{"product_id":"monarch","title":"Monarch","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"146\"\u003eFrom Sophie Lark comes a dark gothic romance set in the eerie seaside town of Grimstone, where a fairytale escape begins to look more like a trap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"437\"\u003eElena Zelenska is desperate for a new life. A twenty-seven-year-old bookshop worker from Ukraine, she takes a wild chance on becoming a mail-order bride after meeting Benjamin Wittacker, a handsome single father and successful author who seems to offer everything she has been dreaming of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"671\"\u003eWhen Elena arrives in Grimstone, her future appears almost magical. Ben is building her a castle in the woods, his daughter Ivy needs someone gentle in her life, and Elena wants to believe she has finally found safety and belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"704\"\u003eBut the dream begins to darken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"706\" data-end=\"1013\"\u003eThe castle is strange and unsettling, Ben’s charm starts to twist into control, and Elena becomes increasingly isolated in a town full of secrets. Her only real comfort is Atlas Covett, the stern and intimidating owner of the Monarch hotel, whose quiet protection makes her feel seen in a way Ben never has.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1180\"\u003eAs Ben’s jealousy grows and the walls close in around her, Elena must find the courage to escape before the fairytale she chose becomes a prison she may never leave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1182\" data-end=\"1328\"\u003eDark, atmospheric, and full of suspense, Monarch explores control, survival, forbidden connection, and the danger of mistaking obsession for love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1452\"\u003e✨ Genre: Dark Romance \/ Gothic Romance \/ Romantic Thriller\u003cbr data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1391\"\u003e🌶️ Spice Level: High\u003cbr data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003e📚 Series: \u003cem\u003eGrimstone - Book 2\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1622\"\u003eMoody, tense, and addictive—perfect for readers who love gothic romance, morally grey protectors, sinister castles, small-town secrets, and dark fairytale vibes 🖤🏚️📖\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sophie Lark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43410302304346,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0657\/9044\/3610\/files\/Untitled-08December2025at19.04.39-2-2026-05-24T201807.456.png?v=1779618597","url":"https:\/\/onceuponacup.com\/products\/monarch","provider":"Once Upon A Cup","version":"1.0","type":"link"}