸️🍷 If you want obsessed MMCs, culty college vibes, and some dark twisted passion, this might be worth your time.
Monsters Within #1
3.5 stars ⭐️
Okay sooo… this was not bad at all, but I didn’t fall in love with it either 👀. It had moments where I was like “YES this is what I wanted” and then other times where I felt kinda meh and lost.
The romance? The saving grace.
Asher and Lucy were the best part hands down. Friends-to-lovers but make it dark academia, cursed bloodlines, and creepy universities?? Their chemistry was actually 🔥. Asher being completely obsessed, pathetically down bad, ride-or-die for Lucy?? Yeah, I ate that up. I’ll always love a boy who’s like “it’s her or no one”.
The setting + vibes?
The whole ivy-covered university, secret societies, creepy rituals, curses thing was soooo aesthetic 🌙🕯️… but also felt half-baked. Like, I wanted MORE. The mystery and worldbuilding didn’t feel fleshed out enough, and sometimes the plot was just messy. Lots of moments where I didn’t know what was going on, and not in a good mysterious way, more in a “wait what did I miss?” way.
Spice?
🌶️🌶️🌶️. It doesn’t hit until later but when it does—it delivers.
My main issue:
It kinda feels like you need to read the Monsters & Muses series first. I haven’t, so half the time I was confused about families, history, and why the school hated Asher’s last name so much. It made me feel like an outsider looking in instead of fully immersed. This should’ve stood stronger as a new-gen starter.
But like… Asher + Lucy? They carried. The slow-burn tension, the pining, the angst?? Yeah, I was kicking my feet.
Final thoughts:
I had fun with the romance, but the rest was just okay. Will I keep reading? Absolutely. Mostly because the parents’ series sounds even more my vibe and I’m dying for Noelle x Professor Dupont in the next book 🤭. Student x professor?? Yeah I’m already seated.
So yeah—3.5 stars. Dark, messy, kinda confusing, but with a romance that kept me hooked.
🕸️🍷 If you want obsessed MMCs, culty college vibes, and some dark twisted passion, this might be worth your time.
Want to read
July 21, 2025Never read a book by this author... but LOOK AT THIS COVER!
August 27, 2025
this was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last! that said, I was a little confused at first, mainly because I didn’t fully understand why the Anderson name was so despised or the full history behind it. I think reading the first generation (the parents' book) would’ve helped clarify that, and I would’ve enjoyed this even more.
but even with that, Asher and Lucy were everything
the slow burn between them was perfection, the tension was palpable, and the yearning? chef’s kiss 👩🏻🍳💋
also, the next book is gonna be a professor X student? count me in, I’m already hooked!
but even with that, Asher and Lucy were everything
the slow burn between them was perfection, the tension was palpable, and the yearning? chef’s kiss 👩🏻🍳💋
also, the next book is gonna be a professor X student? count me in, I’m already hooked!
August 18, 2025
3.5 ★ [rounded up]
I hadn't read any of the first gen books but I had no problem following this.
I adored both main characters. Asher is my absolute favourite type of MMC—completely obsessed, pathetically down bad, and it’s her or no one vibes. Lucy was a great FMC and the ADHD rep was done well.
The romance was my favourite part of this book. Friends-to-idiots-to-lovers filled with angst, tension, and secret pining. I would say this is medium burn—spice starts around 50% onwards, but when it happens it hits 🔥
World-building is minimal but it’s an easy and entertaining read. The plot was fine—a bit slow in the middle but had enough mystery to keep my attention.
Tropes:
✦ childhood friends to lovers
✦ dark academia
✦ small town university
✦ grumpy x grumpy
✦ family curse
✦ virgin MCs
✦ one dorm (bed)
✦ 🌶️🌶️.5
I hadn't read any of the first gen books but I had no problem following this.
I adored both main characters. Asher is my absolute favourite type of MMC—completely obsessed, pathetically down bad, and it’s her or no one vibes. Lucy was a great FMC and the ADHD rep was done well.
The romance was my favourite part of this book. Friends-to-idiots-to-lovers filled with angst, tension, and secret pining. I would say this is medium burn—spice starts around 50% onwards, but when it happens it hits 🔥
World-building is minimal but it’s an easy and entertaining read. The plot was fine—a bit slow in the middle but had enough mystery to keep my attention.
Tropes:
✦ childhood friends to lovers
✦ dark academia
✦ small town university
✦ grumpy x grumpy
✦ family curse
✦ virgin MCs
✦ one dorm (bed)
✦ 🌶️🌶️.5
Currently reading
August 23, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Now why on earth did I think this book was going to come out in October instead of August. 🤦🏼♀️
Anyways, happy release day!
I’m so excited to start reading this very soon.
————————
I have a weakness for second-generation books in beloved series.
Have I read the first-gen ones? Not even a little.
Oops, I guess?
Now why on earth did I think this book was going to come out in October instead of August. 🤦🏼♀️
Anyways, happy release day!
I’m so excited to start reading this very soon.
————————
I have a weakness for second-generation books in beloved series.
Have I read the first-gen ones? Not even a little.
Oops, I guess?
August 21, 2025
solid 4 star read here
Let’s start with the good things first: Sav knows how to write characters. Each person felt very real and thought out, and there were almost too many characters for me to keep track of lol. However it’s Asher that really shined for me in this book. Man was down bad and I really loved that this book mostly focused on his POV. I absolutely ATE UP the relationship between him and Lucy. And even though I’m normally not a big childhood friends to lovers arc, this one hit for me. I was kicking my feet and giggling. AND ASHERS ANGST. IT WAS SO GOOD. The smut was also super good I was into it. Everything felt so PASSIONATE AND INTENSE. This was a lot of fun honestly and I enjoyed it more than I’ve enjoyed a lot of other books recently.
