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Augury University #1
Hook-up to Holidate
Indigo Watson gets serotonin from sticking to her plans. She has a long list of to-do’s, including grading midterms, and the list only grows longer when she meets a sexy half-orc at the bar. After spending a weekend with the woman, Indigo is beside herself with feelings, and for once, it’s not anxiety: it’s lust.
Vega Daelor is an orcling woman with a body of steel and a heart of pure gold. She recently started a new job as Department Chair of Charms at Augury University, but everything goes astray when the submissive, little elfborn she’s been fooling around with turns out to be her subordinate.
With the holiday season upon them and a perfect sister to outshine, Indigo gathers up the courage to ask Vega to be her “Holidate.” It’s a foolproof plan. She’ll have a hottie by her side to show off to the family, and she can get Vega out of her system for good. But when the sun sets and the string-lights rise, they find themselves falling for each other instead. Will Indigo follow her job’s zero fraternization policy, or will she be asking for a girlfriend this Christmas?
Vega Daelor is an orcling woman with a body of steel and a heart of pure gold. She recently started a new job as Department Chair of Charms at Augury University, but everything goes astray when the submissive, little elfborn she’s been fooling around with turns out to be her subordinate.
With the holiday season upon them and a perfect sister to outshine, Indigo gathers up the courage to ask Vega to be her “Holidate.” It’s a foolproof plan. She’ll have a hottie by her side to show off to the family, and she can get Vega out of her system for good. But when the sun sets and the string-lights rise, they find themselves falling for each other instead. Will Indigo follow her job’s zero fraternization policy, or will she be asking for a girlfriend this Christmas?
222 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2023
43 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Rose
3 books45 followersThis pen name is no longer in use. For books by this author: see Rose Santoriello, or @monsterromanceauthor on socials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 12, 2025
this was very cute and i was quite intrigued by the world; a magical collision occurred combining earth with four other fantasy worlds. there is also a return to indigenous names for lands.
def on the instalove side but very cute, and i had some good chuckles. i would've liked it to be a bit longer to see more of a proper conclusion w her family and for the main conflict to be solved w more time, but overall it was a cute lighthearted read.
can a big strong orc lady soothe me and my anxiety please 😪
def on the instalove side but very cute, and i had some good chuckles. i would've liked it to be a bit longer to see more of a proper conclusion w her family and for the main conflict to be solved w more time, but overall it was a cute lighthearted read.
can a big strong orc lady soothe me and my anxiety please 😪
November 12, 2023
I wrote this book and I love it. I hope you all love it too.
It is silly and sexy and sapphic, and all of those things are great, but I pulled a little bit from the depths of myself too. I hope this novella makes you feel seen as much as it makes you smile!
❤️🎄❤️🎄 Merry Christmas, Little Monsters!
It is silly and sexy and sapphic, and all of those things are great, but I pulled a little bit from the depths of myself too. I hope this novella makes you feel seen as much as it makes you smile!
❤️🎄❤️🎄 Merry Christmas, Little Monsters!
December 13, 2023
“I’m like a dark cupcake. Moody on the outside, sparkly on the inside.”
In addition of being full of serotonin and queer holiday joy, this novella address difficult parental relationships and anxiety, all while being set in a world that has been improved (career politicians have been erased, hell yes) after a major event that changed everything. There is so much goodness in this book, wow. I also loved that in this world, characters being queer is never an issue. It’s just how they are, and they are accepted. It made my heart so happy 😭🫶
There is healthy communication, a wonderful portrayal of mental health and therapy and it’s spicy?? Take a few hours and go read this, it’s an absolute GEM of a book.
P. S. It’s instalove but you’re gonna eat it all up I promise
In addition of being full of serotonin and queer holiday joy, this novella address difficult parental relationships and anxiety, all while being set in a world that has been improved (career politicians have been erased, hell yes) after a major event that changed everything. There is so much goodness in this book, wow. I also loved that in this world, characters being queer is never an issue. It’s just how they are, and they are accepted. It made my heart so happy 😭🫶
There is healthy communication, a wonderful portrayal of mental health and therapy and it’s spicy?? Take a few hours and go read this, it’s an absolute GEM of a book.
P. S. It’s instalove but you’re gonna eat it all up I promise
December 14, 2024
- elfling + half orc
- coworkers
- fake dating
- size difference
Indie goes home with a gorgeous orc and has the hottest night of her life, only to show up to work on Monday to find out the woman she can’t stop thinking about just so happens to be her new boss.
Indie and Vega do their best to keep things strictly professional, especially with the no fraternization policy at the university, but the chemistry between them is off the charts.
With a holiday break coming up, Indie needs a buffer between her and her family, and who better to pretend to be her fake girlfriend than Vega. The pair plan to use their week together as a way to get each other out of their systems, but obviously fail miserably.
