Velise

This book differs quite a bit from what I usually read, mainly because politics plays a major role in the story. The blurb suggests that our main character is a monster hunter, which isn't entirely accurate. I'd say he was a monster hunter; now, he works as a Deputy Inspector, a more administrative role.
Despite this, the story is still intriguing. We get alternating points of view between the male character and the female lead, each in their respective chapters. This dual perspective creates an interesting balance between a seasoned human detective and, quite literally, a monster—our female lead is an arachne. 

The world-building is well done, gradually revealing the past, the origins of monsters, and Earth's dark history. It paints a haunting backdrop, and I was a bit disappointed not to learn more alongside Velise and Andrew. 

However, there are five more books in this universe featuring other characters, which is a big bonus given how compelling the world and its mysteries are—especially the concept of “the gene splicer” and the idea that the human population is kept in the dark about what really happened.

From the first page, there's a recurring focus on the female lead's large chest—sometimes subtle, other times less so—which continues throughout the book and is emphasized in various scenes.
The spicy scenes are well-handled and not overly frequent.  The experience with the vibrating glove was especially memorable due to its unique effect on her, as was the scene with the bowl. I loved these small, clever details that explained her unique needs, like why she needed Salt. 

Chapter 35:
One scene might be unsettling for some readers. FMC injects venom into MC twice without obtaining his explicit consent, offering only brief explanations of the effects afterward. It's implied that he has some prior knowledge about arachne and intimacy, and he appears excited. However, because he is physically bound, doesn't give clear consent, and feels terror, this scene may not be enjoyable for everyone.

I had no problems with the scene because FMC is a literal non-human unfamiliar with human norms and MC doesn't state for her to stop. And I'm unsure how Velise would have reacted if Andrew showed distress. Although his request for a safe word is denied which definitely did not sit right with me, he asked multiple times. 

Quote: “He'd never consented explicitly to being injected with her venom, but he hadn't ever said no either, so he couldn't really blame her for this. At this point it was too late anyway.”
The female lead is self-assured, and I enjoyed her development. The same goes for the male character, Andrew, especially his softer, humorous side that gradually emerges as he opens up.
My biggest peeve was the mystery surrounding his ex-wife and child. Velise has a theory that his child is still alive.
At the end of the book, she ultimately decides not to pursue it further.
Quote: “She decided that—whatever the truth—she would let the matter rest.”