HOWEVER, I will say that there were some glaring issues with this book. The biggest one was the plot. It was all over the place. An absolute mess. It was really hard to follow, and a lot of things were just completely not explained or even alluded to. I know this series continues with different characters and I’m sure we will get answers, but I feel like there should have been some sort of clarity in the plot that was just completely missing. This may also be because I didn’t read the series with the parents, but since this is a complete new series, I shouldn’t have to read the other one to understand this plot????
At the end of the day, though, I liked the characters and the writing enough that I could ignore the plot confusion. I will for sure read the next book when it comes out in January.
Let’s start with the good things first: Sav knows how to write characters. Each person felt very real and thought out, and there were almost too many characters for me to keep track of lol. However it’s Asher that really shined for me in this book. Man was down bad and I really loved that this book mostly focused on his POV. I absolutely ATE UP the relationship between him and Lucy. And even though I’m normally not a big childhood friends to lovers arc, this one hit for me. I was kicking my feet and giggling. AND ASHERS ANGST. IT WAS SO GOOD. The smut was also super good I was into it. Everything felt so PASSIONATE AND INTENSE. This was a lot of fun honestly and I enjoyed it more than I’ve enjoyed a lot of other books recently.
HOWEVER, I will say that there were some glaring issues with this book. The biggest one was the plot. It was all over the place. An absolute mess. It was really hard to follow, and a lot of things were just completely not explained or even alluded to. I know this series continues with different characters and I’m sure we will get answers, but I feel like there should have been some sort of clarity in the plot that was just completely missing. This may also be because I didn’t read the series with the parents, but since this is a complete new series, I shouldn’t have to read the other one to understand this plot????
At the end of the day, though, I liked the characters and the writing enough that I could ignore the plot confusion. I will for sure read the next book when it comes out in January.
Want to read
May 8, 2025The cover is beautiful omg
not-published-yet
July 16, 2023I don’t think a can wait a wholeass year for this
August 5, 2025
So I learnt after reading the characters in this book are connected to another series by this author, but came here to say that absolutely does not matter, it reads well on its own and you don’t feel like you’re missing anything if you haven’t read the other series!
What you do get if you read is:
Dark romance
Dark academia
Inspired by Greek furies
I actually enjoyed the romance in this one, there was a good build up between the love interest, a lot of tension and steamy parts and they have a natural connection that comes off the page,
I loved the secret society, creepy rituals and culty vibes, this is always what I want from a dark academia book 😆
This one is definitely worth a read if you enjoy the above themes!
I’d be interested in going back and reading from the authors previous works!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Sav R Miller for the gifted copy!
Publish date: August 19th
What you do get if you read is:
Dark romance
Dark academia
Inspired by Greek furies
I actually enjoyed the romance in this one, there was a good build up between the love interest, a lot of tension and steamy parts and they have a natural connection that comes off the page,
I loved the secret society, creepy rituals and culty vibes, this is always what I want from a dark academia book 😆
This one is definitely worth a read if you enjoy the above themes!
I’d be interested in going back and reading from the authors previous works!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Sav R Miller for the gifted copy!
Publish date: August 19th
August 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75 Stars
This was my first book by Sav R. Miller, and it will definitely not be my last. I devoured it in just two days and honestly didn’t want to put it down. The yearning between Lucy and Asher was absolutely palpable, you could feel it in every interaction.
I loved how obsessed Asher was with Lucy, how far he was willing to go to protect her, and how determined he was to make her his. Their relationship felt inevitable, like fate itself had been weaving them together since the moment they were born.
The university setting? Completely unhinged in the best way. The secret societies, the twisted initiations, and the dark lore tied to them were unlike anything I have read before. It added such a haunting and intriguing layer to the story.
The side characters also stole my heart. They were a mismatched little crew that grew on me so much, and by the end I was desperately hoping nothing bad would happen to them.
And let’s just say, once Asher and Lucy finally got together, the spice was phenomenal. Off the charts, can’t look away, absolutely worth the wait.
I am so excited to dive into book two, and I will definitely be picking up more of Sav R. Miller’s books soon.
This was my first book by Sav R. Miller, and it will definitely not be my last. I devoured it in just two days and honestly didn’t want to put it down. The yearning between Lucy and Asher was absolutely palpable, you could feel it in every interaction.
I loved how obsessed Asher was with Lucy, how far he was willing to go to protect her, and how determined he was to make her his. Their relationship felt inevitable, like fate itself had been weaving them together since the moment they were born.
The university setting? Completely unhinged in the best way. The secret societies, the twisted initiations, and the dark lore tied to them were unlike anything I have read before. It added such a haunting and intriguing layer to the story.
The side characters also stole my heart. They were a mismatched little crew that grew on me so much, and by the end I was desperately hoping nothing bad would happen to them.
And let’s just say, once Asher and Lucy finally got together, the spice was phenomenal. Off the charts, can’t look away, absolutely worth the wait.
I am so excited to dive into book two, and I will definitely be picking up more of Sav R. Miller’s books soon.
Currently reading
August 29, 2025꒰🩸꒱ 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙‧₊ ᵎᵎ
Can’t wait to read this! Just bought it recently, and the sprayed edges are gorgeous!
Have I read the first gen series? Nope. Hoping I’ll still understand it anyways lol
I don’t read childhood friends to lovers that much but based on the blurb, I know I’m going to love this :)
Can’t wait to read this! Just bought it recently, and the sprayed edges are gorgeous!
Have I read the first gen series? Nope. Hoping I’ll still understand it anyways lol
I don’t read childhood friends to lovers that much but based on the blurb, I know I’m going to love this :)
August 16, 2025
I have been waiting all summer to read this book and holy shit it did NOT disappoint. I personally think this is Sav’s best book from the plot, to the yearning, and enemies to lovers, it was all AMAZING. I really liked how Sav added some political undertones in some parts which I feel like in today’s day and age it’s needed so it was really nice to see that. And I was DYING when one of the kids asked “do you think our parents have ever had sex together” like I was dead lol because yuppp they have haha. The plot was so addicting to read, and Sav almost had me crying towards the end of the book because I was so nervous everything wouldn’t turn out happily ever after! But Sav came through like always and didn’t leave me hanging! I’m SO excited to read Jealous Rage and Foxe’s book! Overall Endless Anger was definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!
