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Coral Cove University #1
Hooves & Heartstrings
Welcome to Coral Springs, a coastal college town implementing the first monster/human hybrid program.
Lucius is ready for a relaxing summer with his uncle, but a night out at The Rusty Piranha changes everything. Enter Marley, the cute blonde bartender with a sassy smile that knocks Lucius off his hooves—literally, since he's secretly a centaur. They hit it off with flirty banter, a magical kiss that reveals Marley is his mate.
He can't tell her because he doesn't know how she'll react to being mated to a centaur. As they enjoy a whirlwind romance on the beach, their connection deepens—until Lucius overhears Marley saying something to her friends that shatters his heart. Without waiting for an explanation, he packs his bags and leaves, vanishing from her life.
Marley is left heartbroken and confused, certain that they were in love. As the weeks pass, she prepares to start college, taking on a role as a liaison for the monster hybrid program. To her shock, Lucius is part of her tour group, eager to make amends and win back her heart. But Marley, still hurt and angry, isn't ready to forgive him easily.
Lucius is ready for a relaxing summer with his uncle, but a night out at The Rusty Piranha changes everything. Enter Marley, the cute blonde bartender with a sassy smile that knocks Lucius off his hooves—literally, since he's secretly a centaur. They hit it off with flirty banter, a magical kiss that reveals Marley is his mate.
He can't tell her because he doesn't know how she'll react to being mated to a centaur. As they enjoy a whirlwind romance on the beach, their connection deepens—until Lucius overhears Marley saying something to her friends that shatters his heart. Without waiting for an explanation, he packs his bags and leaves, vanishing from her life.
Marley is left heartbroken and confused, certain that they were in love. As the weeks pass, she prepares to start college, taking on a role as a liaison for the monster hybrid program. To her shock, Lucius is part of her tour group, eager to make amends and win back her heart. But Marley, still hurt and angry, isn't ready to forgive him easily.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2024
32 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Lein
60 books425 followersCassie resides in Northern Illinois on a farm with her husband and six kids. When not writing she can be found reading or chauffeuring her kids or showing pigs. Cassie is a huge advocate for foster care and adoption. Enjoys a good horror movie, a dark romance, and alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. You did just read she has six kids right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 17, 2024
I have been waiting almost a year for this book. Ever since I read a couple of chapters of their story in an anthology I haven't been able to get Marley and Luci out of my head. Their chemistry and connection was so good that i was dying for more.
Let me just say I was not disappointed. I got everything I wanted and more in this one. There was just a tiny little bit of drama between them but what came from it was Luci doing everything he could to win his girl back. It was so adorable watching him grovel and it just shows how much he truly loves her and will do anything to be with her.
Once that got resolved it was so adorable sweet. They had such good chemistry they had me blushing at times. I cant picture two people more meant to be than them. I think I'm going to be obsessed with Luci and Marley for a while. There was something about them that tugged at my heartstrings. They have a special place in my heart.
Lucis parents are everything. They were so supportive of him and Marley and were always there to offer advice whenever they needed it 😭 i loved how awkward it was when he was having THAT type of conversation with his dad and it was the complete opposite with his mom. We also get to meet their friends which I'm very excited to get a book on !!
DEFINITELY WORTH THE READ. Also this seems like the perfect book for anyone that wants to get into monster romance!!
Let me just say I was not disappointed. I got everything I wanted and more in this one. There was just a tiny little bit of drama between them but what came from it was Luci doing everything he could to win his girl back. It was so adorable watching him grovel and it just shows how much he truly loves her and will do anything to be with her.
Once that got resolved it was so adorable sweet. They had such good chemistry they had me blushing at times. I cant picture two people more meant to be than them. I think I'm going to be obsessed with Luci and Marley for a while. There was something about them that tugged at my heartstrings. They have a special place in my heart.
Lucis parents are everything. They were so supportive of him and Marley and were always there to offer advice whenever they needed it 😭 i loved how awkward it was when he was having THAT type of conversation with his dad and it was the complete opposite with his mom. We also get to meet their friends which I'm very excited to get a book on !!
DEFINITELY WORTH THE READ. Also this seems like the perfect book for anyone that wants to get into monster romance!!
November 11, 2024
“Hooves & Heartstrings” was a really cute contemporary style monster romance novel written by author duo Cassie Lein and Alisha Williams, and I thought it was a sweet and quick read that had some light angst!
