Bikers, Tattoos, and a Stalker: A CAWPILE Review of Sherridan Anne’s Pretty Monster

Pretty Monster by Anne Sheridan

⭐⭐⭐

I'm addicted to my stalker.

He watches me at night, sneaking in through my living room window and making my blood turn to ice. I feel him all around me as chills snake down my spine. Each night he becomes bolder, getting closer and welcoming himself into my bedroom, feeding his addiction.

When I feel the warmth of his skin brushing over mine, I pretend to sleep, terrified of what he plans to do with me. But when he touches me … my whole body comes alive.

I’ve never seen his face, and don’t even know his name, but I want to. Every part of me knows this is wrong, but I can’t bring myself to lock the window, to tell him no.

He thrills me, but living life on the edge doesn’t come without consequences.

He’s sick in the head, addicted to this infatuation, and obsessed with his messed-up mind games. But maybe I’m just as sick as he is because, whether I like it or not … I’m addicted to my stalker.

A Dip into the Shadows (But Not the Abyss)

Let’s talk about that dark stalker romance I just finished. You know the one, and if you don’t - biker gangs, tattoo parlors, and a FMC who makes some… choices. I went in with my usual cautious optimism (and a flashlight, because dark romance), and came out with a few thoughts. Let’s break it down CAWPILE-style.

Riding with Ghosts: Character Work That Needed a Tune-up - 7/10

There was an attempt to give the characters some depth. I could see the scaffolding of backstories for both the main characters and their supporting cast, but their present-day actions didn’t always align with their pasts. It’s like the author handed them a script and forgot to tell them who they were supposed to be. I wanted more emotional consistency, more depth—but I’ll give credit where it’s due: they weren’t cardboard cutouts.

Ink and Atmosphere: Grit That Feels Grounded - 8/10

I’m not immersed in biker or tattoo shop culture, but the setting felt believable. Real-world settings always get a bit of a boost from me—there’s something about being able to Google Map or reminisce your way through a story that makes it feel more tangible. No dragons, no portals, just gritty streets and ink-stained studios. I respect that.

High Voltage Writing: When the Drama Sparks (and Sputters) - 7/10

There were moments that reached for drama - some landed, some didn’t. A few lines made me pause (and maybe chuckle), because people don’t really talk like that, but I could see what the author was going for. The first-person POV gave us intimacy, even if the dialogue occasionally felt a bit too polished or formal for the characters.

Plot on Cruise Control: Familiar Roads, Few Detours - 7/10

It’s a dark stalker romance. You know what you’re getting into before you actually open the book. There’s a certain formula to it, and this book followed it pretty faithfully. No major twists, no narrative gymnastics - just a straight shot through obsession, danger, and some pretty steamy interludes.

The Stalker in the Rearview: Suspense That Fades Too Soon - 6/10

The mystery held up… until it didn’t. I clocked the stalker early, and once my suspicion was officially revealed, the tension deflated. The story kept going, but my interest didn’t. It’s like watching a thriller where the killer unmasks themselves halfway through and then just… hangs around.

Bad Decisions and Burnouts: Logic in the Fast Lane - 7/10

Some of the FMC’s choices didn’t always make sense to me, but I recognize that this genre often plays with heightened emotion and risk. Within that framework, her actions tracked well enough, even if I occasionally wanted to shout at the page.

Leather, Lust, and Lighter Shadows: Enjoyment on the Edge - 5/10

Here’s the thing: dark romance isn’t my cup of tea. Even when it’s done well, I tend to keep it at arm’s length. That said, this book didn’t drag me into the pitch-black depths of the genre. It flirted along the edge without diving headfirst into the pit, and for that, I’m grateful. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. Sometimes, that’s enough.

Final Thoughts:

This book was a moody, ink-slicked ride through familiar territory. It didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it didn’t crash and burn either. If you’re into dark romance with a little grit and don’t mind a few melodramatic moments, it might just scratch the itch. As for me? I’ll be over here, sipping tea and side-eyeing any window that I know I locked.

I’m going to try something new. I’m going to assign a tarot card that I think pairs well with the books I read. This should be fun!

The Devil

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