August 21, 2025
Actual rating 3.25 ⭐️
August 20, 2025
2.5⭐️ well I’m very sad I didn’t enjoy this.. the premise was promising but it just really dragged for me.
This is a the next gen series following the kids of the main characters in her other series. I haven’t read that series so I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it more if I did. I was very excited because I’ve been loving a good dark academia murder mystery but this really fell flat for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters, I felt like things were happening but also nothing was happening. The spice was good though.
I ended up skimming the ending just to see what happened.
Thank you sourcebooks and netgalley for the advanced copy.
This is a the next gen series following the kids of the main characters in her other series. I haven’t read that series so I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it more if I did. I was very excited because I’ve been loving a good dark academia murder mystery but this really fell flat for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters, I felt like things were happening but also nothing was happening. The spice was good though.
I ended up skimming the ending just to see what happened.
Thank you sourcebooks and netgalley for the advanced copy.
August 24, 2025
OMG. Endless Anger is everything and more that I was hoping for! Getting to see the babies from Monsters & Muses all grown up has me yearning for more of their stories!
Lucy is incredible, compassionate, empathetic, maybe a bit stubborn, and honestly so relatable. I found myself understanding a lot of her struggles and inner thoughts. The way she navigates ADHD I think will be something a lot of neurodivergents can relate to as well. Her friendship to relationship with Asher is the definition of soulmates imo! The way their connection blooms is *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼💋
Asher is exactly what I expected of Kal and Elena's son to be like. He's broody, sarcastic, yet protective and caring towards the people in his life that he truly cares for. Definitely some anger there, the parallels and differences between him and Kal personality wise are so cool to see. I also loved seeing a little of his relationship with his older sisters, I can't wait to get more of that in the next books too.
The darkness of this book had me sucked in. I couldn't get enough of the atmosphere, the curse and paranormal talk, and the overall eerie vibe. I do feel like you can totally read this book without reading the 1st gen series (Monsters & Muses) even though you will miss a bit of the layered complexity of the relationships between the parents and kids.
So, read those as well, because they are WONDERFUL! (I mean, an opportunity to read more Sav, why wouldn't you??)
This series is easily going to become a new favorite for me!
Thank you so much for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
Lucy is incredible, compassionate, empathetic, maybe a bit stubborn, and honestly so relatable. I found myself understanding a lot of her struggles and inner thoughts. The way she navigates ADHD I think will be something a lot of neurodivergents can relate to as well. Her friendship to relationship with Asher is the definition of soulmates imo! The way their connection blooms is *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼💋
Asher is exactly what I expected of Kal and Elena's son to be like. He's broody, sarcastic, yet protective and caring towards the people in his life that he truly cares for. Definitely some anger there, the parallels and differences between him and Kal personality wise are so cool to see. I also loved seeing a little of his relationship with his older sisters, I can't wait to get more of that in the next books too.
The darkness of this book had me sucked in. I couldn't get enough of the atmosphere, the curse and paranormal talk, and the overall eerie vibe. I do feel like you can totally read this book without reading the 1st gen series (Monsters & Muses) even though you will miss a bit of the layered complexity of the relationships between the parents and kids.
So, read those as well, because they are WONDERFUL! (I mean, an opportunity to read more Sav, why wouldn't you??)
This series is easily going to become a new favorite for me!
Thank you so much for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
July 25, 2025
ARC Review: Endless Anger
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had everything—dark academia vibes, secret societies, spice, and a romance that hits you right in the chest. Asher is all broody rage and bad decisions, and Lucy is the only one who’s ever really seen him. Their chemistry? Absolutely electric.
I loved how the mystery kept unfolding around them—rituals, murders, creepy campus secrets—and yet the tension between them stayed front and center. It’s the perfect mix of plot and spice, with twists that actually surprised me.
If you’re into morally gray guys, angsty romance, and dark settings with a little bite, definitely pick this one up. I’m already dying for the next book.
Releases 8/19/25!✨Thank you to @srmauthor @read_bloom and @netgalley for sending me an ARC to review!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had everything—dark academia vibes, secret societies, spice, and a romance that hits you right in the chest. Asher is all broody rage and bad decisions, and Lucy is the only one who’s ever really seen him. Their chemistry? Absolutely electric.
I loved how the mystery kept unfolding around them—rituals, murders, creepy campus secrets—and yet the tension between them stayed front and center. It’s the perfect mix of plot and spice, with twists that actually surprised me.
If you’re into morally gray guys, angsty romance, and dark settings with a little bite, definitely pick this one up. I’m already dying for the next book.
Releases 8/19/25!✨Thank you to @srmauthor @read_bloom and @netgalley for sending me an ARC to review!
August 25, 2025
4/5
OKAY WOW. I have so many thoughts but lots on how I have no clue how long this series will be????! Maybe this one is a trilogy just for the Andersons but we have SO many other characters that are going to have books right?? Aurora and Fox, I assume Beckett, and then we haven’t met Justin or Henry (OR REDACTED!!) but I assume if they’re mentioned in the important people section of this book then they’ll get books?? I AM SO EXCITED REGARDLESS. AND ALSO MAYBE WE GET A MUNA BOOK??
Guys the end of this book is insanely dark and I was so shocked by it but wow does it set up the series perfectly.
The setting of Avernia College is chef’s kiss. So creepy and so unsettling. The way crazy shit happens but everyone lets it slide?? The way the elite have so much power but there are people pulling the strings they don’t even know??
The plot of this book is excellent. Again, the murders are heartbreaking and unsettling; and the lore is just so insanely cool. AND THE END I WAS ACTUALLY SO SCARED. And so sad because Sav does not pull punches when it comes to violence here.
Lucy I’ll admit is not my favourite character. She just annoyed me a lot and I didn’t find her relatable. That being said, THE END WHAT THE FUCK. She did not deserve to go through any of that.
