Monstrous Intent (Mischief and Monsters, #1) by Alice Winters

Some readers at Romance.io noted that the romance is a very slow burn , with one reviewer mentioning it takes until about 60% for the story to truly pick up. It is rated as "open door" for spice, though action often overrides the romantic scenes. Mixed Perspectives

Many readers fell in love with the "pets," specifically Mittens (a terrifying but cute monster bundle) and Sir Reginald (a pet fish and apparent adrenaline junkie).

While fans of Winters’ "genius humor" loved the book, others felt it became too "ridiculous" or long-winded towards the end, with some opting to DNF (Did Not Finish) due to the extreme slow burn or lack of character backstory.

Reviewers from Amazon and Goodreads enjoy the banter between Declan, a cynical ex-hunter now working as an elementary school teacher, and Lake, a chaotic monster who is aggressively determined to woo him.