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R.L. Caulder
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Monsters Within (The Creatures We Crave Book 1) Kindle Edition

by R.L. Caulder (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,127 ratings

Have you ever lost yourself in a fantasy world you created?

That’s how I’ve survived the years alone in a reality where humans cower in fear of supernatural creatures hiding behind the veil.

All I’ve ever had is my pen, my notebook, and the world I created to make it through the days as a ward of the state, suffering at the hands of the real villains of the world...Humans.

The pages of my notebook hold three sinful, feared monsters. Ones that I certainly shouldn’t be pining over since they aren’t even real.

I question my grip on reality when real life and fantasy collide as my words suddenly come to life. Out of the pages climb each of the beautifully twisted monsters I created with my ink.

Dark Imaginarium Academy claims to want to help me learn about my new powers. The Headmistress says they can protect me, but I’m not so sure about that.

The one thing I am sure about? I’ll destroy the world if they try to take my monsters from me.

Because my creations aren’t just monsters—they’re my soulmates.

***

Monsters Within is book one in The Creatures We Crave series, which is set within the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy. All series can be read independently, but characters have crossovers and it is highly encouraged to read all within the universe to understand the world in its entirety. Monsters Within has graphic violence, mature adult themes, and handles topics of mental health.

DARK IMAGINARIUM ACADEMY FEATURES CHARACTERS THAT ARE ALL 18+. THIS IS NOT A HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY SETTING AND THE CONTENTS ARE INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES.

SERIES WITHIN THE UNIVERSE:

Monarchs of Hell (Complete Series) by R.L. Caulder and M. Sinclair

Dark Imaginarium Academy:

  • The Creatures We Crave by R.L. Caulder
  • Phases of the Moon by M. Sinclair
  • Blood Oath by R.L. Caulder
  • The Storm Dragons’ Mate by M. Sinclair
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Creatures We Crave
  2. Print length
    235 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 21, 2022
  5. File size
    4.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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  1. “All I know is that if you’re the dreamer,” Elwin murmured, “I’m honored to be your dream.”
    Highlighted by 399 Kindle readers
  2. I liked to think of as their soul, spreading into their necks and up into their faces like veins beneath the surface. Lucien was red. Elwin was green. Kylo was blue.
    Highlighted by 390 Kindle readers
  3. Lucien pulled an array of hate, anger, and wrath from people. It had to be why his need for violence was so high. Then there was Kylo, who tore envy, greed, and pride out of humans.
    Highlighted by 369 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JM7W3RP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ White Rabbit Publishing (March 21, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 21, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 235 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,127 ratings

About the author

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R.L. Caulder

R.L. Caulder

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R.L. Caulder is an International, USA Today, and Amazon Top 50 bestselling fantasy romance author. She lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistant, MeowMeow. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told. What she can always promise her readers is a twisty plot, high angst, and a hard-fought happily ever after.

If you’re looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:

The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group

Tiktok & Instagram: @authorrlcaulder

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,127 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's storyline, with one noting its intriguing cliffhanger, and appreciate how the plot keeps them guessing. The book receives positive feedback for its readability, character development with distinct personalities, and serves as a great start to the series. Customers praise the world-building, with one describing it as an interesting Monster Academy, and they love Alexandra and her monsters, becoming good friends with the protagonist. The book features an awesome mix of sexy elements, and customers appreciate its pacing.

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45 customers mention "Storyline"41 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, noting that it flows well and keeps readers guessing with plenty of drama.

"A decent start. Fun to revisit this world from a different perspective...." Read more

"It was a new and surprising take on the reverse harem genre. It has enough action, magic and NSFW material to balance it all out. In ready for book 2." Read more

"...It was a new world, with new creatures, and plenty of drama. The concept kept me hooked." Read more

"...This is a fantastic and creative story!..." Read more

34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and wonderful read, with one customer noting it's a page-turner that can't wait for the next installment.

"...The love and devotion they have for Alexandra is sweet and unwavering. This is a fantastic and creative story!..." Read more

"...Definitely recommend as a good read, especially if you like magic, monsters, and mystery." Read more

"I love me a good monster story. This is a great one. Alex is a strong MFC and comes with 3 devoted monsters...." Read more

"R.L. Caulder did it again! This book was absolutely AMAZING!!! I’m a sucker for monsters and was not disappointed with them in this book...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting their distinct personalities, with one customer highlighting the intense chemistry between them.

"This book is focused mostly on world building and introducing the different characters, so there hasn't been a whole lot of action yet, but it seems..." Read more

"...The spicy times were 🥵 and it’s more of a medium burn, but it works with the characters and I expect that it’ll pick up quite a bit in the next..." Read more

"...All of the stories and characters are great and very well written. This story so far fits my expectations and I’m excited for the next book...." Read more

"...Alexandra, Elwin, Kylo and Lucien were great characters and have the best out of every relationship dynamic...." Read more

18 customers mention "Start"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's beginning, with several noting it's a great start to the series, and one customer mentioning it kept them hooked from the first chapter.

"A decent start. Fun to revisit this world from a different perspective...." Read more

"...Love the build up and back ground story of this little lady and how she gets to the academy...." Read more

"...Seems like a great start to a series. I can't wait to see where everything is heading." Read more

"This is an interesting start. You don't have to read the prior series for this one to make sense, although there are mild spoilers...." Read more

13 customers mention "World building"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the world-building in the book, finding it interesting and a great addition to the shared universe, with one customer particularly appreciating the Monster Academy concept.

"...A fast-paced start to this interesting new RH. It was a new world, with new creatures, and plenty of drama. The concept kept me hooked." Read more

"...This is a fantastic and creative story! The world-building is wonderful - it’s a shared world with M. Sinclair, and takes place at a university for..." Read more

"Very interesting world set up! I'm liking the characters more and more as we get to know them as well...." Read more

"...Interesting worlds. 3rd base. Total mean girl vibe." Read more

11 customers mention "Love for alexandra"11 positive0 negative

Customers love Alexandra and her monsters, appreciating how they become good friends with the characters.

"I enjoyed reading about Alexandra and her monsters. I'm excited to find out what they are in the next book." Read more

"...Alora who is Ama’s daughter (from Monarchs of Hell) become really good friends with Alexandra...." Read more

"...I love the friendship Alexandra made, and the growth of her monsters. I can't wait for more" Read more

"I love the FMC and getting to know the beginning of her monsters personalities is great! The are an awesome mix of sexy and intriguing!!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Taste"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the taste of the book, describing it as monstrously sweet with an awesome mix of sexy elements and creative content.

"...The love and devotion they have for Alexandra is sweet and unwavering. This is a fantastic and creative story!..." Read more

"...Oh by the way the spice is pretty nice." Read more

"I am absolutely loving this world, and Alexandra is definitely a person I want to know more about...." Read more

"...The are an awesome mix of sexy and intriguing!! Can't wait to read the next book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning how the relationship between the protagonist and her monsters is intriguing.

"...It was a new world, with new creatures, and plenty of drama. The concept kept me hooked." Read more

"...This is a great one. Alex is a strong MFC and comes with 3 devoted monsters. The storyline is intriguing and I can't wait to start the next book!" Read more

"I just love Alexandra! The uniqueness of her relationship with her monsters intrigued me...." Read more

"...Guess I have previous stories to read. But it kept me on a hook and I look forward to the next story...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Anna Marshall
    5.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A decent start. Fun to revisit this world from a different perspective. Also fun to see a scene play out from another book in this universe from the other character’s point of view
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars World building
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is focused mostly on world building and introducing the different characters, so there hasn't been a whole lot of action yet, but it seems promising!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Roman Guerra
    5.0 out of 5 stars New
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It was a new and surprising take on the reverse harem genre. It has enough action, magic and NSFW material to balance it all out. In ready for book 2.
    Helpful
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  • Ashley
    3.0 out of 5 stars Monster Within
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    -Monster Romance
    -Academy Setting
    -RH
    -Steamy
    -Fast-burn