I can’t say Asher was any better for me. Again I just didn’t relate to him.
Their romance is fine, nothing I adored, but I’ll say I enjoyed seeing them as kids at the beginning and I enjoyed the slowburn. I also found the smut to be really well written!
BUT AGAIN GUYS THE PLOT. This is what I’m here for and making theories about. The lore is insane and I need to know everything. Wow.
Although I’ll admit I’m not totally into Noelle and Sutton being the next book (hello!! Foxe!!) I’m going to be seated for it regardless. ALSO I have a feeling Quincy’s book will be sapphic 😄 love to see sapphic dark romance guys I’ve never read that before.
So yeah in conclusion I would come here for the plot because WOW does it pack a gut punch. Sav R Miller this was a great start to a series and I’m going to read the rest of your stuff now 😩
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc!
OKAY WOW. I have so many thoughts but lots on how I have no clue how long this series will be????! Maybe this one is a trilogy just for the Andersons but we have SO many other characters that are going to have books right?? Aurora and Fox, I assume Beckett, and then we haven’t met Justin or Henry (OR REDACTED!!) but I assume if they’re mentioned in the important people section of this book then they’ll get books?? I AM SO EXCITED REGARDLESS. AND ALSO MAYBE WE GET A MUNA BOOK??
Guys the end of this book is insanely dark and I was so shocked by it but wow does it set up the series perfectly.
The setting of Avernia College is chef’s kiss. So creepy and so unsettling. The way crazy shit happens but everyone lets it slide?? The way the elite have so much power but there are people pulling the strings they don’t even know??
The plot of this book is excellent. Again, the murders are heartbreaking and unsettling; and the lore is just so insanely cool. AND THE END I WAS ACTUALLY SO SCARED. And so sad because Sav does not pull punches when it comes to violence here.
Lucy I’ll admit is not my favourite character. She just annoyed me a lot and I didn’t find her relatable. That being said, THE END WHAT THE FUCK. She did not deserve to go through any of that.
I can’t say Asher was any better for me. Again I just didn’t relate to him.
Their romance is fine, nothing I adored, but I’ll say I enjoyed seeing them as kids at the beginning and I enjoyed the slowburn. I also found the smut to be really well written!
BUT AGAIN GUYS THE PLOT. This is what I’m here for and making theories about. The lore is insane and I need to know everything. Wow.
Although I’ll admit I’m not totally into Noelle and Sutton being the next book (hello!! Foxe!!) I’m going to be seated for it regardless. ALSO I have a feeling Quincy’s book will be sapphic 😄 love to see sapphic dark romance guys I’ve never read that before.
So yeah in conclusion I would come here for the plot because WOW does it pack a gut punch. Sav R Miller this was a great start to a series and I’m going to read the rest of your stuff now 😩
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
I have been impatiently waiting for this book since the second Sav announced we were getting a next gen series featuring the kids of one of my favorite dark romance series. BUT nothing could have prepared me for the absolute masterpiece this was….I am still trying to pick up my jaw from the floor, Sav did not come to play about these babies.
This follows Asher, the son of the infamous Kallum Asher Anderson and mafia princess Elena, and Lucy, the daughter of our favorite corrupt mayor Allister Wolfe and his eccentric wife Cora, and some of the other Monster & Muses children and families from late teenage drama to the haunted hallowed halls of Avernia College. This was packed full of angst, yearning, secret societies, dark academia vibes and a healthy dose of spice. I fear that this series will only continue to be on an upward trajectory to one of my favorite series as it progresses if this is just book one.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This follows Asher, the son of the infamous Kallum Asher Anderson and mafia princess Elena, and Lucy, the daughter of our favorite corrupt mayor Allister Wolfe and his eccentric wife Cora, and some of the other Monster & Muses children and families from late teenage drama to the haunted hallowed halls of Avernia College. This was packed full of angst, yearning, secret societies, dark academia vibes and a healthy dose of spice. I fear that this series will only continue to be on an upward trajectory to one of my favorite series as it progresses if this is just book one.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
Top read of 2025. So. Fcking. Good. Give me a childhood best friends plot and I’m gonna eat it UP every time.
August 7, 2025
Endless Anger is a spinoff series from the Monsters & Muses series following their children. Full disclosure: I’ve never read the Monsters & Muses series, though Endless Anger can be read without reading the original series. Supposedly.
Endless Anger is a friends-to-lovers romance in a dark academia setting with an ominous curse. While the friends-to-lovers romance and the actual setting are the standout aspects of the novel, the rest is left to be desired.
The novel begins with multiple chapters from both Lucy and Asher’s perspective through their childhood establishing the bond between the two characters. These chapters are instrumental to their relationship.
Lucy and Asher’s relationship is easily the best part of the novel. Their chemistry is fire hot and undeniable. If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers, Endless Anger delivers one of the best versions I’ve ever read.
Spicel level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unfortunately, the rest of the novel is disappointing. I would not recommend reading Endless Anger unless you’ve read the previous series. I felt confused and lost most of the time. Endless Anger should have been the first book in a completely standalone series.
Overall, while I loved Lucy and Asher together, the rest of Endless Anger was a disappointment.
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Endless Anger is a friends-to-lovers romance in a dark academia setting with an ominous curse. While the friends-to-lovers romance and the actual setting are the standout aspects of the novel, the rest is left to be desired.
The novel begins with multiple chapters from both Lucy and Asher’s perspective through their childhood establishing the bond between the two characters. These chapters are instrumental to their relationship.
Lucy and Asher’s relationship is easily the best part of the novel. Their chemistry is fire hot and undeniable. If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers, Endless Anger delivers one of the best versions I’ve ever read.
Spicel level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unfortunately, the rest of the novel is disappointing. I would not recommend reading Endless Anger unless you’ve read the previous series. I felt confused and lost most of the time. Endless Anger should have been the first book in a completely standalone series.
Overall, while I loved Lucy and Asher together, the rest of Endless Anger was a disappointment.
