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All they needed was a second chance ...
As former police officer, his back broken in the line of duty, James' life hung by a thread. Securing treatment landed him deep in debt and working for a soldier of fortune company to pay for his recovery. When he learned just how dirty that company was, he had to decide if his conscience was worth becoming a lifelong paraplegic.
Selena bore a terrible burden, living a futile life bound to an insane dragon lord. A nagini of rare ability, she surrendered willingly when the human soldiers destroyed the village she'd been sent to recruit. Yet, when she learned what the humans had in store for her, she knew her only hope lay in the one man who just didn't fit with the others.
If he could spare her the fate she had in store, give her a second chance, she would defy every law to see him safe and rewarded. She couldn't know that reaching the safety of the city-state would be only the beginning of their troubles ...
As former police officer, his back broken in the line of duty, James' life hung by a thread. Securing treatment landed him deep in debt and working for a soldier of fortune company to pay for his recovery. When he learned just how dirty that company was, he had to decide if his conscience was worth becoming a lifelong paraplegic.
Selena bore a terrible burden, living a futile life bound to an insane dragon lord. A nagini of rare ability, she surrendered willingly when the human soldiers destroyed the village she'd been sent to recruit. Yet, when she learned what the humans had in store for her, she knew her only hope lay in the one man who just didn't fit with the others.
If he could spare her the fate she had in store, give her a second chance, she would defy every law to see him safe and rewarded. She couldn't know that reaching the safety of the city-state would be only the beginning of their troubles ...
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
89 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 27, 2024
One of the most original monster-girl erotica series I've found
If you've read this far you have a fair idea what to expect. While I think this one is better than Grace (book 3) The over all series is going strong.
I'd thought that the shtick would have worn off by now, but I'm more fascinated that ever. Now I want to go back and reread the series to see what clues I've missed.
Each book reveals a little more about the past. This is slow burn worldbuilding. This is show don't tell lore. This could be Cebelius's best series yet.
If you've read this far you have a fair idea what to expect. While I think this one is better than Grace (book 3) The over all series is going strong.
I'd thought that the shtick would have worn off by now, but I'm more fascinated that ever. Now I want to go back and reread the series to see what clues I've missed.
Each book reveals a little more about the past. This is slow burn worldbuilding. This is show don't tell lore. This could be Cebelius's best series yet.
April 4, 2023
I'm loving this series just like all the books before this one did not disappoint and the cameos of the previous characters the clues and hints at what they been up to keep you involved the story as a whole can't wait for the next one
And the dual narrators did an amazing job as always
And the dual narrators did an amazing job as always
December 20, 2024
Another great entry in the series. We get to see a bit more of the wider world in this one which is refreshing.
I have to say the romance was lacking in this one. Our MCs seemed to just randomly be in love. Selena is grateful for James saving her life and spends nearly a year getting him safe and another year teaching him magic to repay him. But All of that happens in a flash forward style and we are told it was a blur of constant focus. So if there were any romantic feelings blooming in that time from either side, we should have seen it. Instead, Selena just declares she loves him and he doesn't believe her anymore than we do. But we just move right passed that declaration for a few chapters until he decides he believes her and says it right back and that's basically it. Yes, he saves her and she saves him in return, but in context it feels more like transaction of debt payment. I like them together but it didn't feel earned and Cebelius usually sets a much higher standard when it comes to romance in his books.
Other than that, some great further worldbuilding that is very much show rather than tell and it's working. By the end we can see how all of our characters are going to play a part in a big conclusion. Cant wait!
I have to say the romance was lacking in this one. Our MCs seemed to just randomly be in love. Selena is grateful for James saving her life and spends nearly a year getting him safe and another year teaching him magic to repay him. But All of that happens in a flash forward style and we are told it was a blur of constant focus. So if there were any romantic feelings blooming in that time from either side, we should have seen it. Instead, Selena just declares she loves him and he doesn't believe her anymore than we do. But we just move right passed that declaration for a few chapters until he decides he believes her and says it right back and that's basically it. Yes, he saves her and she saves him in return, but in context it feels more like transaction of debt payment. I like them together but it didn't feel earned and Cebelius usually sets a much higher standard when it comes to romance in his books.
Other than that, some great further worldbuilding that is very much show rather than tell and it's working. By the end we can see how all of our characters are going to play a part in a big conclusion. Cant wait!
July 5, 2025
Strap in for this wild ride of a review. A GR friend pretty much dared me to read it and as I obviously lack self preservation skills and I'm up for anything once I agreed to read the book with the snake with a huge rack on the cover 😭
The thing is??? I'm not disappointed 🙈 This was shockingly well written!! The world building was fantastic - super complex and well woven into their daily interactions, the plot was interesting and kept me returning again and again to this book, the characters were believable and nuanced.
Honestly, the only thing that made me knock down a star was the erotic scenes featuring a giant snake. Luckily there weren't many of them but since they were explicit, I can now safely say I'm marked safe from developing a furry fetish any time soon (or ever) 😐
I'm not trying to yuck anyone's yum but *I* just don't get it, and I prefer even my regular fantasy (and books of any kind) sans erotica. So I feel that it's mostly a me problem as I'm definitely not the target audience. Even with me skimming the steamy scenes it was just too much for me 🥲 But if you're into anything like that and like urban fantasy do check it out!
This one is book 4 of the series and it was good enough to make me (under normal circumstances) go ahead and read everything by that author. Now? I think I'll go on an indefinite break (although I do wish I learned what happens and if I get veeeery brave I might eventually go back and try to read these series from the beginning. )
The thing is??? I'm not disappointed 🙈 This was shockingly well written!! The world building was fantastic - super complex and well woven into their daily interactions, the plot was interesting and kept me returning again and again to this book, the characters were believable and nuanced.
Honestly, the only thing that made me knock down a star was the erotic scenes featuring a giant snake. Luckily there weren't many of them but since they were explicit, I can now safely say I'm marked safe from developing a furry fetish any time soon (or ever) 😐
I'm not trying to yuck anyone's yum but *I* just don't get it, and I prefer even my regular fantasy (and books of any kind) sans erotica. So I feel that it's mostly a me problem as I'm definitely not the target audience. Even with me skimming the steamy scenes it was just too much for me 🥲 But if you're into anything like that and like urban fantasy do check it out!
This one is book 4 of the series and it was good enough to make me (under normal circumstances) go ahead and read everything by that author. Now? I think I'll go on an indefinite break (although I do wish I learned what happens and if I get veeeery brave I might eventually go back and try to read these series from the beginning. )
February 22, 2023
Still great!
I enjoy this series immensely; as well as almost all of this author's work so far (still a couple I haven't tried yet). Still feels a bit rushed, but I think that always comes back to a combination of my reading speed and enjoyment of the book itself, it'll never feel long enough lol
I also enjoy how the other characters and previous events are tying into the series as they go on.
About the only 2 parts I found a bit jarring (I'm going to leave this vague in case of spoilers) was when one of the MCs was to learn how to do something, had the process explained, and in the next chapter was suddenly doing it? They did talk about how the MC was going to learn, but didn't actually do that part; felt like I missed a chapter there.. I'll re-read the whole series eventually and will adjust my review if I did actually miss said chapter lol. Second part was someone from the previous stories was in hiding, and had to be left behind..and nothing was said about them again; maybe setup event? Didn't quite have enough play here to feel like that; again may edit this after re-reading if I end up realizing I did miss something
Still gonna go 5 stars here (Feels like Amazon should copy Steams review system) as I really enjoy this authors work and look forward to more, especially this series!
I enjoy this series immensely; as well as almost all of this author's work so far (still a couple I haven't tried yet). Still feels a bit rushed, but I think that always comes back to a combination of my reading speed and enjoyment of the book itself, it'll never feel long enough lol
I also enjoy how the other characters and previous events are tying into the series as they go on.
About the only 2 parts I found a bit jarring (I'm going to leave this vague in case of spoilers) was when one of the MCs was to learn how to do something, had the process explained, and in the next chapter was suddenly doing it? They did talk about how the MC was going to learn, but didn't actually do that part; felt like I missed a chapter there.. I'll re-read the whole series eventually and will adjust my review if I did actually miss said chapter lol. Second part was someone from the previous stories was in hiding, and had to be left behind..and nothing was said about them again; maybe setup event? Didn't quite have enough play here to feel like that; again may edit this after re-reading if I end up realizing I did miss something
Still gonna go 5 stars here (Feels like Amazon should copy Steams review system) as I really enjoy this authors work and look forward to more, especially this series!
September 22, 2023
I started this sometime last year but got distracted, so now that I came back to the book I took a second crack at it. The book itself is solid but I would consider this pairing to be the weakest of the couples in the series. Neither character quite clicked for me and Selena was a little too alien for me, as she did not have the more human facial features of the others, why I didnt have this same problem with book 1 I'll never know.
We still see the solid writing of the author we've had in previous volumes with the subtle worldbuilding without slowing down the story. The character's motivations are understandable and we have more little glimpses of the previous couples.
Overall while it didnt quite click for me, certainly nothing wrong with it, just the weakest of 4 good books. Ultimately if you liked the previous volumes you cant go wrong with carrying on the series.
We still see the solid writing of the author we've had in previous volumes with the subtle worldbuilding without slowing down the story. The character's motivations are understandable and we have more little glimpses of the previous couples.
Overall while it didnt quite click for me, certainly nothing wrong with it, just the weakest of 4 good books. Ultimately if you liked the previous volumes you cant go wrong with carrying on the series.
January 29, 2024
Sssweet Romanccce
As Cebelius continues to expand the lore of his "Would You Love a Monster Girl?" universe, so too does his general storytelling improve. With "Selena," we're given arguably the most interesting installment since the beginning of the series with "Velise." This isn't to besmirch the other novels, but merely to highlight just how good this one is.
Our protagonist feels distinctly different from the prior 3 in the series, our love interest perhaps the most unique of the series just for her background, and the setting (being less city focused than the prior novels) is intensely refreshing. The romance itself is a reasonable pace, with an enjoyable payoff.
If you actually got to my review and were somehow still on the fence, just take the plunge. It's one of the fastest 300 pages I've ever gone through.
As Cebelius continues to expand the lore of his "Would You Love a Monster Girl?" universe, so too does his general storytelling improve. With "Selena," we're given arguably the most interesting installment since the beginning of the series with "Velise." This isn't to besmirch the other novels, but merely to highlight just how good this one is.
Our protagonist feels distinctly different from the prior 3 in the series, our love interest perhaps the most unique of the series just for her background, and the setting (being less city focused than the prior novels) is intensely refreshing. The romance itself is a reasonable pace, with an enjoyable payoff.
If you actually got to my review and were somehow still on the fence, just take the plunge. It's one of the fastest 300 pages I've ever gone through.
May 20, 2025
3.5 rounded down.
The world building and setting in this series is quite good, and the way more and more details, backstory, and mysteries are uncovered with each book definitely keeps it interesting!
However, I am a little disappointed that the romantic formula/relationship dynamic is pretty much the same in all the books so far. All the monster ladies have very similar personalities. They approach the world and their love interest in very analytical/logical, shrewd ways. They decide the human male interest would be a good mate and then pursue him until he sorta reluctantly falls for her. There's nothing wrong with that but I would like more variety in the female side of the pairings. The male characters all have pretty good character depth, all with very different beliefs and personalities, and I would like the monster ladies to have the same.
The world building and setting in this series is quite good, and the way more and more details, backstory, and mysteries are uncovered with each book definitely keeps it interesting!
However, I am a little disappointed that the romantic formula/relationship dynamic is pretty much the same in all the books so far. All the monster ladies have very similar personalities. They approach the world and their love interest in very analytical/logical, shrewd ways. They decide the human male interest would be a good mate and then pursue him until he sorta reluctantly falls for her. There's nothing wrong with that but I would like more variety in the female side of the pairings. The male characters all have pretty good character depth, all with very different beliefs and personalities, and I would like the monster ladies to have the same.
June 29, 2025
When I found this book I saw that it had been listed as a “male romance”. Naturally this piqued my interest as I wanted to see, what are male romance readers reading. Ummmmmm well it was rather underwhelming tbh.
No yearning. No build up. Just I love you and deal with it. and the magical back fixing. Like a major plot point just sorted out in like 5 seconds. I legit was questioning myself as to whether I had skipped over accidentally the part where he fixed his back. Nope it was just sorted out in like 3 seconds. I’m just so flabbergasted. Just so confused.
