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Femme Fatale Monsters #2
Sink or Swim
Some secrets can cost you your life…
It was supposed to be a routine job, like any other. Deliver the package, wipe his hands clean, head back to headquarters and receive his pay. But when Nick learns the terrible secret that’s been keeping the mafia flush with cash, he abandons all rational thought and abandons the only family he’s ever known. Too bad they won’t let him retire in peace, and Nick is going to have to learn how to sink or swim if he’s going to survive what’s next.
… One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
When Nick is dumped in Oona’s backyard and left for dead, she seizes the opportunity to keep the human man as her new pet. He’s repulsed by her, of course, but she’s nothing if not determined to make a new friend after a lifetime of loneliness. But when it becomes obvious he can’t survive in his new habitat, will she be able to let her new love go, even at the cost of her own happiness?
Sink or Swim is the next installment in the Femme Fatale Monsters series and is intended for adults. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Sink or Swim includes a female swamp monster, a mafia MMC, and a guaranteed HEA. For a list of full CWs, please check out the author’s website.
It was supposed to be a routine job, like any other. Deliver the package, wipe his hands clean, head back to headquarters and receive his pay. But when Nick learns the terrible secret that’s been keeping the mafia flush with cash, he abandons all rational thought and abandons the only family he’s ever known. Too bad they won’t let him retire in peace, and Nick is going to have to learn how to sink or swim if he’s going to survive what’s next.
… One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
When Nick is dumped in Oona’s backyard and left for dead, she seizes the opportunity to keep the human man as her new pet. He’s repulsed by her, of course, but she’s nothing if not determined to make a new friend after a lifetime of loneliness. But when it becomes obvious he can’t survive in his new habitat, will she be able to let her new love go, even at the cost of her own happiness?
Sink or Swim is the next installment in the Femme Fatale Monsters series and is intended for adults. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Sink or Swim includes a female swamp monster, a mafia MMC, and a guaranteed HEA. For a list of full CWs, please check out the author’s website.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
51 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Russo
18 books195 followersAmerican author living in the Netherlands.
Keep up to date with everything I'm working on!
https://authordjrusso.carrd.co/
Keep up to date with everything I'm working on!
https://authordjrusso.carrd.co/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 14, 2024
I am HERE for the 8 ft tall lizard queen of the lagoon. This was such a fun lil fast paced novella that had some dark moments but didn’t take itself too seriously. Oona was so spicy and was affectionate with and protective of her somewhat naive human love. Nick had to unpack a lot of what he was ignorant about during his mafia career, but luckily Oona was there to rescue him and love him.
I feel like I don’t see a lot of femme monsters with human MMCs, and I especially don’t see them as tall girls so I’m glad DJ is doing this series!
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: drowning, attempted murder, gun violence, animal attack, hunting, gore, beheading, captivity, mention of drug overdose, mention of death of parent
I feel like I don’t see a lot of femme monsters with human MMCs, and I especially don’t see them as tall girls so I’m glad DJ is doing this series!
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: drowning, attempted murder, gun violence, animal attack, hunting, gore, beheading, captivity, mention of drug overdose, mention of death of parent
May 4, 2024
"...he’s mine. Mine to devour. Mine to pleasure. Mine to claim. All mine."
OONA!!! She is such a queen; I adored her, haha. I kinda wanna find myself a swamp and test my luck.
This was such a fun book. I laughed so much at Nick and Oona; He was so grossed out at first, and look how he fell. Not that I blamed him for getting grossed out over her fermented flies-ew. But she is a swamp lady, and she is so full of kindness and love. I felt so bad for her, being alone her whole life in such a harsh environment, yet she is the sweetest angel.
Nick handled everything surprisingly well. He was left for dead, taken in by a swamp lady, and living in a lagoon, and I gotta say, he was so nice about it all. He really had a good heart, and I liked how sweet and protective he was of his girl. (I also LOVED that he called her Sweetheart lol, it was just too cute). There is a lot of very nice spicy, and I loved the size difference (she is almost 8tf, and he's normal man-sized). I liked that things didn't just magically work the same for them and that the size was addressed, but it was not an issue for them. :)
The side characters were goofy (Maurice is kinda serious, and IDK if I trust him cause he kinda scares me. WHY IS HE SO NICE)
Overall, this book was such a sweet, spicy time. I want to keep Oona forever and have her carry me around like a baby. I loved that it had a cute callback to No Sugar Coating it! I hope that the next in the series has a callback to Oona and Nick :)
OONA!!! She is such a queen; I adored her, haha. I kinda wanna find myself a swamp and test my luck.
This was such a fun book. I laughed so much at Nick and Oona; He was so grossed out at first, and look how he fell. Not that I blamed him for getting grossed out over her fermented flies-ew. But she is a swamp lady, and she is so full of kindness and love. I felt so bad for her, being alone her whole life in such a harsh environment, yet she is the sweetest angel.
Nick handled everything surprisingly well. He was left for dead, taken in by a swamp lady, and living in a lagoon, and I gotta say, he was so nice about it all. He really had a good heart, and I liked how sweet and protective he was of his girl. (I also LOVED that he called her Sweetheart lol, it was just too cute). There is a lot of very nice spicy, and I loved the size difference (she is almost 8tf, and he's normal man-sized). I liked that things didn't just magically work the same for them and that the size was addressed, but it was not an issue for them. :)
The side characters were goofy (Maurice is kinda serious, and IDK if I trust him cause he kinda scares me. WHY IS HE SO NICE)
Overall, this book was such a sweet, spicy time. I want to keep Oona forever and have her carry me around like a baby. I loved that it had a cute callback to No Sugar Coating it! I hope that the next in the series has a callback to Oona and Nick :)
May 14, 2024
Another great read by this author about a monstrous FMC finding love with a human guy. It's rare to find monster romance books where the main female character is the monster, and even rarer where that monster is so lovable you miss spending time with her once the book is done. In other words, Oona stole my heart xD The MMC was a good fit for her, and their getting to know each other was hilarious to watch. The whole book was written with humor that had me giggling over the pages. The schmexy scenes were uniquely hot (Oona is 8 ft tall, so she and Nick have to be creative :P ) All of this happening against the backdrop of a lagoon as beautiful as it was dangerous added an extra pinch of magic to the story. Looking forward to the next magical read within the Femme Fatale Monster series!