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2025
I don't feel like I'm the correct audience for this one. While this was "contemporary romance," it was very very dark and not my usual cup of tea. I know that there are tons of readers out there that love dark romance, I just don't think that I can accurately rate it, since I am not type of reader who enjoys having my books freak me out a bit.
This one was super mysterious, with some horror elements thrown in, if that is your thing! This one also has a MMC that would burn the world down for the FMC, which I am always a fan of.
*edit - There is some very graphic torture in this book, if that is too much for you (it was almost too much for me tbh), here is your warning.*
I received this eARC on Edelweiss <3
This one was super mysterious, with some horror elements thrown in, if that is your thing! This one also has a MMC that would burn the world down for the FMC, which I am always a fan of.
*edit - There is some very graphic torture in this book, if that is too much for you (it was almost too much for me tbh), here is your warning.*
I received this eARC on Edelweiss <3
August 13, 2025
5 ⭐️♾️
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank Sourcebooks UK for the proof copy. All opinions are my own.
I fear that this may even be a god tier book for me, because I’m speechless. We’re so back baby!! 🤩🙂↔️
Wow, wow, wow!! Miss Miller, you have outdone yourself. Take a bow!! I’m never going to shut up about this book, are you kidding me 🥹🥹
What a phenomenal start to a new series. This has been years in the making! I have been quite literally GIDDY for this book since 2023, when it was first teased that there was more to come from the Monsters and Muses universe. While you don’t have to read the first books which follow their parents, I will say that it does enhance the experience, and highly recommend doing so. Seeing how the children interact with their cousins and their parents really was such a surreal and giddy experience for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was more emotionally invested because, having known what their parents have been through, now seeing them as parents and seeing their children and how happy they all are was so heartwarming to see.
It is a real credit to Sav as an author and to her writing. The way her mind works and her authorship have created a really enriched and immersive universe here. Her world building is so enriching and layered that it feels completely lived in. Every setting, every interaction, every small detail was purposeful, and it all worked together to create an immersive experience that I found impossible to put it down, and the entire time I was reading, I felt like I was inside this world, breathing the same air as the characters, and I really cannot wait for more to come from Monsters Within.
Onto the stars of the show: Asher Anderson and Lucy Wolfe, children of Kal and Elena Anderson and Alastair and Cora Wolfe. You could really see how alike they were to their parents, and the traits they had were unique to them as individuals. Especially Lucy, with how she wanted to be her own entity that wasn’t shadowed by her family‘s name or her parents’ success and persona. Similarly with Asher, he is his parents’ child through and through. He is a well-balanced blend of Kal and Elena. Asher and Lucy have been the best of friends literally from the moment they were born. I really loved the flashbacks to their teenage years. They gave a nice insight into the other characters, their parents, and how they all interacted. Straight from the start, you could see how obsessed and how badly Asher had it for Lucy. I think Sav once said that Leo De Tore was the mayor of Down Badsville, but honestly, Asher Blake Anderson could give his uncle Leo a run for his money.
Honestly, I was rooting for them from the very start. They drift apart due to a falling out and misunderstanding, and I didn’t think Asher could become more obsessed with Lucy, but he did, and I just loved it.
When Lucy leaves for college to start at Avernia, having been sold on it from Quincy (Kal and Elena’s eldest daughter), the rift between the once best friends worsens. Asher has finally had enough, so he does what any obsessed, unhinged, and in love with his best friend person would do: he joins the college as an RA, obviously. One reason I am wholly obsessed, and absolutely love this is because I very much enjoy dark romance, and I also really enjoy dark academia. This delivered on both. Avernia College isn’t all that it seems, and the founding families date back to Kal’s ancestors, adding to the eerie mystery and family curse that is on the Anderson kids. I loved the eerie vibes and how everything wasn’t as it seemed with what was happening at the college.
The side characters in this were phenomenal. I have to give credit where credit is due: Sav is a mastermind. I freaking ADORE Aurora and Foxe; separately, I need to know what the tea is between those two!! And don’t even get me started on Foxe.
My sweet, golden retriever Foxeglove Micah James— PROTECT MY BABY at all costs! Listen, I am a Foxe James FANNN. I will never shut up about him! All I hope is that we get to see more of Foxe.
Now, maybe this is just because of how emotionally invested I was in this, but there were a few chapters towards the end that I personally struggled with. I’m not even joking when I say that I cried. I will not be able to think of those chapters without thinking of this book. That’s how much of a profound mark this book has left on me. This really is a book that will stay with me forever because it was just an incredible read, even when it was hard to get through.
I loved how they were both virgins. It wasn’t awkward to the point where it was cringe; it felt very natural, and the spice was spicy and hot. Again, they are their parents’ children haha!
All in all, I had an absolutely phenomenal, incredible time with this book. It was an exhilarating start to the series and it’s left me wanting more. I really can’t wait to see more of the Anderson children, more from the side characters, and of course my baby Foxe!!
Tropes
Dark academia
Childhood friends to idiots to lovers
Grumpy/Grumpy
Family curse
One (dorm) bed
Hidden secrets
Small town university
Virgin MCs
Second generation series
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank Sourcebooks UK for the proof copy. All opinions are my own.
I fear that this may even be a god tier book for me, because I’m speechless. We’re so back baby!! 🤩🙂↔️
Wow, wow, wow!! Miss Miller, you have outdone yourself. Take a bow!! I’m never going to shut up about this book, are you kidding me 🥹🥹
What a phenomenal start to a new series. This has been years in the making! I have been quite literally GIDDY for this book since 2023, when it was first teased that there was more to come from the Monsters and Muses universe. While you don’t have to read the first books which follow their parents, I will say that it does enhance the experience, and highly recommend doing so. Seeing how the children interact with their cousins and their parents really was such a surreal and giddy experience for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was more emotionally invested because, having known what their parents have been through, now seeing them as parents and seeing their children and how happy they all are was so heartwarming to see.
