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Kringle and the Kraken
For Kris Kringle, Christmas is a curse. His family owns and operates a Christmas tree farm and Santa’s workshop experience, but despite his name, Kris is anything but jolly about the holidays. He would much rather spend his time making ships in bottles or researching sea monsters for the nautical mythology course he teaches, sea monsters like the mighty kraken…
Levi Shoal moved to Lifeboat, Maine, to escape the pressures of his family. He didn’t plan to befriend a slightly grumpy, flannel-wearing human—who doesn’t know Levi is a kraken or that they live in an oceanic ley line haven town surrounded by sea monsters. Now Levi is stuck keeping secrets he shouldn’t have to from the man he’s falling head over tentacles for.
When Lifeboat’s ley line magic is threatened and the town is attacked, Levi and Kris must work together to keep the town safe while both the humans and sea monsters get ready to celebrate the winter holidays. But can their new relationship withstand the threat and the secrets that must be revealed to fix the ley line magic?
Kringle and the Kraken is a standalone holiday novel that is part of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series, featuring a kraken who is finally ready to embrace his destiny, a human who learns he has a thing for tentacles, a lot of holiday hijinks, and a sprinkle of suspense.
Levi Shoal moved to Lifeboat, Maine, to escape the pressures of his family. He didn’t plan to befriend a slightly grumpy, flannel-wearing human—who doesn’t know Levi is a kraken or that they live in an oceanic ley line haven town surrounded by sea monsters. Now Levi is stuck keeping secrets he shouldn’t have to from the man he’s falling head over tentacles for.
When Lifeboat’s ley line magic is threatened and the town is attacked, Levi and Kris must work together to keep the town safe while both the humans and sea monsters get ready to celebrate the winter holidays. But can their new relationship withstand the threat and the secrets that must be revealed to fix the ley line magic?
Kringle and the Kraken is a standalone holiday novel that is part of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series, featuring a kraken who is finally ready to embrace his destiny, a human who learns he has a thing for tentacles, a lot of holiday hijinks, and a sprinkle of suspense.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2024
26 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Vinni George
36 books113 followersVinni George has been a lover of romance novels (of all shapes, sizes, and colors) since she first got her hands on one of her grandmother’s Harlequins and has never looked back. She lives in Ohio with her two favorite guys (her husband and son) and, hopefully—one day—a dog. When she’s not writing, Vinni can be found working for her family’s business, which provides plenty of plot bunnies. In her spare time, Vinni is a soccer mom who dabbles in performance art, quilting, and various culinary pursuits and enjoys traveling.
Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.
Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 27, 2024
Umm Vinnie doing a TENTACLE romance? YES PLEASE!! This book was super cute. I loved how a man named Kris Kringle was such a grumpy guss when it came to the holidays. Well, not all holidays to be fair. Just Christmas. Which is ironic enough with his name, never mind the fact that Christmas is basically his entire family's business and livelihood. From the Christmas trees for sale on the farm to his mother's famous hot chocolate. The Kringles are a Christmas themed bunch. Everyone except for Kris.
I don't know if Levi expected any of what eventually occurs after he moves to Lifeboat. It was kind of a whirlwind to be honest, but I just loved the effect he had on Kris. He softened his rough edges a bit while Kris became a support for him in return. I really enjoyed them together as a couple and I loved seeing Levi integrate himself into their special town.
Now I have to mention the KELPS club because they were a highlight whenever they popped up in the book. I also should maybe admit I googled to see if this was really a thing or just created by Vinni's lovely imagination. Alas, it seems the latter is correct. Those old men were honestly adorable and I swear I almost teared up with Pete when the big revelation finally occurred. It was such a perfect ending for this holiday romance and I look forward to what this author comes out with next!
I don't know if Levi expected any of what eventually occurs after he moves to Lifeboat. It was kind of a whirlwind to be honest, but I just loved the effect he had on Kris. He softened his rough edges a bit while Kris became a support for him in return. I really enjoyed them together as a couple and I loved seeing Levi integrate himself into their special town.
