Dryad, Try Again

Creepin U

by C.D. Rachels

You’re formally admitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male-male love stories unfolding between classes. “Dryad, Try Again” is book two, starring a hard-working human, and the tree spirit shifter who never stopped caring about him. Each book is a standalone M/M spicy, spooky romance, but we hope you enroll in them all.

I didn’t think I’d ever see my first crush―a human―again after humiliating myself as a sapling of a kid. But now we’ve both bloomed, and we’re going to college together. What’s a tree spirit to do?

I never fit in anywhere until I got to CU. Now, I have friends, I help the staff, and I’m acing my studies. No serious relationships for this dryad, not after the disaster of my childhood.
But like a willow in the spring, my past has returned. I knew they were letting in humans at CU, but what are the odds that I would befriend my childhood first kiss?
Tanner has more than a few emotional scars from his youth, not least of which was how we met. He claims he’s fine, but I instilled in him a deep-seeded fear of the trees I love. I make it my mission to teach him all about forestry from a first-hand perspective, as well as life living with monsters.
Between the shared laughs and stolen glances, it’s entirely possible the sprouts of attraction between us were never uprooted. Spending time with him could be the second chance I never knew I needed. But now that we’re not saplings anymore, can I convince him I’ve turned over a new leaf?
I’ve had my branches tangled over Tanner for years. With two hearts on the line, it’s time for this dryad to try to be the perfect monster for this human.

Dryad, Try Again is a second chance MM monster romance romantic comedy. It features first kisses, sunset picnics, and yes, freaky tree spice scenes. At Creepin U, a HEA is always guaranteed.
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Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Queer, Monsters, Monster Romance

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2024

About the author

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️

Do I want to run and hide from Kovi, or jump into the sheets with him?

I think this whole series is just gonna be me wanting to like it, because the ideas are interesting, but the execution is a bit of a bore.
Just like the first book, it’s really cheesy and punny, fast-paced and overly sweet.

“Fuh… fuuhhh… wow…” he rasps. “You like?” I ask in the deepest tone I can muster.
“Yes… yes, Mr. Tree Monster.”

The spice was weird? I (unfortunately) do NOT find trees sexy, so the shifted sex role play scene was just mildly amusing rather than sexy.
As fun as it is to see different kind of shifters, maybe let’s not do trees.
I’m not giving up yet on this spooky season series, so fingers crossed the next one’s a winner.

“Tanner… I might hurt you again,” I say in a strained voice. “Kovi, staying away from you hurts me more.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Tree spirit shifter vs human
- College setting
- Second chance
- Childhood crush
- First kiss
- Light restraints
- Is it primal play if he’s a tree?/roleplay
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

A human afraid of trees finds his match in his former childhood best friend—the very monster who created his fear—as they reconnect after bumping into each other at Creelin U.

Kovi and Tanner’s story is a sweet and fluffy, second chance romance full of low angst adorableness, that continued the use of spooky puns, and introduced us to new and extremely lovable monster friends!

- monster + human
- former childhood besties
- second chance

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked book 1 in this multi-author series, you’ll probably like this.

An over abundance of puns, characters that read more like high schoolers than college students, and not enough emotional connection. It was really mid for me.
Even the ~freaky tree smut~ wasn’t that exciting and it took wayyyyy to long to happen.

I wanted to give this author and book a try but since I didn’t like book 1 I’m not particularly surprised. I’ll have to try again with one of this author’s own series.

I received an ARC for review and this is my honest opinion.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ☆

This was so fun! I really enjoyed it! I loved the whole vibe of the book and the world that these authors have built is so fun! This is CD Rachels' first paranormal book and now I want more!
The story was cute, fluffy and funny and I loved all the tree puns. Tan is a human who enrolls at Creepin U and Kovi is a dryad who has already been enrolled and is in his junior year. We got to see how Tan and Kovi initially met as kids and what happened so they lost touch. I'm so glad that they managed to work through the issue they had. Kovi always wanted to keep Tan safe, so he was willing to keep his distance to make that happen. Thankfully by the time they meet again after 12 years Kovi doesn't have problems controlling his shifting, except in highly emotional circumstances or in his sleep.
Kovi is such a perfect book boyfriend and he's very caring, helpful, sweet and nice. He's just what Tanner needs in his life. Tanner was initially scared of Kovi, but his feelings turned out to be more powerful than his fear. I'm glad that it got mentioned that Tanner started seeing a therapist for this fear/trauma he had. I love that when Tanner decided to pursue something with Kovi he was all in.
Kovi can commune with the flora and fauna and he could make trees bend so they would lock him and Tanner in a safe circle. They had 2 spicy scenes out in the forest and the use of petals was so beautiful, that I feel like I will always remember that.