Hook-up to Holidate was such a super cute and spicy read. I loved how well the story balanced the silliness and steaminess, but also touched on Indie’s anxiety and awful family.
- coworkers
- fake dating
- size difference
Indie goes home with a gorgeous orc and has the hottest night of her life, only to show up to work on Monday to find out the woman she can’t stop thinking about just so happens to be her new boss.
Indie and Vega do their best to keep things strictly professional, especially with the no fraternization policy at the university, but the chemistry between them is off the charts.
With a holiday break coming up, Indie needs a buffer between her and her family, and who better to pretend to be her fake girlfriend than Vega. The pair plan to use their week together as a way to get each other out of their systems, but obviously fail miserably.
Hook-up to Holidate was such a super cute and spicy read. I loved how well the story balanced the silliness and steaminess, but also touched on Indie’s anxiety and awful family.
December 21, 2023
2.5 stars. This was okay, but I have to admit, I can already feel myself forgetting it. A fantasy Christmas romance, between a half-orc and a half-elf who spend a hot night together, only to find that they're off-limits, because they're new co-workers. It has a classic holiday setup, where Indigo ends up taking Vega homes to spend a bit of the holidays with her overbearing family, and there's fake dating and overcoming insecurities and all the cuteness associated with holiday stuff. And it was all okay? It tried to do a lot in a 200 page novella, and I feel like it just ended up doing a lot of things mediocrely, instead of doing a couple things well. The world-building is kinda interesting, a post-Earth that's been merged with a lot of fantasy worlds and creatures, and now thousands of years later the entire landscape of completely changed. It ended up feeling super clumsy though; we kept getting info-dumpy material about customs and basic information that these characters would obviously already know. The romance was really tropey, which was good, but pretty surface level, which was disappointing. Did Vega and Indigo actually get to know each other? Didn't feel like it. It was hot, so I rounded up, but even the hotness felt a little flat, tbh.
This was just a list of complaints, but the book wasn't bad, really. It's got a really cute cover and a really cute concept. I'm absolutely feral for sapphic size difference, so you couldn't stop me from borrowing this as soon as a heard about it. The book itself though... just kinda meh.
This was just a list of complaints, but the book wasn't bad, really. It's got a really cute cover and a really cute concept. I'm absolutely feral for sapphic size difference, so you couldn't stop me from borrowing this as soon as a heard about it. The book itself though... just kinda meh.
January 20, 2024
3.7 stars this was SO cute!! Give me all those sapphic teacher romance vibes.
The writing style was incredibly enjoyable and I found myself loving both characters. It was so warm and cosy and is a perfect winter romance. I’m glad I grabbed a paperback because I will re read this one.
Also the casual anxiety rep was well handled and great to see.
I debated giving this four stars but I just felt like it was a tad too rushed at times. Some scenes (especially spicy ones) felt very sudden and flew by, going from 0-100 in the span of a page or two.
Saying that, pacing was my only issue with this novel, otherwise I loved it.
Spice wise it had a few moderately spicy scenes but they are fairly brief.
Rep: Bisexual woman MC with anxiety, sapphic woman orc mc, non-binary (briefly featured) background sc.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// anxiety, toxic family, on page sex (graphic), death of a parent (past.)
The writing style was incredibly enjoyable and I found myself loving both characters. It was so warm and cosy and is a perfect winter romance. I’m glad I grabbed a paperback because I will re read this one.
Also the casual anxiety rep was well handled and great to see.
I debated giving this four stars but I just felt like it was a tad too rushed at times. Some scenes (especially spicy ones) felt very sudden and flew by, going from 0-100 in the span of a page or two.
Saying that, pacing was my only issue with this novel, otherwise I loved it.
Spice wise it had a few moderately spicy scenes but they are fairly brief.
Rep: Bisexual woman MC with anxiety, sapphic woman orc mc, non-binary (briefly featured) background sc.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// anxiety, toxic family, on page sex (graphic), death of a parent (past.)
January 1, 2025
HOT six foot plus orc, HOT petite elf, SAPPHIC FAKE DATING? COMMUNICATION?! FORBIDDEN BOSSxEMPLOYEE RELATIONS????
oh i ate it up last year and i ate it up again 😩 bonus was the new audio so i could salivate over vega and indigo’s voices 🤌🏼✨
oh i ate it up last year and i ate it up again 😩 bonus was the new audio so i could salivate over vega and indigo’s voices 🤌🏼✨
December 17, 2023
This was a sweet little cozy sapphic romance. Indie was anxious AF about literally everything, a lovely side effect of having her emotionally abusive mother. Vega was confident and supportive; the dreamy lumbersnack orc all of us need. The two of them were cute together and showed genuine care for one another.
