Ripples For Skies: A Monster Brides Romance

by Teshelle Combs

The griffin monsters have been at war with the Tru human tribes for as long as Emyri can remember. She must live as a Tru spy in the house of a griffin general, posing as a servant…until the new black wing general enlists her to spy on his behalf. Of the dangers Emyri faces, the most violent is her growing desire for her new master. Pain is inevitable…but pleasure draws her into his embrace until nothing remains but the risk of true love.

Delve into a rich fantasy world of forbidden love and sensual secrets. Have your heart broken and then pieced back together as you witness true love being born between a monster and his bride. Spice level for this short story is one-two peppers.

Monstrous grooms and beastly brides? Don't be afraid of falling in love... it's super-natural! Explore the entire Monster Brides series, one tantalizing happily-ever-after at a time!

Genres: Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Monster Romance, Fantasy Romance

144 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2023

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Ashley Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!! I wish this was a book and not just a novella.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nkita may be one of my favorite Tess characters, and Emyri is such an interesting character too! This short novel is a relatively fast read but so much happens you won’t want to put it down! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Rivers for Storms!
5/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun fantasy short read. It really sets up for a great full novel. The story is quick paced as it is not a full-length novel. It's a great novella.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novella.

Honestly, I'm mad that this is just a novella and not a full-out book. We got just the right taste of Em & Nkita, and it's just not fair that I have to wait to get more 😅

The world was built beautifully. The characters had the right amount of character to make them interesting. There was minimal spice (I am a fan of keeping it minimal). It was just a lot of the right ingredients mixed together for a great story.

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were interesting in this one. For me, it was just a lot to keep up with for a novella. The writing was good and the storyline was decent. Thank you for the arc.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

After volunteering to read and write a review about this novel....I WANT MORE!
As someone new to reading fantasy books, Teshelle Combs caught my attention from start to finish. Emyri is an undercover spy from the Tru human tribe and has managed to conceal her identity by working as a servant. Once Nkita, the Griffin General, appears, Emryi’s plan fails. It doesn’t help that Nkita has massive black wings and an intoxicating aura that leaves Emryi invested in this Griffin. This slow burn left me giddy, excited, and wanting Nkita to fly me around!!!



Between the slow burn, world-building, and forbidden love tropes, I am excited to read the next book in this series, Rivers For Storms, because that cliffhanger was enough for me!! In other words, you need to read Ripples For Skies by Teshelle Combs!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripples For Skies

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes:

~Enemies-to-Lovers
~Forbidden Love
~Griffins

Review:

Second book that I have read by Teshelle Combs, and I will absolutely be reading more! This one was a short and easy read, and once again, I was captured right at the very start. This one was low in spice, which is perfectly fine and something I think I also needed as the majority of the books that I have been reading have been high levels of spice. The characters were interesting and captivating, and the world was built beautifully.

*I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*

[Throat_of_gods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by Teshelle Combs, I know that I will love it, and this time, it was no different.
Ripples for skies is so good. The story is compelling, the world building is extremely interesting, and Nkita is a dream.
I recommend this 1000% and I'm about to start Rivers for storms. Read it, you'll enjoy it.

[Lynanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the concept the author has and this is what made it a real page turner. I just wish the structure of the world the characters were in was given more detail. I will absolutely read the next installment of these characters though :)

[Krystal Loder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a weakness for wings, and this scratches that itch to read more. There was some good world building in this book, and the pairing is good. I would have loved to see some more world building and relationship building there. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal book 📖 I received as a arc for my honest opinion and this was one I couldn’t put down just wow…Emi and Nikita and the things they endure at the hands of their own people I couldn’t put this book down loved it

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Tess has a way of writing that just makes me fall in love with her characters literally every time. I absolutely love the banter between Nkita and Em!

[Lee Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teschelle Combs just jumps right in to the story. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this kind of beginning but as I continued to read, she started adding in more of the backstory and character development.
Em and Nikita have a complicated relationship. She is of the Tru Human tribe but is pretending to be a Grounded. While Nikita is a black winged griffin general. As a Tru/Grounded, Em is a lowly servant but Nikita quickly takes a liking to her. He knows what she really is and doesn’t care. He protects and treats her like a queen. His Queen!
This is a slow burn romance and warning, it does end on a cliffhanger but do not fear she has the next one at the ready! Rivers for Storms is next up!

[sairs_readsandreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy, enjoyable read! A dark, broody griffin and a spy who share a connection and have to navigate their feelings for each other!

I enjoyed the premise and read this in one go!

Would love to have more in depth world building and to get to know Nikita and Emyri’s backgrounds, history and characters in more detail!

This was an arc read provided by the author and this is my honest review.

[Nicole Sanborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

For transparency's sake, I received The First Muse as an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) and my review is honest and unpaid/unsponsored.

This was such a quick, sweet story that I knew I’d need more of! The characters are gripping, the story captivating. You’ll feel like you were launched right into the lives of Em, Nkita, and their friends.

[Kayley Earp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novella! I wish it was longer! Reminds me of a reverse maleficent. I love the characters and the story line. I can’t wait to read more of Nkita and Em!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ripples For Skies" by Teshelle Combs is a captivating novella that left me yearning for more. Combs' signature storytelling style shines through in this breathtaking tale that blends fantasy and romance into an enchanting alternate world.

The story follows Emyri, also known as Em, a Tru (human) living among the Crylia as a spy. The Crylia, who have fae-like qualities with unique twists, add a layer of intrigue to the narrative that kept me hooked when more and more details were added about them. I love a good sprinkling as it keeps me enmeshed into the world buildilng. Combs has crafted a world that is easy to lose yourself in.

Emyri, whom we see the world through (1st person POV) allows readers to delve into her world and emotions, forging a deep connection with her character and those around her. Griffin, the MMC exudes qualities that give me Howl vibes but with a distinctive angsty charm. I eagerly anticipate more of their interactions 😉 in the future.

This novella was a face-pasted and engaging read. While "Ripples For Skies" offers a satisfying romantic and fantastical experience, it leaves some loose ends that promise exciting developments in the sequel. In conclusion, "Ripples For Skies" is a must-read for fans of Teshelle Combs and anyone who enjoys fantasy romance. It caters to both adult and new adult readers, delivering a thrilling narrative that will leave you breathless and eager for the next installment. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds further in the sequel.

[Tali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to TC for allowing me to be an ARC reader of Ripples for Skies and the second novel, Rivers for Storms. This review is all my own!

I love reading works by indie authors because it feels like I’m being let in on a big secret before everyone else finds out. How many big authors started out the same way and are now huge? And before anything is mainstream you’ve already become acquainted with the story and characters. This is how I feel whenever I read a book by TC or any other author who is a genus one master of their craft.

The land of Crylia was unique and home to griffin creatures that can appear humanoid. I loved that TC built a world that did not use typical mythical creatures (don’t get me wrong, I love dragons but it’s refreshing when other creatures are written about). There was enough political intrigue to allow for world building, but not so much it felt burdensome and hindered the story.
I especially liked the differently types of the Cryl based on the color of their wings.

This was a slow burn romance between the Tru spy, Emyri Izela, and the dark black wing general, Nkita Opas. If you prefer books with a slow burn that builds for a long time, this romance caught fire rather quickly (but not in a bad way).

I’m excited to read the second part of this series and see what happens to Nkita and Emyri after the cliffhanger at the end of the book. 💕

[Never · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripples for Skies is a fantastic novella. I plowed through it one sitting and I'm chomping at the bit for each new episode release of its companion story Rivers For Storms on Vella (I'm not so subtly letting you know that the there's an ongoing "fix" for the book hangover you'll get from Ripples for Skies. You're welcome, lol.)

Emyri is a spy working as a slave. Nkita is her new master. Emyri has spent years quietly hiding in plain sight, but Nkita hasn't gotten to where he is by not noticing the little things.

Ripples for Skies gives some hints at being an enemies to lovers romance, but neither Emyri nor Nkita gave me "we're legit enemies" vibes. They are both too intelligent to just blindly hate someone. They were, however, cautious of one another's motives, but willing to work together towards a cause greater than their own mistrust.

On a scale of 1 to 5 for spiciness, I'd say Ripples for Skies is about a 1 on the spicy scale. There's a little something going on, but it's not like the reader is inundated with graphic details.

I really enjoyed this novella, like I said before, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of monster romances or fantasies in general.

[TheRissaRaeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You, Teshelle Combs, for allowing me to be an ARC reader of Ripples for Skies.

The griffin monsters have been at war with the Tru human tribes for as long as Emyri can remember. She must live as a Tru spy in the house of a griffin general, posing as a servant…until the new black wing general enlists her to spy on his behalf. Of the dangers Emyri faces, the most violent is her growing desire for her new master. Pain is inevitable…but pleasure draws her into his embrace until nothing remains but the risk of true love.


TC truly created her own world with simplicity and just enough detail that I was able to imagine the world the characters are in. I love the use of a less common mythical creature, while also making it entirely her own! There is enough politics to help understand the workings of the world, and add to the plot, but not too much that it feels like filler. If you are looking for a load of world building, this isn’t where you’ll find it. I was okay with that, this is a Novella after all. This fast paced, Suspenseful Roman-tasy left me wanting more, so now I’m off to read Rivers Storms.

[Tianna Marie Tchouban · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I am super thankful to be part of the ARC team for TC. This is a super Incredible opportunity that I don't take lightly.

Starting off, this is a quick read. It is easy to jump in and get going on it, you're easily hooked into the story and develop emotional ties to the characters right away.
The downside of it being a shorter read, there is a whole world being built that doesn't get the attention it deserves. I felt myself really understanding bits of the world that these characters were living.
With that said, I was able to draw conclusions and use context to help build it in my brain, but that might be more difficult for some readers.

The characters are wonderful, I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Em and Nkita and seeing their story play out on the pages. I would have loved to learn more about their backstory a little more, perhaps that will come in the next book, so we shall see.

If you are wanting to start a book series that includes a spy who will stop at nothing to complete her job, and a grumpy general who is all black wings and scary boots 😂 this book is for you.

[lo bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read quite a bit of fantasy and something that I normally hate is when authors force feed us 200-300 pages of things that don’t matter. We don’t care about how hard the floor was, or how pretty the tree was. I believe this is why I loved and enjoyed this book so much. Teshelle got to the point without sacrificing a bit of what was important. There were a little concepts I wished were expanded on a bit but I didn’t miss a beat.

Emyri is such a strong, and determined FMC. Even though she doubted herself at times her loyalty was consistently clear and set out. She didn’t find herself deserving of Nkita’s love but regardless she found herself in his arms by the end of the book.

Nkita was honestly as lovable as Rhysand and Xaden. He would do anything to protect Emyri, and even though he was a grouch at times he never treated Emyri more than a queen even though she was simply a servant.

In short, this book was short and held my attention throughout the whole thing with a compelling story and two lovable characters fighting against the odds. It was simple to enjoy and action packed until the very end. One of my favorite reads of this year!

[SJ Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this electronically to review. There will be no spoilers in this review

I went into this book almost completely blind. I like most monster romances as long as they take some time to explain the world and this one definitely did. From the very beginning, it immerses you into the vocabulary of the world, the hierarchies, and the treason. The spicy scenes were not too lengthy, especially given the shortness of this read, more adding to the story instead of the story taking the back seat to the spice. It was super well-balanced and surprisingly well-written.

I was worried that I wouldn't find the FMC enjoyable, given the set-up of the story but she was fantastic. The reader sees everything from her point of view and so we get to understand her reasoning for why she does certain things, reading why she has to act certain ways and why she is infatuated by our MMC.

The only thing I wish this had more of was more time with the MMC. I loved their scenes together and his raw attachment to her despite how different they are.

[Jennifer Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing from the start. This prequel of sorts skillfully explores the complexities of an enemies-to-lovers forbidden romance. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and war, this captivating tale unravels the passionate and tumultuous relationship between the enigmatic main male character and a girl who finds herself torn between loyalty and love.

The chemistry between the two is palpable, filled with undeniable tension and a magnetic pull that defies logic. As their paths intertwine, trust becomes a fragile commodity, and every decision they make could have dire consequences. Their love is forbidden, a flame that dances dangerously close to the edge of destruction, yet they cannot resist the allure of one another and themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love to transcend boundaries reign supreme in this tale.

This is the perfect backstory to the General and Lady Grounded’s relationship that is further explored in the next title “Rivers for Storms”.

Note: This book contains mature themes and is recommended for adult readers.

[Amber Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say this was a fantasy, romance, and war story. It had some hunter games vibes. I wouldn't say Emyri was just a spy. I feel like she was being sent to die either way because she wasn't allowed to return. Lucky Emyri met the black general. He already knew who she was. He could have killed her and exposed her but, instead he helped her and taught of his kind. Nkita was a cold hearted person and bossy creature. He showed more of his kindness when he fell in love with her. It was adorable how he asked her so many questions or asking permission when love making or when he adored every chance he could get. He went through so much to protect her. He endured pain, fought for her, and did whatever the king said to project his mate. I'm glad Nkita and Emyri got away at the end to somewhere safer. I hope they can stop the war and bring peace. I hope they can continue to live their happy ending. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasies and steamy romances.

[Allie Drews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good! I do think you should 100000% read the glossary before reading because it makes everything make a little more sense. I referenced it for the initial chapters and then I felt comfortable without it!

The story of Em and Nkita really just sucks you in and you can’t get enough! Going in I knew it was a novella and I got to the end and wanted more! (Rivers for Storms here I come)

Ripples for Skies makes a great short read with less than 150 pages. Enticing characters. Fast paced events. A little bit of spice, and an ending leaving you wanting more!

My ONLY negative is that a couple parts jumped in the story but you almost miss it because you are able to catch up and process the time difference rather quickly!

All in all Teshelle Combs has got a new fan out of me and I would definitely recommend this for anyone needing a fun fantasy read!

[Sym · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the writing of this story. Its quite beautiful, but I needed more then what was offered. More explanation of the world and the meaning of the different colors of the wings and why some are grounded? The cliff hanger kills me. It left me sad and wanting more.

Favorite quotes:
His brooding lilac eyes flashed at me. "You haven't been listening at all, Em. Not at all. Is this a trait of your people? Do you turn your minds off when you don't want to hear something?"
"If by 'people' in this instance you mean 'woman', then yes. Selective hearing is, in fact, a trait of my 'people'."

"Why did you take me?!" He looked at me, waiting until I quieted myself before he spoke again. "Because I wanted you to come". " That's ludicrous. You risked your rank, your life, for desire?" "What other reason would I have to do something so stupid?"

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripples for Skies is an incredible and unique fantasy book. Combs created societies with social stratification that are so detailed and creative. The storyline has world building woven throughout it which I love. Too much information at once is hard for me to absorb. All the characters, main and secondary, in Ripples for Skies were so well written. Each one had a ton of personality and had a vital role in the story’s development. The FMC, Emyri, is strong and brave in a world that requires its women to be meek and small, seen but not heard. The MMC, Nkita is a strong and bold morally grey warrior. Their world is constantly at war with people kept in line through a strict social hierarchy. I was on the edge of my seat unable to close the book until I finished. The ending was so incredible. It had me itching to start the second book at 2 AM. I cannot recommend Ripples for Skies enough.

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC, review is voluntary and honest

I was given an ARC of this book, my review is honest and voluntary
What can I say about this book? I am left with so many questions and don't have the patience to wait for Tess to write more books! This starts off in the middle of a war between the griffins and the humans, I need to know everything that happened before - why is there a war? Why is Emyri a spy? I need to know more of what is currently happening - there are parts in this where time passes, I need to know what happened during those time. I need to know what happens next in the story!

Ripples for Skies is like a teaser trailer... it's a lovely quick read that introdudes us to the world of Crylia and Tru. Now we have met the characters and grown to love them, we need all the books to tell us everything!

If you can get an ARC then you should read it. If not, get this when it releases!

[Rebecca Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good that I finished it in one sitting! This is a great novella for fans of fantasy with a little bit of spice. I really wish that this was not a novella, but a full book - it really is that good!
The character development was great, as I often found myself empathising with them, hoping that they would get some reprieve, all whilst thoroughly enjoying the banter between them! There were constant twists and turns, along with a fast pace, that kept me on the edge of my seat and making me want to read on as quickly as i could just to find out what happens next. This was the first time I’ve read any works from Teshelle Combs and I’m certain that it won’t be my last! I definitely want to see more of Emyri and Nkita in the future.

Thank you to Teshelle for an ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review.