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Monster Girlfriend #2
How to Get a Date with the Evil Queen
Dimension-hopping lovers Sian and Trillin find themselves trapped in a world where people are split regardless of gender or life goals into Princesses (for being rescued), Prince Charmings (for doing the rescuing), and Evil Queens (for being rescued from). When the world's fairytale magic latches onto Trillin as a likely Evil Queen, Sian has to fight for her own fairytale ending.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2023
29 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 6, 2023
More a cerebral adventure fantasy, not so much a romance
I� think my hopes were too high for the sequel? I don’t know. I was really hoping we’d see advancement in their relationship or at least further sapphic cute-ness but the second book ends the same way the first book ends, minus the addition of declarations of love (that� idk how we even got there? Sian realizes she never wants to be without Trillan but acknowledges it doesn’t make much sense, since they’ve know each other for a hot minute.) Otherwise, they’re apart for almost the entirety of the book and trying to get back to each other. (Which was cute in an angsty, pining sort of way but again not what I was hoping for going into it.)
It was also very, very confusing to read. Even more cerebral and fluid than the first one; both of which are structurally SO different than everything else I’ve read � which isn’t bad, it just makes it difficult to follow. Their adventures feel a bit like a fever dream; vivid and gripping but bizarre and leaving you confused.
Again, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t at all what I was hoping for (or expecting for that matter) and I feel a bit bereft it’s over and now I have to wait for the third book for anything else to happen.
I feel a bit bad rating it so low as an ARC reader, but I've made a commitment to always being honest in my reviews. This book WILL be someone's cup of tea, I have no doubt.
I� think my hopes were too high for the sequel? I don’t know. I was really hoping we’d see advancement in their relationship or at least further sapphic cute-ness but the second book ends the same way the first book ends, minus the addition of declarations of love (that� idk how we even got there? Sian realizes she never wants to be without Trillan but acknowledges it doesn’t make much sense, since they’ve know each other for a hot minute.) Otherwise, they’re apart for almost the entirety of the book and trying to get back to each other. (Which was cute in an angsty, pining sort of way but again not what I was hoping for going into it.)
It was also very, very confusing to read. Even more cerebral and fluid than the first one; both of which are structurally SO different than everything else I’ve read � which isn’t bad, it just makes it difficult to follow. Their adventures feel a bit like a fever dream; vivid and gripping but bizarre and leaving you confused.
Again, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t at all what I was hoping for (or expecting for that matter) and I feel a bit bereft it’s over and now I have to wait for the third book for anything else to happen.
I feel a bit bad rating it so low as an ARC reader, but I've made a commitment to always being honest in my reviews. This book WILL be someone's cup of tea, I have no doubt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2024
A delightful novella. I love these characters, this setting and world, and the creativity these novellas are steeped in. I will definitely be reading any and all sequels that come out from this author/series. It was SO much fun and was over far too soon. The writing is very original in terms of style and substance. The worldbuilding is absolutely excellent. I recommend to all!
My only complaint, same as the last one, is that we didn’t get enough of the protagonists together. I want to see them being happy together! These folks simply can’t get a break. The rapid pace of these stories means that very little time has passed since they met, and I really want to see them together without a high-pressure action situation keeping them occupied. The novel could have been a lot longer, having a lot more detail, and it would have made it better.
My only complaint, same as the last one, is that we didn’t get enough of the protagonists together. I want to see them being happy together! These folks simply can’t get a break. The rapid pace of these stories means that very little time has passed since they met, and I really want to see them together without a high-pressure action situation keeping them occupied. The novel could have been a lot longer, having a lot more detail, and it would have made it better.
July 31, 2023
Trillin and Sian's dimension-hopping misadventures continue in a very creative dark fairy tale crossover-type story. Hard to explain but still a very unique and enjoyable read! Turns out girl tentacle monster is the best of all worlds.
