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Under Loch and Key: Captured by the Lake Monster
A thousand-year curse. An abandoned warrior. And a woman who's desire led her a bit too far from shore...
Centuries ago, Erik's village was destroyed by a horrific storm. When he and his crew went to investigate the cause, their ship was destroyed by the monster of the lake. Erik was the only one to survive, but he was left with a fate worse than sharing a body with the many-limbed monster that destroyed his people.
Lillian and her best friend have vacationed at the same lake cabin every September since they've graduated college. But now that her bestie is starting a family, Lillian is all alone, with only her romance books and fantasies to keep her occupied. That is, until she takes a swim to the mysterious island in the middle of the lake, and discovers a naked Viking warrior roaming its sandy shores.
He says he needs her. His body says he wants her. And she's ready to give in to everything that he and his monster are offering her.
Even if it means unleashing an unknown horror onto the world.
This book is a work of fantasy. So if you're not here for a story containing mysterious octopus shifters, descriptive underwater tomfoolery and Lovecraftian fantasies, it's best you click away.
Centuries ago, Erik's village was destroyed by a horrific storm. When he and his crew went to investigate the cause, their ship was destroyed by the monster of the lake. Erik was the only one to survive, but he was left with a fate worse than sharing a body with the many-limbed monster that destroyed his people.
Lillian and her best friend have vacationed at the same lake cabin every September since they've graduated college. But now that her bestie is starting a family, Lillian is all alone, with only her romance books and fantasies to keep her occupied. That is, until she takes a swim to the mysterious island in the middle of the lake, and discovers a naked Viking warrior roaming its sandy shores.
He says he needs her. His body says he wants her. And she's ready to give in to everything that he and his monster are offering her.
Even if it means unleashing an unknown horror onto the world.
This book is a work of fantasy. So if you're not here for a story containing mysterious octopus shifters, descriptive underwater tomfoolery and Lovecraftian fantasies, it's best you click away.
82 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2023
4 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 27, 2023
Okay... Okay...
I am going to keep this brief and just say this wasn't for me.
I do want to say it wasn't the content. This book had tons of content warnings and not a one of them bothered me.
It was a simple case of me not the book.
I am going to keep this brief and just say this wasn't for me.
I do want to say it wasn't the content. This book had tons of content warnings and not a one of them bothered me.
It was a simple case of me not the book.
December 31, 2022
This is an ARC review. The description or the book was presented as dark romance with lovecraftian horror and it definitely achieved this description. It was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it. I do wish there were more to it than there was. I would have liked more backstory and maybe more from the monster’s perspective. As always read the content warnings before starting this book.
October 17, 2022
ARC Review
This is a very unique story which blended a lot of my favourite tropes and emotional issues that I really related to.
Erik is a Viking who got captured by a Kraken-like monster who possessed his body and he's lived for hundreds of years in the lake. I just thought that was so cool!
Lillian,I really liked her and felt close to her. She's a little chubby and feels like nobody's ever going to notice her. She's also very hurt and confused by her best friend who's completely neglecting and ignoring her for her husband and she desperately misses hanging out with her like they always used to.
The couple have a beautiful relationship, Erik is just mad about her, pudgy tummy, not-so-perky bosum and all and I loved him for it. It's definitely instalove because it's a short novella and while instalove is my favourite, this did feel a bit too rapid to me,but I still enjoyed how sweet they are together.
Now,the reason we're all here, tentacles and steaminess! The monster won't release Erik from the curse until it's bred someone and Lillian is the lucky girl. There's lots of tentacle play and teasing, and being stuffed with them. I'd have enjoyed it more if there was more buildup to it I think,but it was highly enjoyable. Erik gets an 'equipment' transformation that makes him "as wide as a human leg and half the length." 😳 I think he takes the cake for biggest I've read! And the monster's eggs get loaded into him like cannon balls to shoot into her! It was wild man! So yeah, Lillian gets some special prep for that! I loved Erik's horror at being made to do such a thing to her and that they can't get out of it, that's like my favourite trope.
Besides the speed of things, which is understandable for the length of the story, the other thing I found a little odd was Lillian is pure, which is why the monster targets her, but she never experiences any pain,fear or anxiety, and I always look forward to that. But again,it was a short tale.