May 13, 2024
Despite taking place in a deadly lagoon full of alligators and snakes, this book was super cozy!
Oona and Nick’s story is sweet and steamy. I loved watching them overcome their language barrier and slowly develop feelings for each other despite their rather significant differences. Who wouldn’t want a giant lizard queen to take care of them all day?
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of mafia MMCs, but Nick took me by surprise. He is gentle and compassionate with strict personal morals, and a fierce and loyal protector of those he loves.
And, of course, Oona is an incredible and fierce boss queen who delights in inspiring fear. She’s the most dangerous thing in the entire lagoon and knows it. I loved seeing her softer moments as she explored some of her own self doubts. I have so many questions about where she came from, and I hope we’ll see more of her in the future!
My only complaints were that sometimes the wording felt repetitive, and some plot points felt like they resolved too quickly. I’m confused by the intentions of some of the other mafia members. It seemed odd that their motives changed so suddenly and they supported Nick with hardly any questions asked.
Oona and Nick’s story is sweet and steamy. I loved watching them overcome their language barrier and slowly develop feelings for each other despite their rather significant differences. Who wouldn’t want a giant lizard queen to take care of them all day?
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of mafia MMCs, but Nick took me by surprise. He is gentle and compassionate with strict personal morals, and a fierce and loyal protector of those he loves.
And, of course, Oona is an incredible and fierce boss queen who delights in inspiring fear. She’s the most dangerous thing in the entire lagoon and knows it. I loved seeing her softer moments as she explored some of her own self doubts. I have so many questions about where she came from, and I hope we’ll see more of her in the future!
My only complaints were that sometimes the wording felt repetitive, and some plot points felt like they resolved too quickly. I’m confused by the intentions of some of the other mafia members. It seemed odd that their motives changed so suddenly and they supported Nick with hardly any questions asked.
May 3, 2024
"Oh, no, pretty girl. No need for tears. Don't you worry, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine. You just wait. You'll see. I'll bring down the moon and hang it around your neck if that's what you want."
First question..where is my 8ft tall swamp queen to carry me around? "You try to flirt with her, and she'll take your head clean off your shoulders with her claws then use your skull for a sippy cup." Yesssss mommy. Although I could do without living in her swamp of nightmares.
Obsessed with Oona and Nick! Their banter and interactions were so hilarious and entertaining. They had me cracking up the entire book. I love language barrier and this one did not disappoint. Nick has the tough guy exterior but really he's a cinnamon roll and such a sweetie. He had me blushing and swooning.
I felt so bad for Oona when she was talking about being so alone. But she gets her happy ending!
The spice was HOT. I had a little giggle when Nick mentioned he would never want to have fun times with Oona and like I thought that didn't last very long. But who could resist such a gorgeous queen monster?
The side characters were also fun to read! To be honest I'm still a little wary of Maurice. Not sure where I stand with him yet. But poor Kyle...that guy needs a win. 🤣 Loved the little mention of the bakery and Faith!
Can't wait for the next book! And to learn more about the lore for the series!
First question..where is my 8ft tall swamp queen to carry me around? "You try to flirt with her, and she'll take your head clean off your shoulders with her claws then use your skull for a sippy cup." Yesssss mommy. Although I could do without living in her swamp of nightmares.
Obsessed with Oona and Nick! Their banter and interactions were so hilarious and entertaining. They had me cracking up the entire book. I love language barrier and this one did not disappoint. Nick has the tough guy exterior but really he's a cinnamon roll and such a sweetie. He had me blushing and swooning.
I felt so bad for Oona when she was talking about being so alone. But she gets her happy ending!
The spice was HOT. I had a little giggle when Nick mentioned he would never want to have fun times with Oona and like I thought that didn't last very long. But who could resist such a gorgeous queen monster?
The side characters were also fun to read! To be honest I'm still a little wary of Maurice. Not sure where I stand with him yet. But poor Kyle...that guy needs a win. 🤣 Loved the little mention of the bakery and Faith!
Can't wait for the next book! And to learn more about the lore for the series!
May 12, 2024
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC. My opinions are my own.
Exactly as described! I'm personally struggling with the POV style, and it took some working through on that front, but that was all on me. Pretty cute, and I'm a sucker for language barrier microtropes.
Exactly as described! I'm personally struggling with the POV style, and it took some working through on that front, but that was all on me. Pretty cute, and I'm a sucker for language barrier microtropes.
December 9, 2024
This book was soooo cute, Oona has quickly become one of my favorite monsters in any book I’ve ever read. The spice was spicing, the romance was romancing. Definitely check this out.
May 28, 2024
This monster romance was super quick and so cute! In Sink or Swim we follow Nick, a man about to be offed by the mafia he works for, but ends up surviving them dumping him in the lagoon. He’s about to be eaten by the creatures of the lagoon when he is saved by Oona, an 8-foot reptilian female that lives in the lagoon, who decides to take him back to her home to be her pet.
This was a really fun story that didn’t take itself too seriously. The few sexy scenes we got were fun and super hot. I loved seeing how obsessed these characters were with each other, especially Nick with his lizard queen. Also I’m always a sucker for a good language barrier and I liked seeing them both trying to learn each other’s language.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I wanted more from these characters and the development of their love story. I’d have liked to see this have been a longer story.