September 1, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I had hopes for this book after reading How to Get a Girlfriend. I wanted to see what would happen with Sian and Trillin and how they would navigate this “interspecies� relationship. But book two went in a completely different direction. It took me a while to figure out the Endless and how the magic on earth worked in book one. Then book two was set in a completely new world with a different kind of magic. I’m still not sure I fully understand it other than it’s some kind of horribly f*cked up version of a fairy tale in essentially an alternate earth. And book one was more in the science fiction realm whereas book two felt much more like fantasy. It almost felt like a completely different story at times.
Trillian and Sian get separated early on in the book and spend a majority of the book apart. Maybe if they had been navigating the challenges of this new world together instead of apart I might have gotten more invested in the story as a whole. But there was no relationship building, which was the part I was most looking forward to in this book. We don’t get to see their relationship develop at all. And yet [SPOILER] - they still end up falling in love somehow. Even though they’ve hardly spent more than a day(?) together.
I know other people have loved it and I genuinely wanted to love it, too. But it just didn’t hit the mark for me. I know it will be someone else’s cup of tea, it just wasn’t mine.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Trillian and Sian get separated early on in the book and spend a majority of the book apart. Maybe if they had been navigating the challenges of this new world together instead of apart I might have gotten more invested in the story as a whole. But there was no relationship building, which was the part I was most looking forward to in this book. We don’t get to see their relationship develop at all. And yet [SPOILER] - they still end up falling in love somehow. Even though they’ve hardly spent more than a day(?) together.
I know other people have loved it and I genuinely wanted to love it, too. But it just didn’t hit the mark for me. I know it will be someone else’s cup of tea, it just wasn’t mine.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
I've given it a go but this series is just not for me and I won't be continuing with it.
August 3, 2024
I've read the first book of this series, so I had high expectations for this one. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. I don't know. This one was just hard to follow, and I wanted more on the characters' relationship, which only happens at the very end. I will be reading the final installment, but man, this was a bit meh.
September 30, 2023
2.5 stars
I found the writing was better in this second story then with the first novella in the series.
I did like the concepts of this story like the first however i think to much was going on for a novella.
I also found the title and the synopsis a little misleading
I found the writing was better in this second story then with the first novella in the series.
I did like the concepts of this story like the first however i think to much was going on for a novella.
I also found the title and the synopsis a little misleading
December 5, 2024
The second book in the series was a lot of fun! Somewhat of a side quest in a new weird dimension the characters grow and learn about themselves and their new relationship. I’m looking forward to reading the final book!
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May 24, 2025Leaving unrated due to working relationship however...
I recommend picking up this whole series if you enjoy:
💜 Sapphic Romance
💜 Human x Monster
💜 Cosy Fantasy
💜 Quirky & Humorous story
💜 Sci-fi vibes
I recommend picking up this whole series if you enjoy:
💜 Sapphic Romance
💜 Human x Monster
💜 Cosy Fantasy
💜 Quirky & Humorous story
💜 Sci-fi vibes
August 21, 2023
This was even more cute than the first one and so much fun. Together the two short stories could be a single book but ok, I get it being this way.
I honestly can’t wait for a third book about them.
I honestly can’t wait for a third book about them.
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December 31, 2023Cute
I really liked the first one and this is equally cute, although the ending with the queen was a little confusing if I'm honest.
I really liked the first one and this is equally cute, although the ending with the queen was a little confusing if I'm honest.
December 5, 2024
what can I say? this silly lil' series has a place in my heart
October 5, 2024
This book was quirky, but quirky in the good way. This book follows directly on from the first, so if you haven’t read How to Get a Girlfriend When You’re A Terrifying Monster, you should read that first.
I absolutely loved the new world Sian and Trillin ended up in. It’s not something I’ve come across before, a Fairytale world where no matter your gender, you could be a Prince or Princess. It was even more interesting reading about Trillin becoming the Evil Queen. This was such a fun and short story.
Thank you Marie for allowing me to be part of your ARC team!
Added October 2024: loved this and all its magic. This story carries on straight from book one - How to Get a Girlfriend When You’re a Terrifying Monster
I absolutely loved the new world Sian and Trillin ended up in. It’s not something I’ve come across before, a Fairytale world where no matter your gender, you could be a Prince or Princess. It was even more interesting reading about Trillin becoming the Evil Queen. This was such a fun and short story.
Thank you Marie for allowing me to be part of your ARC team!
Added October 2024: loved this and all its magic. This story carries on straight from book one - How to Get a Girlfriend When You’re a Terrifying Monster
July 21, 2023
Firstly, thank you, Marie, for the ARC, it's an honor to be part of the team! Another great book.
The storyline continues from where How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster) left off the adventure Sian goes through in this book is exciting, and challenging, having to navigate a fairytale world with a dragon, Princes and Princesses, I spent the book hoping that Sian and Trillin would find their way back to each other and that they would get their fairytale ending they truly deserve. It truly was such a great read.
This title will be released on July 27th so get it in your diaries 🗓 and pre-order now!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥
The storyline continues from where How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster) left off the adventure Sian goes through in this book is exciting, and challenging, having to navigate a fairytale world with a dragon, Princes and Princesses, I spent the book hoping that Sian and Trillin would find their way back to each other and that they would get their fairytale ending they truly deserve. It truly was such a great read.
This title will be released on July 27th so get it in your diaries 🗓 and pre-order now!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥
July 15, 2023
If you're a fan of Alix Harrow's A Spindle Splintered duology or Seanan McGuire's Every Heart a Doorway, you really should read this brilliant New Zealand fantasy novella, whether or not you've already read the first in this series (the hilariously wacky How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster)). This novella is less wacky and laugh-out-loud funny than that first story in the series, but it more than makes up for that with real, heartfelt emotion and a fabulous, mind-bending take on fairy tales and the power of story telling.
In this story, Trillin (a shape-changing, escaped piece of the world-eating entity The Endless) and her new girlfriend Sian (a reckless New Zealand witch) land in an alternate version of Earth where magic works very, very differently - and if they don't watch out, they'll both be forced to play roles they never wanted in a worldwide fairy tale. Figuring out how to escape and build a real relationship (NOT a fairytale happy ending) will require learning new ways to be themselves - and confronting hard truths about where they both came from.
I loved it, and I can't wait to see what will happen in their next adventure.
In this story, Trillin (a shape-changing, escaped piece of the world-eating entity The Endless) and her new girlfriend Sian (a reckless New Zealand witch) land in an alternate version of Earth where magic works very, very differently - and if they don't watch out, they'll both be forced to play roles they never wanted in a worldwide fairy tale. Figuring out how to escape and build a real relationship (NOT a fairytale happy ending) will require learning new ways to be themselves - and confronting hard truths about where they both came from.
I loved it, and I can't wait to see what will happen in their next adventure.
December 29, 2023
A weird departure from its predecessor with the same lovable main characters but a confusing setting. After barely escaping with their lives from Earth and the Endless dimension, Sian and Trillin find themselves in a new world with some strange old magic which forces inhabitants into fairy tale roles. You can be the prince, the princess or the monster that needs to be vanquished for the two to have their happily ever after. When Trillin gets pulled into being the monster by the strong magic, and Sian, the prince, they must find a way to break the curse so they don't have to spend time playing this inane game.
While I absolutely loved the first book, this was quite the letdown and veered too far from what made the first book work. There's no fantastical yet terrible world, no central driver of tension, no Endless, no clear description of how Trillin is so powerless with this new foe, and so on. The lore of the new dimension is extremely confounding and ill-inspired. I feel disappointed but staying optimistic for any sequel.
While I absolutely loved the first book, this was quite the letdown and veered too far from what made the first book work. There's no fantastical yet terrible world, no central driver of tension, no Endless, no clear description of how Trillin is so powerless with this new foe, and so on. The lore of the new dimension is extremely confounding and ill-inspired. I feel disappointed but staying optimistic for any sequel.
December 18, 2023
3.5
This was an interesting, unexpected direction for book 2 of the Monster Girlfriend series to head. Like the first book, the plot takes off with a bang (or, a fire breathing dragon), and things never really slow down from there. I would have liked more growth between Sian and Trillin's relationship. The author presents some interesting themes/conflict at the very end, and the lack of time Sian and Trillin spend together makes the resolution feel a bit unearned. Overall, I get the sense that the story could have spent a bit more time cooking, but it was still a fun, fast read.
For a unique take on monster-girl sapphic romance that's kisses-only, sweet, and action-packed, this is a good pick.
This was an interesting, unexpected direction for book 2 of the Monster Girlfriend series to head. Like the first book, the plot takes off with a bang (or, a fire breathing dragon), and things never really slow down from there. I would have liked more growth between Sian and Trillin's relationship. The author presents some interesting themes/conflict at the very end, and the lack of time Sian and Trillin spend together makes the resolution feel a bit unearned. Overall, I get the sense that the story could have spent a bit more time cooking, but it was still a fun, fast read.
For a unique take on monster-girl sapphic romance that's kisses-only, sweet, and action-packed, this is a good pick.
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August 9, 2023How to Get a Date with the Evil Queen is the sequel to the equally delightfully titled , which I can whole-heartedly recommend to anyone looking for a cosy sapphic fantasy.
In Evil Queen, our favourite scientist/Cthulian monster couple face a world where happily ever after is a curse. I loved this twist on fairytale tropes, and Trillin continues to be my tentacular fave.
In Evil Queen, our favourite scientist/Cthulian monster couple face a world where happily ever after is a curse. I loved this twist on fairytale tropes, and Trillin continues to be my tentacular fave.
September 30, 2023
To my shock and awe this was BETTER than it’s predecessor. While the first book in the series was a fun, weird, and enjoyable brain break this book was really something else. The story felt incredibly original but also had a familiarity to it (I found myself thinking often of the Once Upon A Time TV show - perhaps the journey through hero/villain, monster/prince/princess). This book had so many unexpected examples of truly fantastic writing interwoven through some humour and absolute absurdity.
I hope book 3 follows the same trajectory of improvement.
I hope book 3 follows the same trajectory of improvement.
December 28, 2024
This is certainly an interesting take on the trilogy, taking the book in both a new direction, and also not. It's a new world (sort of), with a complication of its own, that separates them, and getting back together isn't an easy task. Yet, for all of its changes (which, honestly, suits Trillian and Sian very well), it provides plenty of character growth, and a lot of hints as to things to come.
All in all, and enjoyable second installment to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it wraps up.
All in all, and enjoyable second installment to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it wraps up.
December 30, 2024
Okay...the first book was cute. A little unusual, different from what I usually read, the closest I have ever come to a monster romance. But I kind of had fun with it. So naturally, I got the sequel.
And...color me confused. I've finished the book, and I still don't understand. I have re-read parts, and I still do not understand. I have read parts aloud to my sister to see what I missed...and neither of us get it?? This magic made no sense. The cycle they were stuck in made no sense! The ending made no sense?!
Please, someone tell me if this is just me....
And...color me confused. I've finished the book, and I still don't understand. I have re-read parts, and I still do not understand. I have read parts aloud to my sister to see what I missed...and neither of us get it?? This magic made no sense. The cycle they were stuck in made no sense! The ending made no sense?!
Please, someone tell me if this is just me....
January 17, 2025
i still absolutely adore the world building and the characters but i definitely liked book 2 a little less than book 1. i think i just didn't vibe with the Fairy Tale aspect and was a bit confused about the tonal shift.
i definitely also hated that they were apart for the majority of the book because this pair are just fantastic! i really love stories where a person falls in love with a non-human in a way where they just absolutely don't struggle with the differences at all (bar the primal screaming issue, but that's not due to her own feelings for Trillian!)
