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Cambric Creek #4
Two for Tea: Welcome to Azathé
The Azathe Tea Room is a strange place. There are no servers, no menus—do mind our hostess, though, she can get a bit underfoot! Help yourself to a book while you wait, and be sure to shuffle your tarot deck well before placing your order.
Harper Hollingsworth wasn't looking for a friend. She wanted peace and quiet. Someplace to lose herself in a book and not think about being a misfit; not think about her coven or her disconnect from the craft as her mother taught it. She didn't want to think about her lack of magical ambition, as she was regularly told by her mother's poison-tongued familiar, and more than that—she didn't want to feel. Anything.
Companionship wasn't her aim the day she stepped into the odd little tea room. She wanted to settle into the shadows and get lost there, and if she had to talk to anyone, it would be to herself.
The shadowy proprietor of the Azathe Tea Room isn't content to watch Harper sink into depression within the walls of their establishment. Once they intervene, Harper is drawn into their world of oddity and emotions, where the darkest shadows can reside in the light, and even the most mildly macabre witch can find her place.
Contains mature themes.
Harper Hollingsworth wasn't looking for a friend. She wanted peace and quiet. Someplace to lose herself in a book and not think about being a misfit; not think about her coven or her disconnect from the craft as her mother taught it. She didn't want to think about her lack of magical ambition, as she was regularly told by her mother's poison-tongued familiar, and more than that—she didn't want to feel. Anything.
Companionship wasn't her aim the day she stepped into the odd little tea room. She wanted to settle into the shadows and get lost there, and if she had to talk to anyone, it would be to herself.
The shadowy proprietor of the Azathe Tea Room isn't content to watch Harper sink into depression within the walls of their establishment. Once they intervene, Harper is drawn into their world of oddity and emotions, where the darkest shadows can reside in the light, and even the most mildly macabre witch can find her place.
Contains mature themes.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 29, 2023
1221 people are currently reading
5266 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Nascosta
28 books4,557 followersC.M. Nascosta is an author and professional procrastinator from Cleveland, Ohio. As a child, she thought that living on Lake Erie meant one was eerie by nature, and her corresponding love of all things strange and unusual started young. She’s always preferred beasts to boys, the macabre to the milquetoast, the unknown darkness in the shadows to the Chad next door. She lives in a crumbling old Victorian with a scaredy-cat dachshund, where she writes nontraditional romances featuring beastly boys with equal parts heart and heat, and is waiting for the Hallmark Channel to get with the program and start a paranormal lovers series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
March 16, 2024
"Is this what you want, sweet one? Is this the submission you're craving?"
Actual Rating: ⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was not entirely what I expected. I've read enough monster smut by now to know that authors tend to compensate for the lack of common sense and a structured plotline with trauma and character development. What I didn't expect, much to my disappointment. was the low quantity of smut. While I appreciate the detailed depression representation in this book, that is not why I chose to read a Human x Shadowperson romance. The quality is just right, there's no doubt about it, but I wanted more of it. It's just a wasted opportunity when the love interest can take any conceivable shape they want. Not genitalia constrictions or even human anatomy constrictions. What's more, the ending felt a little rushed and unfinished. Not every conflict has a resolution, and while I know there will be another book with these characters, I feel like the issues should have been fully addressed in this one.
Nevertheless, Harper, the female protagonist, has really good character development, maybe even a little too good, given the genre. The majority of the story is focused on her mental health, which I admittedly identified with in part. I also loved her gothic girl vibe. It's a style I've always loved but never dared to fully try which kind of bums me out sometimes. I was definitely jealous of her witchy powers, and I was just as jealous of her bedroom experiences with the Shadowperson, as minimal as those are. Speaking of whom, this Shadowperson, Asathé as Harper calls them, doesn't have any substantial character development, definitely not like Harper's. They are integral in the witch's healing process, but their only character development is deciding to interact with Harper regularly, even though they hardly speak to any other humans. They also decide to take various shapes and occasionally become solid, something they also don't do often, solely for her pleasure. That's pretty much it for their character. Oh, and they own a little tearoom with spooky decor (I really like its vibe), and an actual cat that works as a hostess.
In addition, the romance between Harper and Asathé is slow-burn, even though the book is less than two hundred pages long. It's clear that they are attracted to each other, through Harper's thoughts and Asathé's gestures and cute nicknames. It was absolutely frustrating seeing them dance around each other, not admitting or doing anything until well after half the book passed. I'm usually all for it, my favorite books are torturously slow-burn, but I expect something quicker in my monster romance. Not insta-love or slow-burn but something in-between. What I'm saying is, they could have boned a little earlier.