It is a real credit to Sav as an author and to her writing. The way her mind works and her authorship have created a really enriched and immersive universe here. Her world building is so enriching and layered that it feels completely lived in. Every setting, every interaction, every small detail was purposeful, and it all worked together to create an immersive experience that I found impossible to put it down, and the entire time I was reading, I felt like I was inside this world, breathing the same air as the characters, and I really cannot wait for more to come from Monsters Within.
Onto the stars of the show: Asher Anderson and Lucy Wolfe, children of Kal and Elena Anderson and Alastair and Cora Wolfe. You could really see how alike they were to their parents, and the traits they had were unique to them as individuals. Especially Lucy, with how she wanted to be her own entity that wasn’t shadowed by her family‘s name or her parents’ success and persona. Similarly with Asher, he is his parents’ child through and through. He is a well-balanced blend of Kal and Elena. Asher and Lucy have been the best of friends literally from the moment they were born. I really loved the flashbacks to their teenage years. They gave a nice insight into the other characters, their parents, and how they all interacted. Straight from the start, you could see how obsessed and how badly Asher had it for Lucy. I think Sav once said that Leo De Tore was the mayor of Down Badsville, but honestly, Asher Blake Anderson could give his uncle Leo a run for his money.
Honestly, I was rooting for them from the very start. They drift apart due to a falling out and misunderstanding, and I didn’t think Asher could become more obsessed with Lucy, but he did, and I just loved it.
When Lucy leaves for college to start at Avernia, having been sold on it from Quincy (Kal and Elena’s eldest daughter), the rift between the once best friends worsens. Asher has finally had enough, so he does what any obsessed, unhinged, and in love with his best friend person would do: he joins the college as an RA, obviously. One reason I am wholly obsessed, and absolutely love this is because I very much enjoy dark romance, and I also really enjoy dark academia. This delivered on both. Avernia College isn’t all that it seems, and the founding families date back to Kal’s ancestors, adding to the eerie mystery and family curse that is on the Anderson kids. I loved the eerie vibes and how everything wasn’t as it seemed with what was happening at the college.
The side characters in this were phenomenal. I have to give credit where credit is due: Sav is a mastermind. I freaking ADORE Aurora and Foxe; separately, I need to know what the tea is between those two!! And don’t even get me started on Foxe.
“I’m but a simple goldfish,” he croons, flipping his hair out of his face. “If you don’t pay enough attention to me, I’ll die.”
My sweet, golden retriever Foxeglove Micah James— PROTECT MY BABY at all costs! Listen, I am a Foxe James FANNN. I will never shut up about him! All I hope is that we get to see more of Foxe.
Now, maybe this is just because of how emotionally invested I was in this, but there were a few chapters towards the end that I personally struggled with. I’m not even joking when I say that I cried. I will not be able to think of those chapters without thinking of this book. That’s how much of a profound mark this book has left on me. This really is a book that will stay with me forever because it was just an incredible read, even when it was hard to get through.
I loved how they were both virgins. It wasn’t awkward to the point where it was cringe; it felt very natural, and the spice was spicy and hot. Again, they are their parents’ children haha!
All in all, I had an absolutely phenomenal, incredible time with this book. It was an exhilarating start to the series and it’s left me wanting more. I really can’t wait to see more of the Anderson children, more from the side characters, and of course my baby Foxe!!
Tropes
Dark academia
Childhood friends to idiots to lovers
Grumpy/Grumpy
Family curse
One (dorm) bed
Hidden secrets
Small town university
Virgin MCs
Second generation series
August 26, 2025
Chaotic sums up this book perfectly. Endless Anger is the first in a second-generation spin-off from Sav R. Miller’s Monsters and Muses series, following the children of the original characters.
The story focuses on Asher and Lucy—once childhood best friends—whose relationship fractured when Asher broke their pact to attend Avernia together. Three years later, he returns, forced to confront both his feelings for Lucy and the dangerous environment he left her in. As the past unravels, the book blends murder, mystery, and angst with this authors signature dark romance style.
While I found the plot did its job, it didn’t quite deliver a shock or wow factor for me. That said, I really enjoyed the spice, and the virgin MMC trope added an intriguing layer to the romance. I still have high hopes for the next book in the series if it turns out to be Foxe's book. IYKYK.
Edit - I've come back here to say it's not Foxes book.. I checked... 😏
The story focuses on Asher and Lucy—once childhood best friends—whose relationship fractured when Asher broke their pact to attend Avernia together. Three years later, he returns, forced to confront both his feelings for Lucy and the dangerous environment he left her in. As the past unravels, the book blends murder, mystery, and angst with this authors signature dark romance style.
While I found the plot did its job, it didn’t quite deliver a shock or wow factor for me. That said, I really enjoyed the spice, and the virgin MMC trope added an intriguing layer to the romance. I still have high hopes for the next book in the series if it turns out to be Foxe's book. IYKYK.
Edit - I've come back here to say it's not Foxes book.. I checked... 😏
July 23, 2025
Review to come! For anyone who enjoys a dark academia setting with morally grey characters and a bit of murder mystery with their romance, this one is for you.
📝 dark academia
🫶🏻 best friend to strangers to lovers
🤭 secret tattoo
🩶 morally grey characters
☁️ grumpy / grumpy
❤️🔥 slower burn
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
📝 dark academia
🫶🏻 best friend to strangers to lovers
🤭 secret tattoo
🩶 morally grey characters
☁️ grumpy / grumpy
❤️🔥 slower burn
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
July 8, 2025
“You didn’t need me.” “That’s not true. It’s never true.”
5⭐️ 3🌶️
- small town university
- one (dorm) bed
- grumpy x grumpy
- childhood best friends to lovers
- a family curse
- cat dad 🐾
Like father like son, Asher is full of anger towards everyone, except for when it comes to his love, Lucy, who he’s had feelings for longer than he can seem to remember. But what he doesn’t realize is that she has feelings for him too, but after a night of an alcohol haze leaving them with unanswered questions, they end up drifting apart and Lucy ends up going away to Avernia College without her best friend at her side.