Obviously this is targeted at men but the sexually dynamic just felt off kilter. Him constantly receiving and barely giving in comparison was mehhhh but the fact that she could talk whilst doing the act was cool. I guess. Overall probs won’t be delving into this sub genre of the romance sphere again
No yearning. No build up. Just I love you and deal with it. and the magical back fixing. Like a major plot point just sorted out in like 5 seconds. I legit was questioning myself as to whether I had skipped over accidentally the part where he fixed his back. Nope it was just sorted out in like 3 seconds. I’m just so flabbergasted. Just so confused.
Obviously this is targeted at men but the sexually dynamic just felt off kilter. Him constantly receiving and barely giving in comparison was mehhhh but the fact that she could talk whilst doing the act was cool. I guess. Overall probs won’t be delving into this sub genre of the romance sphere again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
Nice to see another of these books after a bit of a lull. I like the world here, basically a magic/human cold war after a semi-failed invasion by non-humans. They are inherently romance books, but nothing like Harlequin would put out.
The idea is interesting. There are a lot of reasons NOT to love a monster girl in this world, so these are always studies of people (on both sides) with problems who find resonance with someone very unlike themselves, no more so than in this book.
It could also be subtitled "Guys will fuck anything with tits", and the reason for snake tits is addressed early on. Anyway, before I go down that rabbit hole, I'm happy to see the cross-over with previous books, and the end of this one suggests more of that to come.
The idea is interesting. There are a lot of reasons NOT to love a monster girl in this world, so these are always studies of people (on both sides) with problems who find resonance with someone very unlike themselves, no more so than in this book.
It could also be subtitled "Guys will fuck anything with tits", and the reason for snake tits is addressed early on. Anyway, before I go down that rabbit hole, I'm happy to see the cross-over with previous books, and the end of this one suggests more of that to come.
April 26, 2023
Great addition to the world being build
I’m intensely interested with where this series is going. It seems like it all is building to all the characters coming together for something big and world changing as these books tend to do but it’s one of those time I have no clue how the author is going to do it. I am very much hoping for a slaying of one of the big bads in the future however. On a different note, this book let me wanting way more about the develop of magic. I can’t say I’m unhappy but this book could had been way longer but this author for this series likes to cut it short and tell of side details in the next book to add what was left out of the previous books so it’s ok. Overall. Fun series and pretty different than any other fantasy/monster girl book series with the love sense being few and tasteful when done
I’m intensely interested with where this series is going. It seems like it all is building to all the characters coming together for something big and world changing as these books tend to do but it’s one of those time I have no clue how the author is going to do it. I am very much hoping for a slaying of one of the big bads in the future however. On a different note, this book let me wanting way more about the develop of magic. I can’t say I’m unhappy but this book could had been way longer but this author for this series likes to cut it short and tell of side details in the next book to add what was left out of the previous books so it’s ok. Overall. Fun series and pretty different than any other fantasy/monster girl book series with the love sense being few and tasteful when done
February 27, 2023
i think this man has been looking in my browser history for romance and im ok with that
while the book is a little short . I'm hoping we see more of james and his lovely lady selena . even so far as to have her maybe finally rebalance her karma . maybe have a more abstract if not similar fate as our dear spider friend .
there are very few well thought out romance novels with what seems to be actual relationship events. and i adore this one especially.
I've been in disturbingly similar situations with injury and the feeling represented by our main protagonist.
tldr its a great book . i love it . and i will eagerly await the next .
while the book is a little short . I'm hoping we see more of james and his lovely lady selena . even so far as to have her maybe finally rebalance her karma . maybe have a more abstract if not similar fate as our dear spider friend .
there are very few well thought out romance novels with what seems to be actual relationship events. and i adore this one especially.
I've been in disturbingly similar situations with injury and the feeling represented by our main protagonist.
tldr its a great book . i love it . and i will eagerly await the next .
February 20, 2023
Worth th wait
I can't believe how much more of this new world we explored in this book. Details have Ben teased for a few volumes, but we went into the wilderness in this one. Got to see life deep in "The Tracts". This expanded on the over arcing narrative as well, we get more history. All in all a perfect sequel for this series. I'll wait a year for another if the quality is even half this.
