Lies of My Monster

Readers should be aware of several notable triggers going into this one. There is attempted sexual assault on the FMC during the Albanian kidnapping scene. The MMC uses coercion and manipulation/gaslighting throughout — most notably when he edges the FMC across an entire night trying to force a confession (non-consensual in nature), and later locks her in a basement to prevent her leaving. The relationship itself is toxic and codependent by design, with significant emotional and psychological abuse from the MMC. Physical assault is present — both the FMC throwing herself down stairs (played somewhat for dramatics in context) and the MMC being shot twice. There is graphic torture when Kirill interrogates an Albanian captive, plus general violence and murder throughout the mafia setting. The FMC is kidnapped by Albanian mobsters mid-book. A possible pregnancy is hinted at toward the end (not confirmed in this installment). Stalking features early — Kirill follows Sasha to Russia covertly. The book ends on a hard cliffhanger.