At least until one day when he shows up during her senior year and now he’s the dorm RA. But Asher has a more complex plan than to just fix things with Lucy while also finishing his degree, he also needs to keep her safe from the demons that are lying in the shadows of Averina.
Thank you thank you to Sourcebooks (specifically Brittany, you are a wonderful human), and Sav for this ARC 😭 I truly cannot put into words what this series means to me on a deep emotional level and this book was so good and so THEM.
5⭐️ 3🌶️
- small town university
- one (dorm) bed
- grumpy x grumpy
- childhood best friends to lovers
- a family curse
- cat dad 🐾
Like father like son, Asher is full of anger towards everyone, except for when it comes to his love, Lucy, who he’s had feelings for longer than he can seem to remember. But what he doesn’t realize is that she has feelings for him too, but after a night of an alcohol haze leaving them with unanswered questions, they end up drifting apart and Lucy ends up going away to Avernia College without her best friend at her side.
At least until one day when he shows up during her senior year and now he’s the dorm RA. But Asher has a more complex plan than to just fix things with Lucy while also finishing his degree, he also needs to keep her safe from the demons that are lying in the shadows of Averina.
Thank you thank you to Sourcebooks (specifically Brittany, you are a wonderful human), and Sav for this ARC 😭 I truly cannot put into words what this series means to me on a deep emotional level and this book was so good and so THEM.
August 23, 2025
⭐️ Overall rating: ★★★½ ☆ (3.5/5)
⸻
This is one of those books where I’m torn. For about 98% of it, I was fully invested and ready to give it 4.5 stars. But then the final chapter (especially the very last one before the epilogue) threw me off so much that I ended up conflicted.
The story had me hooked, the execution was good, and the horror twist was unsettling. But the way the aftermath was handled—particularly the lack of survivor’s guilt—kept me from loving it the way I wanted to.
⸻
📚 What it’s about (no spoilers)
The book follows Lucy and Asher, two childhood bestfriends caught in the shadow of a centuries-old curse. Most of the story leans into their romance, the question of whether the curse is real, and the tension between belief and reality. But when the curse is taken far beyond rumor by their fellow students, things spiral into a nightmare of obsession, violence, and survival.
⸻
⚠️ Content warnings
I cannot stress this enough: while 90% of the book reads like a dark mystery-romance, the final stretch (chapters 41–46) is graphic, gory, and extremely heavy. Expect scenes of:
• SA
• torture
• brutal murder
It’s described in detail. If you’re triggered by these topics, please know what you’re walking into before picking this up.
⸻
What worked for me
• Romance focus: The majority of the book is centered on Lucy and Asher’s relationship. While I would have liked more mystery woven throughout, I was definitely drawn into their connection.
• The horror payoff: When the curse “hits,” it hits. Those chapters are terrifying, shocking, and executed with relentless tension. I had to pause the audiobook a few times just to breathe.
• The believability of obsession: Even if I rolled my eyes a bit at the idea of students so deeply believing in a centuries-old curse, the extremity of their belief made for some intense, unforgettable scenes.
⸻
What didn’t work for me
• The whiplash of the last chapter: After everything Lucy and Asher endured—and everything Lucy literally witnessed—the sudden shift to physical intimacy felt jarringly unrealistic. There’s mention of guilt, but it’s shallow compared to the trauma they survived. The lack of real survivor’s guilt or space to breathe undercut the emotional impact for me.
• Pacing of the mystery: Almost all of the true ‘horror’ is packed into the very end. I would have liked some earlier hints or buildup to balance the romance with the darker elements.
⸻
🌶️ Spice: 2/5
There is spice throughout the book, and it really starts to hit around the middle. The romance carries real tension and heat, and I appreciated how their intimacy built alongside their bond. Personally, the last scene didn’t sit right with me given what had just happened, but outside of that, the romance does carry tension and chemistry that kept me invested.
Both Lucy and Asher are virgins, which I don’t mind reading about. But here’s the thing: their first time is described as being incredibly pleasurable, with no pain at all, even while emphasizing Asher’s size. For me, that’s just unrealistic, and I always find it frustrating when books gloss over the fact that first times often aren’t perfect. I didn’t hate it as much in this book as I usually do, but it’s still a pet peeve of mine. If you’re going to make a big deal about his size, at least make the experience feel authentic for Lucy.
⸻
Spoiler section:
• Lucy overhears her three friends being SA’d by other students.
• She then witnesses all three being brutally tortured. And then two are murdered in front of her.
• The entire cave sequence (chapters 41–46) is nightmare fuel. The writing doesn’t shy away from the violence or cruelty. It’s strong, but also incredibly effective at raising the stakes.
• And then… chapter 47. Instead of lingering on trauma or showing Lucy and Asher grappling with survivor’s guilt, they immediately turn to each other physically. Lucy literally just saw her friends tortured and murdered—yet instead of being broken down by grief or shock, she jumps into intimacy with Asher. It felt painfully unrealistic and undermined the gravity of what she’d survived. It read almost like: well, at least it didn’t happen to me, so let’s move on with no more thoughts about it—which was incredibly frustrating to see.
• That said, the only reason this doesn’t make me hate the book or the characters is because there was only one chapter and then the epilogue left. Up to this point, Lucy had shown guilt, questioning whether the curse was her fault. I believe if there had been more space to write it out, we would have seen more survivor’s guilt and slower healing. I still think the intimacy scene was 100% unnecessary and poorly timed, but I don’t think it was meant to erase their grief entirely.
⸻
Final thoughts
Endless Anger is a dark, gripping read that lures you in with romance and then slams you with horror. For most of the ride, I was hooked and impressed—but the final chapter left me feeling frustrated.
I truly wish the aftermath had been handled with more weight, because the lack of survivor’s guilt in such a brutal situation felt like a missed opportunity. Still, I can’t say the book is ruined for me. If there had been more chapters, I believe the characters’ guilt and grief would have come through. And I do truly want to recommend the book.
