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Narrated by Mason Lloyd, also known for his rich, brooding alpha range on Calia Read’s Echoes of Time and January Bell’s Of Sword & Silver.
Maiden and the Monster
Winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award
By Michelle M. Pillow
Medieval Historical Romance
WINNER of the 2006 RT Bookclub Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award!
The Duke of Lakeshire Castle, feared as a demon, finds his fate entwined with Lady Eden’s when she is left for dead at his castle gate. As their paths collide, perceptions shift in this award-winning, captivating medieval romance.
Award Winning and a Recommended Read, Historical Medieval Romance from NYT Bestselling Author Michelle M. Pillow
Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge.
Lady Eden of Hawks’ Nest doesn’t know what to think of the man who saved her life, but she can’t wrench her thoughts away. His words are those of a tyrant, true to his vicious reputation, but his touch is that of a man, stirring passion when there should only be fear.
It would seem the infamous monster is not as monstrous as he appears.
Length: Long Novel Plus
Genre & Tropes
Genre
Historical Medieval Romance • Nobility Romance • Lords and Ladies • Spicy Romance
Tropes
Fairy Tale Retelling: Beauty and the Beast • Damsel in Distress • Grumpy Sunshine • Alpha Hero, Antihero, Morally Gray Hero, Tortured Hero • Blackmail, Revenge, Betrayal, Protector • Damaged Lead Finds Happily Ever After • Strong but Naive FMC • Politics and Power Plays • Twists and Turns
Book Details
Book Info
| Print Pages | Hours to Read | Total Words |
| 604 | 10-11 Hours | 122K |
| Narrator | Audiobook Length |
| Mason Lloyd | 10 hours 55 minutes |
FAQs
1. Is Maiden and the Monster a standalone or part of a series?
Maiden and the Monster is a standalone medieval historical romance, part of Michelle M. Pillow’s Historical Romances collection. Each book in the collection delivers its own complete love story, so readers can start anywhere.
2. Does Maiden and the Monster end on a cliffhanger?
No. Maiden and the Monster delivers a complete happily ever after for Vladmir of Kessen and Lady Eden of Hawks’ Nest. The conclusion is satisfying and self-contained.
3. What’s the heat level?
Spicy, leaning toward Scorching. Sensual scenes are detailed and emotionally charged, woven through the story rather than added on.
4. Who is this book for?
Readers who love medieval historical romance with brooding alpha heroes, enemies-to-lovers tension, Beauty-and-the-Beast retellings, and damsel-in-distress arcs. Perfect for fans of Julie Garwood’s Honor’s Splendour and The Bride, and Hannah Howell’s Highland series.
5. Who is the narrator of Maiden and the Monster?
Mason Lloyd narrates the audiobook edition, running 10 hours 55 minutes. Mason Lloyd is also known for his work on Calia Read’s Echoes of Time and January Bell’s Of Sword & Silver, bringing a rich, brooding alpha range to medieval and dark historical fiction.
6. What is the Historical Romances collection?
Michelle M. Pillow’s Historical Romances collection brings together her medieval, Victorian, and Regency romances, ranging from medieval Wessex castles to gothic manor houses. Each book stands alone with its own hero, heroine, and complete love story. Maiden and the Monster sits in the medieval portion of the collection alongside Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice and Emerald Knight.
7. What award did Maiden and the Monster receive?
Maiden and the Monster won the 2006 RT Bookclub Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award. The book also earned a Recommended Read designation from Love Romances and a 4 1/2 stars rating from Ecataromance Reviews, with reviewers calling it one of the best medieval romances they had ever read.
8. What is the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award?
RT Book Reviews (also known as Romantic Times and Romantic Times Book Club) was a prominent American literary magazine dedicated to the romance fiction genre, and the first major magazine dedicated exclusively to romance fiction and its fans. It provided a professional platform for literary criticism and book reviews in a market that was historically derided. The Reviewers’ Choice Awards was a prestigious annual award given to the best books in various romance sub-genres, as determined by the magazine’s editorial staff.
9. When was Maiden and the Monster first published?
Originally released November 23, 2005. The audiobook narrated by Mason Lloyd released October 21, 2013.
Reading Order
Historical Romance Reads
- Maiden and the Monster
- Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice
- Emerald Knight
Content Warnings
CW: Michelle M. Pillow’s books contain adult subject matter, graphic violence, and are not suitable for all audiences.
Book Heat Levels: Spicy Scorching
What Readers Are Saying
“This is a perfect blend of history, emotion, tension, hot sex and fascinating and sympathetic characters, and the writing is superb. Pillow chooses magical details to set the scene, and they add to both the history and the emotion.”
Recommended Read!
“Maiden and the Monster is one of the best medieval romances I have ever read.”
“I was so entranced by Maiden and the Monster I couldn’t put it down. It’s intense, and full of emotion… powerful and moving, …Maiden and the Monster is a keeper!”
Medieval Romances
Recommended Reads
Awards and Recognition
★★★★☆ 4.1 · Amazon (899 ratings)
Winner of the 2006 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award!
4 1/2 STARS! “This is a perfect blend of history, emotion, tension, hot sex and fascinating and sympathetic characters, and the writing is superb. Pillow chooses magical details to set the scene, and they add to both the history and the emotion.” Page Traynor, RT Bookclub Magazine (April 2006)
Recommended Read! “Maiden and the Monster is one of the best medieval romances I have ever read.” Love Romances (2006)
“I was so entranced by Maiden and the Monster I couldn’t put it down. It’s intense, and full of emotion… powerful and moving, …Maiden and the Monster is a keeper!” Nannette, Joyfully Reviewed (2006)
4 1/2 Stars! “Michelle M. Pillow did not re-write the story of Beauty and the Beast. This is the story of two people thrown together by others for their own purposes. No one expected them to find love. This story has action, adventure, and plot twists galore. The sex scenes are artfully woven into the story. Vladamir and Eden overcome great odds to find true love. This book is a classic love story. It is the kind of story a reader enjoys getting lost in.” Candy, Ecataromance Reviews (2006)