Blood Lust

by Ab. Cynthe

The blistering sun brought waves of tourists to the peaceful town of Golden Coast, its sandy beaches beckoning with promises of a perfect summer. Beneath its idyllic allure and carefree crowds lurked two twisted killers, their murderous desires simmering just beneath the surface. While one left her signature kiss of death on her victims, the other stalked silently in the shadows by the sea. As fate would have it, their paths would soon collide, igniting a fiery and deadly dance that would consume the innocent town in a lustful haze of bloodshed and terror.

The summer of '76 would forever be remembered as a season stained with crimson and fear.




This is a dark romance/horror retelling of Jaws with serial killers. Please check triggers prior to reading.

Genres: Dark Romance, Novella, Dark, Romance, Retellings, Horror, Monster Romance

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2024

About the author

Ab. Cynthe is an International Best Selling author who decided to create this specific pen name to showcase her darker, spicier, more horrific works. She is known for her retellings and monsters and has close to a dozen published works in total, with many more set to release within the next year.

If you're in search of a short read packed with triggering chaos, look no further.

Reviews

[Анастасія ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Очікувала гіршого по анотації, але мені сподобалося. Я чогось подумала, що будуть стосунки дівчина/акула(так як все що завгодно люди пишуть, тому це очевидно) а виявляється він перевертень, ну гаразд. Ще в застереженнях наче була некрофілія? Або якісь дії з трупом. Або я щось вже вигадала. Єдиний момент з трупом був коли Делайла дала собаці з'їсти член того, кого вбила. Впродовж всієї книжки(вона маленька, але все ж) я чекала на смерть Дейла, ось кого реально хотілось вбити, він і чіплявся до Делайли, і він її декілька разів бив, а ще є батько(скоріше донор сперми) який в дитинстві її з матір'ю бив, а після того як дізнався що вона одна з вбивць, то дуже здивувався, ну так, у неї все було добре, ідеальне життя(хоча є і вбивці серед таких) і не було ж жодних підстав на те, щоб вона вбивала, а ще оці постійні його слова про те, що жінка слабка, чоловіки сильні, і т.п. 🙄 А ще цікава логіка була у однієї особи, яка звинувачувала жгг у тому, що вона вбила її хлопця. Її хлопця вбила акула, коли він був в воді, але перед цим він пішов разом з Делайлою, бо запросив її туди, і в результаті вона повернулась на берег, він залишився у воді і його загризла акула. Він. Сам. Запросив. Він же бляха знав, що у нього є дівчина чи дружина(не пам'ятаю), які претензії до Делайли? Там була здається слова, ніби вона його якось заманила. Питання, він що козел, що за видом капусти пішов? Іноді після таких фраз в мене відчуття, що я читаю не про людину, яка повинна вміти контролювати себе, а про якихось тварин, наприклад акулу, яка пливе на запах крові. Кінець трішки підкачав, гаразд Дейл невмирущий з першого разу, його добили в наступний, окей. Але з подругою Делайли якось недоладно зробили. Тобто, Дейл забрався в їхніх будинок, схопив цю подругу, прийшла Делайла, він став погрожувати цій подрузі, він каже що вона вбивця, подруга в шоці, І БАЦ, її вбивають. ЩО. ЗА. ХУЙНЯ??? Ось на цьому моменті я дуже розчарувалась.

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Ab. Cynthe, now I can add Shark Daddy to my list of 'monsters I wish were real'. This was such a fun and quick read and I devoured it in like an hour and a half. I would consider it a summer beach read for dark romance readers. Seriously people, check the trigger warnings because the list is long.
Ok so to start with, all my flabbers were gasted by the prologue. Delilah completely surprised me and made me so much more eager to keep reading. By the time Reef showed up, I knew they were going to be an amazing dark couple and I am so happy that I was right.
Also, the humor within the story was so refreshing and there were many times that I was applauding for Delilah and her quick wit. I even annotated (which I never do) my favorite line because it made me laugh so hard "I met someone. And he's quite the catch." Peak humor right there.
The whole ending was a ride. I knew there was a reason I didn't like the Chief but I didn't predict that whole scenario. And I love when I don't see things like that coming. And the beach chase at the end! Such a perfect way to go.
My ONLY complaint with this book is that I really really wish things had worked out differently with Cherri because I already had a whole headcanon worked out where she and Bruce got a sequel. Well done Ab. Cynthe, I loved this retelling and eagerly await whatever you have up your sleeve next.

[ya.vl · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️
Шось мені взагалі не сподобалось, це точно не моя книга і не мій жанр
Не знаю до чого тут акули, вбивства і т.д
Ну і дуже багато 🔞
В кінці якась незрозуміла драма, це вже був перебір🤯
Точно не рекомендую

[Mikaycakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this book 🤣🤣

This is an erotic horror so be sure to check the TW!!

If you want a summer vibes mixed with shark shifters & a little sprinkle of murder… check this one out! It was a quick and fun read!

[Jess Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never knew I needed a shark daddy book until I read this book 🦈🥵

This is a dark romance/horror retelling of Jaws with some fantasy elements and serial killers. Super quick read and such a wild ride.

I’ve read many shifter books but this was a first for shark shifters. I did wish it explained more on how or why it occurs but regardless it was still a great story and very spicy! 🌶️

Since this is erotic horror please check trigger warnings before reading.

[ThatBookishWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much!!! Especially Shark Daddy Reef!! I just love the instant connection and heat between the two of them! They are perfect for one another and make a great team. 😉

Perfect amount of smut, gruesome horror. With it being short, it flowed so perfectly. Didn’t feel rushed at all.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot? Who cares. I got the smut I showed up for

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Irena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ну мега круті 🤌
Балдьожна новела, мені сподобалось

[Clairsreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Y’all know I am a champion for indie authors. I will give anyone and everyone a shot. I read books from NYT bestsellers all the way down to authors who have 3 Goodreads reviews.
When I heard that this was a serial unalivers/ Jaws retelling I was so excited to start reading! 🩸

In this loose fantasy ish Jaws retelling, Delilah has returned to her hometown and starts creating havoc. In her blood fueled decisions she meets an elusive stranger, Reef. After they have a passionate night together he disappears and she winds up with a shark bite that she doesn’t really remember how she got. 🦈

Reef doesn’t have very many POV’s in this book and I honestly wish that he would’ve had more because I feel like it would’ve given more insight to the story. The chemistry felt a little rushed and the book as a whole was not the best written. There were several nods/ easter eggs to the original Jaws movie which I really enjoyed as well as the whole concept of the book. I was so intrigued by the story but just felt like it was lacking. The first 25% and the last 25% were hard to read. The middle 50% was actually pretty enjoyable and I felt myself hoping for me that just didn’t end up coming.

Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. I will never yuck someones yum but I will also always been 100% honest and transparent with my reviews and what I read. This was an excellent concept but the execution was just not there.

[Ashley Book.markedbyash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

🦈Jaws Retelling
🛼FMC & MMC Serial Unalivers
🦈1970s Aesthetic
🛼Bl00d Play
🦈Summer Romance
🛼Slasher Vibes
🦈Check TWs
🛼Spice

This was an ARC.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It definitely is true that it gives off 1970s vibes. I also loved that the FMC was a serial unaliver. Delilah was everything you would want in FMC. She is strong knows her worth and is not afraid to speak up. I also loved that she played both fields. The relationship between Delilah and her roommate was my favorite. I love when you get two besties together and just watch it explode on page.
The feminine rage in Delilah was chef’s kiss. I love how she just snaps like a switch turns on.
The spice scenes in this book sooo spicy! Devoured!
The MMC Reef, loved him. Strong touch her and Di3 vibes. The mouth on that man!!! Steamy!
I normally do-not rate short books high, but this one definitely needed to be.

The FMC IMO acted out of character in one scene that was unexpected to me.

The ending was a twist and high adrenaline.

Slasher romance of the summer IMO!

[Melinda | mello_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im grateful to this book for leading to some incredibly fun conversations with a few friends, but it was a miss for me. I think if it weren’t a novella, I’d have DNFd. Mostly, I found this to be really campy and I had a hard time taking it seriously at times. Every character felt like a caricature, even some of their dialogue feeling exaggerated and stereotypical (I.e., “why don’t you leave the men’s work to the men, sweetheart” or “you listen here, young lady”

I found Delilah unlikable and Reef to be a bit boring, and I desperately needed some world building around the whole shark phenomenon. Like WHY he’s a shark. Does he live in the ocean and must visit humans when he wants? Or like does he have an apartment somewhere (lol). Are there more of them, or just him and his random buddy Bruce?

I get why people like this, it is a quick and wild read, and definitely had some fun and sexy moments, but overall it just was not for me.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was wild, from the beginning it was just crazy and I was hooked! I didn’t think I had a thing for shark shifters but here I am 😂.

This was spicy af and I just ate it all up. For a novella this definitely packed a punch. I loved Delilah, from the epilogue alone I knew she was going to be great!

Shark Daddy Reef was just 🔥🔥. This book definitely felt like Jaws/Bonnie and Clyde and I’m here for it!

For such a short book it didn’t disappoint at all! It was fast paced, spicy and gruesome. This author definitely knows how to write short, spicy and gruesome well!

As always do check the triggers before you read this!

[kevork_1989 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The dumbest book I’ve ever read. I have no issues with something being campy or trashy. This was just stupid. The FMC was a moron. The MMC had no personality. Really don’t understand how this has so many 4 & 5 star reviews. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolutely wild ride. I at no point knew what was going to happen, but was also not surprised at what was happening. It was truly mind blowing.

This is a jaws retelling, and it did stick to the basics of the original Jaws story, there is no question where the inspiration came from, but, there is a great twist to the story, and it is different enough to stand on its own.

The characters are interesting. Our FMC is basically a little psychotic, at times a little annoying, but I didn't hate her. Our MMC is still a complete mystery to me. I feel like we got barely any story on him, and absolutely no backstory. I have about 500 questions that never got answered, and I need answers.

This book is definitely an erotic horror. There is gratuitous death, a lot of blood and blood play, and a lot of smut. The smut is definitely not vanilla, but also not the most extreme I've read.

The ending was absolutely wild. I did not see it coming and I am baffled, but again, not shocked.

If you want a quick easy read that's going to entertain you, take you for a ride, and give you great smut? This is gonna be your jam. I will be thinking about this book for weeks.

[Manda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was way too excited about the Shark Daddy situation and I think I set myself up for disappointment. I really liked the idea of this book, as it is a very unique concept, and I am always on board with the possibility of a new species of book boyfriend. Sadly, I found the FMC very unlikeable and being such a quick read, it didn't allow for much character development. 🩶❤️🖤

[Veronica Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m kind of obsessed with this story, but I wanted more! Everything felt too rushed towards the end and I have a lot of questions! Overall, great read if you’re looking for something unique.

[Sinfulbat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was amazing. I love her work.

[Samara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not going to lie, the first bit had me thinking this was at minimum a four star read. Buuuttt...that didn't last long. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the writing. It just lacked in so many areas. I loved the idea, but I just felt it could have been executed better. I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters at all. While it is duel POV, there isn't a lot from Reef. A lot of events just popped out of nowhere, and didn't make any sense. I'd also love to know how Reef become Reef? Who did it? Ursula is that you lurking? I have questions. Then there's Bruce. That's the only thing I have to say about that. Some of the things the FMC does is just out there. What's the reasoning? Then the things that don't happen..why? I think I'm left with more questions that won't get answered. I understand it's a novella, but there is a lot and nothing going on at the sametime. I wouldn't even kind of consider this horror. Dark romance? Sure. The ending was rushed, but honestly the entire book felt rushed.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

arc review…

the premise of this book originally seemed so fun, exciting and vibey as hell. sharks, taking place in the 70s, “jaws” retelling, “erotic horror,” YUH.

as i started the book, i was already prepared to give it 4 stars, maybe 5 if i’m being nice, but then everything happened, and i’m mad, so i’m giving it 2 stars.

nothing really made sense. it was a hot mess.

👇🏽‼️ *SPOILERS* ‼️👇🏽

first of all, why didn’t this b*tch kill dale the first opportunity she had on his boat?? the reasoning she gave makes no sense!! something about him being a shark hunter?? yeah, no shit!! shouldn’t that be more of a reason?!? am i dumb?? did i read it wrong??

and then also, you’re telling me that this killer f***ing SHARK (which is the boyfriend, so there should be nothing but murderous intent) was unable to kill dale a SECOND TIME when he fell into the water?? literally, wtf.

the reason why i’m so mad about this mf is because he then kills delilah’s best friend in the end right in front of her! and then she’s sad for like 2 seconds, jumps into the water, and just lives happily ever after with her shark boyfriend without ever mentioning again how her best friend, the only person ALIVE that literally knew/cared about her, was literally killed in front of her eyes, BECAUSE OF HER. excuse me?! iight, you got it miss. all she needed was a shark boyfriend and nothing else matters. i mean… i guess i can understand 🤣

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Strong, scary beautiful, and ferocious. There’s something dangerous about you, Delilah. You have this predatory aurora to you, something that makes my skin tingle in fear yet draws me in as my curiosity begs to know more.”

“I knew the moment I bit you, claimed you as mine, that there was something special about you, Delilah. And all I want to do right now is feel your body on mine, listen as you cry out, bite you until you bleed into my mouth and feed my desires. I crave you.”

Another book that I am so glad to finally check off of my TBR. This did 𝘯𝘰𝘵 disappoint! I went into it knowing absolutely nothing (except obviously something to do with sharks) and omg I’m changed. I’m into shifters now. I’m 100% here for it!
Reef is the most ძᥱᥣіᥴі᥆ᥙs shark daddy. Did I ever think I’d find a shark hot, heck no. Am into sharks now? Because with the biting and claiming- sign me up! It’s basically vampires… right??
And Delilah? I think I just might love her too. Sèrïal unalïvēr and bada$s FMC that knows exactly what she wants? Yes please! I’m so ready for more from A.B. Cynthe!

Er0tïc h0rror
Shark shifter
PNR
Unalivers

[🦇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮… 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬.”
Blood Lust by Ab. Cynthe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️

If you want to enjoy horror— Ab Cynthe is the author for you. I wasn’t huge on the idea of it until I picked up one of their books and now this is my second one by Ab Cynthe and I DEVOURED it within a few hours. I grew up on an island myself so I was LIVING for the bad boy on the beach. I loved how creative this story was, how action packed it was, and just how messed up delicious it was! Like instead of the show H2O playing pretend as mermaids can we play with the sharks? 😈

[Krystle Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this novella!

I read the extensive TW list and said bring it on and it was brung! AB Cynthe wrote an intense Jaws retelling and it was amazing.

I loved Delilah’s feisty nature. She cracked me up so much in this. And Reef, ahhh what a guy! He had quite the mouth on him and he was amazing with Delilah.

Absolutely loved the ending on this. It didn’t feel rushed at all for a novella but it totally sucked me in and I didn’t get up the entire time I was reading it.

[Danielle Muy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, exciting with a twist of horror. I didn’t know what to expect but once I saw that it was a jaws retelling, I had to read it! Absolutely loved it! Cynthe rushed this short book and it needs to be on my shelf asap. I’m not really into monster shifter books but this one was just done right! If you’re into that or just looking for something different to read, you won’t be disappointed in this!

[Alexis Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well…. that was something lol. The vibe was fun and the story was interesting. The last couple of chapters were rushed and didn’t make a lot of sense. But it is what it is🤷🏻‍♀️🦈🩸🔪💋

[Emily (emilysdarkcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Lust by A.B. Cynthe

Wow! When I first seen this book being talked about from the author and showing art and the tropes. I knew that I was going to be obsessed with it! I mean Jaws retelling sign me tf up!

Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings

Delilah is back in her hometown and coming back from school. She is dreading being back there and being with her dad because he is so horrible. All Delilah wants to do is be at the water and swim but also little does the town know she has a secret she is keeping.
When she is strolling on the beach after she finishes her dirty little secret she goes in the water and sees to drift further into the water when she meets Reef.

Reef smells the blood that is on Delilah's skin and knows that he needs to go to her. But little does everyone know he has a big secret of his own. Delilah trusts Reef and goes into the water and next thing she knows a shark is circling her and she gets bit.

When I started reading this I couldn't put it down. It is a quick and spicy book that will have you wanting to keep turning the pages. I loved Delilah and Reef ❤️ and the spicy scenes were really hot as well

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun short read, I’m giving it a 4/5⭐️ 5/5🌶️ this is a dark romance, so check the TWs

Blood Lust is a shark shifter novella. I didn’t realize I had a thing for shark daddies until now 🥵 This is 138 pages it’s not meant to be a heavy read. It’s also very very spicy, so if you’re not into smut, don’t even look at this book 🤣

Delilah is our unhinged FMC, she’s got a troubled past, and is currently a serial killer 🫢 she loves to skate, has a bestie, has a police chief father, and loves to go on night swims.

Reef is our shark daddy. He’s a shark shifter 🦈 love him. He’s so possessive, protective, obsessed with Delilah. They were meant for each other.

I recommend this as a fun read, obviously you can’t go into this novella expecting serious character development or the best plot in the world, it’s an erotica. Although, I would have loved a full length book because this was a super fun plot 👀

Happy reading!

[Jasmin E Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and refreshing. I need more of this world. its Bold.

CHEMISTRY between Reef & Deliah was so attractive.

The DRAW for my reading is the two villains who are equally macabre and erotically insynch are crafted to intrigue the reader to page turn.

There is no glossing over in the violence whatsoever its in your face but its approachable cause you believe this is them.( nor does it advocate that you like &empathise their vicious ways - instead u are strongly aware they "own it" they both predators drawn to each other- a superb bookvoice just unfolds the events and intrigues you along)

Awestruck at the predator intensity in both Reef & Delilah.Dual POV was great.

Certainly would reread, I bought the book. I would buy this as an audiobook.

Shark shifter,Serial k!ller, smalltown,Soulmates,spicy spicy spicy.

First thoughts after finishing. Loved the Jaws references and some of 70s beachside village vibes.

Jasmin E Reads

[Brittni Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's one way to cure a phobia!! Hot day um!! Never did I think there would be a day where I was ROOTING FOR THE SHARK. 👏👏 when I tell you I have been terrified of sharks for decades, refuse to watch the movies ever again, won't go into the ocean past a certain point, like deathly terrified of sharks/jaws BUT ABSOLUTELY LOOOVVVVEEED this I mean, it did not disappoint!! A.B. Cynthe did the unthinkable and made me SWOON for a shark and had me hoping he ended up winning in the end! This book was SMOKING HOT, GOR EY, THRILLING, Absolutely everyyyything!! And Delilah, what a woman, she's 100% the star, the definition of girl power!! This was soooo good and I really hope she decides to do more with this and turn it into a series (Bruce, hello)!!!! Eeekkkss!! That would be so freaking cool!! Okay I have to stop because I don't want to give spoilers!

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

* This was such a quick and easy read!! The prologue 🤌🏻 seriously it blows my mind when a prologue can just totally capture you and pull you in. I even messaged her and was like… THAT PROLOGUE!

* Delilah and Reef, both hiding things and secrets that are causing a lot of mayhem around town. They are a total force together. I don’t know why I was taken by surprise with Reefs little unveiling, but I was! Delilah, I love her. What a little badass, and she totally gets her, f*ck you, you deserve it, moment in the end.

* If you like a spicy retelling, mixed with Jaws. This novella is for you.

* Also…. I’m curious if more is coming..