Just remember - fake dating never really stays fake, so if you had plans to do it over the holiday season but don’t secretly adore the other person, maybe don’t.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: emotional abuse, grief (old), child abandonment (off page), panic attack
Just remember - fake dating never really stays fake, so if you had plans to do it over the holiday season but don’t secretly adore the other person, maybe don’t.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: emotional abuse, grief (old), child abandonment (off page), panic attack
November 17, 2023
sapphic, fake dating, sweet and steamy, holiday monster romance??
but also add some forbidden love and a possesive fmc?
heck freaking YES!
i loved how easy the world building was to understand and how relatable both characters were. i found myself relating with Indigo a lot, heck. i felt like i was reading about myself which was crazy.
this whole novella was absolutely chefs kiss. the spicy scenes were soooooo good and there was so many cute moments, i do hope we get some more of Indigo and Vega in the future because I ate their story up!
thank you to the sweet priscilla for allowing me to be an arc reader for this novella!✨🎄
but also add some forbidden love and a possesive fmc?
heck freaking YES!
i loved how easy the world building was to understand and how relatable both characters were. i found myself relating with Indigo a lot, heck. i felt like i was reading about myself which was crazy.
this whole novella was absolutely chefs kiss. the spicy scenes were soooooo good and there was so many cute moments, i do hope we get some more of Indigo and Vega in the future because I ate their story up!
thank you to the sweet priscilla for allowing me to be an arc reader for this novella!✨🎄
December 11, 2023
This was absolutely the right book at the right time. This made my heart full after the oppressive feeling I felt in reading the queernorm world of The Surviving Sky. This was as promised: cute, queer, and cozy.
While I don’t think this book would’ve been for me at any other time, I really loved the mental health rep. the queer rep was incredible healing for me. I absolutely loved the gentle nod to the importance of history and culture, land back to indigenous people, and many other diverse references.
I’m pretty sure this saved me from what would’ve been an epic reading slump.
While I don’t think this book would’ve been for me at any other time, I really loved the mental health rep. the queer rep was incredible healing for me. I absolutely loved the gentle nod to the importance of history and culture, land back to indigenous people, and many other diverse references.
I’m pretty sure this saved me from what would’ve been an epic reading slump.
December 10, 2023
Super adorable
December 15, 2023
I was sent the arc by the author in exchange for an honest review in November and I’ve finally read it.
This was the holiday read I needed! I came for the monster smut (& there was plenty of fantastic sapphic smut!). In the end, I was utterly enraptured by V and Indie’s relationship and the world that Priscilla created. I look forward to reading more romances in this world Priscilla created and hope to see V & Indie show up living their best lives together.
This was the holiday read I needed! I came for the monster smut (& there was plenty of fantastic sapphic smut!). In the end, I was utterly enraptured by V and Indie’s relationship and the world that Priscilla created. I look forward to reading more romances in this world Priscilla created and hope to see V & Indie show up living their best lives together.
December 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy, sapphic, holiday monster romance where the holiday vibes are really just *chefs kiss* then look no further.
We all know by now that I’m a sucker for fake dating and this book does it really well. Professor Indigo Watson has to go home for the holidays and her family is, well really toxic. So she asks her one-night stand turned coworker Vega Daelor to go with her and pretend to be her girlfriend. It’s a win win because she gets a holidate and they can get each other out of their systems, right? Well as you can expect things are a little more complicate than that.
I absolutely adored the characters, the world building, the way that the history of the world (since were several thousand years in the future) is talked about, and of course the delicious smut. This book was everything I wanted and so much more.
Big thank you to the author for allowing me to be an arc reader for this lovely read.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy, sapphic, holiday monster romance where the holiday vibes are really just *chefs kiss* then look no further.
We all know by now that I’m a sucker for fake dating and this book does it really well. Professor Indigo Watson has to go home for the holidays and her family is, well really toxic. So she asks her one-night stand turned coworker Vega Daelor to go with her and pretend to be her girlfriend. It’s a win win because she gets a holidate and they can get each other out of their systems, right? Well as you can expect things are a little more complicate than that.
I absolutely adored the characters, the world building, the way that the history of the world (since were several thousand years in the future) is talked about, and of course the delicious smut. This book was everything I wanted and so much more.
Big thank you to the author for allowing me to be an arc reader for this lovely read.
December 29, 2025
Basically a sapphic fantasy Hallmark movie. If Hallmark were braver, queerer, and significantly spicier.
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be and absolutely commits. You’ve got fake dating over the holidays, workplace complications, family pressure, and that delicious “this was supposed to be casual” vibe spiraling into feelings. Indigo’s anxiety rep felt especially well done for the length: it’s present without swallowing the story, and it shapes how she plans, overthinks, and approaches relationships in a way that felt very real. Vega, meanwhile, is pure catnip. Confident, warm, grounded, and quietly soft in a way that contrasts beautifully with her muscle mommy exterior.
The chemistry is immediate, the power dynamics are thoughtfully handled, and the spice hits without overpowering the emotional beats. Because this is a novella, things don’t have the space to get super deep, and a few conflicts resolve a bit too neatly. But that didn’t bother me much. This is comfort reading. Cozy, festive, low-stress, and extremely charming. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it absolutely understood the assignment.
If you’re looking for something short, cozy, queer, and perfect to curl up with during the holidays, this one’s an easy recommendation.
This novella knows exactly what it wants to be and absolutely commits. You’ve got fake dating over the holidays, workplace complications, family pressure, and that delicious “this was supposed to be casual” vibe spiraling into feelings. Indigo’s anxiety rep felt especially well done for the length: it’s present without swallowing the story, and it shapes how she plans, overthinks, and approaches relationships in a way that felt very real. Vega, meanwhile, is pure catnip. Confident, warm, grounded, and quietly soft in a way that contrasts beautifully with her muscle mommy exterior.
The chemistry is immediate, the power dynamics are thoughtfully handled, and the spice hits without overpowering the emotional beats. Because this is a novella, things don’t have the space to get super deep, and a few conflicts resolve a bit too neatly. But that didn’t bother me much. This is comfort reading. Cozy, festive, low-stress, and extremely charming. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it absolutely understood the assignment.
If you’re looking for something short, cozy, queer, and perfect to curl up with during the holidays, this one’s an easy recommendation.
November 16, 2023
This was such a cute story! I love anything that is a sort of forbidden romance especially with a possessive love interest and this story had that and more. I love the relationship that developed between Vega and Indigo.
Vega was so supportive and I found indigo extremely relatable which just made me love the story and character even more.
Also the spice was top tier! I can’t wait to read more stories from this world. Thank you so much to Priscilla Rose for writing this fantastic novella and for the ARC!
Vega was so supportive and I found indigo extremely relatable which just made me love the story and character even more.
Also the spice was top tier! I can’t wait to read more stories from this world. Thank you so much to Priscilla Rose for writing this fantastic novella and for the ARC!
January 24, 2024
Awesome Monster Romance!
Ooh and I just noticed this is book1! Yay! I loved this book! So steamy but it flows so well throughout the book enhancing the plot and character development. (Not that sexy times aren’t great but sometimes it’s like a stop
Of the story to just add the smut and not actually moving the plot along.) I loved the support the MCs had for each other, especially V lifting Indie up and so wanting to be her protector even as she was just by being her ‘friend.’ Overall, fairly quick read, hard to put down, fun times, sexy times, believing in yourself and making the right choices. Recommend!!
Ooh and I just noticed this is book1! Yay! I loved this book! So steamy but it flows so well throughout the book enhancing the plot and character development. (Not that sexy times aren’t great but sometimes it’s like a stop
Of the story to just add the smut and not actually moving the plot along.) I loved the support the MCs had for each other, especially V lifting Indie up and so wanting to be her protector even as she was just by being her ‘friend.’ Overall, fairly quick read, hard to put down, fun times, sexy times, believing in yourself and making the right choices. Recommend!!
November 20, 2023
I received this title as an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you Priscilla Rose for the copy!
In a modern magical world with fauns, gargoyles, and merfolk, lies Augury University where elfborn professor Indigo and orcling department chair Vega both work. The two hook up before discovering they are set to work together and the university has an anti-fraternization policy. In effort to get Vera out of her system, Indigo invites her to be her holidate. She can get her parents off her back and Vega out of her system. However things do not go quite to plan and love finds a way.
The Good
I loved the setting! There was a lot of great world-building in it, whether it be concept of the convergence or Augury University and how magic works. It was weaved well into the story and really interesting. I need more from this world!
Now about the main characters, I felt so bad for Indigo. Family drama is hard especially during the holidays. She has anxiety so that makes dealing with her family's treatment of her even harder to bear. Vega was great! I loved how protective she got over Indigo and how she tried best to support her and her choices. I liked how well she understood what Indigo needed. Their dates together had me so jealous. I want cute winter themed dates! They were so cute and also had great chemistry. I usually find things like nicknames cringe but I liked it in this book!
On a side note, I really appreciated the pronunciation guide in the beginning of this book. Sometimes I have no idea how a fantasy name should be pronounced and have to go off ✨vibes✨. With human names I cam google it but orcs, fae, and other fantasy beings it really could be anything.
The Bad
My only note was that I wish the family stuff had more of a resolution but I understand there isn't a quick fix and this is a novella so it would be impossible to amend all that familial trauma so fast.