All in all I really enjoyed it! I was giddy while reading it. It felt like a cute story, that was low angst, but you still got some spooky elements too. I loved all the side characters and now I want to read everyone's story. I love this world that's been built and I'm excited for the next book.

[Lindsey Middlemiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet PNR at a monster university

Dryad, Try Again is a really sweet paranormal romance with childhood friends coming together again at university and, together, getting over their hang ups and trauma about Kovi being a dryad with a tree monster form.

It's the first paranormal romance from CD Rachels and I hope he writes more!

In this, you'll find:
🌿MM Paranormal Romance
🌿Dryad with a tree monster form
🌿Human with a fear of trees
🌿Childhood friends reconnecting
🌿Nightmares & PTSD
🌿Past bullying
🌿Scholarship kid
🌿Elderly relative with health scares
🌿A happy ending

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything about this series, and this installment is no exception! This is a sweet second-chance romance between a human and a dryad, which is a tree-shifter. Kovi and Tanner shared one kiss 12 years ago before a tragic accident ruined the sweet love they had brewing. Now that Creelin U is accepting humans, they have a second chance to reignite their past love and heal from their hurts. And they are so damn cute together!!!! I love all the unusual monsters at the U, and this series has been about the mutual acceptance of monsters and humans. Seeing each couple briefly pop up in other books is always fun, and I can't wait to read the final two books!

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, yet again in another book, I gotta wonder if it’s Amazon fucking up formatting so spectacularly, or if it’s the wrong file being uploaded, or if it just didn’t get the editing love it should’ve. I mean, I really don’t like being the only one to point this shit out, but come on. I know you know it’s there. I know you do. You can’t miss it, and it was a MESS.

Dropped sentences, cut-off paragraphs, repeating sentences, wrong words in places (‘words’ instead of ‘woods’, that sort of thing)… and to be honest and fair, it very well could be the sole fault of all those tainted billions that never get spared for the platforms/apps/tools/resources they’re so desperate to keep folx dependent on, but it also seems like a trend in many of these multi-author collabs.

Some stuff just gets pushed aside for other stuff. And I get it, but it doesn’t mean I have to be thrilled by it. Readability is important, and I can’t help but mention the struggle.

With that being said, and as far as the story itself goes, it’s not that I didn’t like it, but it hit me, personally, the entire wrong way. It was a cute romance if you cut out all the truly icky things that got thought about “monsters”, because even with trauma from a deep scratch/scare, I can’t comprehend the level of vitriol poor Kovi suffered through, still panting after Tanner all the while.

Are these fated mates? It feels like a fated mates AU, though it’s never specified. Still, though. Fated mates doesn’t mean they have to put up with that shit.

Tanner was a fucking asshole. Sorry not sorry. I’ve been hurt by many people, yet I’m still not out there screaming for them to die or treating them like lepers, even now in 2025, and especially when they’re supposedly important to me.

Even Nacho doesn’t get hateful things said to him when we argue, and since 2006 that man has dealt with every single thing my certified, documented, trauma-damaged brain throws at me and then some, including panic attacks where I didn’t even know my own name. I could say heinous things or be physically aggressive, but I don’t and I’m not. I don’t abuse because I was abused, because that literally solves nothing and hasn’t in the history of the fucking universe.

My extended, not-just-a-cut trauma hasn’t made me hateful, and maybe that’s the issue? I just can’t relate? I have never placed myself into a story as a character, so maybe that’s the rub? That I don’t do that, so all I’m left with are feelings of relation and there were none here? I don’t know. It kinda just felt off to me. Like, maybe there should’ve been heavier trauma for the absolutely abysmal response.

I know it’s right up the alley of many, and it’s got the cheesy and fluffy romance vibes on lock in between the questionable content. But I didn’t read a single stitch of romantic comedy, and honestly it just feels like a lot of open and acceptable prejudice towards the poor “monsters”.

Which, “monsters” is such a harsh word. Fucking figures that’s the best they could come up with for folx who suffered some kind of event out of their control and were different. We did this with the X-men. We know how this goes. It’s definitely on-brand with the way humanity acts.

Anyhow! I read this after I read Kissing The Shark, which is set in the same AU, and I have to say that some of the things that icked me out in this book carried over in that book, BUT—and here’s where I’m gonna cement the hatred everyone has for me—it was simply done better there. It was smoother, it had better mechanics, and the “every human is a complete asshole” vibes were softened with some sort-of balance of the heavy subjects and subtext with the lighter moments that just wasn’t in this one.

Maybe THAT’S the problem I’m having. Even in my head, I don’t think about folx that way. I don’t have those inner moments of prejudice. I never have. Maybe it’s the ‘tism. Idk. I’ve just never thought of anyone as less-than/different from me unless we’re talking, like, child predators or folx of equal levels of living trash.

Everyone equally sucks, you just find folx who suck the same as you do and snuggle in with them.

3.5/5. It was cute in a places, and I can see where a ton of folx are gonna love it, but I’ve read better from this author. I think sometimes the collabs just don’t hit the same, and that’s not a ~this series/book~ issue, it’s an issue found all over and throughout every genre at this point. I still suggest reading it and supporting indie OV/BIPOC authors because I’m the first person to say most of my feelings are me problems. If you don’t read like me, don’t listen to me. I read waaaay too deep into shit. That’s on me. And I didn’t hate it, it just wasn’t for me. Also, someone needs to read the KU copy and fix where whatever fucked up and fucked it up. It deserves to have its moment be a shiny Pokémon, not a regular.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st person, present tense, dual POV
Tanner McGregor, human (21), junior majoring in environmental science at Creelin University
Kovi Sampath, dryad (21), junior majoring in environmental science at Creelin University

I loved the idea for this story and thought the idea of a dryad was incredibly original and the way the author approached the spice between them quite interesting. Unfortunately the execution for the rest was a little messy and this story kind of meandered along until its conclusion without any real arc. Events occurs, but without meaningful context and I had a difficult time connecting with the characters and really understanding them and their draw to one another.

Tanner's phobia of the forest/trees/tree monsters (whatever it was supposed to be, specifically - he's scarred for life, both literally and figuratively, but "is fine", but is scared of trees at night) was poorly developed and could have been an issue that was worked on over the course of the book but it, much like the fact that he was working two jobs to support himself and his aunt, was kind of glossed over and by the 30% mark with virtually no prompting he and Kovi find themselves in the forest as Kovi gives him a quick lesson to help him with his studies. It was too easy, barely an inconvenience but then it becomes a huge sticking point later.

He has almost no adverse reaction to discovering that Kovi was the monster that (accidently) harmed him as a child and embraces that side of him, but it feels like lip service without the action to go along with it. This comes to a head in a rather dramatic fashion and causes trouble for the couple but it feels rather later in the game if I'm honest and his "grand gesture" to win Kovi back? Lame.

This had some great and supportive side characters, I especially loved Tanner's mummy boss, Seth (who was also Kovi's roommate) and did have some sweet moments between the two of them to keep me reading, I loved the scenes with Tanner's Aunt Hannah but looking back I have next to nothing highlighted on my Kindle, which speaks volumes.

I guess this is a case of not being delivered what I was expecting. I thought we would get some sweet "I can show you the world" moments of Kovi showing Tanner the forest bit by bit, but that never really played out, he just kind of got over everything after a couple therapy sessions referenced in the last chapter and epilogue? Sure.

I love shared world multi-author series like this, where there are a small handful of stories set in the same place with some minor character crossovers. This is a perfect light and fun pre-Hallowe'en read to get you in the spirit of the season, just don't expect it to takes itself too seriously.

I have ARCs of the next two books in the series so I'm excited to dive in armed with some background and context.

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Rating: ⭐⭐✨

I have mixed feelings about what I've read so far from this series, but at the same time, I know that what I see as issues might be exactly what others like about these books.

I'll start by saying that the dryad thing was truly interesting to me. Obviously, what we see here has nothing to do with our mythological idea of dryads, since in this case, Kove is literally a tree shifter and not a nymph or the likes. He has a special and unique connection with flora, and I found the approach the author takes with his character intriguing.

Now, onto the romantic part... a mix of light and shadow.

The "light" side is that yes, they are adorable. Kove and Tanner together are very sweet, they flow well, and it's one of those tender relationships that is nice to come across in fiction sometimes. But, just like with the first book, I feel there's a lack of balance and tension.

Because yes, they have their complications and drama, but it all feels very superficial and not serious enough. Hence the "shadow"

The main idea is that our MCs met as children, and something happened that traumatized Tanner, causing him to have nightmares and an irrational fear of trees. This irrational fear seems to come and go as needed, or at least that's the impression I got, and the most tense moments felt like they came out of nowhere and were excessively magnified.

I’m not sure if the conclusion I should draw is that the overall concept they've tried to convey in this series doesn’t align with my tastes as a reader, or if it's simply that the first authors weren’t for me (since it was my first time reading something written by them).

I guess the next books will tip the balance one way or the other, as I intend to continue reading. Since there are different authors, I haven’t lost hope, and honestly, I’m very intrigued by the characters who will take the lead in the upcoming books.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kovi and Tanner's story was a sweet second-chance romance. I enjoyed learning about each character's backstory, and it was clear that their interactions as kids had shaped them into the college students they were when they met again. For a large part of the book I struggled to see how Tanner and Kovi could have a serious relationship when Kovi was riddled with guilt from the past and Tanner was terrified of the forest, and I didn't completely buy into the resolution. I thought Kovi mastering his involuntary shifting was going to be part of his narrative, but his lack of control was very inconsistent when it came to Tanner and I didn't really get it. I also wish I'd better understood how Tanner mastered his fear of the forest, but a lot of his inner thoughts happened off page and he seemed to go from full-on terror to pulling off a grand romantic gesture with Kovi in his dryad form. Maybe I'm not giving Tanner and Kovi enough credit, but they had honest conversations about their struggles in this book that I found refreshing and authentic, so when that disappeared towards the end I found myself struggling more to keep up. I was still happy for the two of them and glad to see them work through their issues, but I think there could have been more depth to the character development that wasn't fully explored. I feel like the author got caught up in trying to figure out how dryad Kovi could have a physical relationship with Tanner, and that ended up being a distraction from the rest of the romance. For me the monster aspects of the book were secondary to the two MCs building a believable love connection, and I do think they got there in the end as long as I didn't think about the in between phases too much.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Mary Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Creepin U series. You don't have to read the first book to read this one.

This book tugged at my heart just a little bit between the two main MC's. Their story started when they were both young little boys and never thought that they would ever see each other again. The little history that they have and what happened, just tugs on the heart with some teary eyes.

Kovi has been at Creepin U and so close to finishing with college. He is a little uncertain for humans to come to a monster college but he keeps his spirits high. Being a Dryad he doesn't mind assisting the college with placing trees in another spot or even seeing what is wrong with them. When he finds out that Tanner, the little boy from his past is at the school, he runs. He doesn't want what happened when they were little to happen again. He will not hurt Tanner again. He wants to stay away from him even though he has the pull towards him.

Tanner can't believe that he is attending Creepin U and is excited to meet new people. He doesn't mind monsters as long as he stays away from the forest he will be fine. He has nightmares from his childhood and so he needs to do his best to stay away from the forest. When he realizes that Kovi is the boy from his childhood and who hurt him, he is shocked at first but then realizes what happened was an accident. He doesn't want Kovi to stay away from him. He accepts Kovi's help when it comes to classes that he is failing. The more time they spend together, Tanner can't help but feel the pull between the two of them.

Kovi & Tanner's story is worth the read. It's one that will touch your heart and you will hope for the best for the two of them.

I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kovi will never forget his first kiss with the human boy he met when he was a kid. He will also never forget how they lead to him being unable to control his ability to shift into a dryad and accidentally hurt the boy that was his only friend and crush. And he never saw him again after that. Until now. Fate intervenes when Tanner arrives at Creepin U. Unfortunately, getting hurt as a kid left him with some phobia of monsters that reside in the forest, but even he can’t deny the attraction he feels to Kovi. And when he learns that he was the boy who gave him his scar and was his only friend back then? Well, his confused feelings only last a moment because what he feels for Kovi is so much stronger than a childhood accident and fears. But anxiety isn’t something to simply pushed aside. For both of them. They’ll have to fight for one another if they want any chance of a future together. I really enjoyed Kovi and Tanner’s story! I loved that they met as kids and now have a second chance of a love that could have blossomed if they were given enough time. I’m really enjoying this world and these characters and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series brings!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kovi and Tanner meet again in college after knowing one another a long time ago as children. They both as children had a difficult time and felt left out for different reasons. Kovi had become a dryad, he and other super naturals who were turned were considered monsters and his parents homeschooled him to protect him. When he met Tanner in the park they hit it off and then an incident causes Tanner a fright that drives them apart. They meet again at Creelin U and they are attracted to one another until they realize that they know one another already and that history might get in the way of them moving forward trying to see what they might be together. Kovi sets out to be helpful and through spending time with Tanner to help him see that his fear of trees - which was inconvenient since Kovi is a dryad - is something he can manage and get past because the connection they build on as they spend time together is worth it. This was sweet as was the myriad of interesting characters we meet at Creelin U. And the desire to live together and be respectful and inviting to someone that is different which is a value that is centered at Creelin U.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior year of college, GOOD TIMES! Kovi, is a Sri Lankan tree spirit shifter, my first. He is starting his 3rd year at Creelin U. Tanner, is a human who is starting his first year, after 2 years community college. He is okay with fellow student monsters, but the forest frightens him. He suffered a traumatic event when he was younger. Kovi and Tanner have historyfrom when they were kids. They dont' recognize each other at first. They do feel an instant comfortable attraction toward each other. They both are majoring in environmental science which continues the foundation for a friendship bond. Then they get to talking and realize that Kovi and Tanner knew each other as kids and Kovi is the source of Tanner's phobia. Great story of seeking forgiveness, redemption, putting the past to sleep and friendship. Tan and Kovi are really nice guys and their friend group is fun. Nice pace, the characters are funny and fun while they walk their rocky paths. Nicely done! Great cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A human with a fear of trees and a dryad meet at university ... This was a sweet story about lust, love and trauma. Tanner and Kovi met as children and Kovi accidentally shifted into his tree form injuring Tanner. Since then Tanner has been afraid of the forrest, but is excited when he is accepted to Creepin U the monster university. Kovi has never forgotten his childhood friend or forgiven himself for injuring him. Can they make a go of it second time round. The world of Creepin U is pretty much established now and some of the side characters from book one are here too which gives continuity. The plot was solid although a little slow at times. Kovi was a really interesting character. I've never really concerned myself with dryad anatomy before, but I'll certainly be paying more attention to trees in future.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Fun series and a fun premise. Monsters and Humans getting cozy at University.

In Dryad, Try Again we get a second chance romance between Kovi, a Dryad, and Tanner, a Human and the boy he knew and accidentally injured as a kid.

Despite Tanner’s fear of the forest and Kovi’s guilt over what happened, they develop a sweet re-friendship. And discover that those feelings they all those years ago are still bubbling below the surface. All with the help of some friends who have their backs.

There’s also a great theme of finding your passion and going after it. Even when it seems scary and definitely not the safe choice.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood friends all grown up

Tanner and Kovi's love story begins as friends when young children, playing in the park, but an unfortunate incident scars both of them. Years later, they meet again at Creepy U and each has the chance to apologise that they've always wanted.
I liked the way they talked about all their worries and insecurities, trying to work through the issues their past had caused. They were very sweet together, and I really loved the effect Tanner had on Kovi's Dryad and how that reflected in his interactions with the trees.
I felt that the end was a bit rushed because after talking a lot, their issues just seemed to disappear and that didn't really seem likely.
I liked Kovi's roommates and Tanner's friends and I would definitely be on board if C.D. wanted to write books for Seth, Blake and Owen.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow. This is a second chance romance set at Creelin University. Kovi and Tanner were childhood friends until they weren’t. An accidental shift left Tanner scarred and scared. Kovi never forgot his friend or how he had hurt him. To say that both of them were traumatized by the event and had trouble moving past it is an understatement.

CD Rachels wrote a book that had me enchanted. I did not want this story to end. Not at all. The way Tanner and Kovi had to rebuild their friendship, how they had to work through their fear, it was so sweet. I love that Tanner stayed close to his Aunt Hannah, that he loved her and helped take care of her. I love that Kovi was able to find his dream job after college while still maintaining his relationship. A super sweet story that leaves me wanting to read more of Creelin U and it’s monster/human experience.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kovi and Tanner's story was a sweet second-chance romance. The story was cute, fluffy and funny and I loved all the tree puns. Tan is a human who enrolls at Creepin U and Kovi is a dryad who has already been enrolled and is in his junior year.
They were childhood friends that also shared a couple of kisses but then Kovi involuntary shifted into his Dryad form and hurt Tanner by accident. They never see each other again until both are enrolled in Creepin U.
hey have a bit to work through to get their happily ever after but it’s really worth it. I’m looking forward to reading more books from the Creepin U Series.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the second book in the series, and I don't know why I haven't read the first, but I will.

It's a second chance, low angst book about a human boy and a dryad.

In this universe, there was a cosmic event that altered the dna of certain humans, so the monsters appeared. They live among humans, work, have romantic relationships and go to college. This series is set in a university where monsters and humans attend. Monsters in this universe can be shifters and take on human appearances.

Kovi is a dryad, a cinnamon roll. During his childhood he became friends with a human boy, Tanner, but a minor accident separated them. Years later they meet at uni.

I liked it a lot.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet childhood, second chance romance just in time for Halloween.

I love the tree spirit aspect of this story, and the underlining theme of coming to terms with who you are, like be proud to be you. The way the author wrote about Kovi was able to communicate with the trees made this story, it was what drew me in.

This is a collegiate story, so the spice is not as spicy, it’s a level 1 for me. Sure it’s open door, but there are plenty of sweet romantic moments in the book that the spice can really be skipped if you aren’t into that and still enjoy the storyline.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dryad, Try Again is the second book in the multi author Creepin U series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story Kovi a dryad and Tanner a human. I enjoyed this book especially the conversations and communication between Kovi and Tanner. I wish we could have had more insight into how these two overcame the things that happened in their childhood. I still enjoyed this second chance story though. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second Creepin U book, Tanner and Kovi, the dryad, were friends as kids when Kovi accidentally hurt him in an uncontrolled shift. They meet up again in college and immediately know they are for each other though both have to overcome trauma feelings and guilt. Anatomically, things don't always make sense to me but the feelings and romance are here. This series is a fascinating idea and CD did a great job with his contribution. I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fantastic. If you want to be transported right back to the butterflies of college romance and dating, this is a book for you!

Kovi is a dryad at Creelin University, and Tanner happens to be one of the humans attending this year since it's opened up admissions. But when they finally realize who the other is, they've got a lot to learn, and not just in school.

I loved how sweet these two were, they were so drawn to each other and couldn't help but find their way back despite a rocky past. And who knew trees could be so accommodating?

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it may not be the last. It was an interesting story that I thought was pretty well written. This is a second chance romance with childhood friends. There was an accident when they were young and it separated them. Now in college they meet again. They are still attracted to each other but they have to find their footing with each other again before moving further. The whole human/monster world was interesting to me.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet second chance romance between human tanner and dryad Kovi. Kovi and Tanner met as kids and a fast friendship developed until Kovi couldn’t control a shift and tanner developed a deep fear of forests and trees. Now at creelin u they meet again and sparks definitely fly. Low angst, low to medium steam, side characters full of personality and sass and a great HEA! I received this book from GRR and these are my honest opinions.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this new series and book two is also a fun and fluffy read. The second chance romance between human Tanner and Dryad Kovi, is creative and full of feeling. It’s easy to root for these two as they are both are genuinely lovely characters. This was a perfect low angst read, the creativity of the world building makes it so easy to get lost in, and these two definitely made me smile.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read on a Sunday afternoon! Liked the characters, loved the theme of Creelin University, and so many puns and turns of phrase! This book was as "deep" as you want it to be and is either a fun bit of fluff or it can be a great example of working through tough conversations to find things that work for you as a couple while maintaining boundaries. We could throw in some ecology and climate concerns and consent and trauma or a light-hearted college romance. It's up to you.

[NightOwlz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable, low-angst monster romance set at a school that just started accepting human students. Kovi and Tanner were childhood friends, but their childhood interactions didn’t end well. They end up meeting again while attending Creepin’ U, and it was so enjoyable to see them grow close again! A lot of side characters are introduced, and I enjoyed the banter between them. If you’re looking for an easygoing, sweet monster romance, then I’d definitely suggest this one!

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this is my first Tree shifter story! It was kind of sad to know that Kovi accidentally hurt his childhood friend Tanner when shifting. Tanner is afraid of the forest still after all these years. I liked that this was a first chance at romance blended with Kovi getting a chance to let go of his guilt of hurting Tanner.