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The Rusalka and Mr. Right
Marina
I’m Marina, your friendly neighborhood Rusalka. Oh, don’t worry, I’m not sealing men’s souls and luring them to a watery grave. I just need to borrow some sexual energy to stay alive, and with a college campus full of horny frat boys handy, I’m always full.
Of course, not everyone is happy that I’ve chosen a peaceful, harmless existence in Pine Ridge—especially Koshchei. You could call him my demon overlord, but “petty vengeful jerk” works, too. When the Big K discovers my disobedience, he’s determined to make me pay. I need to exploit an ancient loophole—and fast. I’m going to need a husband.
When I meet Kev, I think I’ve met an easy mark. He’s strong and protective, kind and caring, and always makes me laugh. Best of all, he doesn’t even realize the woman he’s dating is a monster. Love is blind—and that’s a problem. The one man I need to use is the one I can’t bear to hurt.
Kev
I’ll admit it. I have a thing for damsels in distress. I’m a lover, not a fighter, a healer, not a hurter. When I move to Pine Ridge and meet Marina, I just can’t figure her out. She draws me in like no one else but keeps trying to push me away. Our physical chemistry is off the charts, but she seems genuinely freaked when I want to turn a fling into forever.
When I find out she’s in danger from a mysterious dude named Big K, I don’t even have to think about what I’ll do. I’m going to show this joker that you don’t mess with my girl—even if Marina warns me I may end up dead trying to help her.
So, all I have to do is deal with Marina’s crazy ex, keep my new job, and convince the woman I love that she should marry me. What could go wrong?
Monstrous grooms and beastly brides? Don't be afraid of falling in love… it's super-natural! Explore the entire Monster Brides series, one tantalizing happily-ever- after at a time!
The Rusalka and Mr. Right is a steamy monster romance stand alone set in the Pine Ridge Universe!
I’m Marina, your friendly neighborhood Rusalka. Oh, don’t worry, I’m not sealing men’s souls and luring them to a watery grave. I just need to borrow some sexual energy to stay alive, and with a college campus full of horny frat boys handy, I’m always full.
Of course, not everyone is happy that I’ve chosen a peaceful, harmless existence in Pine Ridge—especially Koshchei. You could call him my demon overlord, but “petty vengeful jerk” works, too. When the Big K discovers my disobedience, he’s determined to make me pay. I need to exploit an ancient loophole—and fast. I’m going to need a husband.
When I meet Kev, I think I’ve met an easy mark. He’s strong and protective, kind and caring, and always makes me laugh. Best of all, he doesn’t even realize the woman he’s dating is a monster. Love is blind—and that’s a problem. The one man I need to use is the one I can’t bear to hurt.
Kev
I’ll admit it. I have a thing for damsels in distress. I’m a lover, not a fighter, a healer, not a hurter. When I move to Pine Ridge and meet Marina, I just can’t figure her out. She draws me in like no one else but keeps trying to push me away. Our physical chemistry is off the charts, but she seems genuinely freaked when I want to turn a fling into forever.
When I find out she’s in danger from a mysterious dude named Big K, I don’t even have to think about what I’ll do. I’m going to show this joker that you don’t mess with my girl—even if Marina warns me I may end up dead trying to help her.
So, all I have to do is deal with Marina’s crazy ex, keep my new job, and convince the woman I love that she should marry me. What could go wrong?
Monstrous grooms and beastly brides? Don't be afraid of falling in love… it's super-natural! Explore the entire Monster Brides series, one tantalizing happily-ever- after at a time!
The Rusalka and Mr. Right is a steamy monster romance stand alone set in the Pine Ridge Universe!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Principale
93 books133 followersAuthor of romance with bite.
Especially fond of monster and paranormal romance, but she'll write some all-human romances, too!
Especially fond of monster and paranormal romance, but she'll write some all-human romances, too!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 2, 2025
I loved Kev and Marina, they’re so cute together. The lore on the rusalkas is very well thought out, and is given in a way that doesn’t feel info-dumpy, but given at strategic moments when it’s necessary to know for the advancement of the story. The characters were fleshed out, they felt realistic, monster anatomy notwithstanding. That was also very well thought-out. The descriptions were very detailed, and the smut was next level. It starts pretty soon, with Marina being a demon who feeds off of sexual energy and all, but the chemistry between Kev and Marina was off the charts. The relationship is very fast, but I felt it progressed in a logical way, and we could see the love between them blooming and growing. They chose each other, and became soulmates because they decided they were soulmates. Sure, it started as a way to survive, but it wasn’t all there was to their relationship. Marina was very sex positive, and I liked her. The Big Bad looms in the horizon for most of the book, and the author does a good job at building the tension. The battle scene at the end was good. The secondary characters also felt like real people, even if they’re there for only a couple scenes, and even if you haven’t read any other book in the series you know just enough not to get confused by all these people showing up. The world felt lived-in, populated by real people. It was entertaining, and it made me laugh and cry at times. It was good.
October 17, 2024
Monstrous babes done right! I love these stories so much. They are wrapped in culture on top of being hot hot hot. Marina was a totally bada$$ and I love her. Kev is also amazing and they make the perfect pair. I’m a sucker for monster men but this monstrous babe captured my heart!
October 22, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: I love the Pine Ridge Universe so freaking much it's ridiculous. I love seeing cameos from prior book main characters (shout out to my fluffy heartthrob Mothman Lennox) and getting world building details. Every book feels like it fills in more of the world, like when you dispell "fog" in video games after discovering new areas on your world map. I was especially excited about this book because there are SO FEW monster romances about Rusalka and I was stoked to see how the author blends source mythology that's pretty grim with her trademark HEA style of storytelling that I love so much. Gotta love a demon energy pyramid scheme and never being able to go home right? Marina is such a perfect combination of jaded pessimist but with this core of hope that is ignited when she meets Kev.
Kev, despite being (sigh) a human man, doesn't disappoint when it comes to being a total sweetheart. And I love that a big part of why he's such a sweetie is the example he gets from his parents which is exemplified in this scene where Kev is telling his parents he's going to attend NYU at Pine Ridge: “It’s not Florida, Mom, and it sure as heck isn’t North Carolina! I’m just a little bit farther away.” I give her my best “soothing an angry patient” tone. “Baby, pull up pictures of Pine Ridge.” My mother pulls her glasses from the neckline of her flowered shirt and perches them on her nose. My father squints over the top of his bifocals, lips moving as he types. They’re only around sixty, my parents, and they still call each other “baby.” They still act like they’re raising three rambunctious little boys at home. My dad still sniffs the back of my mom’s neck every time he passes by her while she cooks in the kitchen and says, “Mm-hmm, that smells good enough to eat—and the dinner’s not bad either!” I’m ready for that. I’ve been ready for so long. *You* try dating while your mother watches." Kev has been Mr. Responsible for years and year by the time he meets up with Marina and I swear I fell out laughing at this line from Kev's inner monologue post first fun times with Marina: "Slow down, Ace. You have compromised blood flow to your common sense." This book is ridiculously good and is a perfectly steamy meets cozy story that's joined my Comfort Reads shelf for sure. 5/5 Stars
Kev, despite being (sigh) a human man, doesn't disappoint when it comes to being a total sweetheart. And I love that a big part of why he's such a sweetie is the example he gets from his parents which is exemplified in this scene where Kev is telling his parents he's going to attend NYU at Pine Ridge: “It’s not Florida, Mom, and it sure as heck isn’t North Carolina! I’m just a little bit farther away.” I give her my best “soothing an angry patient” tone. “Baby, pull up pictures of Pine Ridge.” My mother pulls her glasses from the neckline of her flowered shirt and perches them on her nose. My father squints over the top of his bifocals, lips moving as he types. They’re only around sixty, my parents, and they still call each other “baby.” They still act like they’re raising three rambunctious little boys at home. My dad still sniffs the back of my mom’s neck every time he passes by her while she cooks in the kitchen and says, “Mm-hmm, that smells good enough to eat—and the dinner’s not bad either!” I’m ready for that. I’ve been ready for so long. *You* try dating while your mother watches." Kev has been Mr. Responsible for years and year by the time he meets up with Marina and I swear I fell out laughing at this line from Kev's inner monologue post first fun times with Marina: "Slow down, Ace. You have compromised blood flow to your common sense." This book is ridiculously good and is a perfectly steamy meets cozy story that's joined my Comfort Reads shelf for sure. 5/5 Stars
October 20, 2024
I don’t think I can say enough about this book. Most on a personal level. I really connected to this story. Which was so well written, I felt completely emerged. Don’t even get me started on the spice that starts at 10% in! My panties melted right the flock off! Her lady bits and her tongue make me wish I was a dangum monster 🥵 take my soul baby that trade is worth it!
Both of these characters were strong, witty, and full of heart.
“Swim to me,” I whisper, digging my hands into her back, keeping her close. Marina’s cry is a mix between a moan of pleasure and a sob. “I have. I’m caught in your net, and I never want to be released.” “Not a net, princess. Lifeline. We’ll keep each other safe.”
Both of these characters were strong, witty, and full of heart.
“Swim to me,” I whisper, digging my hands into her back, keeping her close. Marina’s cry is a mix between a moan of pleasure and a sob. “I have. I’m caught in your net, and I never want to be released.” “Not a net, princess. Lifeline. We’ll keep each other safe.”
October 28, 2024
🔸️This story is a mixture of juicy spice and cuteness overload.
🔸️The MCs have superb chemistry and are beautifully atunned to each other. I enjoyed how the sensual energy was flowing between them.
🔸️Kevin - loved his determination to be with Marina. He is an mix of golden retriver with cinnamon roll and a satisfier on top on that. A perfect boyfriend for equisite Marina. He offers her a total acceptance and ultimate support. His inner dialogues and comments were the sweetest ones.❤️
🔸️Very well written and super comforting to read. I enjoyed every single fluffy page. 😬😬😬
🔸️The MCs have superb chemistry and are beautifully atunned to each other. I enjoyed how the sensual energy was flowing between them.
🔸️Kevin - loved his determination to be with Marina. He is an mix of golden retriver with cinnamon roll and a satisfier on top on that. A perfect boyfriend for equisite Marina. He offers her a total acceptance and ultimate support. His inner dialogues and comments were the sweetest ones.❤️
🔸️Very well written and super comforting to read. I enjoyed every single fluffy page. 😬😬😬
October 29, 2024
This is one of my favorites in this series/world. I loved the introduction of Marina as the Rusalka and how this is not a monster/creature you see explored often if ever. She has a complicated history and lineage that makes her seem a bit nefarious in the way she needs desire to literally survive, plus some really messed up family dynamics....bad evil daddy demon!
Marina is trying to live out the rest of her life balancing taking what she needs from humans while also not doing too much harm. She meets sweetie, sincere, good guy Kev and knows there is something different about him and how he effects her.
Kev immediately is drawn to Marina not knowing about her true origins and nature. He just doesn't care. He sees her for who she is and is so dedicated and loyal he wants her in his life no matter the obstacles...see bad evil daddy demon!
The characters were great and I loved the town of monsters also really rallying around Marina. The subplot was so exciting and the ending climax/fight was kinda epic and bigger than I expected!
Shout out to Kev's family and especially mom who open arms accepts Marina giving her a family she never had! It was all I didn't know I needed.
I love visiting this world in Pine Ridge and can't wait for more stories!
Marina is trying to live out the rest of her life balancing taking what she needs from humans while also not doing too much harm. She meets sweetie, sincere, good guy Kev and knows there is something different about him and how he effects her.
Kev immediately is drawn to Marina not knowing about her true origins and nature. He just doesn't care. He sees her for who she is and is so dedicated and loyal he wants her in his life no matter the obstacles...see bad evil daddy demon!
The characters were great and I loved the town of monsters also really rallying around Marina. The subplot was so exciting and the ending climax/fight was kinda epic and bigger than I expected!
Shout out to Kev's family and especially mom who open arms accepts Marina giving her a family she never had! It was all I didn't know I needed.
I love visiting this world in Pine Ridge and can't wait for more stories!
June 2, 2025
Steamy Mythos
Super cute and loving and very steamy! I love that Marina's story finally came to light and how she got everything she deserved. Beautiful story! I was quite surprised by the action in this book though, a slight different edge to the Pine Ridge community. I enjoyed it.
Super cute and loving and very steamy! I love that Marina's story finally came to light and how she got everything she deserved. Beautiful story! I was quite surprised by the action in this book though, a slight different edge to the Pine Ridge community. I enjoyed it.
October 31, 2024
Spicy, male female, dual point of view, monster/pnr, contemporary romance. Books that feature monster + human communities are my favorite. This couple was so endearing and the premise was a lot of fun. I hope there will be a lot more stories from Pine Ridge!
January 28, 2025
So freaking good
The love and action is out of this world. S.C.Principale did it again,i couldn't put it down. Pine Ridge town is so much and so full of family and love. If you haven't read anything yet by her you should
The love and action is out of this world. S.C.Principale did it again,i couldn't put it down. Pine Ridge town is so much and so full of family and love. If you haven't read anything yet by her you should
October 19, 2024
This was such a fun read, the characters and plot were good. I usually read books with monstrous MMc but reading one with a monstrous FMC was a refreshing change.
August 18, 2025
new fave
So far this has actually been my favorite. I just adore Marina and Kevin 😩 even more intense plot and just the most adorable characters.
So far this has actually been my favorite. I just adore Marina and Kevin 😩 even more intense plot and just the most adorable characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews