Devon’s review of Lights, Camera… Monsters (Monsters in Hollywood, Book 1) by Lila DuBois
Paranormal erotic romance ebook released 12 Feb 08 by Samhain

First zombies, now monsters. Glad to see some variety.

Imagine monsters were real and in danger of extinction through the destruction of their habitat and the violence of man. What would be the best way to raise awareness of such an issue, and sway public opinion? The magic of Hollywood, of course. When three monsters take on the form of humans and head for LA in an attempt to save their people, they are lucky enough to find a group of women who have their own production company. Perhaps they will find not only a movie deal, but also true love.

Lights, Camera…Monsters is well-written, enjoyable erotic romance. It is very light on plot and heavy on sex, but manages to stay out of eye-roller territory due to deft characterization and a humorous touch. Producer Lena and monster Luke jump right into bed, and soon after are experiencing strong feelings for each other. But unlike other erotic romances I’ve read, they are given lots of opportunity to know each other and we are given lots of opportunity to know them. Their declarations of love seemed believable and sweet.

Luke was a particularly appealing character. He is strong and a leader, but also unsure of himself. Los Angeles is completely foreign to him, and he fears that Lena and the others won’t accept him in his monster form. The most entertaining parts of this book are seeing how Luke and his buddies, Henry and Michael, teach themselves about human culture. They still don’t know a lot, and are constantly taken aback by the tidbits they learn. The guys are adorable without being wimpy.

There is plenty of sex, increasing in intensity. Lena does have sex with Luke in his monster form, which some might find squicky. I thought it was a darn sexy scene, and it showed Lena’s complete trust in and acceptance of Luke. This reader wouldn’t have liked it if the heroine only dug the hero when he was a hottie. Then again, I hate those stories where plain Jane gets a makeover and suddenly her boss is lusting after her. The idea of loving someone for who they are inside and out is far more sexy.

Lights, Camera…Monsters is a fun introduction to a new world. I would’ve liked to know a bit more. For example, all monsters don’t appear to look the same. So what constitutes a monster versus some other type of supernatural creature? We shall see, because this is the first in an ongoing series. Lena and her friends will make Luke and his friends stars, and I’m sure other monsters will be joining them. Definitely worth a try for paranormal fans who enjoy some humor, and something other than shapeshifters and vamps.

Grade: B-

     When monsters need a makeover, they head for the one place that can make it happen. Hollywood.

     Book 1: Monsters in Hollywood series.

     Luke is desperate to save his people. A lifetime of sneaking in to human houses and watching movies has convinced him that if he can make a great movie about monsters, humanity will change its opinion of them. With his friends at his side, all in shiny new human bodies, Luke heads for Tinsel Town.

     A rising Hollywood producer, all-business Lena knows a good story when she sees it. Luke? He’s just another amateur who wants to get famous. But Luke’s too gorgeous to pass up. And there’s something vulnerable about him that leads her to throw caution to the wind and invite him to dinner.  One night of incredible sex later, Lena wakes up next to the surprise of her life. She’s sleeping next to a monster. Literally.  Appearances aside, she finds herself wanting to help Luke save his people. But they’ve got more to worry about than just human prejudice.

     Some of the monsters would rather stay in the closet—and to make them all stay there, they’re willing to kill.

     Find an excerpt here.

Read more from Devon at Is that a Stake in Your Pocket?