Tropes:
— Workplace Romance
— Fake Dating
— Holiday Romance
Horn Level: 3/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. This was super cute! I loved this world, the characters and this spicy and sweet novella!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
In a modern magical world with fauns, gargoyles, and merfolk, lies Augury University where elfborn professor Indigo and orcling department chair Vega both work. The two hook up before discovering they are set to work together and the university has an anti-fraternization policy. In effort to get Vera out of her system, Indigo invites her to be her holidate. She can get her parents off her back and Vega out of her system. However things do not go quite to plan and love finds a way.
The Good
I loved the setting! There was a lot of great world-building in it, whether it be concept of the convergence or Augury University and how magic works. It was weaved well into the story and really interesting. I need more from this world!
Now about the main characters, I felt so bad for Indigo. Family drama is hard especially during the holidays. She has anxiety so that makes dealing with her family's treatment of her even harder to bear. Vega was great! I loved how protective she got over Indigo and how she tried best to support her and her choices. I liked how well she understood what Indigo needed. Their dates together had me so jealous. I want cute winter themed dates! They were so cute and also had great chemistry. I usually find things like nicknames cringe but I liked it in this book!
On a side note, I really appreciated the pronunciation guide in the beginning of this book. Sometimes I have no idea how a fantasy name should be pronounced and have to go off ✨vibes✨. With human names I cam google it but orcs, fae, and other fantasy beings it really could be anything.
The Bad
My only note was that I wish the family stuff had more of a resolution but I understand there isn't a quick fix and this is a novella so it would be impossible to amend all that familial trauma so fast.
Tropes:
— Workplace Romance
— Fake Dating
— Holiday Romance
Horn Level: 3/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. This was super cute! I loved this world, the characters and this spicy and sweet novella!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
November 25, 2023
‘Hook-Up To Holidate’
RELEASE DATE: 20th November 2023
━━━━ † ━━━━
⭐️ overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 plot: 📚📚
🔥 slow burn: 🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: N/A
🍆 peen uniqueness: N/A
👤 POV: 1st Person POV — Duel POV
━━━━ † ━━━━
‘Hook-Up To Holidate’ was such an adorable little holiday novella that’s filled with tooth-rotting fluff, crippling anxieties and some STEAMY sapphic spice — all wrapped up with festive cheer and cute snowglobe dates…what more could you want from a holiday romance? Oh…let’s throw in some monsters too!
This is the first story I’ve read by Priscilla Rose and I loved every moment of it! It was a shorter read, being a novella, but it had enough world building and character development to make it the perfect little bite-sized treat. I found that I couldn’t put it down, so it being a story you can read in a sitting (or two) was just right to snuggle up with a hot chocolate, blankets and fall in love with this story.
Vega and Indigo were just so adorable together! (and Vega is simply SWOONWORTHY). I love myself some fluffy sapphic romance and the fact that it has that element of monsters to it? Even better! There isn’t enough sapphic monster romance out there!
The spice was steamy but not overly graphic and descriptive, but JUST enough to still make you blush. There is a particular scene in a kitchen is just…delicious, to say the least, but I won’t spoil anything further!
I also really enjoyed how the author added a few little useful guides at the beginning of the book which included a glossary, pronunciation guide and brief explanation of the different magical races…and even a little playlist to listen to while your reading to help set the vibe!
This book really didn’t have many triggers, and is definitely more on the more lighthearted side, but there are a few that were listen by the author. I’ve just added the main ones that I think will be the more triggering ones for people.
━━━━ † ━━━━
⚔️TRIGGER LIST⚔️
— Consensual spice between adults
— Mentions of parental and sibling death (off page)
— Anxiety
— Depression
— Mood swings
— Difficult family relationships
━━━━ † ━━━━
I adored this book so much and it was the perfect read to get into the festive spirit! If you love adorable and spicy romance, sapphic love, butch & femme characters (and queerness embraced in general), anxiety and mental illness representation and a HEA — then I can’t recommend this one highly enough! 5/5 stars!!
━━━━ † ━━━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
RELEASE DATE: 20th November 2023
━━━━ † ━━━━
⭐️ overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 plot: 📚📚
🔥 slow burn: 🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: N/A
🍆 peen uniqueness: N/A
👤 POV: 1st Person POV — Duel POV
━━━━ † ━━━━
‘Hook-Up To Holidate’ was such an adorable little holiday novella that’s filled with tooth-rotting fluff, crippling anxieties and some STEAMY sapphic spice — all wrapped up with festive cheer and cute snowglobe dates…what more could you want from a holiday romance? Oh…let’s throw in some monsters too!
This is the first story I’ve read by Priscilla Rose and I loved every moment of it! It was a shorter read, being a novella, but it had enough world building and character development to make it the perfect little bite-sized treat. I found that I couldn’t put it down, so it being a story you can read in a sitting (or two) was just right to snuggle up with a hot chocolate, blankets and fall in love with this story.
Vega and Indigo were just so adorable together! (and Vega is simply SWOONWORTHY). I love myself some fluffy sapphic romance and the fact that it has that element of monsters to it? Even better! There isn’t enough sapphic monster romance out there!
