The Monster: Boston Belles, Book 3

This is Sam and Aisling’s story and it feels like I’ve waited forever. Sam Brennan is the man I’ve wanted to know more about since Sparrow and Ainsley Fitzpatrick is easily the most intriguing of the ladies. She’s so reserved, we don’t know her at all. I was worried that I was building this up too much so it would be a letdown. I liked The Villain, Cillian and Persephone, but not as much as Hunter and Sailor and their story so it was a valid fear.Those fears were completely unfounded. These two are stellar and their story is epic.It started out almost predictable: Aisling is pining for Sam, he ignores her. She still lives at home at twenty-seven, taking care of her needy, histrionic mother. She seems weak but the truth she’s hiding under the gracious demeanor is very different. Don’t mistake kindness or selflessness for weakness, they’re not the same thing and Ainsley Fitzpatrick is an excellent example.Sam is every bit as cold and calculated as expected, at first but we slowly learn that he’s long had feelings for her, he’s just fought them every step of the way. There’s a lot of Troy and especially Sparrow parenting Sam in this book and I loved it. The idea of these people who raised a stone-cold killer pulling the “A mother knows” card on him could easily crash and burn if not done right but Shen knocked it out of the park.There’s much more to this story than possibly-unrequited love. Much unfolds to show us who Ainsley truly is and it’s shocking but impressive. She’s way tougher and capable of much more than I imagined. To say she gives the infamous mobster a run for his money is a major understatement and nobody was more shocked – or pleased – to see it than Sam. It’s also worth noting that there’s way more backstory to these two than I’d guessed and I loved everything about their history. The initial interactions were fascinating and gave the story more depth. The banter is excellent and these two are also super steamy, too.I couldn’t put this book down, devouring it in record speed and loving every minute of the story. Their love story is one of my favorites and their lives are interesting enough that LJ could easily give us a sequel. Yeah, yeah, I know it won’t happen but a girl can dream, right? There was a lot going on here but it all made sense and there are some real surprises from the supporting cast. This instantly became one of my favorite LJ books and I’ll enjoy reading it again as much as I did the first time.

I don't think I've ever been looking forward to the publication of a book more than this one. I loved "Villain" and really wanted to read Sam's story (since Aisling was not really a character before this book). On the whole this book delivered a hot and angsty love story well. There were some plot holes that I think could have been handled better (the letters didn't have enough motivation, what happened with the Russian kid that they saved, why is Aisling really staying at her parents' house).The one scene where Sam and Aisling play doctor is really fun and I wish there was a bit more of that since it shows how good they are together. It also balances out some of the angst and darkness.But on the whole it was a very enjoyable book. I think if LJ Shen had taken more time with it - it could have been a great book but even as it is I did really enjoy it.SPOILERSWhat truly bugs me is that the motivation for Sam and Aisling's actions are not fully explored. True, Aisling's brother and father payed Sam to stay away from her but he is a badass mafia boss - why would he bend to the wills of other men? It should have been more clear that he himself was the real reason for staying away. It is all connected with abandonment issues and that his birthmother didn't love him but it was all very vague. I would have liked to see more of Sam's admiration in the first part of the book, the fact that he values Aisling even if he doesn't see them as a couple. The fact that he is the son of someone like Catalina, and that he was starving poor as a child is the real reason he doesn't think they could be together and the disapproval of her family is only extra reinforcement of that belief. So it should have been expressed in some way and not that he stayed away because of the money.Another puzzle is why Aisling didn't move away from home. Did she live at home in college and medical school? That was not explicit in the book but it was suggested that she did. In any case, taking care of her mother is just an excuse. What is her emotional reason for staying at home? Wanting the warmth of a home? wanting to prolong childhood? fearing for her mother's life (that was not the impression the book made). I would have liked to understand it more since she does overcome it by the end of the book.The best part of the book was when Sam realizes that Aisling outsmarted him. I loved it. I wish they could have had some banter over that... but all in all - IT HIT THE SPOT! She is a badass in her own right.