If you want a book that blends romance with shocking, graphic horror, and you’re prepared for the content warnings, this will definitely stay with you. Just don’t expect the ending to handle trauma with the weight it deserves.
⸻
This is one of those books where I’m torn. For about 98% of it, I was fully invested and ready to give it 4.5 stars. But then the final chapter (especially the very last one before the epilogue) threw me off so much that I ended up conflicted.
The story had me hooked, the execution was good, and the horror twist was unsettling. But the way the aftermath was handled—particularly the lack of survivor’s guilt—kept me from loving it the way I wanted to.
⸻
📚 What it’s about (no spoilers)
The book follows Lucy and Asher, two childhood bestfriends caught in the shadow of a centuries-old curse. Most of the story leans into their romance, the question of whether the curse is real, and the tension between belief and reality. But when the curse is taken far beyond rumor by their fellow students, things spiral into a nightmare of obsession, violence, and survival.
⸻
⚠️ Content warnings
I cannot stress this enough: while 90% of the book reads like a dark mystery-romance, the final stretch (chapters 41–46) is graphic, gory, and extremely heavy. Expect scenes of:
• SA
• torture
• brutal murder
It’s described in detail. If you’re triggered by these topics, please know what you’re walking into before picking this up.
⸻
What worked for me
• Romance focus: The majority of the book is centered on Lucy and Asher’s relationship. While I would have liked more mystery woven throughout, I was definitely drawn into their connection.
• The horror payoff: When the curse “hits,” it hits. Those chapters are terrifying, shocking, and executed with relentless tension. I had to pause the audiobook a few times just to breathe.
• The believability of obsession: Even if I rolled my eyes a bit at the idea of students so deeply believing in a centuries-old curse, the extremity of their belief made for some intense, unforgettable scenes.
⸻
What didn’t work for me
• The whiplash of the last chapter: After everything Lucy and Asher endured—and everything Lucy literally witnessed—the sudden shift to physical intimacy felt jarringly unrealistic. There’s mention of guilt, but it’s shallow compared to the trauma they survived. The lack of real survivor’s guilt or space to breathe undercut the emotional impact for me.
• Pacing of the mystery: Almost all of the true ‘horror’ is packed into the very end. I would have liked some earlier hints or buildup to balance the romance with the darker elements.
⸻
🌶️ Spice: 2/5
There is spice throughout the book, and it really starts to hit around the middle. The romance carries real tension and heat, and I appreciated how their intimacy built alongside their bond. Personally, the last scene didn’t sit right with me given what had just happened, but outside of that, the romance does carry tension and chemistry that kept me invested.
Both Lucy and Asher are virgins, which I don’t mind reading about. But here’s the thing: their first time is described as being incredibly pleasurable, with no pain at all, even while emphasizing Asher’s size. For me, that’s just unrealistic, and I always find it frustrating when books gloss over the fact that first times often aren’t perfect. I didn’t hate it as much in this book as I usually do, but it’s still a pet peeve of mine. If you’re going to make a big deal about his size, at least make the experience feel authentic for Lucy.
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Spoiler section:
• Lucy overhears her three friends being SA’d by other students.
• She then witnesses all three being brutally tortured. And then two are murdered in front of her.
• The entire cave sequence (chapters 41–46) is nightmare fuel. The writing doesn’t shy away from the violence or cruelty. It’s strong, but also incredibly effective at raising the stakes.
• And then… chapter 47. Instead of lingering on trauma or showing Lucy and Asher grappling with survivor’s guilt, they immediately turn to each other physically. Lucy literally just saw her friends tortured and murdered—yet instead of being broken down by grief or shock, she jumps into intimacy with Asher. It felt painfully unrealistic and undermined the gravity of what she’d survived. It read almost like: well, at least it didn’t happen to me, so let’s move on with no more thoughts about it—which was incredibly frustrating to see.
• That said, the only reason this doesn’t make me hate the book or the characters is because there was only one chapter and then the epilogue left. Up to this point, Lucy had shown guilt, questioning whether the curse was her fault. I believe if there had been more space to write it out, we would have seen more survivor’s guilt and slower healing. I still think the intimacy scene was 100% unnecessary and poorly timed, but I don’t think it was meant to erase their grief entirely.
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Final thoughts
Endless Anger is a dark, gripping read that lures you in with romance and then slams you with horror. For most of the ride, I was hooked and impressed—but the final chapter left me feeling frustrated.
I truly wish the aftermath had been handled with more weight, because the lack of survivor’s guilt in such a brutal situation felt like a missed opportunity. Still, I can’t say the book is ruined for me. If there had been more chapters, I believe the characters’ guilt and grief would have come through. And I do truly want to recommend the book.
If you want a book that blends romance with shocking, graphic horror, and you’re prepared for the content warnings, this will definitely stay with you. Just don’t expect the ending to handle trauma with the weight it deserves.
September 1, 2025
3.5⭐️ Rounded Up
August 25, 2025
I swear Sav never disappoints!! The anger, the love, the mystery, what more could a girl ask for! I LOVE the next generation of anything and getting it for the OG dark romance books, I ate this up!! The plot had me turning the page wanting more and more till it was over, can’t wait to see what the next story holds! Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2025
Lucy and Asher were raised together. Best friends who secretly love each other. Lucy wants to go to a college that is dangerous to Asher. The college was against the Anderson name( his family name). Students are murdered left and right without people in the school really investigating. Asher tours the college just to have been attacked.
Asher promised Lucy he would go to the college. However he had to break the promise to protect his sister.
Who is causing the murders and can he save Lucy and himself when he changes his mind and attends the college ?
Thanks NetGalley. I enjoyed the suspense and the slow burn of Lucy and Asher.
Asher promised Lucy he would go to the college. However he had to break the promise to protect his sister.
Who is causing the murders and can he save Lucy and himself when he changes his mind and attends the college ?
Thanks NetGalley. I enjoyed the suspense and the slow burn of Lucy and Asher.
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