    A fast-paced start to this interesting new RH. It was a new world, with new creatures, and plenty of drama. The concept kept me hooked.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Mimi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Monstrously Sweet
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book packs an emotional punch, especially if you’ve experienced childhood trauma (particularly abuse and/or neglect). Alexandra creates these three strong protectors who love her and will do anything to make her feel happy and safe. She started out drawing them when she was a small child, and then transitioned to stories as she grew up. Lucien, Elwin, and Kylo look frightening in their monster forms, but it’s clear that they would never hurt Alexandra, and she has never felt afraid of them. They have very distinct personalities that we get to know better throughout the book. The love and devotion they have for Alexandra is sweet and unwavering.

    This is a fantastic and creative story! The world-building is wonderful - it’s a shared world with M. Sinclair, and takes place at a university for supernatural beings. The additional world-building within Alexandra’s story added even more depth and intrigue. The spicy times were 🥵 and it’s more of a medium burn, but it works with the characters and I expect that it’ll pick up quite a bit in the next books.

    Monsters Within has a unique way of addressing mental health issues that can come from being abused and neglected. There are some flashbacks to Alexandra’s childhood that provide some insight but they don’t go into heavy details.

    I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait for more!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Lana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice
    Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of the Dark Imaginarium Academy series. All of the stories and characters are great and very well written. This story so far fits my expectations and I’m excited for the next book. Definitely recommend as a good read, especially if you like magic, monsters, and mystery.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • book crow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Monsters Oh My!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love me a good monster story. This is a great one. Alex is a strong MFC and comes with 3 devoted monsters. The storyline is intriguing and I can't wait to start the next book!
    Helpful
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  • Marcie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute wind up
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Definitely need to read the other books affiliated with this world first. Love the build up and back ground story of this little lady and how she gets to the academy. Can't wait to read the next book with the antagonist that was just introduced.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lab
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on November 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Elwin is my favorite. I loved to read about the characters from the other books making an appearance in this.
    Report
  • Yasmeen & Eric
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really great read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoy Alexandra and her monsters and the turn of events in her life. Really looking forward to continuing this series and have already been peaked with intrigue with other characters with books about them too!
    Report
  • Nicholas Hornery
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Dark, Sizzling Romance That Will Keep You Hooked
    Reviewed in Australia on November 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Monsters Within is an electrifying paranormal romance that will captivate you from the first page. R.L. Caulder weaves a dark, suspenseful tale full of intriguing supernatural creatures and intense emotional stakes, making it impossible to put down. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling, and their journey is both thrilling and deeply passionate, with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing you into a universe where danger, desire, and mystery collide. If you're a fan of dark romance with a touch of the paranormal, Monsters Within is a must-read
    Report
  • Phoebe Walker-Gubbins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smoking Hot (Black, magical, wispy, mysterious smoke!)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is bursting with mystery and magic. The world and the people in it are stunning and incredibly well-developed. The scene is set perfectly for the next books in the series and it is also a great window back into a world/universe shared with other RL Caulder and M Sinclair series which I have come to absolutely adore. The dynamics and darkness are delicious and the moments where things click into place are delectable. Another 5 star read for me from RL Caulder - with much excitement for the rest in the series and universe.
    Report
  • Débora
    4.0 out of 5 stars It was ok
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Well, I certainly have read better books, but this one made me curious. I started a few of the other related stories but didn't finish because the series wasn't completely out yet. However, it made me curious that all stories are somehow connected. Despite not being the best introduction to a series I have ever read, i will continue to figure out what's going to happen to Alex.
    Report

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