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
i definitely also hated that they were apart for the majority of the book because this pair are just fantastic! i really love stories where a person falls in love with a non-human in a way where they just absolutely don't struggle with the differences at all (bar the primal screaming issue, but that's not due to her own feelings for Trillian!)
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
May 26, 2025
This book was...a bit mad really! It was less cute than the first one, but that's because the stakes seemed higher. But all in a good way, definitely!!
Marie Cardno has an incredible imagination. She's managed to make the universe (multiverse?) so strange and unbelievable that it is believable. It was a wild ride but intense, and I don't regret a moment of it! Definitely going to read the next book, but I hope Trillin and Sian's hopeless situation comes to some sort of resolution!
I had an ARC from the author.
Marie Cardno has an incredible imagination. She's managed to make the universe (multiverse?) so strange and unbelievable that it is believable. It was a wild ride but intense, and I don't regret a moment of it! Definitely going to read the next book, but I hope Trillin and Sian's hopeless situation comes to some sort of resolution!
I had an ARC from the author.
July 27, 2023
I got my wish and got even more of Trillin and Sian 🤩
How to Get a Date with the Evil Queen was just as inventive and humorous as book How to Get a Girlfriend When You're A Terrifying Monster and with just as stunning a cover! �
The wacky adventure that Trillin and Sian embark on in this book had my heart racing and my laughter flowing. Ultimately, I was swooning for both Trillin and Sian's love story. I can't wait for book three ! 💜
How to Get a Date with the Evil Queen was just as inventive and humorous as book How to Get a Girlfriend When You're A Terrifying Monster and with just as stunning a cover! �
The wacky adventure that Trillin and Sian embark on in this book had my heart racing and my laughter flowing. Ultimately, I was swooning for both Trillin and Sian's love story. I can't wait for book three ! 💜
July 13, 2024
This great novella explores what happens when Happy ever after is a myth, or rather in the case of our Scientist and Cthulhu monster couple, it is seen as a curse.
This author continues the Monster Girlfriend saga with gusto and very witty humour. Somehow along the pages, you may, like myself, find parallels in real life with this relationship and how working through the issues, the trials, and the judgements is worth doing. Because if anything, everyone is allowed to live happily ever after.
This author continues the Monster Girlfriend saga with gusto and very witty humour. Somehow along the pages, you may, like myself, find parallels in real life with this relationship and how working through the issues, the trials, and the judgements is worth doing. Because if anything, everyone is allowed to live happily ever after.
October 7, 2024
It's an absolutely delightful sequel to the silliest, goofiest story. Again, there was no reason for the things that happened to have happened other than its fun! Like its predecessor, this novella can be finished in an hour or two and have you gigglin' the whole dang time. In addition to monster lovers, villain lovers now get a little something as well. I cannot wait for the third one; I love these silly little guys.
July 30, 2023
This is an adorable cozy monster romance. Our quirky sapphic couple from book one is back, exploring a new world and fighting for their own happily ever after. I love how this book played on well known fairy tale tropes and especially how Sian and Trillin just keep saving each other. I can't wait to see where these two go next.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
Although this was still really fun, I didn't like it as much as the first one. I loved seeing the girls together so I was hoping to see how they grew as a couple more rather than seeing Sian take her own personal journey. There were a couple parts that I didn't really get, but the world was super cool. I can't wait to see where Cardno goes from here!
July 29, 2023
3 stars. I liked this a bit better than the first book but meh, this series just isn’t cutting it for me overall. It’s just not my thing so I think I’m gonna jump off here. I’ll read something else from this author outside of this series because their writing is pretty good.
July 31, 2023
Delightfully weird
This sequel is just as strange and lovely as the first book was. It's an adventure and a fairytale and a love story and a monster movie all rolled into one, and I don't think I've ever read anything else quite like it. It's alot of fun and a quick read.
This sequel is just as strange and lovely as the first book was. It's an adventure and a fairytale and a love story and a monster movie all rolled into one, and I don't think I've ever read anything else quite like it. It's alot of fun and a quick read.
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