So if you like plus sized heroines, tentacles, impossible to fit, lake monsters, Vikings, egg laying, breeding, sweet hero and underwater setting, you'll enjoy this book!
I recieved this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary review.
This is a very unique story which blended a lot of my favourite tropes and emotional issues that I really related to.
Erik is a Viking who got captured by a Kraken-like monster who possessed his body and he's lived for hundreds of years in the lake. I just thought that was so cool!
Lillian,I really liked her and felt close to her. She's a little chubby and feels like nobody's ever going to notice her. She's also very hurt and confused by her best friend who's completely neglecting and ignoring her for her husband and she desperately misses hanging out with her like they always used to.
The couple have a beautiful relationship, Erik is just mad about her, pudgy tummy, not-so-perky bosum and all and I loved him for it. It's definitely instalove because it's a short novella and while instalove is my favourite, this did feel a bit too rapid to me,but I still enjoyed how sweet they are together.
Now,the reason we're all here, tentacles and steaminess! The monster won't release Erik from the curse until it's bred someone and Lillian is the lucky girl. There's lots of tentacle play and teasing, and being stuffed with them. I'd have enjoyed it more if there was more buildup to it I think,but it was highly enjoyable. Erik gets an 'equipment' transformation that makes him "as wide as a human leg and half the length." 😳 I think he takes the cake for biggest I've read! And the monster's eggs get loaded into him like cannon balls to shoot into her! It was wild man! So yeah, Lillian gets some special prep for that! I loved Erik's horror at being made to do such a thing to her and that they can't get out of it, that's like my favourite trope.
Besides the speed of things, which is understandable for the length of the story, the other thing I found a little odd was Lillian is pure, which is why the monster targets her, but she never experiences any pain,fear or anxiety, and I always look forward to that. But again,it was a short tale.
So if you like plus sized heroines, tentacles, impossible to fit, lake monsters, Vikings, egg laying, breeding, sweet hero and underwater setting, you'll enjoy this book!
I recieved this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary review.
October 6, 2022
When I first noticed Under Loch and Key: Bred by the Lake Monster by Carmen Cade, I was a bit intrigued by the term Lovecraftian. Never have I seen that word before. Two minutes and several researching clicks later, I was fascinated. The tag erotic horror cemented my curiosity, and I was ready to satisfy my fascination. The list of content warnings propelled me to read the story.
Lillian and Erik were the two protagonists of this erotic story. Lillian and her best friend Tiffany visited the cabin they often did when they were younger. However, with this visit, Tiffany was no longer single. That fact thrust the friends further apart and Lillian met the hot Viking of a man, Erik. Their meeting could be described as ‘lust at first sight’. The interaction after got steamy. Lust poured out of the pages. Sexual acts twisted with new dreams and possibilities decorated the story.
I was a bit shocked to know this is Carmen’s first book. She did a wonderful job. I enjoyed Lillian and Erik’s story. The message embedded in their journey stayed with me. Some relationships have an end road. Others lasted longer. No dream can't be accomplished regardless of the time passed. One thing, though, I wished Carmen had enlightened me on how Lillian and Tiffany’s relationship turned out. Did it end on the beach, or did they make up after? What about the monster? Did Lillian and Eric live close to its island? Did Lillian return to her home, or did they live elsewhere?
I thought if she had included what happened with Tiffany, it would have cemented the theme I noticed in the first chapter. Either way, I loved the book. It was short and spicy with a large pepper. I would rate Under Loch and Key: Bred by the Lake Monster four out of five stars. It would be my pleasure to recommend this erotic story to anyone who craves something different. Something new. If you believe the changes we never thought we needed came in the most unexpected times, then this story is for you. Sometimes when one door closes another open.
Word of advice to the potential readers, don’t be frightened by the content warnings. The book is civil yet amazing.
Lillian and Erik were the two protagonists of this erotic story. Lillian and her best friend Tiffany visited the cabin they often did when they were younger. However, with this visit, Tiffany was no longer single. That fact thrust the friends further apart and Lillian met the hot Viking of a man, Erik. Their meeting could be described as ‘lust at first sight’. The interaction after got steamy. Lust poured out of the pages. Sexual acts twisted with new dreams and possibilities decorated the story.
