Mating with Mothman: Fluttering Through Love, Lust, and Legend

by MrJ, Macko Bole (editor), Malva (editor)

Mating with This ain't your grandma's romance novel, unless your grandma is into mothmen.


When May Staunton moves to the sleepy town of Springdale, she anticipates a quiet life far removed from the chaos of the city. But beneath the town's facade lies a community steeped in legends and dark secrets. As she navigates her new life, May encounters the mysterious and alluring entity known only as the Mothman, setting the stage for a love story as dangerous as it is forbidden.

Dive into a world where myth becomes reality, and the lines between man and monster blur. "Mating with Mothman" is a pulse-pounding novel that combines erotic romance with supernatural suspense, offering readers an intoxicating blend of dark fantasy and raw emotion.



Book
Intense Provocative Scenes: Explore the depths of desire in this steamy paranormal romance.
Uncanny Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted world of shadows and secrets.
Mystery and Intrigue: Unravel the mysteries of Springdale and discover the true nature of the Mothman.
Powerful Character Development: Witness May's transformation as she confronts both her darkest fears and deepest desires.Experience a tale of passion and peril where the supernatural is unrelentingly real and the horrors of the heart are just as terrifying as those lurking in the dark.

Unlock the mystery—read "Mating with Mothman" today!

This paranormal romance contains explicit sexual content, violence, and dark themes. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Suspense, Monsters, Dark Romance

204 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2024

Reviews

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This story started off with a TW list that felt like a mile long. And I was so ready for it. After I feel like the only real TW the book actually needs is that there is a kidnapping, and non-con.
I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book. All I really knew about it was that this was a monster x human romance. And that it was also heavy with smut. After reading it I felt like more needs to be added to this.
The story starts out with a young woman moving to her mothers old town to start a new life. She moves in with her aunt and her twin cousins. Frank is nice but a little bit of a drunk. Where Ed is a dick with a really nice girlfriend. Her aunt…yeah no you gotta find out about that one.
I really loved the start of Sam and May’s relationship. It really had that small town romance that Mr. J was trying to keep it in his book. I enjoyed watching May come out of her shell, and grow as a person. Which brings up the plot!
Although this story was set up as a smutty monster romance. This story actually has plot, character development, and details! I was pleasantly surprised by how much was in this short story.
We did give this book a 8/10 rating, mostly because of the ending. Sam is a nice guy, true. But I couldn’t fully believe the ending that we were given. I did enjoy how in the last few chapters. Justice was given to some of the characters. Either the ones who had been wronged, or the ones who deserved it. But what happened to the character who would be considered the “villain”... I just felt like they got off easy, and wasn’t fully believable.
But what do I know? The Author left the story a little open at the end. Which makes me wonder if we will be getting more of our new favorite characters. Or did we get a happy ending and are leaving it there?
If you're thinking of starting “Mating With Mothman”, I recommend going now. While it is on KU.
This review was given honestly, in exchange for an ARC. Thank you Mr. J for reaching out to me.

#HaveYouReadReviews

[Brittni Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This arc was really interesting!! It was different than what I expected and I mean that in a good way. What I expected was something trashy and not serious but that wasn't this story at all.. this was actually a pretty cool suspenseful, small town, paranormal romance thriller. To start with, May reminded me of Jessica Day from New girl with her awkward goofy humor, personality and her quick to love everyone heart. Sam is the misunderstood golden Retriever boyfriend thats so precious. Her friends and family are absolutely insane until you understand why they're insane and the secrets too?! I couldn't figure out anything that was happening which is a big deal for me, normally I figure it out but this author had to spell it out for me haha. Overall, this story had a lot of mystery, secrets, and world building. Yes it has steam, yes there's romance but it's more than those two things. If the triggers don't bother you, then you should definitely check this one out!! The only reason I give this a 4 star is because that ending was kind of open and left a lot to imagine (not a terrible thing but I like knowing how the author would imagine a hea) and Sam and I are not the same haha. He's wayyy too forgiving.

Thank you for the arc!

[Reds Book Nook · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I wanted to like this book, but the characters were not at all relatable, the FMC is all over the place, her thoughts, feelings and decisions were not believable and honestly made me either shake my head, roll my eyes or want to yell at her.

The MMC was cheesy, cringe worthy, and not enjoyable.

The plot and storyline were the same, it was just not for me.

I think maybe if the two main characters were more relatable, the story would of been a little more enjoyable.

[Keeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a guilty pleasure. It had me giggling and reccomening it to my book bestie, who I know would love it.


I feel like I'm 100% the target audience for this. It was a bit silly, quirky had some spice and a spooky atmosphere, it felt a bit like a cheesy Bmovie horror vibe.


I won't lie, I struggled to get through the first half. The writing was clunky, and dialogue between the mian characters in particular was awkward (something I expected from Sam, not so much from May) 

But that second half? You had me in the second half. There was PLOT. There was PLOT TWISTS. Maybe I had just acclimatised to the writing style by then, but I was into it. 

There were still lots of questions left unanswered. Maybe a sequal is in the works?


Either way, would i recommend it to a friend? Yes, and I already have. But only a very specific friend 🤣

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[RavenRose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book. I DNFd at about 60% I just could not get into it.

[Tab_Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ 1.5🌶️
GENRES: Contemporary

MAIN CHARACTERS: May, Sam, Dana

I struggled with this book. It's 190 pages and while reading it (June 18-July3) I read 2 other books that were longer and like 5 novellas - I'm not sure if it was the pacing or the writing style that made the pacing seem slow which made it difficult to read/hold my attention.

I really should have put the book down when the character Mary was described: "...she just stood there smiling with those enormous front teeth. Combined with her plump, heavily freckled cheeks, she looked lin a human-sized bunny dressed up in girls clothing. May tried not to think of it, certainly, she'd never say anything so horrible." But she does think of Mary as the Bunny girl several times later throughout the book, when she's not thinking about how huge Mary's breasts are. Later in the book, seemingly out of nowhere, May also starts calling her Aunt the "fat old woman" for...reasons. I guess that's character growth?

I read a variety of romance genres and this is not a Monster romance also
it's not a romance - it's a love story. The HEA is questionable at best. I was left with more questions than any type resolution at the end and I normally don't rate books this low because I don't finish books I don't like, I only finished it because it was an ARC.

WHAT DREW ME IN:
This list in the BookSirens blurb:
"Book Features:
1. Intense Provocative Scenes: Explore the depths of desire in this steamy paranormal romance.
2. Uncanny Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted world of shadows and secrets.
3. Mystery and Intrigue: Unravel the mysteries of Springdale and discover the true nature of the Mothman.
4. Powerful Character Development: Witness May's transformation as she confronts both her darkest fears and deepest desires.
Unlock the mystery—read "Mating with Mothman" today!"

WHAT I GOT:
1. Slightly more than "behind closed door" scenes in a town full of horny (and hinted at incestuous) idiots with the Sexual Assualt scene being the most descriptive
2. A contemporary world - there are cell phones - but the characters spend much of their time in a backward small town that feels like a stereotype of any southern town from the 1950s
3. The mystery is old family drama that has nothing to do with the town itself cause the town only functions as the setting and while the basics of the Mothman is learned, not sure what "true nature" was supposed to be
4. If this was supposed to be May's coming of age story then it failed. She doesn't grow as a character unless "character development" is code for having sex for the first time. She's kind of horrible to everyone and starts & ends the story as an incredibly naive person who doesn't think about the consequences of her actions. She learns about her family history - that's the mystery that is uncovered - and it seems odd that no one in the whole town mentioned that she was half-white and half-black, that wasn't part of the mystery but race/ethnicity isn't mentioned at all till the end, but we were supposed to get that because she has long black hair?


CW: Provided by the author, this is a summary: Explicit sexual content, Sexual assault and harassment, violence, gore, physical abuse, kidnapping and confinement, stalking and obsessive behavior, emotional abuse and manipulation, alcohol abuse, death, and suicide.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s writing style is coarse, rough around the edges. In a way, it made the story an interesting read. This story read like a teenage boy’s spicy daydream. Yet, the romance between Sam and May actually came across as innocent and sweet.

The moth-man was an interesting mystery to be solved. Actually, there was a whole clan of moth-people. However, that part of the story was glossed over. Instead, the author inserted a lot of extraneous fluff into the story. All the supporting characters had their own little story competing with May and Sam’s story. The plot was all over the place. At times, it read like a disjointed soap opera. At other times, it read like a Penthouse forum fantasy. And, just like how most men have no clue what women want in the spice department, the spice in this story was a bit wanting but kinda charming.

I liked Sam and May’s story once I got through all the plot weeds. This could be the start of an interesting series about the moth-people and/or whatever the heck May’s friend, Dana, turned out to be.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

May (h) moves to the countryside to start fresh with her family, but she quickly finds herself entangled in a web of dark secrets and complex relationships. As May navigates the unsettling family dynamics, she meets Sam (H), a local with a shocking secret: he transforms into a mothman every Sunday due to an ancestral curse. Despite the bizarre and frightening revelation, May and Sam’s connection deepens, and things heat up between the two. When Sam goes missing and becomes a suspect in a colleague’s disappearance, May's determination to uncover the truth grows stronger as she delves into her family’s past, uncovering secrets that have shaped their lives. Even as May does what she must to save Sam, they have to decide if their future lies in Springdale or if a fresh start is what they need, a secluded place where they can live in peace together. Hot and steamy human-mothman romance exploring love, mystery, and acceptance.

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mating With Mothman is the paranormal romance debut novel of Mr. J.
It swept me away. It made me chuckle, cringe, swoon, worry, get angry, feel relief, and release a satisfied sigh at the end. The characters are well written and the plots and backstories are in depth. There is a little room for betterment as there is with most works, but it is great as it is. He brings some spice and some dark themes, so check those trigger warnings. Though this is a mothman story and transformation is a big part of the book, there isn't an unusual peen. Just a heads up for those monster lovers who look for that. It is hard to put down for sure! I wonder if there will be a sequel? I definitely look forward to more from Mr. J.

[goodgirl_meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a mothman fanfic, but honestly in the best way. It’s a little cheesy, a little dramatic, and all together a fun read. May and Sam’s relationship is awkward and quirky, but also really cute! I actually loved the small town in the middle of nowhere but make everyone horny vibes. It felt oddly nostalgic, with tons of spooky undertones. I love me some mothman and this book had a cool take on the cryptid. This is not going to be a profound, change your life kind of read, but it was enjoyable and unique.

[Hannah Reagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok listen. I really wanted to like this. I love all things weird and quirky in books. The weirder the better honestly. The story itself wasn't terrible and at least had potential. The characters though, that was where the problem was for me. Each time any of them opened their mouth for dialogue with another character it was bad. All the conversations were cringey at best. Mostly they came off as if none of the characters had ever interacted with another adult in their lives. I just couldn't get past the dialogue to actually enjoy the story.

[ems_booknook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look …

I applied for this arc because honestly? I like to read weird and whacky things but I have to say I probably should have just left this alone so here my review of what I read so you don’t have to -

It was weird, a lot of stuff didn’t make sense and there was no relatability whatsoever. The sexual innuendos were just plain uncomfortable and the MMC clearly has no idea how to talk to women. The level of awkwardness just isn’t real.

On to something a bit less… strange… now

[verenmore_vixen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a ARC of this book. I am doing this review honestly and of my own volition.

I tried really hard to love this book. The wording of things just turned me off. “Loins” “womanhood” were the two that I just didn’t enjoy seeing. I made it about 37% and just couldn’t continue. I hate to DNF any book especially one an author gives me a copy of. The first few pages were also just weird for me. Just wasn’t for me.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quirky read by a new-to-me author. The world building was clear, the character development obvious and the spice, mystery and drama, catchy ;) The second half of the book flowed better than the first but I found May and Sam quite cute together. This is also the first of a potential series so I'm looking forward to seeing how this small town of horny peeps carry on in the future, if the author pens more books set in this world :D

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author and having read a few 'Mothman' Ebooks, I was looking forward to this. And did enjoy. :D This story was a little different from some of my other reads, but just as good. I loved the characters and the story line had everything I look for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely interesting. It had a great story line although it was a little jumbled up and didn't flow as much as I'd of liked. All in all it was a great read and I'd definitely recommend it!

[Emzy Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story. The characters are realistic. The plot was well developed. The world building was very interesting. I had difficulty connecting to the story. I hope that you will give this story a chance.

[katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fast paced story with well developed characters, plot, and spice!

[Athene Noctua · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look you know what you're getting into with this. It's not going to be great, but you knew that going in. I will say heavy on the noncon tw

[CandaceElaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the premise of this story and was very excited to jump in feet first. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a Mothman if you are a paranormal fan?
May and Sam both have interesting backstories, but they were presented in a way that was confusing and sometimes felt tangential. Pacing leaves something to be desired; there is either a plethora of detailing that doesn't flesh out or dark-trigger-inducing chaos.
I hope the other characters and subplots get fleshed out in the future. There were so many great ideas, but some could have been saved for additional books in a series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.