Lastly, there is a particular secondary character who stood out to me while reading the book. Holt is a powerful familiar but isn't currently bound to any witch. He is every bit the asshole feline, but he is also very helpful, caring, and another important part of Harper's healing process. I love his sass, humor, and his envious ability to put assholes in their place. There's clearly more to him than meets the eye, and I am just as excited to explore his character more as I am anxious to read more absurd smut.
Actual Rating: ⭐⭐,5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was not entirely what I expected. I've read enough monster smut by now to know that authors tend to compensate for the lack of common sense and a structured plotline with trauma and character development. What I didn't expect, much to my disappointment. was the low quantity of smut. While I appreciate the detailed depression representation in this book, that is not why I chose to read a Human x Shadowperson romance. The quality is just right, there's no doubt about it, but I wanted more of it. It's just a wasted opportunity when the love interest can take any conceivable shape they want. Not genitalia constrictions or even human anatomy constrictions. What's more, the ending felt a little rushed and unfinished. Not every conflict has a resolution, and while I know there will be another book with these characters, I feel like the issues should have been fully addressed in this one.
Nevertheless, Harper, the female protagonist, has really good character development, maybe even a little too good, given the genre. The majority of the story is focused on her mental health, which I admittedly identified with in part. I also loved her gothic girl vibe. It's a style I've always loved but never dared to fully try which kind of bums me out sometimes. I was definitely jealous of her witchy powers, and I was just as jealous of her bedroom experiences with the Shadowperson, as minimal as those are. Speaking of whom, this Shadowperson, Asathé as Harper calls them, doesn't have any substantial character development, definitely not like Harper's. They are integral in the witch's healing process, but their only character development is deciding to interact with Harper regularly, even though they hardly speak to any other humans. They also decide to take various shapes and occasionally become solid, something they also don't do often, solely for her pleasure. That's pretty much it for their character. Oh, and they own a little tearoom with spooky decor (I really like its vibe), and an actual cat that works as a hostess.
In addition, the romance between Harper and Asathé is slow-burn, even though the book is less than two hundred pages long. It's clear that they are attracted to each other, through Harper's thoughts and Asathé's gestures and cute nicknames. It was absolutely frustrating seeing them dance around each other, not admitting or doing anything until well after half the book passed. I'm usually all for it, my favorite books are torturously slow-burn, but I expect something quicker in my monster romance. Not insta-love or slow-burn but something in-between. What I'm saying is, they could have boned a little earlier.
Lastly, there is a particular secondary character who stood out to me while reading the book. Holt is a powerful familiar but isn't currently bound to any witch. He is every bit the asshole feline, but he is also very helpful, caring, and another important part of Harper's healing process. I love his sass, humor, and his envious ability to put assholes in their place. There's clearly more to him than meets the eye, and I am just as excited to explore his character more as I am anxious to read more absurd smut.
September 29, 2023
so I really wanted to love it
But it fell short. Quite short. It also is not a complete story. It just ends. There was no real plot line it felt more like an introduction story where it would be a half story between two complete ones.
It also ends ABRUPTLY.
I didn’t get what I expected that is for sure.
Also that seems to be the new running theme for this author based on the other new book published. I know you can’t get the MGMF windfall of amazingness but at least provide a complete story. A story doesn’t have to be long to be complete.
But it fell short. Quite short. It also is not a complete story. It just ends. There was no real plot line it felt more like an introduction story where it would be a half story between two complete ones.
It also ends ABRUPTLY.
I didn’t get what I expected that is for sure.
Also that seems to be the new running theme for this author based on the other new book published. I know you can’t get the MGMF windfall of amazingness but at least provide a complete story. A story doesn’t have to be long to be complete.
October 12, 2023
"Grief is a gift."
Two for Tea spoke to me in so many different ways. I see a lot of myself in Harper, of the depression, of feeling like a failure oftentimes, of the struggle with grief. C. M. Nascosta did an amazing job with this book. Harper's character journey is so beautiful and inspiring to me. To see her accept the hard truths and take care of herself is so meaningful and heartfelt to me.
Again, Two for Tea is truly remarkable. I loved the cosy and mysterious vibes the tea shop had, the OOTDs (they really added to the overall vibe) and the character cameos! Something about the way Nascosta weaves the descriptions throughout the book is so vivid to me to the point that I wish that the tea room exists, just so I can huddle in a corner somewhere to enjoy the atmosphere.
I would recommend for you to check out the CWs as it deals with heavy subjects before starting this 🖤
Two for Tea spoke to me in so many different ways. I see a lot of myself in Harper, of the depression, of feeling like a failure oftentimes, of the struggle with grief. C. M. Nascosta did an amazing job with this book. Harper's character journey is so beautiful and inspiring to me. To see her accept the hard truths and take care of herself is so meaningful and heartfelt to me.
Again, Two for Tea is truly remarkable. I loved the cosy and mysterious vibes the tea shop had, the OOTDs (they really added to the overall vibe) and the character cameos! Something about the way Nascosta weaves the descriptions throughout the book is so vivid to me to the point that I wish that the tea room exists, just so I can huddle in a corner somewhere to enjoy the atmosphere.
I would recommend for you to check out the CWs as it deals with heavy subjects before starting this 🖤
October 25, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ Don’t understand the point of this exactly…
It’s clear initially that this is meant to be a recovery sort of story, learning to deal with her grief and depression.
Only, almost all of that is done off page. We get to witness her sweet new friendship, which helps, plus her selecting herbal-medication scene, but that’s about it.
There’s no scenes of gradual healing, only one group therapy scene, which is all about the tell again, and a number of horny sex scenes somewhere around the 60-70% mark. Which truthfully, made me very uncomfortable, as the love interest doesn’t experience sexual climax, or even any kind of sexual desire…
It all felt random and pointless.
The ending just…happened. No real story arc, relationship drama resolution, or even completion of any of the implied story threads that had been introduced.
I kept waiting for something to happen, one of those threads to lead somewhere, nope, nada, nothing. Just dragged along, then stopped.
The only reason I’m giving this 2 ⭐️’s, is because despite being pointless, and at times boring, it was still lovely writing, and very atmospheric, with a somewhat watered down gothic feel.
I do not recommend this to fans of B1 to this world, or monster romance lovers, or even fantasy romance, drama, cosy, witchy, basically any kind of story requiring a narrative. I suspect even gothic lovers will find this too weakly done.
Very sad and disappointing, particularly as the authors writing structure is so good.
I will not be reading on with this author. Other than MGMF, I don’t think we’re a good fit. ☺️
It’s clear initially that this is meant to be a recovery sort of story, learning to deal with her grief and depression.
Only, almost all of that is done off page. We get to witness her sweet new friendship, which helps, plus her selecting herbal-medication scene, but that’s about it.
There’s no scenes of gradual healing, only one group therapy scene, which is all about the tell again, and a number of horny sex scenes somewhere around the 60-70% mark. Which truthfully, made me very uncomfortable, as the love interest doesn’t experience sexual climax, or even any kind of sexual desire…
It all felt random and pointless.
The ending just…happened. No real story arc, relationship drama resolution, or even completion of any of the implied story threads that had been introduced.
I kept waiting for something to happen, one of those threads to lead somewhere, nope, nada, nothing. Just dragged along, then stopped.
The only reason I’m giving this 2 ⭐️’s, is because despite being pointless, and at times boring, it was still lovely writing, and very atmospheric, with a somewhat watered down gothic feel.
I do not recommend this to fans of B1 to this world, or monster romance lovers, or even fantasy romance, drama, cosy, witchy, basically any kind of story requiring a narrative. I suspect even gothic lovers will find this too weakly done.
Very sad and disappointing, particularly as the authors writing structure is so good.
I will not be reading on with this author. Other than MGMF, I don’t think we’re a good fit. ☺️
February 6, 2025
It starts with your best friend telling you one day that you need to look up what ‘knotting’ means. Because you love and trust her, you do.
Then you are traumatised. Afterwards also confused and think wtf is this and how did it come to be. So you do some research (a big mistake). Now you are traumatised AND know a lot about it. Whatever will you do with this random knowledge?
Then 2 days later you are at work and the topic of romance books comes up. You mention a silly book where apparently someone got milked (thanks TikTok for my second trauma) and suddenly your coworker doesn’t want to add anything else to her coffee anymore.
Just as you are about to turn, she goes ‘so apparently there is also a thing that’s called knotting’ and you think to yourself, ‘This is it. This is my moment to use this random knowledge I have to traumatise someone else.’
So you do.
Then many jokes later you look up the milking book. Turns out it has multiple books. You see the shadow one and think to yourself. But how?? And why??
You share this question with your coworker and together, in a moment of stupidity, you think it would be funny to read it together. I mean, as long as it’s not milking or knotting, how bad can it be?
And secretly you were just SO confused as to how one can fuck the dark?? Like?? How does that even work? And again, you have read terrible books so truly, how bad can it ACTUALLY be?
-I was then shot 87 times-
Some questions, should NOT have any answers.
I know things now, but god, at what cost.
Then you are traumatised. Afterwards also confused and think wtf is this and how did it come to be. So you do some research (a big mistake). Now you are traumatised AND know a lot about it. Whatever will you do with this random knowledge?
Then 2 days later you are at work and the topic of romance books comes up. You mention a silly book where apparently someone got milked (thanks TikTok for my second trauma) and suddenly your coworker doesn’t want to add anything else to her coffee anymore.
Just as you are about to turn, she goes ‘so apparently there is also a thing that’s called knotting’ and you think to yourself, ‘This is it. This is my moment to use this random knowledge I have to traumatise someone else.’
So you do.
Then many jokes later you look up the milking book. Turns out it has multiple books. You see the shadow one and think to yourself. But how?? And why??
You share this question with your coworker and together, in a moment of stupidity, you think it would be funny to read it together. I mean, as long as it’s not milking or knotting, how bad can it be?
And secretly you were just SO confused as to how one can fuck the dark?? Like?? How does that even work? And again, you have read terrible books so truly, how bad can it ACTUALLY be?
-I was then shot 87 times-
Some questions, should NOT have any answers.
I know things now, but god, at what cost.
September 30, 2023
4.5 stars
The fall vibes in this story were immaculate, 10 out of 10. I also loved this quiet tale of grief and healing wrapped up in an adorable monster romance. Review to come!
The fall vibes in this story were immaculate, 10 out of 10. I also loved this quiet tale of grief and healing wrapped up in an adorable monster romance. Review to come!
April 21, 2025
3.75
I admit this was a cover buy. I couldn't resist it. I loved the cozy vibe of the story, and the characters were loveable. The focal point is grief and how it affects people differently. I related to the main character so much and didn't realize how much I needed to be seen. Everything this character felt is how I feel or felt at some point. My only complaint is I wanted more. More story, more time in the Tea shop, more History into the witch families, more everything. I am so glad I read this.
I admit this was a cover buy. I couldn't resist it. I loved the cozy vibe of the story, and the characters were loveable. The focal point is grief and how it affects people differently. I related to the main character so much and didn't realize how much I needed to be seen. Everything this character felt is how I feel or felt at some point. My only complaint is I wanted more. More story, more time in the Tea shop, more History into the witch families, more everything. I am so glad I read this.
October 5, 2024
i am so disappointed. this could have been such a great story if the author just left out the really unnecessary spice. that was just so misplaced.
we have a young witch who doubts if she even is a witch anymore because her dad died a year ago and due to her grief she couldn‘t concentrate on her education at all and got expelled from a really fancy school for witches.
her mom is a perfectionist who can‘t be pleased by anything and to top it off her familiar is a real bitch who just hates Harper.
after moving to Cambric Creek Harper forces herself to go out and explore, but crowds overwhelm her and she ends up in a magical tea shop where a cat guides you to a table. sometimes you can order by writing down what you want on magic paper, sometimes you pull three tarot cards and someone picks your menu based on the cards. there are heaps of books and Harper feels very at home there. later on a witchless familiar crosses her path and tells her that her mom‘s coven is basically turning their backs on what witchcraft really means and that they soon will be replaced and that he himself is currently waiting for a witch that will soon emerge so he can be a real familiar again. in the teashop Harper manages to find something she is finally interested in again after such a long time of barely existing.
to me it sounded like a great story. you know, Harper finding her calling with the help of the shadow being in the tea shop, making friends among the other young witches, them forming their own coven and eventually going up against the resident coven, including her mother and establishing themselves.
but alas, there is spice. because of course Harper would be attracted to the shadows and the shadows to her and they hook up and suddenly everything else is not that important anymore and just kind of forgotten. even the profound grief for her dad that she was beginning to work through.
the pacing is weird as always, the nonlinear writing something the author seems proud of but ultimately annoying and not well done at all.
we have a young witch who doubts if she even is a witch anymore because her dad died a year ago and due to her grief she couldn‘t concentrate on her education at all and got expelled from a really fancy school for witches.
her mom is a perfectionist who can‘t be pleased by anything and to top it off her familiar is a real bitch who just hates Harper.
after moving to Cambric Creek Harper forces herself to go out and explore, but crowds overwhelm her and she ends up in a magical tea shop where a cat guides you to a table. sometimes you can order by writing down what you want on magic paper, sometimes you pull three tarot cards and someone picks your menu based on the cards. there are heaps of books and Harper feels very at home there. later on a witchless familiar crosses her path and tells her that her mom‘s coven is basically turning their backs on what witchcraft really means and that they soon will be replaced and that he himself is currently waiting for a witch that will soon emerge so he can be a real familiar again. in the teashop Harper manages to find something she is finally interested in again after such a long time of barely existing.
to me it sounded like a great story. you know, Harper finding her calling with the help of the shadow being in the tea shop, making friends among the other young witches, them forming their own coven and eventually going up against the resident coven, including her mother and establishing themselves.
but alas, there is spice. because of course Harper would be attracted to the shadows and the shadows to her and they hook up and suddenly everything else is not that important anymore and just kind of forgotten. even the profound grief for her dad that she was beginning to work through.
the pacing is weird as always, the nonlinear writing something the author seems proud of but ultimately annoying and not well done at all.
May 27, 2024
felt like I was reading a very bad wattpad story. harper was such an annoying character, my fucking god. really don't understand how people can enjoy her. also why is the author giving me fucking polyvore ootds at the beginning of each chapter and why are they all hot topic goth selection clothes??? really pushing for the wattpad audience ig. anyway the only good thing abt this was mx shadow person, you were too good for harper pookie. begging of u to find yourself a better partner (while holding a giant sign that says choose me, love me, pick me)
April 20, 2024
So little romance, so much of MC's healing journey. And it felt unfinished, ending abruptly. And what about Holt?
May 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Okay so I know most people say this is their least favorite in the Cambrick Creek series but for me it was my favorite. I could really really empathize and relate to Harper as a character. I will say this one doesn't have as much smut as Nascosta's other books which is another reason why I probably enjoyed it more. It has a heavy focus on character building which I personally adored. The setting was perfect imo. I loved the tea shop/library vibes. Our shadow person Azathe was *chef's kiss* loved them sm. My only negative is that I wish it was like 100 pages longer!! Very much a cozy paranormal romance!
Okay so I know most people say this is their least favorite in the Cambrick Creek series but for me it was my favorite. I could really really empathize and relate to Harper as a character. I will say this one doesn't have as much smut as Nascosta's other books which is another reason why I probably enjoyed it more. It has a heavy focus on character building which I personally adored. The setting was perfect imo. I loved the tea shop/library vibes. Our shadow person Azathe was *chef's kiss* loved them sm. My only negative is that I wish it was like 100 pages longer!! Very much a cozy paranormal romance!
April 23, 2024
I remember reading C.M. Nascosta say this was not like her previous books. That isn't a bad thing; I just wasn't ready for that much grief and depression representation. This was not an enjoyable read, at least not at the moment. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to read it. What I will say is that either way, the ending felt rushed; so many things are unresolved, and I don't know if I feel committed enough to read another book with these main characters.
Read
November 10, 2025DNF @ 11%
October 2, 2023
Has that warm and cozy feel that all the Cambric Creek books have, an appealing heroine, and an unusual love interest. But ultimately feels like the setup for a story that isn't finished yet. Harper is a gothy witch who is mourning the death of her beloved father and dealing with her emotionally distant mother and said mother's catty (ha, punny!) familiar. She stumbles across a mysterious tea shop (that's been referenced in previous Cambric Creek stories) and its mostly unseen owner, a non-binary, usually non-corporeal shadow being. Romance ensues.
June 7, 2024
I really appreciated Harper's journey of healing and coming into her own, plus the incredible aesthetic and atmosphere of the tea house, but I did not buy Harper and Azathe as lovers at any point. It genuinely felt like the author was like "Welp, those two can't be FRIENDS, they have to fuck!! This is supposed to be a monsterfucking book!!" and just started writing the sex scenes.... in which only one of the participants feels pleasure. Grrrreat.
Cambric Creek is still one of the better monsterfucking series/ books I've come across, though.
Cambric Creek is still one of the better monsterfucking series/ books I've come across, though.
November 13, 2024
Mega cringe. Not for me
December 8, 2024
Didn't like this story. At all, really. She told us evwry single day what she wore. Anything physical was very one sided. The personality, which was the driving force of this book, just fell flat for me.
April 26, 2025
Idk what to think about this. It just wasn’t for me.
⭐️: 2
🌶️: 4
⭐️: 2
🌶️: 4
August 6, 2025
Somewhere in the reviews, someone said this book would be fun to read with a coworker. Well I was that coworker. And let me tell you it took me forever to finish this book. Every page felt like torture. Traumatized? Forever. Regretful? Deeply.
Read it with a coworker, they said. It’ll be fun, they said 🙂
Read it with a coworker, they said. It’ll be fun, they said 🙂
September 13, 2024
I loved the story and got really into it but then it felt like it abruptly ended.
October 11, 2023
The themes of depression, grief and loss is very heavy and prevelant throughout the story so please know this going in. My review is solely based of the fact it just wasnt for me and I didnt enjoy it.
The forword at the start of the book does give explain that this is not like the other stories in Cambric Creek and I can agree.
The main themes of the book, as mentioned above, I actually connected with and appreciated however the romance of the story was very odd and fell short for me. Now going into this, I knew it would be a 'monster' romance (more like mythical creature) so understood there would be not your normal romance/sex scene however the love interest in this was hard to connect with and or even visual/understand how the scene was going. The description of those particular scenes really didnt go well in my opinion. This is why i have rated it quite low.
Im interested in the Coven side of the story line so am interested in reading the others however I am wondering if the first book was just a fluke in my interests.
The forword at the start of the book does give explain that this is not like the other stories in Cambric Creek and I can agree.
The main themes of the book, as mentioned above, I actually connected with and appreciated however the romance of the story was very odd and fell short for me. Now going into this, I knew it would be a 'monster' romance (more like mythical creature) so understood there would be not your normal romance/sex scene however the love interest in this was hard to connect with and or even visual/understand how the scene was going. The description of those particular scenes really didnt go well in my opinion. This is why i have rated it quite low.
Im interested in the Coven side of the story line so am interested in reading the others however I am wondering if the first book was just a fluke in my interests.
March 25, 2024
This was not a complete story???
1.5🌶️
1.5🌶️
March 20, 2025
3 stars
Okay. I think I've figured out my issue with this author. She prefers quantity over quality. She's focused on pumping out as many of these monster eroticas as she can - making a lot just long enough that she's tapping into a different market than most writing short -200 novellas. I truly feel like a beautiful story could have been in here, if she had cradled this story and truly allowed it to grow. I think she got about Holt way through and figured out she wanted to make the witch stuff its own microseries and tossed the plot for this book away. It cheapened this story.
For a book with a demisexual mc the relationships where empty and rushed, smut came out of nowhere - while explained with hormones and such, as someone on the ace-spec you can be horny without wanting to have sex. I would have loved some non sexual intimacy, perhaps explored through Harper's interest in submission, there are plenty of ways submission and kink can be explored non sexually and could have added that level of trust for the couple to branch into sexual intimacy.
But whatever. I might read the spider book, idk. I'm definitely not going to expect very much from C.M. Nascosta at all.
Okay. I think I've figured out my issue with this author. She prefers quantity over quality. She's focused on pumping out as many of these monster eroticas as she can - making a lot just long enough that she's tapping into a different market than most writing short -200 novellas. I truly feel like a beautiful story could have been in here, if she had cradled this story and truly allowed it to grow. I think she got about Holt way through and figured out she wanted to make the witch stuff its own microseries and tossed the plot for this book away. It cheapened this story.
For a book with a demisexual mc the relationships where empty and rushed, smut came out of nowhere - while explained with hormones and such, as someone on the ace-spec you can be horny without wanting to have sex. I would have loved some non sexual intimacy, perhaps explored through Harper's interest in submission, there are plenty of ways submission and kink can be explored non sexually and could have added that level of trust for the couple to branch into sexual intimacy.
But whatever. I might read the spider book, idk. I'm definitely not going to expect very much from C.M. Nascosta at all.
December 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ that was, different.
October 1, 2023
3.5 Stars. Shadow-creature romance with a healthy dose of mental health and healing
While mourning the death of her father, Harper stumbles into a tea shop in his hometown - the famous, Cambric Creek - where the creature that lurks in the shadows becomes intertwined with her life. Throughout the story Harper learns to process grief, that nonconformance isn't going to doom her, and the importance of community - oh and how to have sex with shadows of course.
A few thoughts I have on this book:
-There are a handful of spelling/grammar mistakes towards the beginning/middle of the story on the ebook version.
-While this novella doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it just stops abruptly. You see Harper's upwards trajectory but her arc doesn't come to a natural end. The reader is left with a note that more content about Harper will be written in the future.
-It's always nice to see demisexual representation in a FMC! (While every expression of sexuality is valid,) Nacosta's representation of demisexuality was a little confusing at times. Harper talks bout how it's not about being attracted to a face, but instead being attracted to their personality after getting to know them. However, Harper barely knows this shadow creature before she decides she's attracted and down to bang them.
-The beginning drags. While Harper's backstory and days of depression add depth to her as a character, I feel like Harper's depression is made to look romanticized and overly poetic.
-If you're looking for a story with absolutely no conflict or plot-climax, this would be a great read. This whole story reads like a slice of life journal and has no conflict aside from Harper struggling with depression in the beginning.
This is a cute, quick read that I was excited for. Hopefully the rest of Harper's story gets written soon!
While mourning the death of her father, Harper stumbles into a tea shop in his hometown - the famous, Cambric Creek - where the creature that lurks in the shadows becomes intertwined with her life. Throughout the story Harper learns to process grief, that nonconformance isn't going to doom her, and the importance of community - oh and how to have sex with shadows of course.
A few thoughts I have on this book:
-There are a handful of spelling/grammar mistakes towards the beginning/middle of the story on the ebook version.
-While this novella doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it just stops abruptly. You see Harper's upwards trajectory but her arc doesn't come to a natural end. The reader is left with a note that more content about Harper will be written in the future.
-It's always nice to see demisexual representation in a FMC! (While every expression of sexuality is valid,) Nacosta's representation of demisexuality was a little confusing at times. Harper talks bout how it's not about being attracted to a face, but instead being attracted to their personality after getting to know them. However, Harper barely knows this shadow creature before she decides she's attracted and down to bang them.
-The beginning drags. While Harper's backstory and days of depression add depth to her as a character, I feel like Harper's depression is made to look romanticized and overly poetic.
-If you're looking for a story with absolutely no conflict or plot-climax, this would be a great read. This whole story reads like a slice of life journal and has no conflict aside from Harper struggling with depression in the beginning.
This is a cute, quick read that I was excited for. Hopefully the rest of Harper's story gets written soon!
did-not-finish
August 9, 2024DNF at 80%.
CM Nascosta warns that this is the least sexy of her books. I don't mind. I'm probably demisexual (like the main character) or something pretty close. I like emotional journeys and don't need on page sex to have a good time.
This book starts off really well and very different than any other book I've read from them.
Harper is dealing with grief from the death of her father as well as clinical depression, something she's suffered with throughout her life. She's lost a lot of the structures she's built her life around and has moved with her mom and sister to a new town. When she finds an eerie tearoom seemingly without employees (except for one bossy cat), she finds a place where she can take a breath and find herself and deal with the heavy things of life.
I was so intrigued and really enjoyed most of this story. However, the author says that this woman (girl?) is demisexual and doesn't get turned on until she knows someone more. And then, Harper starts to get turned on by everything. Every other page, we hear how horny she is and how she's lusting after the shadow she can't see. We get a graphic description of sex with a classmate and one and on. It started feeling like the author was pouring on the erotic imagery to titillate her usual audience.
This went from a compelling story of someone finding her place in the world and the people to be her home to a shallow lust-centered story that made no sense. It wasn't sexy at all.
I could probably finish this quickly (much like the monster just did her) but the story is as boring as the sexy times in it. Too bad it didn't hold up to a strong start.
CM Nascosta warns that this is the least sexy of her books. I don't mind. I'm probably demisexual (like the main character) or something pretty close. I like emotional journeys and don't need on page sex to have a good time.
This book starts off really well and very different than any other book I've read from them.
Harper is dealing with grief from the death of her father as well as clinical depression, something she's suffered with throughout her life. She's lost a lot of the structures she's built her life around and has moved with her mom and sister to a new town. When she finds an eerie tearoom seemingly without employees (except for one bossy cat), she finds a place where she can take a breath and find herself and deal with the heavy things of life.
I was so intrigued and really enjoyed most of this story. However, the author says that this woman (girl?) is demisexual and doesn't get turned on until she knows someone more. And then, Harper starts to get turned on by everything. Every other page, we hear how horny she is and how she's lusting after the shadow she can't see. We get a graphic description of sex with a classmate and one and on. It started feeling like the author was pouring on the erotic imagery to titillate her usual audience.
This went from a compelling story of someone finding her place in the world and the people to be her home to a shallow lust-centered story that made no sense. It wasn't sexy at all.
I could probably finish this quickly (much like the monster just did her) but the story is as boring as the sexy times in it. Too bad it didn't hold up to a strong start.
January 24, 2025
10/10
simply amazing.
___
『“Grief is the wound love leaves on our heart ｡”』
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book is a most serious one from all C.M.Nascosta’s i have ever read.
We are starting strong on a grief theme and this hit so close to the home, i understood every small and especially ugly emotion and feeling our girl (Harper) experienced.
The toxicity of mother-familiar-daughter relationship was so painful to read, it’s just so heartbreaking to see how mother and magical companion can treat the daughter. I can’t… this lump in my throat is not going away. And those self-destructive thoughts Harper is having…too real.
Apart from all emotional stuff, we got nice story of healing, finding selfworth and power and having a nice banter with Holt.
I’m really rarely crying when I’m reading, but this book…less than 10% in and I could not stop the tears rolling down my cheeks. So painfully beautiful and powerful.
And i loved how this story added more details to the Cambric Creek universe and how nice (kinda) Holt was in this story.
Azathé… Azathé was a very interesting and sweet love interest, and i loved how they called us „my sweet one” such a nice touch to his shadowy presence.
simply amazing.
___
『“Grief is the wound love leaves on our heart ｡”』
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book is a most serious one from all C.M.Nascosta’s i have ever read.
We are starting strong on a grief theme and this hit so close to the home, i understood every small and especially ugly emotion and feeling our girl (Harper) experienced.
The toxicity of mother-familiar-daughter relationship was so painful to read, it’s just so heartbreaking to see how mother and magical companion can treat the daughter. I can’t… this lump in my throat is not going away. And those self-destructive thoughts Harper is having…too real.
Apart from all emotional stuff, we got nice story of healing, finding selfworth and power and having a nice banter with Holt.
I’m really rarely crying when I’m reading, but this book…less than 10% in and I could not stop the tears rolling down my cheeks. So painfully beautiful and powerful.
And i loved how this story added more details to the Cambric Creek universe and how nice (kinda) Holt was in this story.
Azathé… Azathé was a very interesting and sweet love interest, and i loved how they called us „my sweet one” such a nice touch to his shadowy presence.
October 4, 2023
Two for Tea felt rushed, the ending fell flat (very abrupt ending), and the pacing was off throughout. The majority of this was following Harper dealing with clinical depression and grief from a recently deceased family member (I felt like this was portrayed well), and she didn't really meet or interact with Azathe until 50% into the book. The slow-burn from that point was good, and I felt like Nascosta did a great job creating a sexless/asexual monster being, and that was very unique compared to other monster romances I've read to date. I loved the side characters in this, especially seeing Ladybug (from the Mabon Feast) in this.
I was not expecting something from the Cabric Creek side of Nascosta's stories to be so dark. Usually, they're a bit more upbeat, but by the end, the atmosphere did get lighter than how it started.
2.5/5 🌶️ (how I rate spicy content written in my bio).
I was not expecting something from the Cabric Creek side of Nascosta's stories to be so dark. Usually, they're a bit more upbeat, but by the end, the atmosphere did get lighter than how it started.
2.5/5 🌶️ (how I rate spicy content written in my bio).
Read
December 20, 2025not what I expected
I've really been enjoying the Cambric Creek series, but this one really threw me for a loop. I read the note about it being less steamy than usual so I was prepared for that, but tbh it didn't hit like the others for me.
The plot was very directionless...we get introduced to background characters who barely have any weight in the story but take up SO much of the FMCs headspace, yet the plot never takes us in any direction to do anything about it.
The relationship development was very 0 to 100, and the flow of the story felt off.
The spice didn't start until over 70% of the way through the book and again, went from 0 to 100 lol it just felt like a rushed, but somehow also very drawn out story.
I've really been enjoying the Cambric Creek series, but this one really threw me for a loop. I read the note about it being less steamy than usual so I was prepared for that, but tbh it didn't hit like the others for me.
The plot was very directionless...we get introduced to background characters who barely have any weight in the story but take up SO much of the FMCs headspace, yet the plot never takes us in any direction to do anything about it.
The relationship development was very 0 to 100, and the flow of the story felt off.
The spice didn't start until over 70% of the way through the book and again, went from 0 to 100 lol it just felt like a rushed, but somehow also very drawn out story.
July 1, 2025
2.5✨
Unfortunately this is the latest in an ever growing line of disappointing reads from this author. Which is really a shame as they started so well.
To get a personal nitpick out of the way. This claims to have a demisexual FMC. She's not demisexual. The MMC calls her a good girl once and she's instantly aroused. I call bullshit. Don't state you have certain representation and then have it extremely poor.
Whilst this story does well with it's atmospheric writing and dealings with depression and grief and healing, the actual plot falls flat and then just ends pretty abruptly. I'm not really sure what happened here :/
Unfortunately this is the latest in an ever growing line of disappointing reads from this author. Which is really a shame as they started so well.
To get a personal nitpick out of the way. This claims to have a demisexual FMC. She's not demisexual. The MMC calls her a good girl once and she's instantly aroused. I call bullshit. Don't state you have certain representation and then have it extremely poor.
Whilst this story does well with it's atmospheric writing and dealings with depression and grief and healing, the actual plot falls flat and then just ends pretty abruptly. I'm not really sure what happened here :/
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