A hilariously unique blend of romance, humor, and horror! Darla, the Duchess of Death, and the infuriating yet charming Jarko bring chaos, laughter, and sizzling chemistry to this cozy fantasy. With witty banter, quirky monsters, and heartwarming moments, it’s the perfect read for fans of unconventional love stories.

Dating and Dismemberment by A.L. Brody
Monsters and Mating #1
4.2⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.5/5
Cursing: mild+
Genres/Tropes: fantasy, romantic comedy, monsters
Format/Source: ebook ARC from EntangledPublishing
Setting: Camp Clear Creek; NY
Audience: YA
New words: pusillanimous, troglodyte
Characters: Darla, Jarko, Gretl, Dolores
👍 book loving FMC, short chapters, humor, witty banter, monsters with moral codes, monsters' creative names, different characters than anything I've ever read
👎 predictable plot (which again...as long as it's entertaining, it does not bother me so much), cursing

Description:
Darla Drake, Duchess of Death, is a legendary monster who has haunted the woods around Camp Clear Creek for years. Until an existential crisis forces her to take a sabbatical from wreaking havoc while she figures out what she really wants from the rest of her (possibly infinite) life. She spends time with the decapitated―yet still overbearing―head of her mother, reading romance novels she steals from campers, and struggling with one monstrous case of melancholy. Until Jarko Murkvale arrives in Clear Creek and turns Darla’s life upside down.
And with the Duchess of Death on the shelf, Jarko has staked his claim on Camp Clear Creek. But Darla refuses to go down without a fight, and so in order to reclaim her territory, she challenges Jarko to a series of hunts to see who the most fearsome monster really is.
But the more mayhem they cause, the more Darla begins to realize there’s more to this brash monster than she believed…and that Jarko may just be the antidote to her ennui. And if they can manage to not tear each other limb from limb, Darla and Jarko just might find that couples who slay together stay together.

My opinion:
Fairly fast-paced storyline with amusing, different, and intriguing main characters that make the book a fun, interesting read. The short chapters make for easy reading. I love that the female main characters love reading. I always appreciate when personas enjoy books like I do. The monsters are quite engrossing in this novel, and I adore their creative names. They have moral codes as well, which I find fabulous. I delighted in the humor and witty banter in this story. I did not appreciate the cursing in this novel and find it unnecessary. The plot is predictable but delightful. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantasy and does not mind a minimal+ level of bad language.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #monsterbooks #humorbook #romancebooks #booktok

Rom-coms usually are not on my radar… but… when Entangled mentioned they were hosting a read-along for this one I jumped on it. I’m happy I did – this was such a weird and hilarious book. It isn’t without depth or tough subject matter, even if the characters are monsters. It was also the winner for our book club this month and it’s always fun to hear such varied ideas from others on the books we read. Darla and Jarko kept me entertained and chuckling while reading throughout this book. After reading it I realized that I honestly need more lighthearted and funny books to break up my usual reads.

I truly liked both main characters, yes they may be monster “serial killers” but they were like Dexter. They only hunted those that deserved their wrath. Darla is stuck in a funk and Jarko is elusive about why he is actively searching for another territory to live in. Both of them grow throughout the book – from challenging each other in many different ways but also because of the supporting characters.

"You couldn’t change your life if you kept doing the same thing over and over again."

I’m excited to read the next book in the series (Weddings & Witchcraft) and thoroughly intrigued if some of my theories will pan out. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy reads featuring laugh-out-loud moments, budding romance, monsters/serial killers with a conscience, jerks who get their comeuppance, meaningful gestures, and much more. Many thanks to Entangled Publishing/Amara for the gifted copy and the opportunity to join in the read-along for this riot of a rom-com. Rounded from 4.5 stars.

A funny romantic comedy, I never knew monsters in love could be so funny and adorable.
The story will have you laughing out loud. But, the story is an emotional journey though it never gets dark.
The romance aspect is beautiful….sweet, heartfelt and closed door spice.
If you are in the mood for a lighthearted, fun read and like books with monsters in them….this is the book you need to pick up.

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really wanted to like this book! Campy 80s horror and quirky relationships are usually right up my alley. Sadly, I got about 20% into this book before deciding this book wasn’t it for me. I really struggled with the over alliteration of names and places. I also had a hard time staying interested in the step by step events as they were written. “She does this and does this and does this”. It made it feel slightly monotonous.

I know this book will have an audience, but I am not the right fit.

I really wanted to read this book, and I’m so grateful that I also got to be part of the Entangled read along. It was so fun to be part of the group read, and of course this was such a fun book!!

This was a fun book, spice free (for those that love the spice). This was a rom-com with monsters. A fun quick read, especially for those times when you're in a slump or need to cleanse your reading palate. This was a "new to me" author and I enjoyed the book.

If you are looking for a funny, lighthearted monster romance with a lot of action and a really good plot, this is it. A. L. Brody introduces us to the world of Darla the Duchess of Death in a way that will keep readers not only chuckling the whole time, but full on laughing for most of the book. A book full of antics, coming into one’s own with the right amount of romance and death, Dating and Dismemberment was a pleasant surprise in all its facets.

I am not normally a fan of monster romance since it can get uncomfortably weird, but Dating and Dismemberment was just the right amount of weird in a not cutesy way that made it really good. Brody kept me wanting more the whole time, and the banter was bantering between our two main characters. Not only that but the world building was exceptional, and even from the start I was laughing. If you are looking for a fun read, I highly recommend picking this one up, and if your name is Kyle, well, I’m sorry for your future. Overall was a great fall read, with great writing, a unique world, and I can’t wait for book 2!

I read this one in a group and I'm so glad that I did. This book is a hilarious and darkly entertaining take on the dating scene, blending humor with some unexpected twists. The characters are quirky and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their wild adventures.

Our group had a blast discussing the outrageous scenarios and clever writing. The mix of romance and suspense kept us on our toes, and we found ourselves laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all. We could totally see this as a movie—imagine the comedic timing and the over-the-top moments brought to life on screen! Overall, it was a fantastic read that sparked lively conversations and left us all wanting more. If you’re looking for something fun and unique, this book is definitely worth picking up!

Smiled the whole time. A light-spice rom-com, campy and a heavy hand of monster humor. I want to be a monster in this world, it sounds like a delight.

What a fun and hilarious Monster Romance. This was not exactly what I was expecting from reading some of the other monster romances on the market. But I ended up liking this better than majority of the ones I’ve read before this can be considered more of a close door romance and therefore a wider appeal for book lovers if they want to step into the monster romance genre. There were so many laugh out loud situations and quotes. This is a great way to spend a weekend and forget about the seriousness of every day life right now.

One of the best romance books I’ve read all year!!!!!!!

Dating and Dismemberment is a cute monster rom-com, we are following Darla Drake also known as The Duchess of Death who haunts the wood of Camp Clear Creek and Jarko Murkvale who is a handsome tentacled monster who has come to take claim of her land.

I’d seen the author post about this book on TikTok and I was hesitant on reading it but when I got the ARC I was so excited.

Just a warning for all you smut lovers, this is not that. More so a closed door romance. However do not let this steer you away.

This book is more for me than make me swoon for the love interest and giggle. The relationship between Darla and her mothers head( yes I said her mothers head, mother is dismembered lol) but this relationship was so heartwarming and healing for me as someone who doesn’t have a relationship with her mother.

I will be chasing the high I got from this book for a while


Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

It was so funny and heartwarming and full of dismemberments.

I was hooked on this book from the content warning and on - lol - it’s not what you think (but be warned…bad things happen to characters named Kyle.) This is a unique twist on a feel good story I haven’t seen before. I definitely got vintage horror movie vibes throughout the book.

“Everyone needs pockets”

The characters are quirky and endearing and I quickly found myself rooting for Darla (The Duchess of Death.) The banter between Darla and Jarko and the other characters was so good!

✨What to Expect:
💜Monster/Paranormal Romance
💖Romantic Comedy
❤️‍🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Opposites Attract
🚫Forbidden
💋Strong FMC
☠️Touch Her & 💀
😂Hilarious Banter
🔪Cozy Dismemberment
🖤Fade to Black Spice

I'm kind of sad this is over. I thought this was a great ending to this series. Alex has definitely been on a journey throughout this series, so seeing everything come together at the end was a little bitter sweet. Things were revealed. Loose ends were tied up. And the romance was more permeant (although I wish it would have gone a different way). Overall, this was a really good book. I enjoyed listening to this entire series on audio. I will be reading more by this author because I really enjoyed this book and series.

Dating & Dismemberment was such a cute, cozy and fun monster rom-com. Heavy on the com. This book had me laughing from start to finish. I loved it!

I loved Darla and Jarko together. The banter and insults between them had me cackling 🤣
These are monsters we’re talking about so there’s quite a bit of gore but it was done in such a humorous way.

Darla and Jarko both prefer to hunt humans who hurt others and I liked how this new generation of monsters has a bit of a moral code. Their hunting scenes were some of my favorites.
Another thing I really enjoyed were all the parallels to real (human) life. From generational differences to figuring out who you really are and what you want out of life, there’s so much we can relate to.

I can’t wait for the next book!

What a read!

Monster Romance is not a genre I had previously thought I would like, but Dating & Dismemberment really caught my interest. I'm glad I decided to indulge myself because I CANNOT WAIT for book 2!

The Duchess of Death has lost her interest and passion for hunting. Something every monster in her family has excelled at for years. After taking a sabbatical from the hunt in an attempt to find herself, she meets Jarko. Jarko is everything Darla isn't. He lives for chaos and cooking, but wants to take her territory over.

How could she ever like him? Well, you'll have to read the book and find out.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the free book.

I never thought I’d be smiling so much during a creepy monster story, but Dating and Dismemberment was delightful.

Darla is the Duchess of Death and haunts the camp near her forest, when she develops some ennui, feeling bored with hunting humans. After a sabbatical, a new monster is in town to take over her campgrounds, and suddenly she’s not so bored after all.

Filled with monstery puns, a baby monster that would chew your limbs off, a severed head that complains about the TV shows on, and cute romantic tension, Dating and Dismemberment was a perfect RomCom for the spooky season. It was like a creepy version of a Hallmark movie and I couldn’t stop reading. I loved Darla and Jarko together and seeing them both progress and grow.

An adorable and entertaining story, I’m so ready for the next in the series!

Sure, here’s a more personal take:

Dating & Dismemberment has been a fantastic read. I went into it curious, but it turned out to be one of those books that really surprises you in the best way. I loved how the story threw in bizarre monster elements without losing its heart or humor—it’s a rare balance, and Daria Vernon absolutely nails it. There were parts that genuinely made me laugh out loud and others that were so unexpectedly weird I had to pause just to appreciate how well it worked. The romance wasn’t just tacked on, either; it had a real spark, even amidst all the quirky horror. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves their romance with a dash of the dark and unusual!

I was given this book by Entangled as part of their read along. I am so grateful I could be chosen for this as I have been eyeing this book!

I am sad to say I didn't make it past 10%. I really didn't like the writing style of the author and I was pretty bored. I tried a few times to pick it up and get caught up with the rest of the group but I just couldn't get into it.

Thank you again for choosing me and gifting me this copy... I wish it had worked out!

First of all to the Kyle’s of the world, quit being such dicks. 🤣 IYKYK.

I give this rating 5 stars because of the originality of the story. The diverse monster characters, it being a monster rom-com. My laughing my ass off just at the content warnings. 2 belle peppers because where there is some spice it’s very very mild, innuendos but for the most part closed door IMO.

I will say the word traverse in every conjunction of the word did get to me after awhile. But alas it was different and not ordinary like the book! 🙃

Darla, Duchess of Death loves to hunt assholes all probably names Kyle. She is meticulous in her hunt, but one day she stops to wonder if there is more to life. More than dealing with the head of Delores and the Kyle’s of the world.

Enter:

Jarko. The tentacle, space invading monster. Thrives on chaos. Wants solitude and an escape.

A great story of loosing yourself, finding yourself, hunting humans named Kyle for fun (cuz they are usually named Kyle 😉), healing, and budding romance.

Thanks for another great read along @entangled_publishing