I was a bit shocked to know this is Carmen’s first book. She did a wonderful job. I enjoyed Lillian and Erik’s story. The message embedded in their journey stayed with me. Some relationships have an end road. Others lasted longer. No dream can't be accomplished regardless of the time passed. One thing, though, I wished Carmen had enlightened me on how Lillian and Tiffany’s relationship turned out. Did it end on the beach, or did they make up after? What about the monster? Did Lillian and Eric live close to its island? Did Lillian return to her home, or did they live elsewhere?
I thought if she had included what happened with Tiffany, it would have cemented the theme I noticed in the first chapter. Either way, I loved the book. It was short and spicy with a large pepper. I would rate Under Loch and Key: Bred by the Lake Monster four out of five stars. It would be my pleasure to recommend this erotic story to anyone who craves something different. Something new. If you believe the changes we never thought we needed came in the most unexpected times, then this story is for you. Sometimes when one door closes another open.
Word of advice to the potential readers, don’t be frightened by the content warnings. The book is civil yet amazing.
September 11, 2022
I enjoyed it, it’s exactly what the trigger warnings said it was. So if you find yourself clutching your pearl’s at the mention of tentacles, definitely don’t read this. That said, if you just want a fun easy read that makes you blush and try to figure out the logistics of sex underwater then take an hour out of your day and escape to a weird strange world. I really started to feel for the monster and almost wish we had more storyline on what happened after.
I do want to tell you all a funny story…there’s a line in the book where the main character says “I’ve always been a strong swimmer” (and she’s a bigger girl). Well I have always been a “bigger” girl and have always been strong swimmer and proud of it. Well mid 30’s get a divorce and weight loss surgery drop 150+lbs, meet a new guy (now husband) and life’s great. We decide to go swimming, great I am a strong swimmer!! I jump in to the deep end and sunk like a rock and almost drowned! I had to leave the pool I was in so much shock. So, as it turns out, I was a strong floater not a strong swimmer!! Still gets me to this day, all the times I bragged about my swimming abilities 🤦♀️
Anyways, I thought it was a cute read, yes tentacles are cute!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do want to tell you all a funny story…there’s a line in the book where the main character says “I’ve always been a strong swimmer” (and she’s a bigger girl). Well I have always been a “bigger” girl and have always been strong swimmer and proud of it. Well mid 30’s get a divorce and weight loss surgery drop 150+lbs, meet a new guy (now husband) and life’s great. We decide to go swimming, great I am a strong swimmer!! I jump in to the deep end and sunk like a rock and almost drowned! I had to leave the pool I was in so much shock. So, as it turns out, I was a strong floater not a strong swimmer!! Still gets me to this day, all the times I bragged about my swimming abilities 🤦♀️
Anyways, I thought it was a cute read, yes tentacles are cute!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2022
Firstly, congratulations Carmen Cade on your first book!
This one is sure to tick a lot of boxes for a lot of individuals that love monster erotica all wrapped up in a pint sized read. It’s a longer short story/ shorter novella perfect for when you need quick steamy read.
For such a short read, there’s a whole page of trigger warnings which is always a selling point for me. Not one to shy away from reading something new and different either.
This is one spicy read, I mean the whole premise is around breeding so you know there’s going to be some hella action, tentacles and all.
My only criticism is that there should have been more world building and character development.
The MMC is a former Viking so more of his history as well as lore surrounding the monster he shares a body with would have been fantastic. Also more insight into Lillian. I like that she’s a curvy girl who loves reading romance novels but that’s really all we know about her.
Just a little bit more depth would have elevated this to a five star read.
The smut was faultless though. I’m not really into the breeding trope but I was warned at the start so that’s a me thing. Would I read this again knowing how it all played out? Yeah I probably would.
Well don’t Carmen on a solid debut and thank you for sending an ARC my way.. I’ll keep an eye out for what you come up with next.
This one is sure to tick a lot of boxes for a lot of individuals that love monster erotica all wrapped up in a pint sized read. It’s a longer short story/ shorter novella perfect for when you need quick steamy read.
For such a short read, there’s a whole page of trigger warnings which is always a selling point for me. Not one to shy away from reading something new and different either.
This is one spicy read, I mean the whole premise is around breeding so you know there’s going to be some hella action, tentacles and all.