Now I have to mention the KELPS club because they were a highlight whenever they popped up in the book. I also should maybe admit I googled to see if this was really a thing or just created by Vinni's lovely imagination. Alas, it seems the latter is correct. Those old men were honestly adorable and I swear I almost teared up with Pete when the big revelation finally occurred. It was such a perfect ending for this holiday romance and I look forward to what this author comes out with next!
September 21, 2025
I've never read any tentacle romance, to be honest, I've never fancied reading it...my thoughts were always, ewww. However, since I've been a fan of Vinni's from the beginning, when I was offered an ARC, I thought why not? She's never let me down before.
And she didn't. This really is a fun Christmas read, has to be really, since one of the MCs is called Kris Kringle! When he meets the love of his life, Levi Shoal, we're taken on a crazy ride, full of Krakens, vodanoys, sea wraiths, selkies and more. It's also a fast paced read with a quirky story line and the above characters, who Kris finds truly intriguing. He's always had a fascination with the sea and its lore, which is just as well, as he and Levi are instantly attracted to one another, and together they are sizzling (🥵), I loved watching the emotions build as their relationship developed.
I really enjoyed the storyline, plenty is going on as well as the Kris and Levi's romance. I loved the diverse range of characters in this magical world, and how everyone was so accepting.
And she didn't. This really is a fun Christmas read, has to be really, since one of the MCs is called Kris Kringle! When he meets the love of his life, Levi Shoal, we're taken on a crazy ride, full of Krakens, vodanoys, sea wraiths, selkies and more. It's also a fast paced read with a quirky story line and the above characters, who Kris finds truly intriguing. He's always had a fascination with the sea and its lore, which is just as well, as he and Levi are instantly attracted to one another, and together they are sizzling (🥵), I loved watching the emotions build as their relationship developed.
I really enjoyed the storyline, plenty is going on as well as the Kris and Levi's romance. I loved the diverse range of characters in this magical world, and how everyone was so accepting.
December 2, 2024
Loved it
Kringle and the Kraken by Vinni George is part of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series. I have not read any other books from this series, but I really want to. I adored Levi and Kris. Kris is so grumpy and dislikes Christmas (though with a name like Kris Kringle I may feel the same way). I enjoyed watching them fall in love and figure out how to save the town. The spicy scenes were particularly hot with Levi’s tentacles. This was just a very sweet low-angst fated mate story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
Kringle and the Kraken by Vinni George is part of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series. I have not read any other books from this series, but I really want to. I adored Levi and Kris. Kris is so grumpy and dislikes Christmas (though with a name like Kris Kringle I may feel the same way). I enjoyed watching them fall in love and figure out how to save the town. The spicy scenes were particularly hot with Levi’s tentacles. This was just a very sweet low-angst fated mate story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
December 11, 2024
Kringle and the Kraken by Vinni George is a very nice addition to the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series. The story is set in the magical town of Lifeboat, where ley lines create a haven for mystical beings, and is full of lovable quirky characters, holiday cheer, romance, and paranormal fun.
Our two main characters are Kris Kringle (yes, that’s his real name), a grumpy guy with an “ironic” name considering his (understandable) annoyance with Christmas, and Levi Shoal, a newly arrived kraken shifter. Their chemistry is instant, and it was lovely to watching their relationship grow throughout the book. Levi helps Kris soften up and let go of some of his Grinch-like tendencies, while Kris supports Levi as he adjusts to life in Lifeboat. And although their bond is instant, their relationship feels genuine, with moments of humour and tenderness, but also sizzling passion.
I loved the story’s magical world-building and it’s fast pace. Lifeboat is packed with mythical beings that include krakens, selkies, sea wraiths, and much more. We are also introduced to a number of diverse and lovable characters. Especially the KELPS club, a group of quirky older gentlemen, who bring even more lighthearted charm to the story.
The story isn’t without its minor flaws. The “villain”, Delmar, doesn’t get as much attention as you might expect. He feels a bit underutilised and underdeveloped, which leaves his role less impactful than expected. There are also some parts of the plot that come together a little too easily.
On a personal note, I didn’t immediately like Kris’s family. Their overbearing behaviour early on, especially in how they crossed Kris’s boundaries, was frustrating. However, they redeemed themselves (in my eyes) with their warmth, loyalty and acceptance of Levi’s true self.
But these are all minor gripes in an otherwise really fun read.
The story Kringle and the Kraken is fun, sweet and low-angst romance with a magical twist, and it’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
Our two main characters are Kris Kringle (yes, that’s his real name), a grumpy guy with an “ironic” name considering his (understandable) annoyance with Christmas, and Levi Shoal, a newly arrived kraken shifter. Their chemistry is instant, and it was lovely to watching their relationship grow throughout the book. Levi helps Kris soften up and let go of some of his Grinch-like tendencies, while Kris supports Levi as he adjusts to life in Lifeboat. And although their bond is instant, their relationship feels genuine, with moments of humour and tenderness, but also sizzling passion.
I loved the story’s magical world-building and it’s fast pace. Lifeboat is packed with mythical beings that include krakens, selkies, sea wraiths, and much more. We are also introduced to a number of diverse and lovable characters. Especially the KELPS club, a group of quirky older gentlemen, who bring even more lighthearted charm to the story.
The story isn’t without its minor flaws. The “villain”, Delmar, doesn’t get as much attention as you might expect. He feels a bit underutilised and underdeveloped, which leaves his role less impactful than expected. There are also some parts of the plot that come together a little too easily.
On a personal note, I didn’t immediately like Kris’s family. Their overbearing behaviour early on, especially in how they crossed Kris’s boundaries, was frustrating. However, they redeemed themselves (in my eyes) with their warmth, loyalty and acceptance of Levi’s true self.
But these are all minor gripes in an otherwise really fun read.
The story Kringle and the Kraken is fun, sweet and low-angst romance with a magical twist, and it’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
November 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Loved Kris and his crazy family and understand why he was bit of a grump because their Christmas tree farm and home was definitely Christmas overload and of course Levi because a kraken shifter--fabulous! I loved how Kris and Levi worked together to make the magic talismans and how the town's humans readily accepted the sea monsters in their midst and it was so heartwarming that the figures of KELPS had their dreams of seeing a real kraken fulfilled. The episode when the sea wraith attacked Kris was terrifying and I was so glad that the nasty mayor was driven out and the magic restored. Lovely and sexy Christmas tale.
December 10, 2025
"Kringle and the Kraken" by Vinni George was such a great read. I never knew I needed a book with tentacles in it until I read this book. It is part of the "Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0" series. I love Kris's name and how his family owns a Christmas tree farm. When Kris told Levi about getting "notes" from kids at school and what the notes said, it made me chuckle. Levi just moved to town and didn't expect to find his person. He is trying to keep who he is from Kris, but once he figures out who Kris is to him, he has to make the decision on if he should let Kris in on that secret. One of my favorite scenes was when Kris and Levi were getting the tree orders.
October 10, 2025
Well well well if it isn't tentacles used for naughty fun!
August 3, 2025
Man oh man!! All this time, I had mistakenly thought I read all the Tinsel & Tentacles 2.0 collaboration. When I went to find a Vinni George shifter story I had been wanting to read and found Kringle and the Kraken instead I was so excited! I love Christmas in July or anytime really and I picked it up immediately.
Ya’ll this is such a good story! With this book by Vinni George, we get a safe haven town where the humans don’t know about the sea monsters, failing magic, and dangerous sea wraiths. Levi is a kracken. He left his hometown in Baleen, Ireland, because he didn’t want to become a Leviathan, a protector of the town. In reality, fate had already taken control by pushing him to search out adventure and start a small business in a little town called Lifeboat.
Oh fate is such a glorious thing! When Levi gets to Lifeboat and starts to realize all that is wrong, he also finds someone who is the exact right person for him. Levi finds his mate in Kris Kringle, a grinch by any other name is still a grinch. Lol.
