Noctis (Mayhem Manuscripts Season Two: Cryptids) by H.L Day

A shadow monster that falls for the newest rehab resident. Rowan is more than just a rich boy, and his life is a mess, but there's something about Caligo that brings him peace and happiness. But how can they work when the human world can't see Caligo?


From the blurb:

The monster never promised to be good. Only loyal.

ROWAN
After my mother’s murder sends my life spiraling, my boyfriend carts me off to an isolated rehab facility. He calls it saving me. I call it suspicious. But the therapy and forced sobriety aren’t the worst things waiting inside.
Something watches me from the corner of my room. Red eyes. Horns. A body made of shadows.
He calls himself Caligo. And wherever I go, he follows.
He wants to touch me.
To possess me.
And the more time I spend with him, the less certain I am that I want him to stop.

CALIGO
Humans are fascinating creatures―fragile, flawed, and deliciously dishonest. Rowan Hayes, however, is different. His pain drew predators who mistook him for prey. They were wrong. Anyone foolish enough to betray him will answer to me.
And if blood must be spilled to see him smile again...
So be it.
He thinks he belongs to the human world. He never did.
His fear. His grief. His heart.
All mine.

Noctis is a full-length MM dark (ish) monster romance as part of the Mayhem Manuscripts Cryptids shared world collaboration.


SNik's review:

Part of a multi-author series (Mayhem Manuscripts Season Two: Cryptids), but can be read as a standalone. Paranormal. Size difference. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Rowan is involuntarily admitted to a rehab facility where he;s supposed to deal with his alcohol and drug addictions as well as his grief. Meeting a shadow monster that becomes obsessed with him was not the plan, nor was falling for him. 

I really enjoyed every aspect of Caligo, his protectiveness, his commitment to Rowan, his “mine” mentality and his ability to maintain himself even if Rowan thinks he wants something different. Rowan goes through it and he’s certainly a likable character as he struggles with all of his personal relationships as well as the loss of one that is the most important to him. I did tear up at times for both the characters, and felt they did build a special connection beyond the initial lust, and that was the most fun to read. Plenty of angst, steam, and an unusual romance, this was an entertaining book.


Noctis is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription