The premise of Monarch had the potential to deliver a gripping, dark fairytale full of twists and tension. A naïve bookstore nerd turned mail-order bride, a mysterious castle, and a dangerously charming fiancé? It should have been an atmospheric, nail-biting read. Unfortunately, it fell short.

From the start, the plot felt all too predictable. The twists were telegraphed from miles away, making it hard to feel any real suspense. The moment the “perfect” fiancé, entered the scene, it was clear what direction his character would take. The supposed surprise of his darker side felt more like checking off a box in the predictable “groom turns villain” trope rather than a shocking revelation.

Elena’s bond with Atlas Covett also followed a familiar trajectory, offering no real depth or complexity to their connection. The development of their relationship felt rushed, making it hard to fully invest in their dynamic.

The atmosphere of the story, while initially promising, never quite captured the creeping dread it aimed for. As a result, the stakes felt low, and Elena’s struggle to escape Lorne’s control didn’t evoke the urgency the plot demanded.

The book had an interesting setup, however, the execution was far too predictable which made it ldifficult to stay invested in the story or the characters. For those who enjoy dark romances or thrillers, there are better options out there.