When half centaur half human Lucius meets a human girl named Marley while visiting his uncle over the summer, he instantly realizes that she’s his mate.
He decides to get to know her before telling her anything, but even though things start off well, something happens that drives them apart.
Lucius and Marley both made mistakes, and the book is about how they navigate things when they’re both still hurting. I was really hoping that they’d work things out…. all in all, this was an enjoyable read!
When half centaur half human Lucius meets a human girl named Marley while visiting his uncle over the summer, he instantly realizes that she’s his mate.
He decides to get to know her before telling her anything, but even though things start off well, something happens that drives them apart.
Lucius and Marley both made mistakes, and the book is about how they navigate things when they’re both still hurting. I was really hoping that they’d work things out…. all in all, this was an enjoyable read!
November 27, 2024
Absolutely loved this book it should be made into a rom com would highly recommend it
October 28, 2024
This book was so cute, I love monster romance and if you do this would be the book for you. It's kinda like a retail of Grease. I love that movie so much I had to read this book and see what it was about.
You have monsters romance and a retail. So you have Lucius that is part human / part monster. Then you have Marley which is just human. He falls first and it all starts there.
They are two college students and Lucius comes to a new school for just the summer. Trying to figure out if he fits in or not he meets Marley at her work place and it is love at first sight. Of course there is a little drama, little fighting between the two and people not understanding there relationship but the love these too have for each other will last. I really enjoyed that the authors added that part in the story. I read a lot of monster romance and not a lot of the author adds in the struggles they have in relationship as in people looking, not understanding, giving there options about the Romance. I think them being younger it was a great add in to have.
I just love how the author adds in a storyline along with a little spicy too. I was a little worried with how much spicy they said was in this book but hearing about Lucius and Marley love and what they go through is amazing!!! And I am very curious/ excited to see what happens next in this series. Fast read and so enjoyable 🫶🏼
Best quote: Lucius Mother: Don’t get snippy with me. I brought you into this world, I can take you right out of it.
This was something my father would say to me growing up! So hearing it in books keeps him close to my heart ❤️ a little more. So not only did this book have my favorite movie I use to watch with my family but it also has saying my father would say.
Rate: 5/5 📚
Rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#smuttybookservices #darksmuttyfeels #whychoose #novella #ebooks #bannedbook #darkromanceauthor #smuttybookrec #lindseyreviews #screams&reviews
You have monsters romance and a retail. So you have Lucius that is part human / part monster. Then you have Marley which is just human. He falls first and it all starts there.
They are two college students and Lucius comes to a new school for just the summer. Trying to figure out if he fits in or not he meets Marley at her work place and it is love at first sight. Of course there is a little drama, little fighting between the two and people not understanding there relationship but the love these too have for each other will last. I really enjoyed that the authors added that part in the story. I read a lot of monster romance and not a lot of the author adds in the struggles they have in relationship as in people looking, not understanding, giving there options about the Romance. I think them being younger it was a great add in to have.
I just love how the author adds in a storyline along with a little spicy too. I was a little worried with how much spicy they said was in this book but hearing about Lucius and Marley love and what they go through is amazing!!! And I am very curious/ excited to see what happens next in this series. Fast read and so enjoyable 🫶🏼
Best quote: Lucius Mother: Don’t get snippy with me. I brought you into this world, I can take you right out of it.
This was something my father would say to me growing up! So hearing it in books keeps him close to my heart ❤️ a little more. So not only did this book have my favorite movie I use to watch with my family but it also has saying my father would say.
Rate: 5/5 📚
Rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#smuttybookservices #darksmuttyfeels #whychoose #novella #ebooks #bannedbook #darkromanceauthor #smuttybookrec #lindseyreviews #screams&reviews
June 14, 2024
4.5🫶🏻
This was such a cute fun fast read for me!
I absolutely loved everything about it, Lucius has become my fave!! Even though he was kinda a jerk in the beginning
I loved the way him & Marley met & fell for each other fast!
That had me feeling all giddy and smiling like an idiot 🫠😅
I loved how he fought and didn’t give up trying to win her heart back after being an idiot and once Marley got over her stubbornness as well and let him back in it was 🥹🥹🤍
I also loved all the side characters and their friends, I would love to see more of Lucius parents in another book thought they were soo cuteeee!!!
This is a monster romance so if you’re into it def recommend reading!!
This was such a cute fun fast read for me!