My only criticism is that there should have been more world building and character development.
The MMC is a former Viking so more of his history as well as lore surrounding the monster he shares a body with would have been fantastic. Also more insight into Lillian. I like that she’s a curvy girl who loves reading romance novels but that’s really all we know about her.
Just a little bit more depth would have elevated this to a five star read.
The smut was faultless though. I’m not really into the breeding trope but I was warned at the start so that’s a me thing. Would I read this again knowing how it all played out? Yeah I probably would.
Well don’t Carmen on a solid debut and thank you for sending an ARC my way.. I’ll keep an eye out for what you come up with next.
November 8, 2022
This novella is set in cabin country on Lake Ontario. Lillian and her bestie are on their annual girls' retreat when they have a falling out. Lillian, bereft, goes off on a swim and ends up on an islet she's never visited. The islet is inhabited by a cursed warrior.
I found this novella to be both too much and not enough.
I liked the overall plot, although I just couldn't get past some of the details (a Viking warrior on Lake Ontario? I'd believe it had it been set in Newfoundland, since there is an actual Viking settlement there from the period). The characters had a lot of potential, though I found them to be less developed than I prefer, which I attribute to the length of the work.
I wanted more from most of the elements: more time, more nuance, more development in the world, the characters, and the plot. I wanted more of the cultures, the genesis of the curse, more emotion, deeper backstories. I wanted a slower pace of events within the story.
I feel that the root is really that the story was done a disservice by the choice to keep it to a novella. I think there were a lot of missed opportunities to add nuance, explore cultural differences, and develop the characters. I think this could have been a fascinating and rich take on Beauty and the Beast, but the limit of the short length undermined the promising idea.
I received an ARC via BookSirens.
I found this novella to be both too much and not enough.
I liked the overall plot, although I just couldn't get past some of the details (a Viking warrior on Lake Ontario? I'd believe it had it been set in Newfoundland, since there is an actual Viking settlement there from the period). The characters had a lot of potential, though I found them to be less developed than I prefer, which I attribute to the length of the work.
I wanted more from most of the elements: more time, more nuance, more development in the world, the characters, and the plot. I wanted more of the cultures, the genesis of the curse, more emotion, deeper backstories. I wanted a slower pace of events within the story.
I feel that the root is really that the story was done a disservice by the choice to keep it to a novella. I think there were a lot of missed opportunities to add nuance, explore cultural differences, and develop the characters. I think this could have been a fascinating and rich take on Beauty and the Beast, but the limit of the short length undermined the promising idea.
I received an ARC via BookSirens.
September 9, 2023
Did you know that an octopus 🐙 is a mollusk?? Well, now you do! In the content warnings ⚠️ at the beginning of this book, it states that there are sexy, morally gray mollusks, and I didn't know if that was a clam euphemism? 😂🤣😂 So I had to go look up mollusks because I didn't remember the mention of clams (real or implied)in the book, and low and behold I find out that octopus fit this category.
And now it all makes much more sense....
This book was ok, but maybe not my jam? It was more like a clam jam... The story left me just wanting... I don't know? More? It fell flat for me, and left me with too many unanswered questions. But like, questions I don't care enough to ask, ya know?
Also, the book is listed as erotic horror. And this book had sexy times, but it by no means was erotic. And it certainly wasn't horror filled. Unless you are scared of the water. Or squid. Or have issues with anyone that isn't a size 2 having sex.
I'm pretty sure this is a case of just "not the book for me", and I'm OK with that 💗 Hopefully this book will find its intended audience!
Don't skip the content warnings, it will clearly spell out what you are in for!
And now it all makes much more sense....
This book was ok, but maybe not my jam? It was more like a clam jam... The story left me just wanting... I don't know? More? It fell flat for me, and left me with too many unanswered questions. But like, questions I don't care enough to ask, ya know?
Also, the book is listed as erotic horror. And this book had sexy times, but it by no means was erotic. And it certainly wasn't horror filled. Unless you are scared of the water. Or squid. Or have issues with anyone that isn't a size 2 having sex.
I'm pretty sure this is a case of just "not the book for me", and I'm OK with that 💗 Hopefully this book will find its intended audience!
Don't skip the content warnings, it will clearly spell out what you are in for!
October 27, 2022
Warnings:
#1) Be there monsters here: of the kraken variety.
#2) Check your triggers: curses, transformations, tentacles, drowning… to name a few.
#3) Don't be a prude: definitely some vivid, on-screen monster-f*ckery.
#4) Novella = quick read.
#5) Insta-mates.
#6) HEA.
First, you'll need to suspend reality, and not just because of cursed monsters. Lillian pulls a mega rebound after being dumped by her best friend. But he's packing more than just a Viking-sized package, and she doesn't even question it. Just signs right on up. Give up everything to live beneath the waters of the lagoon for a month with a guy you've only known for about 10 minutes while you were skinny-dipping, who can also morph into a kraken creature? Sure, why not?
I understand this is a novella and courtships must run quickly as a result, but I would've liked a bit more in terms of the relationship development.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
#1) Be there monsters here: of the kraken variety.
#2) Check your triggers: curses, transformations, tentacles, drowning… to name a few.
#3) Don't be a prude: definitely some vivid, on-screen monster-f*ckery.
#4) Novella = quick read.
#5) Insta-mates.
#6) HEA.
First, you'll need to suspend reality, and not just because of cursed monsters. Lillian pulls a mega rebound after being dumped by her best friend. But he's packing more than just a Viking-sized package, and she doesn't even question it. Just signs right on up. Give up everything to live beneath the waters of the lagoon for a month with a guy you've only known for about 10 minutes while you were skinny-dipping, who can also morph into a kraken creature? Sure, why not?
I understand this is a novella and courtships must run quickly as a result, but I would've liked a bit more in terms of the relationship development.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
January 27, 2023
Quick read, does EXACTLY what the foreword advertises. If you’re the slightest bit adventurous and not squicked by hot tentacle action . . . here’s your sign! : p
There were only a couple if instances of mis-spellings or genderings (?) in the latter half of the book and I’m giving a 4 star rating basically because I personally would have liked a few things more fully fleshed out so-to-speak.
How did Lillian’s friend Tiff react after leaving Lillian at the lake and her disappearing for a month? How DID Lillian & Eric make their way back to civilization? Did she have her own car or did they hitch-hike? How did Tiff react to her abandoned friend turning up one month later with a literal Viking boyfriend? Inquiring minds would like to know??? ; )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were only a couple if instances of mis-spellings or genderings (?) in the latter half of the book and I’m giving a 4 star rating basically because I personally would have liked a few things more fully fleshed out so-to-speak.
How did Lillian’s friend Tiff react after leaving Lillian at the lake and her disappearing for a month? How DID Lillian & Eric make their way back to civilization? Did she have her own car or did they hitch-hike? How did Tiff react to her abandoned friend turning up one month later with a literal Viking boyfriend? Inquiring minds would like to know??? ; )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2022
The genre of this book was my first time reading one like this and I gotta say I think it was very well written! It’s closer to a novella and it does have a HEA 😊 the descriptions were very well done and the pace was well set, expectations were met and it was a well told story! Erik is a man slash monster who’s held under a curse and Lillian was his key. She was so amazingly receptive and he was so cordial even when he didn’t have to be, his monster was flexible and willing to listen and adapt to break the curse they had. There’s little layers of depth throughout the story and they all got just enough light to make you feel for all the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2022
Omg , I was abit scared at first to read something so ,, erotic with tentacles etc , but i did it and honestly it made me feel abit horny inside ... its the first book on this kind of sexual stuff so i was abit taken back at first ,.. but it made me smile and i loved the relationship between erik and lillian so much that i wanted to follow it to the end .. great short story , something very different to what i usually read for sure , but not a disappointment . Will read someting like this again, in the future for sure . great background and idea of theme of story . good for a short read to fill gaps in your reading schdule .
December 26, 2022
I unexpectedly enjoyed this book. It was a super quick read - almost as fast as Lillian falling in love with a complete stranger who takes her to the depths of the lake and makes her his baby momma. Or rather, his internal monster's baby momma. Confused? Don't be! Just pick this book up and fly through it!
While yes, Lillian makes some not so safe choices with a man she just met, Erick seems to truly love her right off the bat. Here's to hoping their special times on land continue to be just as hot and interesting as their time underwater.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While yes, Lillian makes some not so safe choices with a man she just met, Erick seems to truly love her right off the bat. Here's to hoping their special times on land continue to be just as hot and interesting as their time underwater.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2022
There is a love story in this book, but it is overwhelmed by most of the plot. For me, it's a matter of balance and this fell short.
Lilliam and Erik are the protagonists in the story with Erik's embedded monster adding a major voice. Lillian has an extremely low opinion of herself and Erik wants to be free. The world building is limited as is the physical space occupied by the story. Although I got to know the protagonists a bit, I never felt invested in their outcome.
Interesting concept.
Lilliam and Erik are the protagonists in the story with Erik's embedded monster adding a major voice. Lillian has an extremely low opinion of herself and Erik wants to be free. The world building is limited as is the physical space occupied by the story. Although I got to know the protagonists a bit, I never felt invested in their outcome.
Interesting concept.
October 4, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn’t aware that this was Carmen Cade’s debut novel until I finished it. Well done! The character development was well written and the spice level was perfect for the characters. 🌶🌶🌶 out of 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Although this book was on the shorter side, I enjoyed the fast pace. I honestly forgot I had added it and the briefness allowed me to finish in time to leave a review. Thank you for allowing me to read and review your new book, Carmen! I’m excited to see what’s next!
I wasn’t aware that this was Carmen Cade’s debut novel until I finished it. Well done! The character development was well written and the spice level was perfect for the characters. 🌶🌶🌶 out of 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Although this book was on the shorter side, I enjoyed the fast pace. I honestly forgot I had added it and the briefness allowed me to finish in time to leave a review. Thank you for allowing me to read and review your new book, Carmen! I’m excited to see what’s next!
December 20, 2022
First off let's get this part out of the way, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Okay now that we got that covered, onward to the review! Do you like giant tattooed Viking men?! How do you feel about tentacles? If you gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to both of those things, my friend, have I got news for you...this has both of those things conveniently wrapped up in one sexy package! That's right folks, we've got a tentacled shifter type scenario popping off. If that is your jam then this lil story is a perfect match for you.
May 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I was perusing Book Sirens when I came across this and having read some other Kraken style romance books, I decided to give this a try. This book delivered exactly what it promised. I liked the story idea, a curvy FMC and a hunky human/kraken MMC. This was only 65 pages, but the author really packed all the good stuff in there. I do wish it was longer and we had more of a backstory and more from the “monster” living inside Erik but, that’s just being picky. This is a good quick read and would totally recommend, just read the trigger warnings.
September 1, 2022
I was unsure about this book when I first downloaded it and read the author's note at the beginning but I decided to take a chance and try it out.
It wasn't my favourite read, but it also wasn't a bad read! It's a very short, quick read but it definitely has a lot going on in those pages! A spicy read, for sure!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It wasn't my favourite read, but it also wasn't a bad read! It's a very short, quick read but it definitely has a lot going on in those pages! A spicy read, for sure!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2022
This week written tale of monsterotica. The female main character is a plus sized curvy girl looking for love, and finding it in the most unexpected way? I love how consent was handled in this story and how Lillian is given a choice. The spice level in this tale is off the charts. If you enjoy Monster Romance with tentacles, abnormal male appendages, and sensual kisses this is a must read for you. Quick note that this is an 18+ story due to its detailed exotic scenes.
September 13, 2022
Wow!
It was such a lovely, fast and amazing story.
Our FMC is a lovely girl who decided to swim across the lake and who met man who is hot-as-f...
I don't usually like stories with krakens, but this one was simple and fun with great characters.
Author is not trying to sell you a big story, but it's a nice story about loneliness, love and happiness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was such a lovely, fast and amazing story.
Our FMC is a lovely girl who decided to swim across the lake and who met man who is hot-as-f...
I don't usually like stories with krakens, but this one was simple and fun with great characters.
Author is not trying to sell you a big story, but it's a nice story about loneliness, love and happiness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2022
***ARC Review***
Under Loch and Key was a quick, steamy read that combined a curvy heroine, a naked Viking, and tentacles. I really enjoyed the alternating POVs- especially Erik’s perspective. The author did a great job with creating an unique story that left me wanting more. I rated this 4/5, but it could have been 5/5 if it was just a little longer.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Under Loch and Key was a quick, steamy read that combined a curvy heroine, a naked Viking, and tentacles. I really enjoyed the alternating POVs- especially Erik’s perspective. The author did a great job with creating an unique story that left me wanting more. I rated this 4/5, but it could have been 5/5 if it was just a little longer.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2022
This was my ARC read for the week and it’s definitely not in my usual genre, but kudos to Carmen Cade for her creativity. This book lived up to its trigger warnings, but it was well written and unique. I was actually disappointed by the length of the read. Cade has plenty of room to expand her characters stories and create a thicker plot. Not for everyone, but still not even close to being a DNF.
October 20, 2022
This book was amazing, Laura has a tinge of jealousy over her best friends new life changes and desires something like it or better. Erik is trying to surprise the beast within and find a way to get rid of his curse. How these characters paths intertwine is as wonderful as it is steamy!! Can Laura get her happy ever after and can Erik end his curse? **Disclaimer** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2022
So I saw the cover and thought this looked interesting. And it was!
You have be Lillian who is mid-sized who is seen by Erik and his “monster” who needs her help to break a curse.
It’s a quick novella, some serious spice! I highly recommend if you like monster romance because tentacles…
I give the story a solid 3.5⭐️
The spice is 5⭐️🌶️
I received this as an ARC copy and this is my true and honest review.
You have be Lillian who is mid-sized who is seen by Erik and his “monster” who needs her help to break a curse.
It’s a quick novella, some serious spice! I highly recommend if you like monster romance because tentacles…
I give the story a solid 3.5⭐️
The spice is 5⭐️🌶️
I received this as an ARC copy and this is my true and honest review.
January 15, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where to start :-)
This book is awesome! I was very curious after the content warnings , and I was pleasantly surprised! I really liked the story. The more spicy scenes were written in such a way that I could really see it before my eyes! I learned some new things haha. Too bad the book was not longer :p
I cant wait to read more stories like this!
Where to start :-)
This book is awesome! I was very curious after the content warnings , and I was pleasantly surprised! I really liked the story. The more spicy scenes were written in such a way that I could really see it before my eyes! I learned some new things haha. Too bad the book was not longer :p
I cant wait to read more stories like this!
July 15, 2023
This was a sexy short story with a nice twist on the monster romance.
The steam here is good and definitely unique, especially with the ahem *equipment upgrade* towards the end.
This is insta-love which worked for the story (bc of the length). I did like the curse aspect of the story. It felt different for monster romance.
This is a little dark but the author does provide plenty of content warnings before the story so you can decide if this is for you.
The steam here is good and definitely unique, especially with the ahem *equipment upgrade* towards the end.
This is insta-love which worked for the story (bc of the length). I did like the curse aspect of the story. It felt different for monster romance.
This is a little dark but the author does provide plenty of content warnings before the story so you can decide if this is for you.
September 9, 2022
I have received this ARC of Under Loch and Key for free and am leaving this honest review voluntarily! This was by far the weirdest book that I have ever read, but it was extremely entertaining. The content warnings alone showed the uniqueness of the plot; make sure to read them before starting this book! It was fast paced and captured my attention from start to finish. I may never be able to eat grilled octopus again without thinking of this story!
November 9, 2022
I picked this book up on a whim and ended up really enjoying it! A nice, short underwater romp that is both sexy and sweet. I really sympathize with Phorkys in the end, especially over his lost love. Not to mention I wouldn't have said I am a fan of oviposition prior to picking this up but I enjoyed the scene featuring it. Might need to pick up some more books with that tag!
April 5, 2024
I did really enjoy it. It's more of a 4.5 for me but I can't do half stars. For what it is it's fabulously done as a monster smut ♡ there is threads of an actual story and I do wish it had been explored more. Well written and I want to know more about the characters all of them, hope this finds it's audience ♡
August 31, 2022
Thank you Booksirens for this arc.
Well... This was great.
I would've loved more lore and myth. If the story flowed a little slower. More hesitation and wait before the "ceremony".
A quick read.
Just a great little freaky monster romance story.
Well... This was great.
I would've loved more lore and myth. If the story flowed a little slower. More hesitation and wait before the "ceremony".
A quick read.
Just a great little freaky monster romance story.
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