The characters are amazing! I love sunshine-grump storylines. They always make my heart happy and a grinch named Kris Kringle?! I giggled through most of the book. The mayor Delmar? Oh, he was a baddie written just to give us someone to dislike. I love all the various sea monsters brought into the story. It isn’t just a kracken, it’s sirens, kelpies, kappas, vodyanoy, selkies, and mermaids. Just a wonderful mixture of sea creatures. I love that Kris works on his families Christmas tree farm and lives on the grounds of a working lighthouse. Talk about the duality of his life. This book is so good. I really really liked and it made me remember how much I like Vinni’s writing and why I put her shifter series Land & Sea and Orca on my tbr list.
Ya’ll this is such a good story! With this book by Vinni George, we get a safe haven town where the humans don’t know about the sea monsters, failing magic, and dangerous sea wraiths. Levi is a kracken. He left his hometown in Baleen, Ireland, because he didn’t want to become a Leviathan, a protector of the town. In reality, fate had already taken control by pushing him to search out adventure and start a small business in a little town called Lifeboat.
Oh fate is such a glorious thing! When Levi gets to Lifeboat and starts to realize all that is wrong, he also finds someone who is the exact right person for him. Levi finds his mate in Kris Kringle, a grinch by any other name is still a grinch. Lol.
The characters are amazing! I love sunshine-grump storylines. They always make my heart happy and a grinch named Kris Kringle?! I giggled through most of the book. The mayor Delmar? Oh, he was a baddie written just to give us someone to dislike. I love all the various sea monsters brought into the story. It isn’t just a kracken, it’s sirens, kelpies, kappas, vodyanoy, selkies, and mermaids. Just a wonderful mixture of sea creatures. I love that Kris works on his families Christmas tree farm and lives on the grounds of a working lighthouse. Talk about the duality of his life. This book is so good. I really really liked and it made me remember how much I like Vinni’s writing and why I put her shifter series Land & Sea and Orca on my tbr list.
December 13, 2024
This book is part of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Kris Kringle and Levi Shoal. Kris is grumpy and hates all Christmas related things. This is especially ironic as his family owns and puts on the Santa Workshop and Tree Farm. During Christmas, participation is mandatory. Kris does love all tales of the sea and researching sea monsters for the nautical mythology course he teaches. Levi has just moved to Lifeboat and he is a Kraken. He is also the proud new owner of a record shop. Friendly and outgoing, Levi makes friends wherever he goes. He is surprised that humans and "sea monsters" are not living together in this town. It is very important as Lifeboat is a 'haven' town where magic should exist in harmony with both humans and sea monsters. The magic is failing and predators are starting to attack. This is all caused by the current mayor keeping magic and sea monsters secret from the human population, who he'd really prefer weren't there. Levi and Kris meet when Kris stops by the record store and invites Levi to join a KELPS (Kraken Enthusiast and Lore Protection Society) chapter. There is instant chemistry between the two. As their relationship grows, Levi realizes that he must first explain to Kris that he is a Kraken. And then, figure out a way to fix the failing magic. This is a fun, low angst read. The book is well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed it. Another great book in this series.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2024
This book was so much fun--from the lovable characters to the interesting lore about sea monsters and the wholesome save-the-town-with-unity plotline. Kris Kringle was the grouchiest member of his Christmas-loving family, and I thought it was hilarious how over the top the rest of them were when it came to celebrating the season. I don't blame Kris for being tired of their well-intended meddling, but I also thought it was really sweet to see him lose his grinchy attitude as Levi made him happier than he ever knew he could be. Levi was a Kraken setting out on his own to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, and he landed exactly where he needed to be to meet Kris and kickstart a love that felt special from the start. As I settled into their story, I really enjoyed how wholesome and sweet it was--the "bad guys" of the book didn't cause too much drama and watching everyone from the town rally together at the end felt really uplifting. I thought Levi and Kris's romance was super adorable, and I can't say enough good things about the way Levi used his tentacles to take Kris apart in bed. All in all I thought this was a really solid romance with cozy, Christmas vibes that are perfect for the season!
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 23, 2024
I was offered an ARC for this story and I am so glad. Whilst I love PNR, I have never read anything with tentacles before and I really wasn't sure how I felt about it. This is a great story, Lifeboat is a 'haven' town where magic should exist in harmony with both humans and sea monsters. The town mayor however has been keeping magic and sea monsters secret from the human population, who he'd really prefer weren't there, and the magic is failing. Kris Kringle hates Christmas, his name, the holidays and his family's Santa Workshop and Tree Farm, until he meets newcomer Levi Shoal who is a lot more than just a record shop owner with an amusing array of punny t-shirts. This is a well thought out story with a great plot and fully realised characters who are unaware their town is in serious trouble. This story made me both laugh and cry and I felt invested in all the characters and their town. It was fun and so very sexy. I am a convert now, bring on the tentacles!!
November 26, 2024
If I hadn't loved Vinni George's books, I don't think I would have touched a tentacle shifter story.
And I would have missed an amazing book. I am a totally convert now.
The story is well thought out, a Grinch with an unfortunate name and a Christmas-mad family and a kraken who looks to avoid being dragged into the family's legacy just to realise what fate has in story for him.
It's of a story of secrets being uncovered, a town who is pulling together to get it's magic working again, a power hungry mayor and very hot and steamy moments.
I really like both Levi and Kris, they have chemistry, are hot together and I love how Kris is helping Levi with his tasks to rescue the town. While Kris may believe that Christmas is just too much, I love how he still supports his family, his love for them showing through his actions and Levi is there to bring it out even more.
I hope we will visit this town again.
And I would have missed an amazing book. I am a totally convert now.
The story is well thought out, a Grinch with an unfortunate name and a Christmas-mad family and a kraken who looks to avoid being dragged into the family's legacy just to realise what fate has in story for him.
It's of a story of secrets being uncovered, a town who is pulling together to get it's magic working again, a power hungry mayor and very hot and steamy moments.
I really like both Levi and Kris, they have chemistry, are hot together and I love how Kris is helping Levi with his tasks to rescue the town. While Kris may believe that Christmas is just too much, I love how he still supports his family, his love for them showing through his actions and Levi is there to bring it out even more.
I hope we will visit this town again.
December 5, 2024
Squid Vicious, light-up leggings, Poseidonia, tentacle slut, tentacle hickeys, vodyanoy
Being the first kraken I've ever read, this is a great introduction to the sub-genre. It checked all the boxes making it a satisfying read. The storyline has a good, even, and flowing pace. The town folk are all wonderful and likeable. Oh, my stars, the Kringle clan is large and a riot!
The quiet town of Lifeboat is inhabited by magic sea creatures and by humans who don't know of the existence of magic sea creatures. Or that their town is home to some. Lifeboat lies on a magic ley line attracting the creatures to the town haven.
Kris Kringle is one of those humans. The town's newest resident is Levi Shoal, a kraken. Kris and Levi are wildly attracted to each other. But Levi learns he has to stay in the sea creature closet. Their romance is the main storyline.
I relished reading this book. I highly recommend it.
Being the first kraken I've ever read, this is a great introduction to the sub-genre. It checked all the boxes making it a satisfying read. The storyline has a good, even, and flowing pace. The town folk are all wonderful and likeable. Oh, my stars, the Kringle clan is large and a riot!
The quiet town of Lifeboat is inhabited by magic sea creatures and by humans who don't know of the existence of magic sea creatures. Or that their town is home to some. Lifeboat lies on a magic ley line attracting the creatures to the town haven.
Kris Kringle is one of those humans. The town's newest resident is Levi Shoal, a kraken. Kris and Levi are wildly attracted to each other. But Levi learns he has to stay in the sea creature closet. Their romance is the main storyline.
I relished reading this book. I highly recommend it.
November 27, 2024
I loved this book SO much, I've read the odd tentacle romance before (not my k!nk but I have enjoyed some) but I was kinda unprepared for how swept away I'd be by this one. I love Vinni George's other PNR series but this one hit a new high, with the festive vibes (I dare ANYONE not to love the Kringle family), the adorable small-town found family (team KELPS forever!) and just the glowing, burning, hot hot hot relationship between grinch-y human "my sweet little tentacle sl*t" Kris and his Levi(Ethan) "I wasn't normally the kind of Kraken who kissed on a first date" lover. The overarching story of how they both need to embrace the magic of their haven hometown to save everyone in it? It's the low-angsty, mild-peril, triple-hearted feelgood tentacle hallmark treat all us monster-lovers have all been waiting for this Poseidonia.
December 2, 2024
I don’t typically read paranormal stories, nor have I ever read one involving tentacles before. However, I decided to give this book a chance because I loved the contemporary works by this author, and I'm glad I did. It turned out to be a fantastic Christmas read! Kris and Levi are destined to be together, despite one being human and the other a sea monster, and I adored them from the start.
Their tale is a feel-good, fun, love story filled with intrigue and excitement. The secondary characters are also amazing and interesting and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. Add in the swoony tentacled romance and I loved this from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Their tale is a feel-good, fun, love story filled with intrigue and excitement. The secondary characters are also amazing and interesting and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. Add in the swoony tentacled romance and I loved this from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 2, 2024
Levi is drawn to Lifeboat, Main. Maybe it's his kraken, maybe it's being away from his family? It's definitely where he needs to be when he finds out that the ley line and the town are not as strong as they should be. He soon falls for the grump in a family of enthusiastic Kringle Christmas tree farmers. Kris would rather create ships in bottles and attend his sea monster group than deal with his boisterous family and the tourists. Then he falls for a man with secrets. As he and Levi are navigating a new romance, the town suffers from a few mysterious break ins. It's time for this town to be what it was meant to be and for all secrets to come out. I enjoyed this so much that I was disappointed there wasn't a huge epilogue or a preview for a second book. One can hope.
December 12, 2024
I’m enjoying Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0, and Kris and Levi were an absolute delight. I love how Vinni George builds such believable and grounded paranormal settings. The town was a real highlight for me, Lifeboat is filled with interesting residents, both of human and magical variety. I loved how the author develops the friendship between Levi and Kris, it gave a sweetness to the story that was really appealing. I love how easily they fit together and how hard they support each other. The mystery surrounding the trouble with Lifeboat’s magic was engaging, but not too intense- just right for a holiday romance. Loved the couple, the holiday vibes, and the inhabitants of Lifeboat, this was lovely!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
December 2, 2024
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
I really liked this Christmasy story with tentacles. I would totally read more in this world because it sounds fascinating as all hell. There are ley lines and where they intersect on the coast, there is usually a haven town.
Kris Kringle is a human, who doesn't know he lives in a haven town full of sea creatures. He is also the grumpy grinch of the family... a family that owns a Christmas tree farm and Santa's workshop (they basically live Christmas 365) Levi Shoal is a kraken from a family with ties to Lifeboat. Levi wants to run his record store, but figures out his calling is a little bigger than he intended.
Problem is, the magic of the Lifeboat isn't healthy. It's up to Levi and Kris to fix it before evil spirits attack again... while also dealing with Christmas and Poseidonia (sea monsters version of Yule).
It's a fun read with tentacles, shifters, mates, and a whole lot of crazy rolled into one.
I really liked this Christmasy story with tentacles. I would totally read more in this world because it sounds fascinating as all hell. There are ley lines and where they intersect on the coast, there is usually a haven town.
Kris Kringle is a human, who doesn't know he lives in a haven town full of sea creatures. He is also the grumpy grinch of the family... a family that owns a Christmas tree farm and Santa's workshop (they basically live Christmas 365) Levi Shoal is a kraken from a family with ties to Lifeboat. Levi wants to run his record store, but figures out his calling is a little bigger than he intended.
Problem is, the magic of the Lifeboat isn't healthy. It's up to Levi and Kris to fix it before evil spirits attack again... while also dealing with Christmas and Poseidonia (sea monsters version of Yule).
It's a fun read with tentacles, shifters, mates, and a whole lot of crazy rolled into one.
December 4, 2024
Kringle and the Kraken is a lovely Christmas story about a man who hates Christmas, and who’s name, ironically, is Kris Kingle, and a kraken shifter, Levi Shoal, who’s just arrived in a town, Lifeboat, where they both live.
I loved the chemistry they feel from the fist time they meet, and how their love story goes on. Levi helps Kris to soften his edges, and to be a little less Grinch, and Kris goes out of his way for Levi.
I loved the people around them too, every single character, and the magic that we can find in the city. This author never disappoints. Thumbs up!
I loved the chemistry they feel from the fist time they meet, and how their love story goes on. Levi helps Kris to soften his edges, and to be a little less Grinch, and Kris goes out of his way for Levi.
I loved the people around them too, every single character, and the magic that we can find in the city. This author never disappoints. Thumbs up!
December 2, 2024
Levi and his tentacles were so much fun! Especially for hard to please Kris! He was so quirky and full of cheer for his grumpy Kris. Who would have thought a small town of sea creatures would make for so much Holiday entertainment. I loved that Kris did not even know he lived among all these magical creatures until he found one of his own to love. Perfect balance of family, romance, steam and mystery for the Christmas season!
December 8, 2024
I loved all these characters, especially the Kringles family! Meddling, maybe, but loving and annoying and protective and welcoming & chaotic. Loved them, loved the relationship & evolution between Kris & Levi. It took a while for all the pieces & facts to come together, come out, as it were, but it did & everything worked out as it was meant to. Excellent story with all kinds of steamy fun & romance. I'd have liked a bit more ado about Delmar, but that could just be me lol.
December 13, 2024
I am really loving the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 multi-Author series (I did last year too!) The characters in "Kringle and the Kraken" are great, they have fantastic chemistry and reading their romance was a lot of fun. Kris and Levi just fit and are great characters to read about, but the secondary characters and the world are so interesting and also fun. I hope there will be more set in this world and this town, especially if there are more tentacles involved.
December 3, 2024
Such a fun escape!
This book was exactly what I needed, a fun escape from the realities of life. The author deserves an extra star just for the full name of one of the sea monster MC lol! If you’re in the mood for something a bit fantastical and a touch silly but with great heart, then this is the perfect book for you.
This book was exactly what I needed, a fun escape from the realities of life. The author deserves an extra star just for the full name of one of the sea monster MC lol! If you’re in the mood for something a bit fantastical and a touch silly but with great heart, then this is the perfect book for you.
December 25, 2024
Holiday Cheer Meter: 3/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, past tense, dual POV
Kristopher Kringle, human (38), Christmas tree farmer (family business), adjunct professor (maritime history, nautical lore and legend)
Levi Ethan Shoal, kraken shifter (almost 40), owner of Kraken Vinyl (record store)
Honestly I loved just about everything about this one.
Hidden identity is my favourite trope so the fact that Levi was a kraken shifter while Kris was fascinated by sea creature myths and an active member of Kraken Enthusiast and Lore Protection Society was delightful to me. The other members of KELPS were such great supporting characters, their passion for their interest really shone through. I love a good "there's more to me than meets the eye" reveal! This one was such fun. I like how Kris got on board rather easily and that through everything their burgeoning relationship remained on solid ground.
Another thing I love with my romance is when the MCs have to team up to achieve a task or accomplish a goal, so having Kris and Levi working together to save Lifeboat's magic was soo satisfying to me. I love how Levi had to work at getting in touch with his magic and is didn't just come easily and naturally. It really added some stakes to the book.
Quibbles:
- Kris's family was a little OTT and difficult to keep track, honestly as far as the overall story goes they were kind of distracting, though in a sweet , heart-warming kind of way.
- Lifeboat's history and the Shoal family history and dynamics were revealed in fits and starts making it challenging to fully envision the world and the players in it clearly. In fact, some things felt contradictory or poorly explained .
- Delmar, the villain, was a disappointing bad guy, he deserved to be so much better/worse.
Still, I loved Kris and Levi, thought they suited each other extremely well and could not stoop flipping the pages of their story - it was a fun, festive tale.
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, past tense, dual POV
Kristopher Kringle, human (38), Christmas tree farmer (family business), adjunct professor (maritime history, nautical lore and legend)
Levi Ethan Shoal, kraken shifter (almost 40), owner of Kraken Vinyl (record store)
Honestly I loved just about everything about this one.
Hidden identity is my favourite trope so the fact that Levi was a kraken shifter while Kris was fascinated by sea creature myths and an active member of Kraken Enthusiast and Lore Protection Society was delightful to me. The other members of KELPS were such great supporting characters, their passion for their interest really shone through. I love a good "there's more to me than meets the eye" reveal! This one was such fun. I like how Kris got on board rather easily and that through everything their burgeoning relationship remained on solid ground.
Another thing I love with my romance is when the MCs have to team up to achieve a task or accomplish a goal, so having Kris and Levi working together to save Lifeboat's magic was soo satisfying to me. I love how Levi had to work at getting in touch with his magic and is didn't just come easily and naturally. It really added some stakes to the book.
Quibbles:
- Kris's family was a little OTT and difficult to keep track, honestly as far as the overall story goes they were kind of distracting, though in a sweet , heart-warming kind of way.
- Lifeboat's history and the Shoal family history and dynamics were revealed in fits and starts making it challenging to fully envision the world and the players in it clearly. In fact, some things felt contradictory or poorly explained .
- Delmar, the villain, was a disappointing bad guy, he deserved to be so much better/worse.
Still, I loved Kris and Levi, thought they suited each other extremely well and could not stoop flipping the pages of their story - it was a fun, festive tale.
December 26, 2024
Love LOVE love tentacles. This was a sweet holiday romance with tentacles. Kris was considered a grump and not really feeling the holiday sprit...but once he laid eyes on Levi, things started to turn around. Not a lot of angst...a lot of love and acceptance with a little menacing parts but all in all a real feel good romance.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2024
Sweet and Spicy!
This sweet yet spicy romance will definitely heat you up as Kris and Levi meet and start a relationship in the middle of a crisis in the small town they both call home. The Kringle family was a hoot and so much fun and the townspeople were heartwarming as secrets were revealed. A fun Christmas romance read!
This sweet yet spicy romance will definitely heat you up as Kris and Levi meet and start a relationship in the middle of a crisis in the small town they both call home. The Kringle family was a hoot and so much fun and the townspeople were heartwarming as secrets were revealed. A fun Christmas romance read!
January 10, 2025
Sweet holiday tentacles
It's love at first sight for these two guys, which is good, because the mayor wants to keep his job without doing his job.
While there is some conflict, it's not very intense. I like that Levi has to learn something about community and grow into a new role.
It's love at first sight for these two guys, which is good, because the mayor wants to keep his job without doing his job.
While there is some conflict, it's not very intense. I like that Levi has to learn something about community and grow into a new role.
February 27, 2025
4.5/5 I thoroughly enjoyed this! (Christmas reads catch-up continues, lol.) Kris and Levi are lovely, and it’s fun to see them instantly connect but then deepen the connection as they figure out how to save the town. I loved the magic, the variety of see monsters, and the overall acceptance. It was a super sweet holiday treat.
December 31, 2025
I had the chance to speak a little with the author at a book convention earlier this year, and she sold me on this with "yes, it's tentacles, but it's FLUFFY" and by god was she right. This is like every Hallmark "someone moves to a small town and has to save Christmas" film but make it tentacles, and that made it an absolute delight to read.
December 12, 2024
Kris and levi's story was a sweet and steamy romance with tentacles. Kris was a grump with a family who went over the top for Christmas and Levi, a kraken, who'd moved to the town. Secrets are revealed and the town:s magic is needed to be fixed. A really enjoyable read.
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