I absolutely loved everything about it, Lucius has become my fave!! Even though he was kinda a jerk in the beginning
I loved the way him & Marley met & fell for each other fast!
That had me feeling all giddy and smiling like an idiot 🫠😅
I loved how he fought and didn’t give up trying to win her heart back after being an idiot and once Marley got over her stubbornness as well and let him back in it was 🥹🥹🤍
I also loved all the side characters and their friends, I would love to see more of Lucius parents in another book thought they were soo cuteeee!!!
This is a monster romance so if you’re into it def recommend reading!!
June 20, 2024
This was a sweet yet spicy read. A contemporary monster romance where monsters are starting to attend university with humans. Lucius is a half centaur who isn’t fully accepted by either humans or monsters cause he’s too human for the monsters and too monster for the humans. Marley is this sassy take no gruff bartender. As they are in the beginning of their relationship a miscommunication happens, both because she said something she shouldn’t have and he was so broken he wouldn’t let her explain. So they both have to work at getting back to each other.
The spice and love story was sweet and enjoyable.
The spice and love story was sweet and enjoyable.
November 4, 2024
The cutest read
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes/ Triggers: M/F, Monster (no shifting), Sweet, Retelling, Second Chance, Virgin FMC and MMC, Explicit Sex, Swearing, Monster Peen, Breakup, Fated Mates
Such a cute story. I really enjoyed reading about Lucias and Marley. They had such an adorable dynamic and the best exchanges that I couldn't help but be drawn in. I loved that after he realized his mistake and saw Marley again, Lucias did everything possible to win her back. And Marley, while rightfully guarded, eventually gave in. I enjoyed this story because the characters. Everybody felt well rounded, and even the support that Lucias got from his parents.
If you're looking for a story with great characters, a wholesome meet-cute book with some spice, and monsters 😉.... This is the one.
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes/ Triggers: M/F, Monster (no shifting), Sweet, Retelling, Second Chance, Virgin FMC and MMC, Explicit Sex, Swearing, Monster Peen, Breakup, Fated Mates
Such a cute story. I really enjoyed reading about Lucias and Marley. They had such an adorable dynamic and the best exchanges that I couldn't help but be drawn in. I loved that after he realized his mistake and saw Marley again, Lucias did everything possible to win her back. And Marley, while rightfully guarded, eventually gave in. I enjoyed this story because the characters. Everybody felt well rounded, and even the support that Lucias got from his parents.
If you're looking for a story with great characters, a wholesome meet-cute book with some spice, and monsters 😉.... This is the one.
November 13, 2024
Sweet and cute
4 fantastic stars!
10/10 do recommend!
This was so freaking cute!!!
These two exasperated me at times but then I thought about when my husband had I met when we were 21 and 22 and learning how to communicate. We had some moments just like these two.
I love what they're building with this series. I definitely wasn't to read the next book!
4 fantastic stars!
10/10 do recommend!
This was so freaking cute!!!
These two exasperated me at times but then I thought about when my husband had I met when we were 21 and 22 and learning how to communicate. We had some moments just like these two.
I love what they're building with this series. I definitely wasn't to read the next book!
June 18, 2025
First, I’d like to say how cute this cover is!!
Second, I really wanted to like this more than I did. Boo.
While I felt it was predictable, that is not what bothered me. The first part of the book held my attention and I was enjoying it. Then the conflict happened, lots of miscommunication happened, then the repetition kept happening. Sadly, the push & pull and the groveling of the MCs went on too long for my liking.
A lot of readers enjoyed this book, so don’t make your decision to read this story based on my review. You just might like it!
Second, I really wanted to like this more than I did. Boo.
While I felt it was predictable, that is not what bothered me. The first part of the book held my attention and I was enjoying it. Then the conflict happened, lots of miscommunication happened, then the repetition kept happening. Sadly, the push & pull and the groveling of the MCs went on too long for my liking.
A lot of readers enjoyed this book, so don’t make your decision to read this story based on my review. You just might like it!
June 18, 2024
Awe Lucius & Marley’s story is so cute. Never thought a centaur and human would go good together. This story was really good and nothing these author write could be horrible. If monsters & fated mates are your jam then this story is just for you. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 10, 2024
Overall a quick fun read! I loved the monster and human romance between the main characters! I also loved the MMC’s parents, and their romance story! The misunderstanding between the main characters drug out a little longer than necessary, but still a solid spicy little read!
