Owen Marcus has been damaged in the most magnificent ways. When a naked, beaten boy stumbles into his campground in the Pine Barrens, Owen didn’t know what to think. His instincts were to comfort and protect, and he does—then the boy mentions a name, tells a story, and asks for his help. And now Owen’s been granted a mission—save the boy’s sister, shut down a child trafficker, and somehow bar his … somehow bar his heart from breaking yet again.
His reactions to the abduction, torture, and murder of his only daughter have transformed him, and he’s long been entangled in a role he can’t seem to escape. After coming home from a covert mission to find it all had happened without his awareness, the sense of helplessness any parent would feel was exacerbated by his guilt. If only” haunted his every breath, until he found an outlet. Hunting those who prey on those who are most innocent. Now he works alongside one of the most talented retributionists in the business—Alace Sweets.
In the midst of evil among us, he knows he and Alace are counted monsters. But it is here he hopes to be redeemed.
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“Built from broken pieces, they were so much stronger together.”
Who would’ve thought I had such a dark side? I’m totally digging this journey the author is taking me on. My techie side is in heaven with all the cool gadgets Alace and Owen utilize to complete their missions. While they each struggle within at what they must do to accomplish said missions I’m in the background cheering them on. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are #GoodMonsters.
Each installment in the Alace Sweets series shows a softer side to Alace. Behind her coldness beats a heart that she’s spent years denying. Owen sees it too and is determined to push his way past her walls to become a friend and not just an employee. Good luck, right?
I must say, the suspense is bad for the nerves and good for the heart. There’s something about becoming so invested in the outcome that makes the rewards so much sweeter when a mission is successful. Seeing things through the eyes of the characters is devastating and heartbreaking and pulled my heartstrings so tight it was painful.
The author does such an excellent job of describing the events that I feel like I’m wearing one of those fancy comm devices and can hear them talking in my head and see exactly what’s happening. Every twist and turn. I can almost hear my own heart pounding in my ears when I’m holding my breath worried and waiting for what’s going to happen next.
I can’t give you details, but trust me when I tell you that it’s not all dark. There’s sweetness too. Some melt to a puddle on the floor good stuff. As the series progresses I become more and more attached to the characters and very excited when I meet new ones. One of the reasons that new characters excite me is because it’s like an assurance that it’s not over and there are more stories to come. I’m ready. The line forms here…
What a beautifully choreographed dance of words.
Ok, Owen… oh boy Owen kinda goes off the reservation in EOM. I mean he’s got the best reasons ever. Between Owen’s very visceral reaction to the very obviously hurt and freaked boy showing up and the boys reaction to finding Owen who is essentially the answer to all his prayers… To moving to the burbs and deciding his new digs will be perfect he’s “Just gotta take out the trash.” I went from heartbroken, angry, disgusted with humanity and glee at the bad guy getting his and bits of humor tossed in because – Owen is Owen and Alace gives dad jokes a try.
I never regret taking the time or money to read a MariaLisa book. She puts so much thought into how she uses words… making sure thst her readers can feel every emotion. She writes about the technology that Alace and Owen uses with ease and confidence. Every fact is based on just that, facts. The research. The heart, because you have to have a heart to write about such a traumatic topic.
The inclusion of Doc and August leaves me hopeful that we’ll have another book because August has got to have a backstory. And Doc and Owen… I’m waiting patiently for that development to come to fruition.
You know that you’ve got a quality author when something during the day is said or done, maybe a meme or gif, and you instantly think to the characters and how they’d react.
I rambled again. Sorry.
Go buy EOM. Zero Regrets.
Just when you think it can’t get any better MariaLisa hits you with another amazing book. I loved Owen from the last story but he’s definitely come into his own here. The new characters introduced are intriguing leaving you wanting more. LOVE this series!!
I am in need of more Alace, Erik and Owen.
I had been anticipating this book for months and was never let down.
O.M.G! Only 15 minutes into the story and I was bawling my eyes out. I cried so hard. My emotions were going on a rollercoaster ride. This storyline hit harder than I expected. Being a mother and reading this story was very hard but so worth it, because awareness is much needed.
MariaLisa deMora is absolutely an amazing storyteller and I truly appreciate and love all of her work.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC of this incredible story. I guarantee you that I will never forget this book.
If you have never read any of MariaLisa’s books, I highly recommend this series, actually, anything else she writes.. all of her stories are worth the time.
This series just keeps drawing you further into the lives of these characters. Alace and Owen found their way into my heart in previous books, but this one takes that even deeper. And now Doc has worked his way in and August has me waiting, hoping we learn more about him. I would like to see more of Doc and the story I feel simmering on the back burner there. This family, as hodgepodge as it might be, has stronger bonds than any blood ties could bind.
This series is darker than MariaLisa deMora’s other work, but in today’s world it feels necessary. Human trafficking is a real problem. Books like this are hard to read at times. The highs are high and the lows are devastating, but in the end justice is served. We can only hope that some of the real evil in the world meets similar ends
Just when I think I can’t be surprised by this author’s awesomeness, she raises the bar yet again. You know how sometimes once you get the third book in a series, you sigh and start skimming pages because the author hasn’t brought anything new to the table? Well, that is absolutely NOT what happened here!!! The story flows beautifully and every page will keep your attention and a desire to see what is coming next. I love that new characters are introduced so I can look forward to even more stories that hopefully will be told. If you haven’t read the first too books, you’re going to want to start there. You can’t go wrong with this series.
I enjoyed reading this book.
The story was haunting and
well written.
The characters had very good chemistry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
from an advanced reader copy.
Another great addition to the Alace Sweets series! Such a refreshing departure from her other genres, you never know what to expect. I was so happy to get a better glimpse into Owen and see how Alace evolves into her own happiness. These books are dark, but so rewarding. I can’t wait for the next one!!
An Embarrassment of Monsters is a great story of love and hope with a side of redemption. Owen finds a family; Alace finds a way to be loved and show love, and the kids saved find hope. There are good monsters in this world and MariaLisa helps us see them. However, she also left us with a new monster who needs to be hunted. Go get him Alace and Owen!
This is another amazing book in this amazing series. These characters pull me in with every book. I didn’t think I could love Alace and Oweb more than I did after book 2, but I was wrong. Owen and Alace make me love them more as we see their character in each book. I can’t wait for more and it just gets better and better!
Sweet Jesus! Where to begin? Swept in from the start, this story demands your attention. Alace and Owen may be “monsters” but they are good monsters. If there is such a thing. They are ones who dole out justice. While Alace is dealing with motherhood, Owen is thrown on a case that bring his past to the surface. Thus giving you an insight on why he is the way he is. This one will tear your heart to pieces making you want retribution for what he and others have suffered. But it also warms your heart seeing Alace as she experiences being a mother. You definitely can easily fall in love with the characters. Loved!!!
This is a love story , yes I know what you are thinking , this is about people who need mental help, but no they don’t, they are just like us who have been kicked, and pushed and have found their way to fight back in the only way they can and along the way Alace Owen, Eric, Doc have stolen my heart, this family of monsters have stories that will leave you aching wanting them to get their Retribution the way these people love is honestly the perfect love , strongest love because it is love because of blood it is love of the heart and soul.
Human trafficking is so scary and not a topic most would write about but letting Owen and his family deal with it perfect.
MariaLisa you have once again made me love monsters!!!!!
MariaLisa deMora does it again! Another 5-star hit. An Embarrassment of Monsters, is the third book featuring Alace Sweets and Owen. Owen is still insistent that he and Alace, the “boss lady”, are best “frands”. Alace doesn’t seem to mind that role at this point. Book three finds Owen stumbling on the teams next case. Alace and Eric welcome their new little girl, Lila Sue. We meet Kelly, Shiloh and Doc. To me, this book shows that family isn’t always blood. Sometimes we make our own family from the wonderful people we surround ourselves with. Second, not all monsters are bad. I honestly can’t wait for more Alace and Owen. I can stand behind the brand of justice this two deliver!
This is one author I enjoy reading so when I had the opportunity to continue in this series I was thrilled. Owen will have all our attention with a jaw dropper right from the get go. This also has a practice in here that can really get a person angry when seeing,hearing or reading about it-child trafficker. Trafficking of any kind is something that angers and saddens me also. I like though how this author puts it he has to guard his heart which is something not so easy. The past also is there to trap him but it also tells why he is the way he is. I would say many if only’s and can relate to that. Turning that into positive makes for a riveting read. He also has a partner that has our attention and that is Alace Sweets. I think it is ironic that they are called monsters when they are going after some in this that are the real ones. This author just puts us deeper and deeper into this world with these 2 forgetting we should come out when the last page is done because we do not want to miss anything.
Taking another journey into the series of Alace Sweets you are drawn further into the pages with a grip so tight. A story that shows us that dark can intertwine with the light. A heart pounding, pulse racing story filled with twists and turns. Your heart and soul will experience a myriad of emotions you just weren’t expecting. New missions, new characters and new suspense filled moments are what will have you addicted and craving more of Alace. A story that takes you into the shadows with only the best of intentions.
Take a journey with our favorite GOOD monsters. Delve into the lives of Alace and Owen.
Welcome to your next weekend read….
A must read! 5 stars!! In this book we, as every day law abiding citizens, get to live the path of a truly righteous man and woman who fight for those who have no power to fight for themselves. We once again get to see into the minds of GOOD monsters. Knowing that they are there to extract revenge for the helpless. This book grabs you from the begging of chapter one, and holds you until the last word.
This is an exceptional series with alot of twists and turns. It makes you dig deep in to your psyche and question your sanity, but in a good and healthy way lol. I am so in love with Alace and Owen, I never want the series to end! MariaLisa makes murder and mayhem seem natural, weaving webs of mind-blowing storylines. Just when I think this is my new favorite, a new one takes its place! I can’t fathom how this woman’s mind works, but I never want to see the day when her words don’t reach paper. It just gets better and better!
I’m at a loss where to begin!
This book y’all! This book…..
Alace Sweets has a family. It may not be the conventional, cookie-cutter, white picket fence, PTA, soccer mom, van driving family that you’ll find when you look up the ‘June Cleaver’ version…..but what this supposedly damaged and broken beyond all belief, self proclaimed stunted emotional wreck of a woman has is a family that she has built for herself from the ashes of the hell that she walked through! And The Family of Alace is Phenomenal!
Alace and Eric ( and baby….don’t forget baby! Can you say Momma Grizzly!! ) are pure unadulterated YUM! Eric is the glue that holds Alace together!
Owen. Oh Owen….I never thought that my heart could break apart for anyone to the extent that it had for Alace, but Owen……
August and Doc….what’s that? Who are they? Oh just more of the family that Alace has built.
Family comes in all shapes. Family comes in all sizes. When one member of the family is down….the rest come in…..guns blazing.
We live in a world where monsters are real. They are all around us. Sometimes they’re sitting across from us in a restaurant. Sometimes they’re at a park, watching. Sometimes they’re smiling at us in a gym. They are real and they are everywhere. It’s horrifying but it’s true.
Sometimes to fight the monsters……you need….better monsters. Monsters with honor.
MariaLisa deMora has proven time and time again that the families whose lives she shares with us are as real and living and breathing as the people next door…..at least that’s how I feel with every single word of hers that I absorb. With that comes fear and heartbreak, joy and excitement, love and compassion, anxiety and dread…..all of the things that make life worth living right?
I hate that we live in a world where monsters are real…….I’m relieved to have the hope in knowing that just maybe, there are better monsters out there, in the shadows doing what is needed to make sure those monsters cease to exist.
I will thank MLdM for every word she writes that help me believe.
This book is worth thousands of stars!!!!
As we take another ride with Alace with more missions and some great new characters, your nerves will be pushed to the limit. A story that is full of twists and turns and will have your anxieties high. A story that shows that some monsters that lurk in the dark are there for good reasons. Another amazing addition to this series that will own your heart and have you wanting more.
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
WOW! So in love with this series. The subject matter is so powerful and intense with doses of humor and kindness that it takes time to wrap your mind around everything.
Emotionally, powerfully written. It leaves you wanting more. The drama keeps you on the edge of your seat and the cliffhanger…ugh! LOL! The only things are that the subject matter is so intense it makes it feel as if the story is bogged down in details that it isn’t. Next, does Alace’s hubby have to be so…good? Too good to be true. Still an awesome book. Can’t wait for the next.