This was a really fun story that didn’t take itself too seriously. The few sexy scenes we got were fun and super hot. I loved seeing how obsessed these characters were with each other, especially Nick with his lizard queen. Also I’m always a sucker for a good language barrier and I liked seeing them both trying to learn each other’s language.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I wanted more from these characters and the development of their love story. I’d have liked to see this have been a longer story.
June 3, 2024
This was such a switch up from my usual brand of monsters, I really enjoyed it. We have a large femme monster and her tiny human man.
Nick is a mafia man with morals, he gets thrown overboard into a lagoon for refusing to deal in the drugs that killed his mother. Lucky for him, he is rescued by an 8ft tall lizard muscle mommy with magical healing spit and magical cum that just so happens to be lonely and want a pet. Oona is the only one of her kind, she's lived in her lagoon in solitude for her entire existence. They were both so sweet to each other, I like how he called her sweetheart and flew into a rage to protect her even th0ught shes literally 8ft tall with monsterous strength and claws and she couldn't tell if he was a boy or a girl at first lol. This was sweet and fluffy and warm, even with the attempted murder.
Nick is a mafia man with morals, he gets thrown overboard into a lagoon for refusing to deal in the drugs that killed his mother. Lucky for him, he is rescued by an 8ft tall lizard muscle mommy with magical healing spit and magical cum that just so happens to be lonely and want a pet. Oona is the only one of her kind, she's lived in her lagoon in solitude for her entire existence. They were both so sweet to each other, I like how he called her sweetheart and flew into a rage to protect her even th0ught shes literally 8ft tall with monsterous strength and claws and she couldn't tell if he was a boy or a girl at first lol. This was sweet and fluffy and warm, even with the attempted murder.
May 12, 2024
Is it possible to be a swamp queen that's gentle and sweet at the same time?
I read this for the vibes, and honestly I kinda wanted a female monster romance, and this one is perfect.
Oona's a swamp female monster in the lagoon and when Nick was dumped near her place, she saved him.
It's a short book and bingeable. The writing style is easy to follow along, and the world is not that fantasy-heavy. I love that part where they worked on their communication barrier and how they adjusted to one another. They both are cinnamon roll but can k*ll when in protective mode. I love that Oona found her counterpart in terms of brutality since Nick can protect her too.
Can't wait for the next one!
I read this for the vibes, and honestly I kinda wanted a female monster romance, and this one is perfect.
Oona's a swamp female monster in the lagoon and when Nick was dumped near her place, she saved him.
It's a short book and bingeable. The writing style is easy to follow along, and the world is not that fantasy-heavy. I love that part where they worked on their communication barrier and how they adjusted to one another. They both are cinnamon roll but can k*ll when in protective mode. I love that Oona found her counterpart in terms of brutality since Nick can protect her too.
Can't wait for the next one!
December 3, 2024
2✨
I understand the mafia to lagoon tie in. But so much of this little novella was just so ridiculous, and not in the fun silly kicking my feet and giggling way. In the unbelievable and slightly cringe way. Oona speaks very little English but has the inner monologue of a sassy millennial white woman? And I was kind of excited for the monster to be a female but idk something was just not sitting right with me here 😭 maybe it was too joke-y? I just— uggh idk y’all. This was not for me.
—
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📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
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I understand the mafia to lagoon tie in. But so much of this little novella was just so ridiculous, and not in the fun silly kicking my feet and giggling way. In the unbelievable and slightly cringe way. Oona speaks very little English but has the inner monologue of a sassy millennial white woman? And I was kind of excited for the monster to be a female but idk something was just not sitting right with me here 😭 maybe it was too joke-y? I just— uggh idk y’all. This was not for me.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
May 30, 2024
I've seen people rave about this book all over my IG and they we're right!
This is like a breath of fresh air having the FMC be the monster and i absolutely loved Oona!
Nick and Oona was perfect with each other, Nick admits she scares the life out of him at first but he soon see's the beauty of Oona!
Oona's inner monologue cracked me up when she was so confused on if he was a man and thinking he was a pet LOL!
This book was so good and so different!
I'm definitely going to go back and read the first one!!
This is like a breath of fresh air having the FMC be the monster and i absolutely loved Oona!
Nick and Oona was perfect with each other, Nick admits she scares the life out of him at first but he soon see's the beauty of Oona!
Oona's inner monologue cracked me up when she was so confused on if he was a man and thinking he was a pet LOL!
This book was so good and so different!
I'm definitely going to go back and read the first one!!
June 3, 2024
This book advertised an 8 ft Lizard Queen and DELIVERED!
I loved how badass Oona was in this book!
Oona doesn't need anyone or anything, she is just living her badass life in a very dangerous swamp. But then this helpless human (left for dead former mafia) Nick is dropped into her swamp and now she has to keep her "new pet" alive. The swamp will swallow him whole if he even makes one mistake.
Oona eventually makes the tough decision to help him go back to his home. *cue the tears* But too late, Nick is already in love with his Queen!
I loved how badass Oona was in this book!
Oona doesn't need anyone or anything, she is just living her badass life in a very dangerous swamp. But then this helpless human (left for dead former mafia) Nick is dropped into her swamp and now she has to keep her "new pet" alive. The swamp will swallow him whole if he even makes one mistake.
Oona eventually makes the tough decision to help him go back to his home. *cue the tears* But too late, Nick is already in love with his Queen!
March 1, 2025
A monster romance where the monster is female is fairly rare, where the size difference means she’s the bigger one, also rare. Add in some initial communication issues, mafia involvement, and environmental issues and you have yourself a story likely inspired by the classic Creature From the Black Lagoon, but also all its own story.
May 30, 2024
“She’s eight feet tall and looks like a cross between Godzilla and a Victoria’s Secret model!"
This was a cute lil story.
I loved that we had a girl monster
This was a cute lil story.
I loved that we had a girl monster
Read
August 14, 2024“She’s eight feet tall and looks like a cross between Godzilla and a Victoria’s Secret model! Give me a fucking break!”
July 9, 2025
I didn’t care much for the mafia subplot, but otherwise I enjoyed the size difference and banter in this massive swamp monster / human man romance 🐊💚🧍🏻♂️
June 6, 2024
I too would like a sexy 8 foot tall lagoon creature girlfriend
May 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 5 // Give me more female monster stories! I love that we have a human MMC in the mafia that gets saved by an 8ft tall swamp creature. Oona is amazing and can do it all but… she’s also lonely and that’s when she rescues Nick and he becomes her “pet”. SO CUTE. This story gave us language barrier, size difference, and good girl/good boy in the best way. I appreciate that Nick plays a tough guy but is really a cinnamon roll that’s having a moral dilemma with his job and just trying to survive. And Oona? I LOVE OONA. I love that she’s a feminine swamp queen but also never strays from being fierce and protective of what HERS. (Nick. Nick is hers. No touchy.) This was such a fun read, my first from DJ Russo, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!
May 22, 2024
Sink or Swim
RELEASE DATE: 28th May 2024
━━ † ━━
⭐️ overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 plot intensity: 📚📚📚
🔥 burn: 🔥🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: 🩸🩸🩸
👤 POV: 1st person — Dual POV
━━ † ━━
‘Sink or Swim’ is the second instalment of D.J. Russo’s ‘Femme Fatale’ monster romance series and was a simply divine addition! Each novel is a standalone in an interconnected series and I loved the tiny little Easter to her previous novel (wink, wink, it’s something sweet and sugary).
I adored the two main characters in this short but sweet novella: both Oona & Nick were loveable, witty, sweet and totally lovesick for each other (after getting past the fact that she’s an 8-foot lagoon monster who see’s him as her new pet, of course!) and their chemistry was so organic that it flowed so effortlessly on the page. As a reader of lots of monster romance, I enjoy the language barrier trope and this book does it so WELL! It adds to some funny moments, but more importantly it only further highlights the authors love for healthy relationships and consent (I’m a SUCKER for some proper consent, and this series has that covered). The spice was also both hot and sweet, where she’s never experienced pleasure before and he is more than willing to open her eyes to it.
Alongside the blossoming romance between the MC’s, the plot was great! It’s fast paced without being overly rushed or complex, but still kept my attention to wanting to read more about both Oona’s world in the lagoon and Nick’s place in the mafia “found family” he finds himself in. There’s also some mafia elements that keep a level of tension and suspense which was just the perfect balance to the romance.
If you love some hints of mafia romance, monster romance, witty banter, language barriers, size difference, light femdom and some interesting monster anatomy features alongside some truely sweet and spicy romance—then I would highly recommend this book! 5/5 stars!!
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
RELEASE DATE: 28th May 2024
━━ † ━━
⭐️ overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 plot intensity: 📚📚📚
🔥 burn: 🔥🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: 🩸🩸🩸
👤 POV: 1st person — Dual POV
━━ † ━━
‘Sink or Swim’ is the second instalment of D.J. Russo’s ‘Femme Fatale’ monster romance series and was a simply divine addition! Each novel is a standalone in an interconnected series and I loved the tiny little Easter to her previous novel (wink, wink, it’s something sweet and sugary).
I adored the two main characters in this short but sweet novella: both Oona & Nick were loveable, witty, sweet and totally lovesick for each other (after getting past the fact that she’s an 8-foot lagoon monster who see’s him as her new pet, of course!) and their chemistry was so organic that it flowed so effortlessly on the page. As a reader of lots of monster romance, I enjoy the language barrier trope and this book does it so WELL! It adds to some funny moments, but more importantly it only further highlights the authors love for healthy relationships and consent (I’m a SUCKER for some proper consent, and this series has that covered). The spice was also both hot and sweet, where she’s never experienced pleasure before and he is more than willing to open her eyes to it.
Alongside the blossoming romance between the MC’s, the plot was great! It’s fast paced without being overly rushed or complex, but still kept my attention to wanting to read more about both Oona’s world in the lagoon and Nick’s place in the mafia “found family” he finds himself in. There’s also some mafia elements that keep a level of tension and suspense which was just the perfect balance to the romance.
If you love some hints of mafia romance, monster romance, witty banter, language barriers, size difference, light femdom and some interesting monster anatomy features alongside some truely sweet and spicy romance—then I would highly recommend this book! 5/5 stars!!
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
May 27, 2024
" Oona tastes like cool, fresh water, rose petals, and... something else. Mine. She tastes like mine."
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️
Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 2.5🌶️
Smut frequency: 3.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💙 Human MMC x Bayou Creature FMC
👉 She's an eight-foot-tall cinnamon roll
👉 He's a tattooed mafia man with puppy vibes
😂 Human Pet to Lover
💬 Langage barrier
✨ Soulmate
----------------------—
"A Femme Fatale Monster Romance" series began strong with "No Sugar Coating It" and I couldn't wait for "Sink or Swim"!! And it did NOT disappoint people!! 😮💨💘
I mean: it's super cute and cozy at times, MMCs are the sweetest ever (I seriously love them) + the plot is plotting and gives the needed angst to the mix!!
Faith and Oona couldn't be more different but they're both clearly the dominant femme fatale their partner needs 😉🔥
If you want a fast monster read where's the woman in charge and the man is more than happy to give in to his monster, then this is the series for you! Books are in the same universe but can be read in any order, so if you want to pick up a bayou creature for mer-may here you go 👌✨
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️
Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 2.5🌶️
Smut frequency: 3.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💙 Human MMC x Bayou Creature FMC
👉 She's an eight-foot-tall cinnamon roll
👉 He's a tattooed mafia man with puppy vibes
😂 Human Pet to Lover
💬 Langage barrier
✨ Soulmate
----------------------—
"A Femme Fatale Monster Romance" series began strong with "No Sugar Coating It" and I couldn't wait for "Sink or Swim"!! And it did NOT disappoint people!! 😮💨💘
I mean: it's super cute and cozy at times, MMCs are the sweetest ever (I seriously love them) + the plot is plotting and gives the needed angst to the mix!!
Faith and Oona couldn't be more different but they're both clearly the dominant femme fatale their partner needs 😉🔥
If you want a fast monster read where's the woman in charge and the man is more than happy to give in to his monster, then this is the series for you! Books are in the same universe but can be read in any order, so if you want to pick up a bayou creature for mer-may here you go 👌✨
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
May 1, 2024
I wish this was a little longer but over all I loved it.
Oona is so great and I loved the call back to no sugar coating it at the end there.
I hope there's more in this world because I would continue to read them.
Oona is so great and I loved the call back to no sugar coating it at the end there.
I hope there's more in this world because I would continue to read them.
May 26, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: I wasn't expecting to connect quite so much with the MMC Nick but man, the late stage capitalism relatability is REAL as is the hard lines in the sand you have to draw and I LOVE IT. "Rule number one of working for the Mackenzie Bros … never ask questions. Keep your head down and do what you’re told. For the past three years and thirty-four days, I followed the rules. Didn’t ask questions, not even when my conscience was imploring me to quit and go find work elsewhere. But the money … fück me. The money’s been too good. And my landlord keeps raising my rent, and with a credit rating as bad as mine, there’s nowhere else I can go. What choice did I have but to play ball with some of the worst people in the city? But then I got curious. I peeked inside the briefcase and found Stim—the street drug that’s been a plague on Sugardove City’s residents for the past five years. My mother was addicted to it. And despite trying to get her help, she overdosed and … and she díed in my arms. The only person left in the world who cared about me. Gone. I vowed never to get involved in the shít, just like I won’t deal in heroín, cocaíne, or anything harder than maríjuåna. I might be working as a gopher in the mafia, but I have my limits. I have ethics, and I’ll stick to them until I díe. I left the briefcase on the docks and took off into the night. And when three of our guys realized what happened and tried to salvage the situation, a patrol picked them up, along with the briefcase full of Stim. Last night’s split decision to drop the briefcase and run probably just cost me my life, but I wouldn’t—couldn’t—keep working for people who did what the Mackenzie Brothers did. I might not always say my prayers or go to church on Sundays like my grandma wanted me to, but I’m not about to dámn my own soul just to keep myself from living on the street."
Now, obviously that works out REMARKABLY POORLY for Nick which is how he finds himself in our FMC's lagoon, bound to sleep with the literal as well as figurative fishes. But Oona makes the decision to rescue poor Nick despite having no love lost for humans in general, not sharing a language, and not being able to even really tell if Nick is male or female at first and in the funniest way possible: "Humans are so disgusting. I’ve always known this to be true, yet I’m taking care of one anyway, even though I should have just ignored them the second they hit the water. Crouching down to their level, I rake my claws across their back in what I hope they understand is a soothing gesture. They finish puking their guts up and look at me, their face screwed up in both fear and revulsion. Yeah. I know. I get that a lot from their kind. The feeling is mutual, though. With their clammy, scale-less skin and their beady eyes, I don’t see how they even find each other attractive long enough to mate. “Come on. Let’s get you back to the nearest human settlement,” I hiss. They’re trembling as they stand upright. Even at their full height, they only come up to my torso. Are they a child, or…? I blink, and they blink back. No. No, I believe this may be a full-grown adult. Possibly female. I scratch my head and sigh. Can never tell just from looking at them. Maybe their females are on the smaller side? He can’t be a male. The women of their species would sit on his pelvis, crack it, and then he’d díe. Or maybe that’s the point, like with certain spiders and preying mantises? Nature is truly astounding in her grand designs. The human continues to shake like a snake’s rattle, and when I take a step closer, their throat bobs up and down. Then I notice the fur on their face. There’s not much there, but I see it. Stubbly and dark along their throat and chin. Yeah, no. Still can’t tell. Mammals are impossible. I reach forward and say, “I’m not going to—” The human screams something in their language at me, then takes off at a sprint down the beach. I’m not quick enough to snatch their hand, so they get away easily, and within seconds, they disappear into the thicket of trees. Oh, fück. They are definitely going to díe unless I go after them. At this rate, this is going down as the worst week ever."
Oona is funny, smart, and wildly sarcastic which I adore. She's also, as far as she's known her whole life, the only one of her kind. So when I said she and Nick don't have a common language it's because when she hatched she was all alone and the language she speaks is one she made up, just like her name when Nick asked. So on the one hand, brilliant gal (and great writing) but on the other hand how achingly lonely of an existence she's had so far until she rescues Nick, her new "pet".
The love story is unconventional just like the first book in this series. But that's absolutely what I love about these books and this author. Finding love and connection in the oddest ways, places, and with the most unexpected of partners. I can't get enough and I highly recommend this book to anyone who's a sucker for love conquers all. 5/5 Stars
Now, obviously that works out REMARKABLY POORLY for Nick which is how he finds himself in our FMC's lagoon, bound to sleep with the literal as well as figurative fishes. But Oona makes the decision to rescue poor Nick despite having no love lost for humans in general, not sharing a language, and not being able to even really tell if Nick is male or female at first and in the funniest way possible: "Humans are so disgusting. I’ve always known this to be true, yet I’m taking care of one anyway, even though I should have just ignored them the second they hit the water. Crouching down to their level, I rake my claws across their back in what I hope they understand is a soothing gesture. They finish puking their guts up and look at me, their face screwed up in both fear and revulsion. Yeah. I know. I get that a lot from their kind. The feeling is mutual, though. With their clammy, scale-less skin and their beady eyes, I don’t see how they even find each other attractive long enough to mate. “Come on. Let’s get you back to the nearest human settlement,” I hiss. They’re trembling as they stand upright. Even at their full height, they only come up to my torso. Are they a child, or…? I blink, and they blink back. No. No, I believe this may be a full-grown adult. Possibly female. I scratch my head and sigh. Can never tell just from looking at them. Maybe their females are on the smaller side? He can’t be a male. The women of their species would sit on his pelvis, crack it, and then he’d díe. Or maybe that’s the point, like with certain spiders and preying mantises? Nature is truly astounding in her grand designs. The human continues to shake like a snake’s rattle, and when I take a step closer, their throat bobs up and down. Then I notice the fur on their face. There’s not much there, but I see it. Stubbly and dark along their throat and chin. Yeah, no. Still can’t tell. Mammals are impossible. I reach forward and say, “I’m not going to—” The human screams something in their language at me, then takes off at a sprint down the beach. I’m not quick enough to snatch their hand, so they get away easily, and within seconds, they disappear into the thicket of trees. Oh, fück. They are definitely going to díe unless I go after them. At this rate, this is going down as the worst week ever."
Oona is funny, smart, and wildly sarcastic which I adore. She's also, as far as she's known her whole life, the only one of her kind. So when I said she and Nick don't have a common language it's because when she hatched she was all alone and the language she speaks is one she made up, just like her name when Nick asked. So on the one hand, brilliant gal (and great writing) but on the other hand how achingly lonely of an existence she's had so far until she rescues Nick, her new "pet".
The love story is unconventional just like the first book in this series. But that's absolutely what I love about these books and this author. Finding love and connection in the oddest ways, places, and with the most unexpected of partners. I can't get enough and I highly recommend this book to anyone who's a sucker for love conquers all. 5/5 Stars
May 17, 2024
4.25 stars. Oona, the female amphibious, carnivorous, lagoon monster lead, has been alone all her life. She’s learned humans are to be avoided in her fifty years, and that, whilst she might like a mate, that’s extremely unlikely, given she’s never met another of her kind and humans are too great a risk to go searching the world. However, she has noticed that her water prey are all starting to taste funny and metallic (she’s sure she can blame humans for this too).
Nick, the male human lead, joined the mafia largely due to inertia. But he was never going to deal in the toxic drug that killed his mother. His refusal leads to him being dropped overboard in Oona’s lagoon with his limbs immobilised.
Oona isn’t particularly excited to rescue a human, even if he does seem an acceptable pet. But, as they get to know each other, they start to learn each other’s language and to empathise with each other, and maybe desire each other. But Oona’s space is definitely not safe for her, let alone Nick, and Nick’s city is both unsafe and entirely too dry for her. Where can a pair of mismatched lovers end up?
This novella is dual POV, well written, and a clever monster romance with a language barrier and a size difference with a much larger female. I really enjoyed the way their size difference influenced Oona and Nick’s interactions. I enjoyed Oona’s confidence and survival skills, and her determination to care for Nick, even when it made her life difficult. I chuckled at their initial awkward interactions as they learned to communicate with each other. I enjoyed Nick’s character development, specifically his change from inertia to active choices. I enjoyed their intimate interactions, especially how they ended up being mostly female led, and the creativity utilised to make it work for them.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Nick, the male human lead, joined the mafia largely due to inertia. But he was never going to deal in the toxic drug that killed his mother. His refusal leads to him being dropped overboard in Oona’s lagoon with his limbs immobilised.
Oona isn’t particularly excited to rescue a human, even if he does seem an acceptable pet. But, as they get to know each other, they start to learn each other’s language and to empathise with each other, and maybe desire each other. But Oona’s space is definitely not safe for her, let alone Nick, and Nick’s city is both unsafe and entirely too dry for her. Where can a pair of mismatched lovers end up?
This novella is dual POV, well written, and a clever monster romance with a language barrier and a size difference with a much larger female. I really enjoyed the way their size difference influenced Oona and Nick’s interactions. I enjoyed Oona’s confidence and survival skills, and her determination to care for Nick, even when it made her life difficult. I chuckled at their initial awkward interactions as they learned to communicate with each other. I enjoyed Nick’s character development, specifically his change from inertia to active choices. I enjoyed their intimate interactions, especially how they ended up being mostly female led, and the creativity utilised to make it work for them.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
June 20, 2024
Stars: 4.5
FMC: Oona
MMC(s): Nick
Tropes: Thicc FMC, Shape of Water Vibes, Only One Bed, She thinks he’s her new pet, Clueless caretaker, Tatted up Mafia MMC, Older FMC (in human years)
> Reviewer add: Monster physiology
Perspective: Dual First
Plot or character driven: Both
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? No
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes
> Personal favorite? Amazon style.
> State of the joystick? Human. Oona is the monster.
> Anything else to note?
Burn speed: Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes
Re-Readability: High, this was a short, easy read.
Monster level: 2. Fish monster Oona.
Content Notes: These are neither tropes nor warnings. Nick is in the mafia, but it’s not nearly as toxic as it normally is. Environmental concerns.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Front of book
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“My new pet is adorable, and I cannot wait to spoil him, if it is indeed a him. Still can’t tell, and I’m not about to rummage around in their pants to sex them.”
Nick gets ditched in Oona’s swamp and Oona’s new pet comes home with her. She’s not really sure what to do with him, but they figure out that they’re both adults, he’s not quite a pet (at least not in the way she originally thought) and then they have to figure out a life together.
This was freaking cute. Oona is an older FMC, that I love to see, but it’s unclear how her age is for her species as she has no one else around that’s like her. Nick is a sweetie, and he has a thing for our fish babe Oona. And we dig it.
There was a bit more of a plot to this one than the previous one in the series, but I really enjoyed both.
FMC: Oona
MMC(s): Nick
Tropes: Thicc FMC, Shape of Water Vibes, Only One Bed, She thinks he’s her new pet, Clueless caretaker, Tatted up Mafia MMC, Older FMC (in human years)
> Reviewer add: Monster physiology
Perspective: Dual First
Plot or character driven: Both
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? No
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes
> Personal favorite? Amazon style.
> State of the joystick? Human. Oona is the monster.
> Anything else to note?
Burn speed: Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes
Re-Readability: High, this was a short, easy read.
Monster level: 2. Fish monster Oona.
Content Notes: These are neither tropes nor warnings. Nick is in the mafia, but it’s not nearly as toxic as it normally is. Environmental concerns.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Front of book
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“My new pet is adorable, and I cannot wait to spoil him, if it is indeed a him. Still can’t tell, and I’m not about to rummage around in their pants to sex them.”
Nick gets ditched in Oona’s swamp and Oona’s new pet comes home with her. She’s not really sure what to do with him, but they figure out that they’re both adults, he’s not quite a pet (at least not in the way she originally thought) and then they have to figure out a life together.
This was freaking cute. Oona is an older FMC, that I love to see, but it’s unclear how her age is for her species as she has no one else around that’s like her. Nick is a sweetie, and he has a thing for our fish babe Oona. And we dig it.
There was a bit more of a plot to this one than the previous one in the series, but I really enjoyed both.
June 1, 2024
Monster girls are really my jam.
This series is so much fun. Reading monster smut with hot monster men is great, I love it. But reading monster smut with girl monsters is totally it's own kind of awesome. It's great to see girls being the big scary monsters protecting the guys in need of help.
This book has Oona who is a swamp monster living alone. And gosh did I feel for her. She is, while being a monster, very relatable in her loneliness and this was written incredibly moving. I felt for her and wanted her to find some companionship. Nick basically falling on her doorstep then makes for a very welcome surprise. Nick is absolutely helpless in the swamp though, and him basically becoming a pet just following her around is quite funny. But regardless of that, them spending time together and getting to know each other was great and seeing them get closer until it blossoms into something romantic was just so sweet. They fit really well together and them being in sync was just amazing to see.
The book kinda feels like it has two parts. The first part is when Nick is dumped in the swamp and they live there together, and the second part is when they realize Nick can't properly live in the swamp and take action on that. I loved the sweet romance of the first half and I greatly enjoyed the action in the second half. Together it makes for a varied story that has a little bit of everything in the right amounts.
The smut itself was also really great. Definitely hot and just sexy as fuck. Russo can write these scenes so good and keeps delivering with every book she writes. They're the kinda scenes that I go back to when I'm alone and having some "fun" if you get my vibe.
Concluding I would recommend this book to anyone wanting great smut with a sweet story where the girl is the monster.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
This series is so much fun. Reading monster smut with hot monster men is great, I love it. But reading monster smut with girl monsters is totally it's own kind of awesome. It's great to see girls being the big scary monsters protecting the guys in need of help.
This book has Oona who is a swamp monster living alone. And gosh did I feel for her. She is, while being a monster, very relatable in her loneliness and this was written incredibly moving. I felt for her and wanted her to find some companionship. Nick basically falling on her doorstep then makes for a very welcome surprise. Nick is absolutely helpless in the swamp though, and him basically becoming a pet just following her around is quite funny. But regardless of that, them spending time together and getting to know each other was great and seeing them get closer until it blossoms into something romantic was just so sweet. They fit really well together and them being in sync was just amazing to see.
The book kinda feels like it has two parts. The first part is when Nick is dumped in the swamp and they live there together, and the second part is when they realize Nick can't properly live in the swamp and take action on that. I loved the sweet romance of the first half and I greatly enjoyed the action in the second half. Together it makes for a varied story that has a little bit of everything in the right amounts.
The smut itself was also really great. Definitely hot and just sexy as fuck. Russo can write these scenes so good and keeps delivering with every book she writes. They're the kinda scenes that I go back to when I'm alone and having some "fun" if you get my vibe.
Concluding I would recommend this book to anyone wanting great smut with a sweet story where the girl is the monster.
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
July 27, 2024
DNF around 37% in. Just a huge amount of inconsistencies:
-The two main characters keep insisting that they can only communicate a few words or have just barely started on longer sentences. But then in the next few paragraphs, will be communicating in complex sentences and are understanding each other just fine. And then it's back to "we just can't understand each other"....in the midst of a conversation where they are actively communicating in complex sentences.
-Oona has been in a lagoon alone almost her whole life. She has no real contact with other people or humans. She created her own language. She stays hidden from the world. She's never had an orgasm or sex before. And yet before she can communicate with Nick, she's internally thinking about how the humans only eat processed and non-nutritious food (how exactly does she know what either of those concepts are?), or that she is "orgasm-starved." She literally doesn't know what an orgasm is!? How can she know that's what she is missing!
-Nick worked for the mafia and knew full well his bosses killed people. He says so multiple times. But then his story will change and he will think how he had no idea his bosses were dealing drugs, or that he only watched them kill people not actually participating in it (while other times thinking how he wasn't sure they did kill people, other times he thinks how he helped them kill people in some way). And it isn't a case of Nick supposedly being an unreliable narrator.
-Nick decides to bring Oona back to the city, and that things are going to work out fine and scientists will be excited to meet her (but not lock her up or kill her). Yet his first reaction to her was screaming, running away, trying to fight her, and thinking how hideous and terrifying she looks. Sure, introducing her to a whole city is going to go well....
-The two main characters keep insisting that they can only communicate a few words or have just barely started on longer sentences. But then in the next few paragraphs, will be communicating in complex sentences and are understanding each other just fine. And then it's back to "we just can't understand each other"....in the midst of a conversation where they are actively communicating in complex sentences.
-Oona has been in a lagoon alone almost her whole life. She has no real contact with other people or humans. She created her own language. She stays hidden from the world. She's never had an orgasm or sex before. And yet before she can communicate with Nick, she's internally thinking about how the humans only eat processed and non-nutritious food (how exactly does she know what either of those concepts are?), or that she is "orgasm-starved." She literally doesn't know what an orgasm is!? How can she know that's what she is missing!
-Nick worked for the mafia and knew full well his bosses killed people. He says so multiple times. But then his story will change and he will think how he had no idea his bosses were dealing drugs, or that he only watched them kill people not actually participating in it (while other times thinking how he wasn't sure they did kill people, other times he thinks how he helped them kill people in some way). And it isn't a case of Nick supposedly being an unreliable narrator.
-Nick decides to bring Oona back to the city, and that things are going to work out fine and scientists will be excited to meet her (but not lock her up or kill her). Yet his first reaction to her was screaming, running away, trying to fight her, and thinking how hideous and terrifying she looks. Sure, introducing her to a whole city is going to go well....
May 27, 2024
Oona and Nick are so beautiful together; they are made for each other. I fell in love with them both and couldn't stop reading this novella. I was left wanting more of these characters; they will have a special place in my heart. The banter in the story had me laughing out loud. It's simply a story that never gets boring because it's full of action, funny moments, spice, and 8-foot tall lagoon goodness with a huge sense of humor. Everything flowed perfectly, and the chemistry between them was perfect. They complemented each other as the story progressed, especially the language barrier trope, which developed organically between the characters. The plot was excellent, integrated perfectly, and moved quickly, flowing seamlessly. The integration of the mafia with the swamp monster was a perfect combination, especially well executed.
Nick is super cute, especially in how he falls in love with Oona and wants to protect her at all costs, even though she is a fearless 8-foot lagoon monster and he is a human. That love melted my heart; he is a total cinnamon roll. I'm so happy that Oona found her other half after being alone for so long. They make a beautiful couple. The side characters added an extra touch to the story; I loved them, especially because they made me laugh and complemented the main characters, making them all a happy family.
Nick is super cute, especially in how he falls in love with Oona and wants to protect her at all costs, even though she is a fearless 8-foot lagoon monster and he is a human. That love melted my heart; he is a total cinnamon roll. I'm so happy that Oona found her other half after being alone for so long. They make a beautiful couple. The side characters added an extra touch to the story; I loved them, especially because they made me laugh and complemented the main characters, making them all a happy family.
June 11, 2024
Sink or Swim by DJ Russo
Book 2 in the Femme Fatale Monsters Series
2 🌶
This book was so cute! Love a female monster, and Oona is pretty unique, you don't see a lot of aquatic monsters in general. I loved her mood ring eyes. While this was shott and sweet Nick and Oonas relationship developed over months and they work together to try and communicate and thrive. Nick is probably the most wholesome mafia guy ever, and he's so sweet and caring to Oona as they bond. This definitely wasn't insta-love, though. Nick was afraid of Oona at first, recognizing she could kill him easily with how big and strong she is.
Oona is an 8ft tall lady monster with mood ring eyes, a full body of scales, and a tail. She's also the only one of her kind.
Nick is a mafia henchman with morals. After refusing to deal in drugs, he's taken out to the lagoon to sleep with the fishes 🐟 but Oona finds and saves him, taking him home as her new pet.
They spend the next few months learning to hunt and love together. Oona treats Nick as her pet at first, but soon, their companionship blossoms into more as they claim one another as their mates.
But Oona knows they can't live like this forever and tries to take Nick home. They soon realize home is where the other is.
Book 2 in the Femme Fatale Monsters Series
2 🌶
This book was so cute! Love a female monster, and Oona is pretty unique, you don't see a lot of aquatic monsters in general. I loved her mood ring eyes. While this was shott and sweet Nick and Oonas relationship developed over months and they work together to try and communicate and thrive. Nick is probably the most wholesome mafia guy ever, and he's so sweet and caring to Oona as they bond. This definitely wasn't insta-love, though. Nick was afraid of Oona at first, recognizing she could kill him easily with how big and strong she is.
Oona is an 8ft tall lady monster with mood ring eyes, a full body of scales, and a tail. She's also the only one of her kind.
Nick is a mafia henchman with morals. After refusing to deal in drugs, he's taken out to the lagoon to sleep with the fishes 🐟 but Oona finds and saves him, taking him home as her new pet.
They spend the next few months learning to hunt and love together. Oona treats Nick as her pet at first, but soon, their companionship blossoms into more as they claim one another as their mates.
But Oona knows they can't live like this forever and tries to take Nick home. They soon realize home is where the other is.
May 14, 2024
This was such a fun, fast-paced read! I adore Oona and Nick, they were so cute together! Loved their journey from tolerable companionship to total lovebirds. Oona is so unique to any monster I’ve ever read, I really enjoyed learning about her!
The language barrier was great, their chemistry was adorable, and I loved how sweet and gentle they both were with each other. Healthy compromise was really well-written. I enjoyed how they blended their lives, neither fully giving up their way of life or preferences while building a better future together.
I loved the balance of high stakes moments and cozy vibes. Even with the darker mafia setting, dangerous swamp survival, and a rescue mission in the mix this was such a cute story with plenty of sweet, wholesome moments that totally melted my heart.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The language barrier was great, their chemistry was adorable, and I loved how sweet and gentle they both were with each other. Healthy compromise was really well-written. I enjoyed how they blended their lives, neither fully giving up their way of life or preferences while building a better future together.
I loved the balance of high stakes moments and cozy vibes. Even with the darker mafia setting, dangerous swamp survival, and a rescue mission in the mix this was such a cute story with plenty of sweet, wholesome moments that totally melted my heart.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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