October 10, 2024
I enjoyed the "monsters being integrated" aspect of the story. I enjoyed the characters. The meeting and initial romance was nice and steamy. As I find myself "old" now, I don't love the super young adults aspect as much as i used to. And there was a LOT of angst...as there should be with college kids. Still enjoyable.
September 29, 2024
Hooves and heartstrings
A great quick read. The chemistry and spice was fun. I liked getting to know the world of coral cove and look forward to the next installment.
A great quick read. The chemistry and spice was fun. I liked getting to know the world of coral cove and look forward to the next installment.
October 25, 2024
This was... cute? Ish?
Honestly, I'm so conflicted, because it had it's cute moments, and the characters in it are probably really sweet. But this... it just didn't do it for me.
And everything else in my complaints is spoilers, so if you want that, see below. Otherwise, just know that the characters did not resonate with me. In fact, while they had their cute and sweet moments, I couldn't stop being annoyed with them throughout the majority of this book. (I did end up skimming a lot, so also bear that in mind.) Sadly, I won't be continuing the series.
(P.S.: Just to add, but I also felt like the book was over explaining a lot of the internal thoughts going on with everybody. And then once explained, everybody understands everything. Kind of gave me whiplash. But again, that's part of why I started skimming! So take that with a grain of salt.)
Honestly, I'm so conflicted, because it had it's cute moments, and the characters in it are probably really sweet. But this... it just didn't do it for me.
And everything else in my complaints is spoilers, so if you want that, see below. Otherwise, just know that the characters did not resonate with me. In fact, while they had their cute and sweet moments, I couldn't stop being annoyed with them throughout the majority of this book. (I did end up skimming a lot, so also bear that in mind.) Sadly, I won't be continuing the series.
(P.S.: Just to add, but I also felt like the book was over explaining a lot of the internal thoughts going on with everybody. And then once explained, everybody understands everything. Kind of gave me whiplash. But again, that's part of why I started skimming! So take that with a grain of salt.)
June 21, 2024
Ok this certainly was worth the wait! Man did I not anticipate the anthology piece becoming this wonderful full story- and let me tell you, I know it is teased that more will be coming from Coral Cove but for the love of all things holy PLEASE let there be many stories from Coral Cove- particularly Brooks and Stacy and let there be something with Sawyer- that tease of her rooming with someone who didn't condone monsters was too much for my liking (like 2 seconds but you know there is going to be something there!).
I loved how Marley and Lucius came back to each other-while you get the anthology piece in the beginning, you don't have the cliffhanger at the end like you did waiting to see how they would come back together. Lucius is super persistent and let me tell you, I think if he weren't that persistent, he still would have worn Marley down. There is something so pure about her acceptance of his monster status and their relationship in general. Both having never been with others in that way, it makes their exploration of each other that much more pure and genuine and I was 100% here for that. I also really loved how Marley wasn't letting Lucius get off that easily in terms of how he ran away without hearing her out. Yes, she deserved some of the hurt he was feeling from her words but I think she experienced more hurt from him not speaking with her and that pain was something so hard to read and see on the page. I think it was nice that she made him work for her forgiveness, despite the fact that she gave in at some points.
I also really loved the moments between Lucius and his parents- they were funny and certainly knew how to make things super awkward not only for Lucius, but for Marley as well. I would love to see a story, small novella maybe, about their relationship because a human with a full centaur has certainly left me with some questions, especially since their conversations with Lucius and Marley.
Great start to this series and certainly was worth the wait after the tease! I can't wait to get the next book in the series in my hands!
I loved how Marley and Lucius came back to each other-while you get the anthology piece in the beginning, you don't have the cliffhanger at the end like you did waiting to see how they would come back together. Lucius is super persistent and let me tell you, I think if he weren't that persistent, he still would have worn Marley down. There is something so pure about her acceptance of his monster status and their relationship in general. Both having never been with others in that way, it makes their exploration of each other that much more pure and genuine and I was 100% here for that. I also really loved how Marley wasn't letting Lucius get off that easily in terms of how he ran away without hearing her out. Yes, she deserved some of the hurt he was feeling from her words but I think she experienced more hurt from him not speaking with her and that pain was something so hard to read and see on the page. I think it was nice that she made him work for her forgiveness, despite the fact that she gave in at some points.
I also really loved the moments between Lucius and his parents- they were funny and certainly knew how to make things super awkward not only for Lucius, but for Marley as well. I would love to see a story, small novella maybe, about their relationship because a human with a full centaur has certainly left me with some questions, especially since their conversations with Lucius and Marley.
Great start to this series and certainly was worth the wait after the tease! I can't wait to get the next book in the series in my hands!
June 17, 2024
Great
I love reading these authors. They are great separately and just as amazing together.
Lucius is part centaur and human and goes to visit his uncle where there aren't many monsters but the university there is starting to incorporate monsters there and he's trying to decide if he'll go there or not. He sees this cute blonde and decides he needs to meet her. He goes to ths bar and sees she works there. Lucius wears clothes that make him look human. He's had a hard time being part monster by humans and monsters.
Marley is a human and very outgoing. When she serves this good looking guy she decides to talk to him. Lucius doesn't talk much so Marley takes as he's not interested. But Lucius finally shows he's interested.
Luci (as Marley calls him) is nervous about showing his centaur side but decides Marley needs to see the real him. Marley is shocked but still likes him. When they go to beach some of the friends of hers make rude comments and she tells them off.
Marley and Lucius get closer and Lucius decides he wants more with her but he overhears her talking to her girl friends and is hurt by what she says. He ends up heading back home.
Don't want to give anything else away but you will want to read this. Will Lucius and Marley be able to come together after hurting each other? Read thia to find out.
I love reading these authors. They are great separately and just as amazing together.
Lucius is part centaur and human and goes to visit his uncle where there aren't many monsters but the university there is starting to incorporate monsters there and he's trying to decide if he'll go there or not. He sees this cute blonde and decides he needs to meet her. He goes to ths bar and sees she works there. Lucius wears clothes that make him look human. He's had a hard time being part monster by humans and monsters.
Marley is a human and very outgoing. When she serves this good looking guy she decides to talk to him. Lucius doesn't talk much so Marley takes as he's not interested. But Lucius finally shows he's interested.
Luci (as Marley calls him) is nervous about showing his centaur side but decides Marley needs to see the real him. Marley is shocked but still likes him. When they go to beach some of the friends of hers make rude comments and she tells them off.
Marley and Lucius get closer and Lucius decides he wants more with her but he overhears her talking to her girl friends and is hurt by what she says. He ends up heading back home.
Don't want to give anything else away but you will want to read this. Will Lucius and Marley be able to come together after hurting each other? Read thia to find out.
June 14, 2024
Hooves and Heartstrings is the first book in the Coral Springs University series and is written by Cassie Lein and Alisha Williams.
💜 college
💜 monsters and humans
💜 forced proximity
💜 fated mates
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
Lucius is trying to figure out what his next steps are going to be. Will he go on and do the internship he applied for or will he go to Coral Springs University? He still hasn’t heard from with if he will be accepted or not. Until then, he is going to spend his summer at his uncle’s house by the beach. But he isn’t sure he wants to be here either. That is until he sees her. The most beautiful woman he’s ever seen before. The glimpse is only for a moment as she’s running down the beach. Will he be able to see her again? Will he have a good summer? What about his decision for what he’s going to do next?
This was a fun monster romance. I liked how the authors addressed that there are prejudices within this world as well and they don’t shy away from it. Lucius is a sweet character who tends to overthink. It’s refreshing to see a guy overthink in the romance world. This was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what will come out next.
💜 college
💜 monsters and humans
💜 forced proximity
💜 fated mates
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
Lucius is trying to figure out what his next steps are going to be. Will he go on and do the internship he applied for or will he go to Coral Springs University? He still hasn’t heard from with if he will be accepted or not. Until then, he is going to spend his summer at his uncle’s house by the beach. But he isn’t sure he wants to be here either. That is until he sees her. The most beautiful woman he’s ever seen before. The glimpse is only for a moment as she’s running down the beach. Will he be able to see her again? Will he have a good summer? What about his decision for what he’s going to do next?
This was a fun monster romance. I liked how the authors addressed that there are prejudices within this world as well and they don’t shy away from it. Lucius is a sweet character who tends to overthink. It’s refreshing to see a guy overthink in the romance world. This was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what will come out next.
June 15, 2024
I swear whenever Cassie and Alisha cowrite they make magic!! I’m so excited that we finally got Lucius and Marley’s full length book! This was a beautiful love story between the two after all the miscommunication or lack there of.
We originally met Lucius and Marley in the Beach Shots and Monster Knots Anthology that featured their co write My Summer Centaur. We get a recap of what happened over the summer and then it leads right into that day they meet on campus! The rest is groveling and winning Marley back!
This has that summer lovin’ Grease Vibes but with that monster twist! It was a fast read for me and absolutely loved it! If you love a monster romance with fated mates, human mate, half centaur and some very spicy times, then this is perfect for you!
I would have loved more into Marley’s backstory and maybe the meeting of her parents! But I loved this HEA bc it was perfect for the two of them!
We originally met Lucius and Marley in the Beach Shots and Monster Knots Anthology that featured their co write My Summer Centaur. We get a recap of what happened over the summer and then it leads right into that day they meet on campus! The rest is groveling and winning Marley back!
This has that summer lovin’ Grease Vibes but with that monster twist! It was a fast read for me and absolutely loved it! If you love a monster romance with fated mates, human mate, half centaur and some very spicy times, then this is perfect for you!
I would have loved more into Marley’s backstory and maybe the meeting of her parents! But I loved this HEA bc it was perfect for the two of them!
June 16, 2024
I have been waiting patiently to read more of Lucius and Marley since their debut in My Summer Centaur last year; this is best described as a Hallmark monster romance. It's low angst, very sweet and just the right amount of spice. Marley is instantly likeable and Luci is a total sweetheart; he was so honest about his feelings on being a hybrid and not fitting in that you were rooting for him from the start. His parents, however, are my absolute favourites. The second hand cringe at the birds and the bees talk so was so funny and then again when they were introduced to Marley. I would love to read a story on how they got together!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
June 17, 2024
When Coral Springs decides to implement the first monster/human hybrid program, Lucius decides to head to his Uncles for the summer to see if it might be for him. He never expects to meet Marley and fall fast and hard for her only to find out she is his mate. As a half human/half centaur he knows this will be a very big thing to tell her. But when their relationship is thrown out the window before he has a chance to tell her the truth, both Marley and Lucius have to decide if their pride is more important than their heart.
Cassie Lein writes an amazingly addictive college romance. With characters that are real enough that you want to yell, laugh, cry and celebrate along with them. The story was a fun read and the twist and turns in the story were excellent. The new introduction to monsters into the real world was done in a new and creative way and cannot wait for more of the Coral Springs stories.
Cassie Lein writes an amazingly addictive college romance. With characters that are real enough that you want to yell, laugh, cry and celebrate along with them. The story was a fun read and the twist and turns in the story were excellent. The new introduction to monsters into the real world was done in a new and creative way and cannot wait for more of the Coral Springs stories.
June 21, 2024
Finally Cassie and Alisha have reunited us with Marley and Luci again! I adored this couple when I read them in an anthology a while back and have been low key ferally waiting for more.
This was exactly what I needed to break myself of the angsty dark books I’ve been reading at the moment. The hard and fast fall coupled with minimal angst made for an engaging but fun read that kept me captivated and caused some thunder down under if you catch my drift. I can’t say I have read too much contemporary monster romance as it usually leans towards the fantasy but Cassie and Alisha did a great job of blending the genres. The Greece summer love affair vibes along with grovelling made for an engaging read that had me kicking my feet like a teenage girl. Never thought I would find a centaur hot but yep here we are.
Highly recommend and don’t worry if you haven’t read the anthology piece! Which it increases enjoyment it is not absolutely essential
This was exactly what I needed to break myself of the angsty dark books I’ve been reading at the moment. The hard and fast fall coupled with minimal angst made for an engaging but fun read that kept me captivated and caused some thunder down under if you catch my drift. I can’t say I have read too much contemporary monster romance as it usually leans towards the fantasy but Cassie and Alisha did a great job of blending the genres. The Greece summer love affair vibes along with grovelling made for an engaging read that had me kicking my feet like a teenage girl. Never thought I would find a centaur hot but yep here we are.
Highly recommend and don’t worry if you haven’t read the anthology piece! Which it increases enjoyment it is not absolutely essential
July 1, 2024
I really wanted to like this more.
The idea behind this was cute, I loved a human and a monster being mates. I liked the idea of this world where monsters and humans were just starting to really come together and combine.
What I didn’t like was the way the miscommunication trope was handled. This is a case of a fairly small misunderstanding, followed by a fairly small poorly handled response to the misunderstanding. All to be treated by the MFC like he had deliberately ripped her heart out and stomped all over it. Marley held way too much of a grudge for my liking, and it just felt like the reconciliation was drawn out waaaaaaaay too long. I found myself annoyed and wanting to skip ahead of her inner monologues.
Maybe this writing duo just wasn’t for me, because I’ve read and loved books by Alisha Williams, but Cassie Lein was new for me.
The idea behind this was cute, I loved a human and a monster being mates. I liked the idea of this world where monsters and humans were just starting to really come together and combine.
What I didn’t like was the way the miscommunication trope was handled. This is a case of a fairly small misunderstanding, followed by a fairly small poorly handled response to the misunderstanding. All to be treated by the MFC like he had deliberately ripped her heart out and stomped all over it. Marley held way too much of a grudge for my liking, and it just felt like the reconciliation was drawn out waaaaaaaay too long. I found myself annoyed and wanting to skip ahead of her inner monologues.
Maybe this writing duo just wasn’t for me, because I’ve read and loved books by Alisha Williams, but Cassie Lein was new for me.
November 28, 2024
Monster college program with a dash of fated mates and second chance romance? I'm sorry I slept on this one! Lucius and Marley were a realistic monster romance couple. They come from different worlds, but after some speed bumps, they confront their challenges. I loved Luci's parents trying to help him win over Mar with *questionable * methods. Would have loved to see their story! Both Marley and Lucius have great support groups in their friends, and seeing hints of the next story to come from this world has me ready to dive back into Coral Cove! This book wasn't overtly seggsy. It had a good balance between plot and spice. The totally normal "will it fit?" conversations had me laughing. No one ever stops to figure out the logistics! Bravo, for what I imagine would be the top thread on Reddit if this was our real world.
December 11, 2024
This book is part of the Coral Cove University series and I am not sure how many books there will be in this series. It was such an unexpected pleasure to read. While this book did have spice, it was also light-hearted and sweet. It was a nice away from the dark and depraved books I have been reading lately.
Lucius is an introverted and somewhat reserved MMc. He prefers being around his family and friends instead of checking out the nightlife. Marley, the FMC, is an extroverted social butterfly. She loves going out and hanging with her friends. They are total opposites in every way. Did I mention that she’s human and he’s a centaur…
Thank you, Cassie Lein and Alisha Williams for such a sweet and romantic read. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to see more books about Lucius’ friends, especially Brooks!
Lucius is an introverted and somewhat reserved MMc. He prefers being around his family and friends instead of checking out the nightlife. Marley, the FMC, is an extroverted social butterfly. She loves going out and hanging with her friends. They are total opposites in every way. Did I mention that she’s human and he’s a centaur…
Thank you, Cassie Lein and Alisha Williams for such a sweet and romantic read. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to see more books about Lucius’ friends, especially Brooks!
June 17, 2024
I love Luci. This is the first book that I have read about Centaurs. It was very interesting. Marley was a great addition to Luci’s life. I’m glad she gave him a shot and stood up for him against the people that were nasty. Luci overheard Marley say stuff to her friends!! He wasn’t meant to hear those things!! So he made his presence known and walked away. She called after him but he didn’t give her a chance to explain. They never spoke again. He ended up leaving town but came back for the school semester. Marley saw him at the school and it turns out she was his new student guide along with the rest of his friends. She made him work hard towards forgiveness. The things he did to make it up to her for just leaving was really great. Another great book!
June 17, 2024
Hooves and Heartbeats is a standalone, Grease retelling, monster romance. When I mean monster romance, I mean, the MC does NOT shift at anytime. You have been warned.
You have:
*college age
*MF
*Non-shifter MC-He stays in his form all the time
*Grease Retelling
*rom-com
*Half Centaur/Human (non-Shift)
*Groveling
*v!rg!n MC and FMC
*fated mates
*HEA
Quite honestly, this was pretty wholesome, kinda Hallmark-y vibes. It's very sweet, very angsty, the banter, the perfect amount of spice. Marley and Lucius' chemistry is off the charts. Definitely, will have you rooting for them. Lucius' parents are so freaking hilarious, yet sometimes cringe. But overall, so cute! I would say this is a fun summer/beach read, definitely worth checking out.
You have:
*college age
*MF
*Non-shifter MC-He stays in his form all the time
*Grease Retelling
*rom-com
*Half Centaur/Human (non-Shift)
*Groveling
*v!rg!n MC and FMC
*fated mates
*HEA
Quite honestly, this was pretty wholesome, kinda Hallmark-y vibes. It's very sweet, very angsty, the banter, the perfect amount of spice. Marley and Lucius' chemistry is off the charts. Definitely, will have you rooting for them. Lucius' parents are so freaking hilarious, yet sometimes cringe. But overall, so cute! I would say this is a fun summer/beach read, definitely worth checking out.
June 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
A super cute quick monster romance.
Lucius is half human half centaur. Heading off to college, a Med program. Spending his summer with his human Uncle.
Marley is full human, looking to head back to college in the fall for a Vet program. Coral Springs University is accepting monster this term.
They are so cute together. They go through a rollercoaster of emotions to be together though. They are fated mates. Seeing as this is both their first real relationship they do stumble along the way and fail to communicate with one another. But they grow and learn together.
They have some great friends that offer an amazing support system.
Curious to see if Brooks ends up with his own HEA.
🌶️🌶️
A super cute quick monster romance.
Lucius is half human half centaur. Heading off to college, a Med program. Spending his summer with his human Uncle.
Marley is full human, looking to head back to college in the fall for a Vet program. Coral Springs University is accepting monster this term.
They are so cute together. They go through a rollercoaster of emotions to be together though. They are fated mates. Seeing as this is both their first real relationship they do stumble along the way and fail to communicate with one another. But they grow and learn together.
They have some great friends that offer an amazing support system.
Curious to see if Brooks ends up with his own HEA.
June 25, 2024
Very cute, quick monster and human m/f romantic story. I love monster romances so I jumped at the be to read this and I am so glad that do! Cassie Lein and Alisha Williams knocked this out of the park!!! So sweet, so adorable, so funny!
Lucius (aka Luci) and Marley got into a quick relationship, then typical drama happens and groveling has to commence! The funny comes from the conversations with Luci’s parents! Talk about awkward!
I absolutely loved every part of this book! Although, I think it would have been interesting to bring Lucius’s tail into the story!! 😂
If you are looking for a great monster romance, you should definitely check this book out! Fantastic lighthearted romance with some angst and some really good spice! Absolutely perfect!!
Lucius (aka Luci) and Marley got into a quick relationship, then typical drama happens and groveling has to commence! The funny comes from the conversations with Luci’s parents! Talk about awkward!
I absolutely loved every part of this book! Although, I think it would have been interesting to bring Lucius’s tail into the story!! 😂
If you are looking for a great monster romance, you should definitely check this book out! Fantastic lighthearted romance with some angst and some really good spice! Absolutely perfect!!
December 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I love Cassie and Alisha so of course I ran to read this. (Much later than it’s publication day) but this just wasn’t a story I loved.
HOWEVER I LOVED the little town of Coral Springs and I loved most if not all of the side characters. I originally thought we were just having some miscommunication errors at the start of the book but over time its showing that Marley and Lucius are just rather immature kids. (Not a fault to the authors. I fully believe these characters expressed themselves this way. Asking to be written this way) They should have spoken and treated each other like adults.
I do want to read Brooks and Stacey’s story so if given the chance to come back to this little town I’d come back in a heartbeat.
🌶️🌶️
I love Cassie and Alisha so of course I ran to read this. (Much later than it’s publication day) but this just wasn’t a story I loved.
HOWEVER I LOVED the little town of Coral Springs and I loved most if not all of the side characters. I originally thought we were just having some miscommunication errors at the start of the book but over time its showing that Marley and Lucius are just rather immature kids. (Not a fault to the authors. I fully believe these characters expressed themselves this way. Asking to be written this way) They should have spoken and treated each other like adults.
I do want to read Brooks and Stacey’s story so if given the chance to come back to this little town I’d come back in a heartbeat.
June 9, 2024
Hooves & Heartstrings by Cassie Lein @cassieleinauthor & Alisha Williams @alishawilliamsauthor. Content warnings: This is a monster romance which the cover should tell ya everything you need to know. Just in case though Lucius does NOT shift he is in his monster form at ALL times. MF, Rejection, Monster Sex, A Grease Monster Retelling
I loved this book about Lucias & Marley! So cute! I loved everything about this MF, college age, monster/human couple, how Lucius’s mom doesn't have a filter, & how Marley makes Lucius grovel. 😂
I received this #ARCBook early and my review is freely given and is my honest opinion.
I loved this book about Lucias & Marley! So cute! I loved everything about this MF, college age, monster/human couple, how Lucius’s mom doesn't have a filter, & how Marley makes Lucius grovel. 😂
I received this #ARCBook early and my review is freely given and is my honest opinion.
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