I can't believe how much more of this new world we explored in this book. Details have Ben teased for a few volumes, but we went into the wilderness in this one. Got to see life deep in "The Tracts". This expanded on the over arcing narrative as well, we get more history. All in all a perfect sequel for this series. I'll wait a year for another if the quality is even half this.
March 5, 2023
Interesting Relationship
The picture of Selena on the cover is what caught my attention and after reading the first four chapters, I was hooked. The growth of their relationship was handled in a slow but positive manner. Intern species relations ie Vulcan Human, Klingon Human, have always fascinated me. When two beings truly care for one another happiness may be the result. Waiting for another book, nuff said!
The picture of Selena on the cover is what caught my attention and after reading the first four chapters, I was hooked. The growth of their relationship was handled in a slow but positive manner. Intern species relations ie Vulcan Human, Klingon Human, have always fascinated me. When two beings truly care for one another happiness may be the result. Waiting for another book, nuff said!
March 10, 2023
Cebelius is amazing at weaving worlds and words
Having been a fan of cebelius for a while his style of writing for me really came into his own during the mountain king duo, I have enjoyed spending time on the wylamg and look forward to seeing how his world evolves going forward, with colourful nods to previous iterations without it feeling forced but organic, I as always shall refresh and look forward to more. Thank you for writing cebelius
Having been a fan of cebelius for a while his style of writing for me really came into his own during the mountain king duo, I have enjoyed spending time on the wylamg and look forward to seeing how his world evolves going forward, with colourful nods to previous iterations without it feeling forced but organic, I as always shall refresh and look forward to more. Thank you for writing cebelius
April 3, 2023
I've now read 3/4 in the series! Love them!
First off, not a fan of nagas or snakes in particular, but Cebelius was my first intro to Haremlit with Celestine Chronicles. I don't mind the genre, but I love the monogamous character development and bonds that form between the main characters. Velise was just as awesome! I'll be getting this on audio asap as it really satisfied my sense of romance.
First off, not a fan of nagas or snakes in particular, but Cebelius was my first intro to Haremlit with Celestine Chronicles. I don't mind the genre, but I love the monogamous character development and bonds that form between the main characters. Velise was just as awesome! I'll be getting this on audio asap as it really satisfied my sense of romance.
April 7, 2023
Fun story with a lighting pace
Cebellius successfully builds on the world he's been crafting. I enjoyed the relationship between Selena and James. However, the story goes by quickly, with characters and scenes hopping in and out, plot threads are left hanging. Selena is my favorite girl so far. I wish there was a bit more breathing room to let some of the characters establish themselves more.
Cebellius successfully builds on the world he's been crafting. I enjoyed the relationship between Selena and James. However, the story goes by quickly, with characters and scenes hopping in and out, plot threads are left hanging. Selena is my favorite girl so far. I wish there was a bit more breathing room to let some of the characters establish themselves more.
December 10, 2025
Of all of the "Would You Love a Monster Girl" books, this one is a bit less .. love. It's more like 'friends with benefits', two beings thrown together by shitty circumstance and they have to work out how to get through it. The sex is there (and as per usual with Cebelius, it's definitely weird) but the actual romance is a bit more cold-blooded than the others.
Still, that caveat aside, great storytelling, characters you want to see succeed, and antagonists that really piss you off.
Still, that caveat aside, great storytelling, characters you want to see succeed, and antagonists that really piss you off.
February 19, 2023
I for one hope this isn't the end!!!
As always an engaging and wonderfully written story!!! This world you've built for our imagination to play in is both thought provoking and refreshing which is a thing few can accomplish!!! Thank you for the wonderful stories and I hope there are many more to come!!!
As always an engaging and wonderfully written story!!! This world you've built for our imagination to play in is both thought provoking and refreshing which is a thing few can accomplish!!! Thank you for the wonderful stories and I hope there are many more to come!!!
February 19, 2023
Amazing!
What a great book and series. I love how each book is tied in with the story but each book brings new characters. I can’t wait to see who and what monster girl is next. Also I think it would be really cool to revisit the previous characters more. So much potential and ideas for this series. I hope the next one comes sooner rather than later, I can’t wait for it to come.