The spice was steamy but not overly graphic and descriptive, but JUST enough to still make you blush. There is a particular scene in a kitchen is just…delicious, to say the least, but I won’t spoil anything further!
I also really enjoyed how the author added a few little useful guides at the beginning of the book which included a glossary, pronunciation guide and brief explanation of the different magical races…and even a little playlist to listen to while your reading to help set the vibe!
This book really didn’t have many triggers, and is definitely more on the more lighthearted side, but there are a few that were listen by the author. I’ve just added the main ones that I think will be the more triggering ones for people.
━━━━ † ━━━━
⚔️TRIGGER LIST⚔️
— Consensual spice between adults
— Mentions of parental and sibling death (off page)
— Anxiety
— Depression
— Mood swings
— Difficult family relationships
━━━━ † ━━━━
I adored this book so much and it was the perfect read to get into the festive spirit! If you love adorable and spicy romance, sapphic love, butch & femme characters (and queerness embraced in general), anxiety and mental illness representation and a HEA — then I can’t recommend this one highly enough! 5/5 stars!!
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❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
November 22, 2023
•sapphic romance
•orcling x human
•size difference
•anxiety disorder rep
•spicy holiday novella
•professor x professor (boss/subordinate)
Indigo and Vega meet at a bar one night, hook up, but then realize Vega is the new department chair for Charms … the same department Indigo teaches in. They aren’t supposed to be together because … workplace power dynamics and all that jazz but this is fiction so I was rooting for them to break the rules because rules are nothing but an obstacle to true love 🥹
Deciding to fake date while Indigo is home for the holidays (among a family where she feels like she never quite measures up and that fills her with anxiety) is probably not the wisest choice if they want to keep their hands off each other and avoid breaking those rules, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do 🫠 And when your family is always on your case, desperate times call for desperate measures!
They do their best to resist and their attempts certainly create tension, but i much prefer when they give in and that tension gets some relief 🥵
There’s a lot to love in this novella - a sweet romance, hot spice, a perfect amount of tension, and an interesting world (there’s magic and magical beings, and the university they teach at is magical, but the history of how humans and magical creatures came into contact is interesting). It’s a cute sapphic romance thats cozy and heartwarming, perfect to curl up with on a chilly day.
** I got an early copy. Decision to review is my own **
•orcling x human
•size difference
•anxiety disorder rep
•spicy holiday novella
•professor x professor (boss/subordinate)
Indigo and Vega meet at a bar one night, hook up, but then realize Vega is the new department chair for Charms … the same department Indigo teaches in. They aren’t supposed to be together because … workplace power dynamics and all that jazz but this is fiction so I was rooting for them to break the rules because rules are nothing but an obstacle to true love 🥹
Deciding to fake date while Indigo is home for the holidays (among a family where she feels like she never quite measures up and that fills her with anxiety) is probably not the wisest choice if they want to keep their hands off each other and avoid breaking those rules, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do 🫠 And when your family is always on your case, desperate times call for desperate measures!
They do their best to resist and their attempts certainly create tension, but i much prefer when they give in and that tension gets some relief 🥵
There’s a lot to love in this novella - a sweet romance, hot spice, a perfect amount of tension, and an interesting world (there’s magic and magical beings, and the university they teach at is magical, but the history of how humans and magical creatures came into contact is interesting). It’s a cute sapphic romance thats cozy and heartwarming, perfect to curl up with on a chilly day.
** I got an early copy. Decision to review is my own **
December 21, 2023
"Her body is so warm and safe, I want to burrow away and live in it forever. My sister Iris, when we were teenagers, wrote this fanfiction about two characters who developed a mating bond. It was a predestined thread-of-fate type of thing, where their magical connection clicked in their brain. I always thought it was ridiculous and teased her way too much for it, but I get it."
This queer monster holiday romance was gut-punchingly sweet, adorably cheesy and more than a little steamy!
Hook-up To Holidate is pure ✨️V I B E S✨️
Dick sandwiches, Christmas carolers, Muscle Mommy's, familiars, diverse characters, magic, a snow globe theme park, Gratefulness Dinners (because fuck colonizer holidays!) and holidating.
I bloody adored it!
Indie and Vega 4EVER!
"I think the problem I have with people like Mrs. Watson is that Indigo and Iris don’t need to find love. I want them to, especially Indigo, if that’s what they want, but it’s not required. You can live a full life without romance. Without sex. Everyone’s needs and desires are different, and it’s weird of her to push her personal expectations onto her daughters."
CW: Anxiety, complicated parental issues, trauma, dating your boss.
This queer monster holiday romance was gut-punchingly sweet, adorably cheesy and more than a little steamy!
Hook-up To Holidate is pure ✨️V I B E S✨️
Dick sandwiches, Christmas carolers, Muscle Mommy's, familiars, diverse characters, magic, a snow globe theme park, Gratefulness Dinners (because fuck colonizer holidays!) and holidating.
I bloody adored it!
Indie and Vega 4EVER!
"I think the problem I have with people like Mrs. Watson is that Indigo and Iris don’t need to find love. I want them to, especially Indigo, if that’s what they want, but it’s not required. You can live a full life without romance. Without sex. Everyone’s needs and desires are different, and it’s weird of her to push her personal expectations onto her daughters."
CW: Anxiety, complicated parental issues, trauma, dating your boss.
November 18, 2023
Sweet. Spicy. Sapphic. Adorable. Quirky. Lovable. I could go on and on. I ADORED this book so much. It was such a fun read and really kept me interested from beginning to end.
As someone with quite a lot of anxiety, I found Indigo so relatable. Her inner monologue spoke to me in many different ways that made me feel seen and I appreciated that. *snaps for realistic anxiety rep*
Don’t even get me started with Vega. I SWOON. I’m obsessed with her. I always find myself falling for the “monster” (that’s what I get for obsessing over the show Gargoyles growing up) but Vega was something special. She knows how Indigo ticks and supporting her from beginning to end. Plus just the sheer infatuation, loved it.
Freja and Momiji - I want them. 😍
Thanks to Priscilla Rose for allowing me to be part of your hype team and read this as an ARC for you. I’m forever grateful.
(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.)
As someone with quite a lot of anxiety, I found Indigo so relatable. Her inner monologue spoke to me in many different ways that made me feel seen and I appreciated that. *snaps for realistic anxiety rep*
Don’t even get me started with Vega. I SWOON. I’m obsessed with her. I always find myself falling for the “monster” (that’s what I get for obsessing over the show Gargoyles growing up) but Vega was something special. She knows how Indigo ticks and supporting her from beginning to end. Plus just the sheer infatuation, loved it.
Freja and Momiji - I want them. 😍
Thanks to Priscilla Rose for allowing me to be part of your hype team and read this as an ARC for you. I’m forever grateful.
(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.)
December 22, 2023
Cute yet sexy, this holiday novella was a fun and quick read. Indigo is adorable and the anxiety rep was perfection. V is sexy and strong and really kind of gave that confidence to Indie who desperately needed it. They started as a hook up, but then realized they were new coworkers and were forbidden to date. Classic, but forbidden is always tempting- and of course, they end up fake dating and there’s even a one bed trope. ;) If you’re looking for a silly little fantasy/monster romance to help you reach your yearly reading goal, this book is perfect!
March 3, 2024
I’m slacking on marking books at finished whoops 💀 BUT THIS WAS SO HOT AND CUTE I LOVED IT. A really quick read and it’s not very holiday at all which I love so you can read it anytime of year. A super cozy monster romance 💚
November 20, 2023
This was so steamy and cute it made me almost want to doom scroll Hinge.
Won’t be doing that but I WILL be reading more from this author!!
Live laugh love Vega 🫶🏾🫶🏾
Won’t be doing that but I WILL be reading more from this author!!
Live laugh love Vega 🫶🏾🫶🏾
November 25, 2023
the cutest
I just want to scream, I loved this book so much. This was the perfect holiday monster romance. I cannot recommend enough.
I just want to scream, I loved this book so much. This was the perfect holiday monster romance. I cannot recommend enough.
January 9, 2024
Sweet and sexy - the best monster romance I’ve read by FAR! Interesting would building and solid relationship development given its short length.
November 20, 2023
I inhaled this. Indigo and Vega had me transfixed, enthralled, spellbound, mesmerized! It was adorable and spicy, and I just know it's going on the "books I reach for every Christmas" shelf.
🎄🎁💖✨️
🎄🎁💖✨️
February 12, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hook-up to Holidate by @priscillaroseauthor
Cover by @fallnskye
Blurb:
Indigo Watson gets serotonin from sticking to her plans. She has a long list of to-do’s, including grading midterms, and the list only grows longer when she meets a sexy half-orc at the bar. After spending a weekend with the woman, Indigo is beside herself with feelings, and for once, it’s not anxiety: it’s lust.
Vega Daelor is an orcling woman with a body of steel and a heart of pure gold. She recently started a new job as Department Chair of Charms at Augury University, but everything goes astray when the submissive, little elfborn she’s been fooling around with turns out to be her subordinate.
With the holiday season upon them and a perfect sister to outshine, Indigo gathers up the courage to ask Vega to be her “Holidate.” It’s a foolproof plan. She’ll have a hottie by her side to show off to the family, and she can get Vega out of her system for good. But when the sun sets and the string-lights rise, they find themselves falling for each other instead. Will Indigo follow her job’s zero fraternization policy, or will she be asking for a girlfriend this Christmas?
Review:
"The worst thing is? I can’t decide what sounds better. To be her pleasure, or her comfort and protector.
In my wildest dreams, I am both, but in reality, I am neither."
I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED FOR THE HOLIDAYS TO NEARLY BE HERE !!!!
The main characters were so sweet they almost gave me a cavity .... and do not even get me started on the familiars!! Freya and Momoji own my whole heart. Such good little beans that love each other. I have an extra soft spot for Momoji because of Fruit's Basket ❤️.
I am so appreciative a character like Vega exists. I have been trying to read more works with monstrous (whether this is species or their personality) women, and Vega is just ..... everything I needed and more. And clearly everything Indigo needed. But also I feel like *I am* Indigo Watson.
Lots of feelings, cannot organize them. 🥰 I just really enjoyed it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hook-up to Holidate by @priscillaroseauthor
Cover by @fallnskye
Blurb:
Indigo Watson gets serotonin from sticking to her plans. She has a long list of to-do’s, including grading midterms, and the list only grows longer when she meets a sexy half-orc at the bar. After spending a weekend with the woman, Indigo is beside herself with feelings, and for once, it’s not anxiety: it’s lust.
Vega Daelor is an orcling woman with a body of steel and a heart of pure gold. She recently started a new job as Department Chair of Charms at Augury University, but everything goes astray when the submissive, little elfborn she’s been fooling around with turns out to be her subordinate.
With the holiday season upon them and a perfect sister to outshine, Indigo gathers up the courage to ask Vega to be her “Holidate.” It’s a foolproof plan. She’ll have a hottie by her side to show off to the family, and she can get Vega out of her system for good. But when the sun sets and the string-lights rise, they find themselves falling for each other instead. Will Indigo follow her job’s zero fraternization policy, or will she be asking for a girlfriend this Christmas?
Review:
"The worst thing is? I can’t decide what sounds better. To be her pleasure, or her comfort and protector.
In my wildest dreams, I am both, but in reality, I am neither."
I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED FOR THE HOLIDAYS TO NEARLY BE HERE !!!!
The main characters were so sweet they almost gave me a cavity .... and do not even get me started on the familiars!! Freya and Momoji own my whole heart. Such good little beans that love each other. I have an extra soft spot for Momoji because of Fruit's Basket ❤️.
I am so appreciative a character like Vega exists. I have been trying to read more works with monstrous (whether this is species or their personality) women, and Vega is just ..... everything I needed and more. And clearly everything Indigo needed. But also I feel like *I am* Indigo Watson.
Lots of feelings, cannot organize them. 🥰 I just really enjoyed it.
December 18, 2024
5 stars
I enjoyed this so much! While being a sweet and cozy read full of queer holiday happiness, it also addresses some serious topics, like strained familial relationships and other mental health struggles. This story was so comforting and just felt like a hug for the whole read. The world building was super interesting as well. We have a new world after a big event changed up everything, and let me just say it sounds like a definite improvement (I mean, come on. No career politicians? Yes, please!). The magic is whimsical, the romance is super sweet (ugh, Vega has my heart forever), and Indy is a super interesting and layered character. This novella really packed a punch, and I am here for it. Oh, and the smut was amazing as well, so that's just the cherry on top of everything. This is definitely worth checking out!
I enjoyed this so much! While being a sweet and cozy read full of queer holiday happiness, it also addresses some serious topics, like strained familial relationships and other mental health struggles. This story was so comforting and just felt like a hug for the whole read. The world building was super interesting as well. We have a new world after a big event changed up everything, and let me just say it sounds like a definite improvement (I mean, come on. No career politicians? Yes, please!). The magic is whimsical, the romance is super sweet (ugh, Vega has my heart forever), and Indy is a super interesting and layered character. This novella really packed a punch, and I am here for it. Oh, and the smut was amazing as well, so that's just the cherry on top of everything. This is definitely worth checking out!
November 19, 2023
4.5⭐️
When I tell you this book had me covering my mouth, kicking my feet, and giggling? I’m being 1000% serious.
This world is unlike anything I’ve read, and the characters are immediately likable. I’m a monster romance lover, but I typically avoid romance novels that feel kitschy or overdone, hallmark types. Because of the creative world building, inclusivity, and representation? This book avoided being that way, and is a new fave of mine!
I can’t wait to see more of Augury University!
When I tell you this book had me covering my mouth, kicking my feet, and giggling? I’m being 1000% serious.
This world is unlike anything I’ve read, and the characters are immediately likable. I’m a monster romance lover, but I typically avoid romance novels that feel kitschy or overdone, hallmark types. Because of the creative world building, inclusivity, and representation? This book avoided being that way, and is a new fave of mine!
I can’t wait to see more of Augury University!
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