First I have to say that all L J Shen's main characters have honor and that is comforting. In the last book (The Villian) I said that I missed feminism, not here though. Sam is not a feminist but Aisling always calls him out so it was way better. The past book really upset, I remember thinking: What if we are fighting for something that is already lost? All this because L J Shen's books are intense and they really make you feel everything.The fact that Gerald Fitzpatrick was a constant influence in the past book I guess made it all worse because he is an awful person. Here he is present but not such an influence.I could comprehend Sam, because since the beginning we hear his past and know his story. With Cillian it was not that way so I would say that Sam is not worse than Cillian. They were both very mean, but they both love fiercely.I hated what everybody would do with Aisling, their brothers and parents trying to keep Sam away, like it was their choice. This was unacceptable for me. Frustrating detail, since the past book we know that, so be prepared.I also need to point out the fact that Aisling was not a monster at all, in fact she was anything but. Trying to portray her as a monster felt a little bit off and forced, my opinion.This book is intense so be careful. But I promise you will also love it, it is brilliant. I loved every page of it. I totally recommend.

2🍭🍭Spanish & English OpinionESP ::Me gustó el libro uno y el dos me encantó, pero este… hasta trabajo me dio terminarlo. Tenía muchas ganas de leer la historia entre Ash y Sam y… jamás logré conectar. Me pareció que la pareja tenía cero química. Hasta el nickname de ella me pareció forzado.Gracias a esa cero conexión, todas sus palabras hirientes y sus tratos malos eran justo eso. No percibí que fueran actitudes de una persona disfrazando su amor o atracción (como en el libro de Cillian) sino un hombre literalmente diciendo con toda claridad “no te quiero” y una mujer que no lo entendía y permitía todas las patanerías. Pero esperanzada aún así. ¿O sea, cómo?El estilo de escritura es bueno, como siempre e incluso hubo un momento lindo entre ellos, como cuando él está enfermo y ella va a cuidarlo, aprendemos qué hace ella y hay algo en común, pero en lo demás, sentí forzada la dinámica y el final.ENG ::I liked the first book, loved the second one and this one… I even had a hard time finishing it. I never felt chemistry or connection of any kind between Sam and Ash. Even the nickname he gave her felt random and forced.Because of this lack of connection, everything that he said to her, (the phrases that she called crass) were actually pretty clear: a guy that wanted nothing to do with her. I never felt it was a guy disguising his feelings (like in “The Villain). And she kept hoping and loving him.. why? I couldn’t understand. He was very clear!The writing style is good as always, and they shared a nice moment, when he’s sick and she goes looking for him. They talk and that’s the only moment I say they connected. Every other moment… I just didn’t buy it.

Since the moment I first read “Sparrow”, I wanted to know more about Sam. I knew he was going to be an incredibly complex and amazing character. I was not disappointed! The “Monster” by LJ Shen was amazing. It was hot, intense and heartbreaking Sam and Aisling’s story was everything I needed! It was totally worth the wait! Sam was a very complex character. Since his biological mother neglected and abandonned him, he hated women. He didn’t trust them and didn’t believe in love. He became a monster. Aisling, on the other hand, was fabulous. I didn’t expect her to hold so many secrets! She wasn’t as innocent as I thought she would be. She had dark secrets and issues. Sam wasn’t the only monster in this story and I absolutely live for that! Leigh did an amazing job with this story😍I love it so much😍

Awesome and incredibly captivating read!!! 5 amazing stars for this book! L J delivers every time and eoth each book a rollercoaster of emotions.

I love the Boston Belle series and this book is now my favorite. Sam and Aisling were absolutely perfect. I love their dynamic and that Ash wasn’t a doormat. The story is a bit similar to The Villain, but this time I was completely satisfied with the outcome. Both characters are so awesome. Sam has had many legendary comments, I love his sarcastic side. He obviously has his mistakes but all of LJ Shen characters are flawed which is the reason I love them so much. It never gets boring.The Brennan’s are my favorite mafia family. Love how close Sam got with Sparrow and Sailor.Ash was also a strong heroine, which I could relate to very good. She sacrifices so much for her family but in the end she finally found the courage to say no and start her own life. I seriously loved the end of the book. Ash really made Sam work for the relationship but she didn’t see his determination come. Sam definitely isn’t a man who would start fresh but rather takes the next step.This book was perfect for me. I finished it within a day and I need more! Sorry to cillianpersy but samaisling dethroned you