What a great book and series. I love how each book is tied in with the story but each book brings new characters. I can’t wait to see who and what monster girl is next. Also I think it would be really cool to revisit the previous characters more. So much potential and ideas for this series. I hope the next one comes sooner rather than later, I can’t wait for it to come.
February 22, 2023
Amazing Series Still as Good 4 Books In
Cebelius has wonderful stories with great characters. This series in particular has amazing character development in particular definitely on par with the best in the business. I can heartily recommend all his work but especially this series and his work under his other psyednem Erik Roman, "Heart of the Son". Great Job Cebelius!
Cebelius has wonderful stories with great characters. This series in particular has amazing character development in particular definitely on par with the best in the business. I can heartily recommend all his work but especially this series and his work under his other psyednem Erik Roman, "Heart of the Son". Great Job Cebelius!
February 23, 2023
A good continuation of the series
Arg! Once again I can’t wait for more! It’s such an interesting world with so much possibility and potential! This one is a little different from the others but it ties in very nicely! I like seeing the weave appear and contract, pulling all the stories together!
Arg! Once again I can’t wait for more! It’s such an interesting world with so much possibility and potential! This one is a little different from the others but it ties in very nicely! I like seeing the weave appear and contract, pulling all the stories together!
March 20, 2023
I like the two main characters in this one the most out of the four books in the series. They feel like they have stronger motivations mostly because they aren't starting at the top of their respective ranks.
Each book in the series explains a bit more of the setting and sets up secondary plots that, so far, haven't really paid off much.
Each book in the series explains a bit more of the setting and sets up secondary plots that, so far, haven't really paid off much.
March 20, 2023
These are shelf worthy.
All of the WYLAMG books are such pulp greatness.
Seriously, if it was 30 yrs ago I'd be checking the pulp self at the gas station eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
And this one was no different, hot lady, and good lore. Even got some nice action in it. So much fun.
All of the WYLAMG books are such pulp greatness.
Seriously, if it was 30 yrs ago I'd be checking the pulp self at the gas station eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
And this one was no different, hot lady, and good lore. Even got some nice action in it. So much fun.
May 18, 2023
Great continuation of the series. What ebelius is doing great here is world building, through this side characters (the mains of every book) He is definin this new world, the rules that drive it , and the social cues. In this one we drift away from the 'City State' enviorement and focus more in life on the Tracks and others.
November 30, 2023
Volume 4 was the best so far IMO. Author again went more bestial for his heroine than you typically see and stuck with it this time (no last-minute cop-out). The MCs’ relationship felt real and justified. The story was just well done. I am a little sad that we won’t directly follow these characters in future books.
February 15, 2023
Great Book
I've been anticipating this book since it was first announced ages ago, and I must say it did not disappoint. It was interesting seeing the stories mingle a little bit more, and I'm excited for future books.
I've been anticipating this book since it was first announced ages ago, and I must say it did not disappoint. It was interesting seeing the stories mingle a little bit more, and I'm excited for future books.
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February 20, 2023Excellent Story
This is an interesting story from the very beginning, Cebelius carefully crafted to have James look at Selena as more than a monster, but as another soul, a woman to love. Excellently done. I am enjoying the series a great deal.
This is an interesting story from the very beginning, Cebelius carefully crafted to have James look at Selena as more than a monster, but as another soul, a woman to love. Excellently done. I am enjoying the series a great deal.
February 28, 2023
struggles and drama are sand on the beach
The story is about so many different aspects in life, the plot, the struggle, the turns all these things lead to the growth of a man who was already great. I can’t wait for the next story.
The story is about so many different aspects in life, the plot, the struggle, the turns all these things lead to the growth of a man who was already great. I can’t wait for the next story.
March 1, 2023
Another great read
The continuation of this series is great and I really enjoyed the story, even hearing about some of the other characters that showed up before. I was a little confused on who James was in the beginning but luckily there was a little reminder
The continuation of this series is great and I really enjoyed the story, even hearing about some of the other characters that showed up before. I was a little confused on who James was in the beginning but luckily there was a little reminder
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews