What do you think?
Shades of Sin #3.5
Tristitia
Tristitia is a monster x monster novella set in the Shades of Sin universe.
It is best read as 3.5 in the series, after Gula.
Suitable for readers age 18+
It is best read as 3.5 in the series, after Gula.
Suitable for readers age 18+
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2023
About the author
Colette Rhodes
36 books1,885 followersColette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from Aotearoa New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other.
You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work. She can usually be found at her romance bookstore–The Ink Pot–sometimes working, and often reading.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work. She can usually be found at her romance bookstore–The Ink Pot–sometimes working, and often reading.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 2, 2024
3.5⭐️
”For one night only. Don’t get any ideas.” Too late. Far too fucking late.”
I didn’t think it was possible to become more obsessed and in love with this series but here I am obsessed and more in love 🤭If you’ve read the other books we all wanted to know what the deal was with the chef and Levanna..the tension between them was coming off the pages so I’m so glad we finally got their story.
🔶monsterXmonster
🔶shadeXshade
🔶one night only
🔶he falls first
🔶dual pov
🔶knotting (if ya know ya know)
🔶SPICY 🔥🥵
🔶DIRTY TALK 👄
🔶cute nicknames
🔶MMC is a chef, FMC is a guard member
The SPICE, wheewwww the spice was spicing. The dirty talk omggggg so good.
”Tell me how you’re going to walk away from this,” I gritted out. “Tell me that it’ll ever be the same with anyone else. Lie to me.”
I wish this was longer 😭 but I often feel this with novellas. I felt their relationship felt sex based and I wanted more intimate sweet moments. Overall, a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for more books in the future.
December 23, 2023
4 ⭐️ Calix and Levana are adorable 💕
"For one night only. Don't get any ideas."
"And if you beg for more?
"That's not going to be an issue."
"We'll see about that. I very much plan on making you addicted to me."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romance
✨ they're both shades/monsters
✨ grumpy x serious
✨ she's the queen's person guard
✨ he's the palace chef
✨ one-night stand
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ denial of feelings
✨ he falls first
✨ banter
✨ cute nickname
✨ knotting
✨ dual pov
✨ low stakes
✨ family drama
My Thoughts:
This was a great novella! I really enjoyed getting Calix and Levana's backstories, seeing how their romance blossomed, and finding out more about the realm of the Shades.
I liked how this was different from the other books in the Shades of Sin series, since both the MCs are monsters and grumpy/emotionally reserved. Even though she is physically more powerful and skilled with weapons, he can easily make her submit. And while they're both prickly, they soften towards each other. Calix and Levana make an adorable couple and I hope they make cameos in future books.
Levana also had such an interesting, yet strained, relationship with her aristocratic family, while Calix has a wonderfully loving one with his working class parents. Having two MCs from different classes helped expand our understanding of this world and the varying cultures within it.
-
Shades of Sin Series + Ratings:
1. Luxuria: 5 ⭐️
2. Superbia: 3 ⭐️
3. Gula: 3 ⭐️
3.5. Tristitia: 4 ⭐️
4. Avaritia: 4 ⭐️
5. Invidia: 3.5 ⭐️
6. Ira: 3 ⭐️
7. Acedia: 4 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
I lived for flavor, and I'd never tasted anything quite as perfect as her.
_______
"It would be foolish to get attached."
"It's a little late for that, Blue."
_______
Pretty? I could never describe Levana as pretty. It seemed like such an insubstantial descriptor. Flowers were pretty. Delicate and soft and unobjectionable. Levana wasn't pretty. She was magnificent.
_______
If I could make her simple like that every day of her life, then I'd die happy that I'd done some good with my time in this realm.
_______
"For one night only. Don't get any ideas."
"And if you beg for more?
"That's not going to be an issue."
"We'll see about that. I very much plan on making you addicted to me."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romance
✨ they're both shades/monsters
✨ grumpy x serious
✨ she's the queen's person guard
✨ he's the palace chef
✨ one-night stand
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ denial of feelings
✨ he falls first
✨ banter
✨ cute nickname
✨ knotting
✨ dual pov
✨ low stakes
✨ family drama
My Thoughts:
This was a great novella! I really enjoyed getting Calix and Levana's backstories, seeing how their romance blossomed, and finding out more about the realm of the Shades.
I liked how this was different from the other books in the Shades of Sin series, since both the MCs are monsters and grumpy/emotionally reserved. Even though she is physically more powerful and skilled with weapons, he can easily make her submit. And while they're both prickly, they soften towards each other. Calix and Levana make an adorable couple and I hope they make cameos in future books.
Levana also had such an interesting, yet strained, relationship with her aristocratic family, while Calix has a wonderfully loving one with his working class parents. Having two MCs from different classes helped expand our understanding of this world and the varying cultures within it.
-
Shades of Sin Series + Ratings:
1. Luxuria: 5 ⭐️
2. Superbia: 3 ⭐️
3. Gula: 3 ⭐️
3.5. Tristitia: 4 ⭐️
4. Avaritia: 4 ⭐️
5. Invidia: 3.5 ⭐️
6. Ira: 3 ⭐️
7. Acedia: 4 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
I lived for flavor, and I'd never tasted anything quite as perfect as her.
_______
"It would be foolish to get attached."
"It's a little late for that, Blue."
_______
Pretty? I could never describe Levana as pretty. It seemed like such an insubstantial descriptor. Flowers were pretty. Delicate and soft and unobjectionable. Levana wasn't pretty. She was magnificent.
_______
If I could make her simple like that every day of her life, then I'd die happy that I'd done some good with my time in this realm.
_______
December 28, 2023
“I’m just letting you know that I’m going to marry you and you’re going to live in my apartment, and I suppose you can leave sometimes—if you really have to—for your illustrious career, but that you’ll be dealing with a very needy, clingy husband when you return. I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into—I’m generous like that.”
who could know that the grumpy chef is actually so needy for his Levana🤭😋
who could know that the grumpy chef is actually so needy for his Levana🤭😋
January 7, 2026
🖤 I love this series so much
✨ “I’m just letting you know that I’m going to marry you and you’re going to live in my apartment, and I suppose you can leave sometimes—if you really have to—for your illustrious career, but that you’ll be dealing with a very needy, clingy husband when you return. I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into—I’m generous like that.”✨
✨ “I’m just letting you know that I’m going to marry you and you’re going to live in my apartment, and I suppose you can leave sometimes—if you really have to—for your illustrious career, but that you’ll be dealing with a very needy, clingy husband when you return. I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into—I’m generous like that.”✨
January 21, 2024
I love this world and I enjoyed Calix (H) and Levana (h) with his grumpy charm and her sweet, but uncertain, nature. It was also refreshing having the first Shade/Shade pairing and hearing about another part of the realm. The author has said this started as a bonus but turned into a novella and I still wished there was more. There are several time jumps in this novella starting with the prologue then moving forward seven years and then shorter spans of time with some that coincide with events from the prior books (like Ophelia coming to the realm and shaking things up).
Calix is the head chef at the palace and Levana is the second daughter of a noble family who’s working in the Guard. These two have instant attraction but Levana is operating under a dark cloud knowing her father could demand she return home at any time. Their relationship is initially a ONS that isn’t enough for either, but each subsequent time is tinged with the knowledge Levana won’t let it be more. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (no history given).
Levana’s family is complicated and unhappy. Her friendship with Ophelia is shown slightly in this book, but it’s such a fantastic relationship that I love. Calix has a nice relationship with his parents but his life centers around his kitchen. His staff were hilarious and cute.
While there are sweet moments between our mains, along with a few excellent steamy ones, I did wish for more happy connection scenes and some extra emotionally intimate ones. It makes sense that there weren't as many since this is a novella that wasn't even supposed to be a novella to start, but I'm greedy. Calix was accepting what he could from the situation and Levana disappointed me with how she was blinded to her options. I preferred how gone he was for her over how she held herself back somewhat. It takes a hard wake up call for Levana to realize she can pursue what she wants, which of course includes Calix. Thankfully she does make the step to go to him. The ending is HFN/HEA of them married. I'll continue to read anything in this series!
Calix is the head chef at the palace and Levana is the second daughter of a noble family who’s working in the Guard. These two have instant attraction but Levana is operating under a dark cloud knowing her father could demand she return home at any time. Their relationship is initially a ONS that isn’t enough for either, but each subsequent time is tinged with the knowledge Levana won’t let it be more. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (no history given).
Levana’s family is complicated and unhappy. Her friendship with Ophelia is shown slightly in this book, but it’s such a fantastic relationship that I love. Calix has a nice relationship with his parents but his life centers around his kitchen. His staff were hilarious and cute.
While there are sweet moments between our mains, along with a few excellent steamy ones, I did wish for more happy connection scenes and some extra emotionally intimate ones. It makes sense that there weren't as many since this is a novella that wasn't even supposed to be a novella to start, but I'm greedy. Calix was accepting what he could from the situation and Levana disappointed me with how she was blinded to her options. I preferred how gone he was for her over how she held herself back somewhat. It takes a hard wake up call for Levana to realize she can pursue what she wants, which of course includes Calix. Thankfully she does make the step to go to him. The ending is HFN/HEA of them married. I'll continue to read anything in this series!
December 24, 2023
I dropped everything to read this. It was perfectly short and really adorable. I’m happy that we get to see Levana get her happy ending. There’s nothing better than a devoted man who knows who he wants and won’t settle for anyone else. This was a great novella to hold me over until the next book of this addicting series is released.
July 25, 2026
Calix and Lenara were both so adorably grumpy and bickering was their love language. Lenara was so determined to “repay” her father, like he demanded, by returning home from court whenever the time came. I liked that it showed how complex feelings about an abusive parent are, and how space doesn’t take away years of brainwashing. Luckily they got their HEA.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: emotional and psychological abuse, narcissistic parent, child abandonment, mentions of deaths, speciesism, mention of kidnapping
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: emotional and psychological abuse, narcissistic parent, child abandonment, mentions of deaths, speciesism, mention of kidnapping
December 30, 2023
3.5 stars.
“I’m just letting you know that I’m going to marry you and you’re going to live in my apartment, and I suppose you can leave sometimes—if you really have to—for your illustrious career, but that you’ll be dealing with a very needy, clingy husband when you return. I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into—I’m generous like that.”
“I’m just letting you know that I’m going to marry you and you’re going to live in my apartment, and I suppose you can leave sometimes—if you really have to—for your illustrious career, but that you’ll be dealing with a very needy, clingy husband when you return. I thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into—I’m generous like that.”
October 14, 2025
They were so adorable🥰
September 12, 2024
How sweet was Calix?
From previous books, I knew him as the surly, somewhat unapproachable chef at the palace. I knew something was brewing between him and Levana, but I had no idea how it was going to happen and if we were going to see it happen or if they'd just appear as a couple in a future story.
So thank you, Colette Rhodes, for giving us this tale.
Levana was the queen's guard, but she knew her time at the palace was temporary. Her father had expectations and she had lived her life trying to meet them.
What happens when she falls in love and the life she wants isn't the life her father has planned?
Loved this book!
From previous books, I knew him as the surly, somewhat unapproachable chef at the palace. I knew something was brewing between him and Levana, but I had no idea how it was going to happen and if we were going to see it happen or if they'd just appear as a couple in a future story.
So thank you, Colette Rhodes, for giving us this tale.
Levana was the queen's guard, but she knew her time at the palace was temporary. Her father had expectations and she had lived her life trying to meet them.
What happens when she falls in love and the life she wants isn't the life her father has planned?
Loved this book!
March 29, 2025
2.5⭐️
I was so excited for Calix and Levana.
Calix is a grouch and feisty, and I really loved his character in book 1
Levana seemed sweet and loved her friendship with the Queen.
However, the romance didn’t do it for me. They were together twice in total, and he was heartbroken because he was so in love… also, I hated that the book kept time jumping between each chapter. It was always a few weeks later after every interaction they had, which made it extremely difficult to get attached to their story. It wasn’t believable and I didn’t feel much when they got together by the end. I get that it’s a novella so it’s hard to see the full connection develop, but this was messy and I just couldn’t connect.
I was so excited for Calix and Levana.
Calix is a grouch and feisty, and I really loved his character in book 1
Levana seemed sweet and loved her friendship with the Queen.
However, the romance didn’t do it for me. They were together twice in total, and he was heartbroken because he was so in love… also, I hated that the book kept time jumping between each chapter. It was always a few weeks later after every interaction they had, which made it extremely difficult to get attached to their story. It wasn’t believable and I didn’t feel much when they got together by the end. I get that it’s a novella so it’s hard to see the full connection develop, but this was messy and I just couldn’t connect.
June 11, 2024
4.25 stars
Nawww, I really liked this! Levana and Calix have been in the periphery in the first 3 books, and I loved seeing their story fleshed out in this novella. Grumpy/passionate royal chef MMC + dutiful guard who rarely takes something for herself FMC. Obviously he feeds her, the opportunity was not lost. 😍
Nawww, I really liked this! Levana and Calix have been in the periphery in the first 3 books, and I loved seeing their story fleshed out in this novella. Grumpy/passionate royal chef MMC + dutiful guard who rarely takes something for herself FMC. Obviously he feeds her, the opportunity was not lost. 😍
March 6, 2026
cute but too short for anything more than 2 stars
December 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella about grumpy head chef of the palace Calix and Levana the queens personal guard.
I thought they had good tension in previous books and this was a couple that I wanted to have a HEA.
All was good until I got to the end and realised that the author was teasing us for 130 pages about Levana taking Calix knot,a sexy scene I was really looking forward to, to discover the end without any mention of it.
Pff.. Disappointing😑
I thought they had good tension in previous books and this was a couple that I wanted to have a HEA.
All was good until I got to the end and realised that the author was teasing us for 130 pages about Levana taking Calix knot,a sexy scene I was really looking forward to, to discover the end without any mention of it.
Pff.. Disappointing😑
December 29, 2023
Bueno bueno, ¿quién diría que Calix lo tenía en él, eh? 🫶
April 2, 2024
3.75 A cute story about Levana, Queen Ophelia’s bodyguard and Calix, the grumpy cook. Something was definitely off about Levana’s parents. My only complaint is that I wish we would have uncovered the mystery about her parents and their weird behaviors. Calix was awesome and so fun. Levana’s sister Sirena was very contradictory, not sure I really liked her style. Definitely wanted to root for the couple though. Nice little mid series novella.
December 10, 2025
2.5/5 rounding up to 3
Most of this novella was squeezed between events that happened in the previous books. So not much really happens and there were several week long time skips. Honestly it was a little jarring and sometimes it felt like a summary.
I was pretty bummed. I liked both Levana and Calix from the previous stories but I didn't think they really got the depth they deserved in their own book. Everything was very surface and had to fit in already established plot points. Overall, kinda lame and pointless 🤷♀️
Most of this novella was squeezed between events that happened in the previous books. So not much really happens and there were several week long time skips. Honestly it was a little jarring and sometimes it felt like a summary.
I was pretty bummed. I liked both Levana and Calix from the previous stories but I didn't think they really got the depth they deserved in their own book. Everything was very surface and had to fit in already established plot points. Overall, kinda lame and pointless 🤷♀️
March 3, 2024
I just love this shade world so much that when I realised there was a novella about Calix and Levena I had to read it asap.
These two have been sprinkled throughout the series given their roles in court and there's always been a delicious tension between them so seeing the reasons why and how things played out was great and now I'm just impatiently waiting for the next one!
5/5 stars
These two have been sprinkled throughout the series given their roles in court and there's always been a delicious tension between them so seeing the reasons why and how things played out was great and now I'm just impatiently waiting for the next one!
5/5 stars
July 7, 2024
Yessss Levana and Calix were so cute. 🩶
December 22, 2023
Loved it!
I lovex how this book ties in a background story we all knew was there! It also tides me. Over until the next shades of sin is released! Totally binged this as soon as I heard about it!
Calix the chef had quite the personality in the first book and we could see the tension between him and levana throughout the series. Even though it was a short read it had everything I needed to gi e it 5 stars. A history between the two, strong independent adults, a back story on why levana does what she does, some great spicy scenes, and a happily ever after!
I lovex how this book ties in a background story we all knew was there! It also tides me. Over until the next shades of sin is released! Totally binged this as soon as I heard about it!
Calix the chef had quite the personality in the first book and we could see the tension between him and levana throughout the series. Even though it was a short read it had everything I needed to gi e it 5 stars. A history between the two, strong independent adults, a back story on why levana does what she does, some great spicy scenes, and a happily ever after!
December 22, 2023
This novella just hit the sweet spot between feels and spice. I loved the monster x monster pairing and getting a glimpse into the lives of characters from previous books, as well as a look at possible future main characters.
I love Colette’s writing and how she can make her characters feel vulnerable and powerful at the same time.
This world just keeps getting richer and I can’t wait for book 4!
I love Colette’s writing and how she can make her characters feel vulnerable and powerful at the same time.
This world just keeps getting richer and I can’t wait for book 4!
January 5, 2026
3.75⭐️- My last read in this series for a little while I think. I was excited about this because we saw the banter between Calix and Levana in previous books and I knew it would be good. It was and I liked the way the story moved, but it being a novella meant it felt rushed and I think it focused too much on the physical part of their relationship. We barely got to see them emotionally build it up so it was a bit hard for me to believe the ending. Still good though and I’m sure I’ll enjoy picking this series back up when I next do!
March 23, 2026
⭐️4🌶️2
🥩Monster romance
🥩Mates
🥩Primal kinks
🥩Banter
🥩He falls first
🥩Dual POV
Nickname: Blue
Love these two so much. Calix was the perfect balance of *sshole and sweetheart. Levana did need to grow a pair a bit earlier though.
*this is a novella, so I don’t rate it the same as a full length novel
“That was an accident.” “Oh, you slipped and fell on my—”
🥩Monster romance
🥩Mates
🥩Primal kinks
🥩Banter
🥩He falls first
🥩Dual POV
Nickname: Blue
Love these two so much. Calix was the perfect balance of *sshole and sweetheart. Levana did need to grow a pair a bit earlier though.
*this is a novella, so I don’t rate it the same as a full length novel
“That was an accident.” “Oh, you slipped and fell on my—”
February 17, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I was so excited for Levana x Calix's story! I'm a little disappointed because it felt a bit too drawn out for how short this novella is, and I was really looking forward towards the knotting scene, but alas!
Hopefully we'll see more of them in future books.
I was so excited for Levana x Calix's story! I'm a little disappointed because it felt a bit too drawn out for how short this novella is, and I was really looking forward towards the knotting scene, but alas!
Hopefully we'll see more of them in future books.
Read
April 19, 2024I didn’t expect this to be as cute as it was omfg - I LOVE Calix
April 23, 2024
Cute novella about a couple I’ve wanted to see more of since book 1!
March 28, 2024
They actually talked to each other, and the relationship wasn't based entirely on sex. I liked them
July 22, 2025
A super cute novella about Levana and Calix ❣️
I've been ✨ obsessed ✨ with these two since Luxuria but personally I needed more...
It's not that I wanted less 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I definitely wanted more fluff—probably an entire book—following the Queen's personal guard and the palace head chef 🥰
But other than wanting more pages to read, this was frkn adorable!
.
.
.
5 stars ⭐️ Luxuria
3 stars ⭐️ Superbia
5 stars ⭐️ Gula
I've been ✨ obsessed ✨ with these two since Luxuria but personally I needed more...
It's not that I wanted less 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I definitely wanted more fluff—probably an entire book—following the Queen's personal guard and the palace head chef 🥰
But other than wanting more pages to read, this was frkn adorable!
.
.
.
5 stars ⭐️ Luxuria
3 stars ⭐️ Superbia
5 stars ⭐️ Gula
December 1, 2024
4.5 stars
This was short and cute. I am loving this series so much!
This was short and cute. I am loving this series so much!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews