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A Merry Christmas for Art... and His Tentacles
Dean
When cryptids came out as living among us, there was definitely a settling in period, but now having a loch ness monster as your neighbor and a bigfoot as your security guard at work is just par for the course. Luckily for me, I happen to work with the sweetest, sexiest cephalopod in the entire building. Unfortunately for him, his people skills aren’t the greatest. When our harpy boss demands that I teach him how to interact with people, I’m only too happy to take up the job. I can teach him all about the human holiday of Christmas while giving him important people skills. If our lessons happen to look like dates, well… I won’t complain. And maybe I’ll get those sexy tentacles wrapped around me before too long.
Art
It’s embarrassing that my boss assigned someone to teach me people skills. It’s also hopeless. If learning how to interact with human beings was something I could learn in a class, I would have done so by now. I’m an excellent student. But hanging out with Dean Miller isn’t so bad, even if my tentacles have a mind of their own and won’t stop touching him. He doesn’t mind my awkwardness the way other people do, and he doesn’t mind my tentacles either. His easy acceptance makes me want things that I’m not used to wanting. I wonder what he would do if I asked for more than people lessons?
Get ready for roaming tentacles, a shy cephalopod who’s never been kissed, and the human who is all too ready to help him with… everything. There’s ice skating, hot chocolate, holiday bazaars, tree decorating, baking, and of course a happily ever after for everyone (except for their rude boss).
A Merry Christmas for Art and His Tentacles is part of the multi-author winter holiday M/M tentacle romance collaboration, Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0. All books are standalones but may be connected to some authors’ pre-existing worlds. Each book in the series brings festive fun related to a variety of winter holidays and explores the many delightful ways tentacles can be naughty and nice!
When cryptids came out as living among us, there was definitely a settling in period, but now having a loch ness monster as your neighbor and a bigfoot as your security guard at work is just par for the course. Luckily for me, I happen to work with the sweetest, sexiest cephalopod in the entire building. Unfortunately for him, his people skills aren’t the greatest. When our harpy boss demands that I teach him how to interact with people, I’m only too happy to take up the job. I can teach him all about the human holiday of Christmas while giving him important people skills. If our lessons happen to look like dates, well… I won’t complain. And maybe I’ll get those sexy tentacles wrapped around me before too long.
Art
It’s embarrassing that my boss assigned someone to teach me people skills. It’s also hopeless. If learning how to interact with human beings was something I could learn in a class, I would have done so by now. I’m an excellent student. But hanging out with Dean Miller isn’t so bad, even if my tentacles have a mind of their own and won’t stop touching him. He doesn’t mind my awkwardness the way other people do, and he doesn’t mind my tentacles either. His easy acceptance makes me want things that I’m not used to wanting. I wonder what he would do if I asked for more than people lessons?
Get ready for roaming tentacles, a shy cephalopod who’s never been kissed, and the human who is all too ready to help him with… everything. There’s ice skating, hot chocolate, holiday bazaars, tree decorating, baking, and of course a happily ever after for everyone (except for their rude boss).
A Merry Christmas for Art and His Tentacles is part of the multi-author winter holiday M/M tentacle romance collaboration, Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0. All books are standalones but may be connected to some authors’ pre-existing worlds. Each book in the series brings festive fun related to a variety of winter holidays and explores the many delightful ways tentacles can be naughty and nice!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 31, 2025
3,5 stars.
Lovely and sweet and a bit smutty Christmas romance between two coworkers (Art and Dean), with Art's tentacles all over the place (i.e. Dean).
""Dean," he whispers, and I can't help smiling around his cock. I love making him lose my last name."
Lovely and sweet and a bit smutty Christmas romance between two coworkers (Art and Dean), with Art's tentacles all over the place (i.e. Dean).
""Dean," he whispers, and I can't help smiling around his cock. I love making him lose my last name."
December 23, 2025
I mean... tentacles... 🤷🏽♀️
December 24, 2025
Sweet, funny, adorkable! And some very hot tentacle smex!
November 25, 2024
This was so cute n hot. I freaking love tentacles.
November 12, 2024
Dean and Art are adorable!
This was such a cute story. I liked that Art (and cephalopods in general) didn’t really get into Christmas because it was a great way to have a Christmassy feel without it being overwhelming. Plus seeing Dean show Art things he enjoyed was cute. Art and Dean’s relationship was super sweet. Art definitely has some neurodivergent characteristics and seeing how Dean respected him, his boundaries and his individual needs was one of the best parts of their relationship. Seeing Art find the right people, who actually wanted to get to know him and accept him for who he is was lovely. Plus the comeuppance to a certain character was awesome! Go Art for being a total BAMF. I may kind of be hoping there’s another book featuring Jamie and certain security guard hehe.
This was such a cute story. I liked that Art (and cephalopods in general) didn’t really get into Christmas because it was a great way to have a Christmassy feel without it being overwhelming. Plus seeing Dean show Art things he enjoyed was cute. Art and Dean’s relationship was super sweet. Art definitely has some neurodivergent characteristics and seeing how Dean respected him, his boundaries and his individual needs was one of the best parts of their relationship. Seeing Art find the right people, who actually wanted to get to know him and accept him for who he is was lovely. Plus the comeuppance to a certain character was awesome! Go Art for being a total BAMF. I may kind of be hoping there’s another book featuring Jamie and certain security guard hehe.
November 12, 2024
A Gay workplace romance between Scientists in a paranormal world with "cryptids", Cephalopod shifter x Human! This story was so cute, I even got a bit teary-eyed with the sweetness 🥰.
I loved Art & Dean!! Their parents are amazing ❤️. This was my 1st book by these authors & I'll totally be on look out for more! Devoured my #ARC in 4hrs. Whoop, the Xmas themed books have started!
Dean is the human; friendly, confident, calm, flirty with Art & finds him adorable. Art is the Cephalopod shifter; smart, shy, frank & socially awkward. Art has never quite fit in other than with his family but feels safe with D 🥺. Art's inexperienced in sex & relationship, got a crush on D 😉 but also nervous around him. Kinda opposites attract!
Their asshole boss forces D to help Art learn "peopling" but it's no hardship to D but a great opportunity! I loved Art's insightful rambles & how attentive Dean is 🥰. Art is so direct!! It's refreshing to D & streamlines everything lol. Ah the tentacle smut is hot too 🥵. A+D are 🔥🔥. The tentacles are cute 😭❤️. The sharing traditions is sweet ❤️.
Ah I'm so glad we see the boss being handled 😤, he turned out to be an asshole! I loved D protective of Art & the situations Art took charge 🥵. Such a normal yet unusual but sweet meet the parents! I'd have loved an epilogue but the ending's cute.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5🥰/5
2) The Characters: 5+/5
3) Top feels: 😁😳😉🥺😯🤭😍🥰😆🥵😅😤🤔😂🥰
4) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 1.5/5 (most ext)
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Cute love story & tentacles) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.6/5
I loved Art & Dean!! Their parents are amazing ❤️. This was my 1st book by these authors & I'll totally be on look out for more! Devoured my #ARC in 4hrs. Whoop, the Xmas themed books have started!
Dean is the human; friendly, confident, calm, flirty with Art & finds him adorable. Art is the Cephalopod shifter; smart, shy, frank & socially awkward. Art has never quite fit in other than with his family but feels safe with D 🥺. Art's inexperienced in sex & relationship, got a crush on D 😉 but also nervous around him. Kinda opposites attract!
Their asshole boss forces D to help Art learn "peopling" but it's no hardship to D but a great opportunity! I loved Art's insightful rambles & how attentive Dean is 🥰. Art is so direct!! It's refreshing to D & streamlines everything lol. Ah the tentacle smut is hot too 🥵. A+D are 🔥🔥. The tentacles are cute 😭❤️. The sharing traditions is sweet ❤️.
Ah I'm so glad we see the boss being handled 😤, he turned out to be an asshole! I loved D protective of Art & the situations Art took charge 🥵. Such a normal yet unusual but sweet meet the parents! I'd have loved an epilogue but the ending's cute.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5🥰/5
2) The Characters: 5+/5
3) Top feels: 😁😳😉🥺😯🤭😍🥰😆🥵😅😤🤔😂🥰
4) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 1.5/5 (most ext)
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Cute love story & tentacles) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.6/5
November 6, 2024
Art the cephalopod shifter is delightfully sweet, awkward and very literal, but apart from that, nothing much happens. Which is usually good, I love slice-of-life, but this just isn't doing it for me. A rare Amy Bellows miss.
Oh, and I dislike it when books about tentacles have to mention said tentacles every single time. At some point we know they're there, and half the time you can just say that he gives Dean a full body hug, or mention the suckers without saying they're attached to the tentacles, of call them limbs, or, or... Variety, people!
Sometimes, I don’t understand social rules, but there is one rule I understand very well: I’m not supposed to taste things with my tentacles in public. All cephalopods know this. People will think we’re weird if we dip our tentacles in our soup before we take a bite or graze the top of our pastries with our suckers.
Oh, and I dislike it when books about tentacles have to mention said tentacles every single time. At some point we know they're there, and half the time you can just say that he gives Dean a full body hug, or mention the suckers without saying they're attached to the tentacles, of call them limbs, or, or... Variety, people!
December 5, 2024
3.5 STARS
This was a quick, fluffy, wholesome Christmas romance, with a monster twist. The story was an effortless read, Art and Dean quickly find themselves falling for each other. A dash of forced proximity is all it takes to get their romance moving. Things progressed quickly and these two were both sticky sweet and sizzling. The whole tentacles aspect was just an added bonus.
Around 70% the story started to drag out a little, things could have wrapped up sooner than they did. For that I found my interest fading and I struggled a little to finish but did. It was a nice Christmas romance to start the holiday season.
This was a quick, fluffy, wholesome Christmas romance, with a monster twist. The story was an effortless read, Art and Dean quickly find themselves falling for each other. A dash of forced proximity is all it takes to get their romance moving. Things progressed quickly and these two were both sticky sweet and sizzling. The whole tentacles aspect was just an added bonus.
Around 70% the story started to drag out a little, things could have wrapped up sooner than they did. For that I found my interest fading and I struggled a little to finish but did. It was a nice Christmas romance to start the holiday season.
November 30, 2024
Totally fitting for the Christmas season, so sweet and adorable!
I have a soft spot for the awkward, geeky characters and Art was just perfect. Dean is a sweetheart too. Actually, they were pretty much perfect together. Low-angst, full of cute dates and fluffy goodness! It also has a fair bit of tentacle kink and heat. It is a lovely story all around.
I have a soft spot for the awkward, geeky characters and Art was just perfect. Dean is a sweetheart too. Actually, they were pretty much perfect together. Low-angst, full of cute dates and fluffy goodness! It also has a fair bit of tentacle kink and heat. It is a lovely story all around.
October 30, 2024
A cozy and utterly fluffy read. I enjoyed the sweet MCs and steamy tentacle smut.
November 4, 2024
Now, this was just a fun co-write from Amy &
Shannon. You feel both of their personalities in
the writing and just can't help but smile. Art &
Dean just gets each other and embraces each
other's uniqueness. Mix in with Dean showing
all the joy that is the holiday season to Arts
analytical mind just pure joy. The heat
between th3 characters is next level with the
fun of tentacles in play. All you can really say
their intimate times are fire. What a great
addiction to the tentacle Christmas series.
Shannon. You feel both of their personalities in
the writing and just can't help but smile. Art &
Dean just gets each other and embraces each
other's uniqueness. Mix in with Dean showing
all the joy that is the holiday season to Arts
analytical mind just pure joy. The heat
between th3 characters is next level with the
fun of tentacles in play. All you can really say
their intimate times are fire. What a great
addiction to the tentacle Christmas series.
November 6, 2024
And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's Amy Bellow's and Shannon Mae's "A Merry Christmas for Art...and His Tentacles." It's the a novel in second edition of the multi-author series Tinsel and Tentacles.
["Dean
When cryptids came out as living among us, there was definitely a settling in period, but now having a loch ness monster as your neighbor and a bigfoot as your security guard at work is just par for the course. Luckily for me, I happen to work with the sweetest, sexiest cephalopod in the entire building. Unfortunately for him, his people skills aren’t the greatest. When our harpy boss demands that I teach him how to interact with people, I’m only too happy to take up the job. I can teach him all about the human holiday of Christmas while giving him important people skills. If our lessons happen to look like dates, well… I won’t complain. And maybe I’ll get those sexy tentacles wrapped around me before too long.
Art
It’s embarrassing that my boss assigned someone to teach me people skills. It’s also hopeless. If learning how to interact with human beings was something I could learn in a class, I would have done so by now. I’m an excellent student. But hanging out with Dean Miller isn’t so bad, even if my tentacles have a mind of their own and won’t stop touching him. He doesn’t mind my awkwardness the way other people do, and he doesn’t mind my tentacles either. His easy acceptance makes me want things that I’m not used to wanting. I wonder what he would do if I asked for more than people lessons?"]
Okay, one of my issues with this, which I mean, at it's very fundamentals is a trope, and we can blame the boss for all I care, but Art can't people NOT because he's a cryptid, but because he's just socially awkward and probably somewhere on the autism spectrum. Not to put a "human" neurodivergence on a crytpid, but he's just awkward and doesn't understand sarcasm, satire, or in general, things that aren't literal. Dean (and myself) happen to find Art freaking adorable. AND Dean was just a pissed off with the entire interaction with their boss as I was, so there's that.
These two were freaking perfect. I loved how sweet and soft they were with each other. I loved how open and honest they were. I love how easy and effortless it seemed. There were a few bumps from outside forces, but all minor and easily solved. They took risks and tried new things to better understand each other. They were so smitten with each other before the book even started, but after? Hell, it didn't take long at all for them to fall in love.
And I looooove how Art's tentacles were basically their own character half the time. ;)
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#amerrychristmasforartandhistentacles #tinselandtentacles #amybellows #shannonmae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Dean
When cryptids came out as living among us, there was definitely a settling in period, but now having a loch ness monster as your neighbor and a bigfoot as your security guard at work is just par for the course. Luckily for me, I happen to work with the sweetest, sexiest cephalopod in the entire building. Unfortunately for him, his people skills aren’t the greatest. When our harpy boss demands that I teach him how to interact with people, I’m only too happy to take up the job. I can teach him all about the human holiday of Christmas while giving him important people skills. If our lessons happen to look like dates, well… I won’t complain. And maybe I’ll get those sexy tentacles wrapped around me before too long.
Art
It’s embarrassing that my boss assigned someone to teach me people skills. It’s also hopeless. If learning how to interact with human beings was something I could learn in a class, I would have done so by now. I’m an excellent student. But hanging out with Dean Miller isn’t so bad, even if my tentacles have a mind of their own and won’t stop touching him. He doesn’t mind my awkwardness the way other people do, and he doesn’t mind my tentacles either. His easy acceptance makes me want things that I’m not used to wanting. I wonder what he would do if I asked for more than people lessons?"]
Okay, one of my issues with this, which I mean, at it's very fundamentals is a trope, and we can blame the boss for all I care, but Art can't people NOT because he's a cryptid, but because he's just socially awkward and probably somewhere on the autism spectrum. Not to put a "human" neurodivergence on a crytpid, but he's just awkward and doesn't understand sarcasm, satire, or in general, things that aren't literal. Dean (and myself) happen to find Art freaking adorable. AND Dean was just a pissed off with the entire interaction with their boss as I was, so there's that.
These two were freaking perfect. I loved how sweet and soft they were with each other. I loved how open and honest they were. I love how easy and effortless it seemed. There were a few bumps from outside forces, but all minor and easily solved. They took risks and tried new things to better understand each other. They were so smitten with each other before the book even started, but after? Hell, it didn't take long at all for them to fall in love.
And I looooove how Art's tentacles were basically their own character half the time. ;)
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#amerrychristmasforartandhistentacles #tinselandtentacles #amybellows #shannonmae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
November 19, 2024
“You are worth everything, Art. I love you. I love being with you and working with you. You’re fucking brilliant, and your mind amazes me. More than that, you’re funny, and you’re sweet, and you’re kind. You really care about our work and about people, even if you don’t always show it how people expect you to. I love being with you, talking with you, even just doing freaking laundry with you. I would stand up for you to anyone, because I love you, Art.” - Dean
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: No
HEA: Yes
MC sex without other MC(s): No
Spice: 4/5
Angst: 1/5
Fluff: 4/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Sexual Acts Include:
Main Characters:
Dean (Dean Miller): Human, Crushing on Art, Kind, Genuine, Patient
Art: Cryptid - Cephalopod, Virgin, Crush on Dean, Poor social skills, Shy, Nervous, Tentacles with a mind of their own lol
My Opinion: I found this to be such a sweet story. I loved how Dean helped guide Art in the direction of his new friends and to truly feel like he had a place with everyone else. Dealing with Frank was annoying but as long as they had each other that’s what mattered. That breeding/mating scene at the end though? Good golly *panting*. Art was much more forward and alpha-y than normal here and it just felt right. I would love a second book where we got to see them raise kids together. That would be a hoot! Great palette cleanser of a book.
“It isn’t in a cephalopod’s nature to fall in love more than once.” “It’s okay, Art. Your heart is safe with me.”
Favorite Quotes:
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: No
HEA: Yes
MC sex without other MC(s): No
Spice: 4/5
Angst: 1/5
Fluff: 4/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Sexual Acts Include:
Main Characters:
Dean (Dean Miller): Human, Crushing on Art, Kind, Genuine, Patient
Art: Cryptid - Cephalopod, Virgin, Crush on Dean, Poor social skills, Shy, Nervous, Tentacles with a mind of their own lol
My Opinion: I found this to be such a sweet story. I loved how Dean helped guide Art in the direction of his new friends and to truly feel like he had a place with everyone else. Dealing with Frank was annoying but as long as they had each other that’s what mattered. That breeding/mating scene at the end though? Good golly *panting*. Art was much more forward and alpha-y than normal here and it just felt right. I would love a second book where we got to see them raise kids together. That would be a hoot! Great palette cleanser of a book.
“It isn’t in a cephalopod’s nature to fall in love more than once.” “It’s okay, Art. Your heart is safe with me.”
Favorite Quotes:
December 11, 2025
I liked how Art, the head of the science division, and HR handled Frank's harassment. I sure wish work bully bosses were handled that well in reality.
This was listed as romance, but it was just a reason for tentacle porn. I really disliked the original premise of this book and Art and Dean's relationship. Lab techs asked Art out. He rejected them, and they quit. Art got punished. Why not tell lab techs to stop sexually harassing the nice scientist?
Then Dean, knowing Art was socially naive invited him over for sexy times without talking about what that means (Hookup? Dating? Friends wirh benefits?). How wildly not cool. Art, who had zero sexual experience, had to be the one to bring up consent. Then Dean just let Art be confused and walk out when it was over, still without conversation, even though he knew Art had never had sex.
Dean described dating as temporary mating when he explained it to Art. He didn't discuss that it could become permanent later down the line if the two decide to continue their relationship. Nothing. It was a rather shitty way to treat his new boyfriend.
I disliked Dean. When Dean finally realized Frank the boss wqs a dick, he didn't go to HR. He also didn't do anything about the rumors except tell his friend to let their friends know it was a lie. Why didn't he personally talk to people?
Dean spent the month wanting to take Art to do human Christmas things and didn't ask Art about doing cephalapod things. When he found out Art's mom didn't bake Christmas cookies with him, he felt bad for Art. Art had to point out that they have different family traditions and that not doing human traditions didnt mean his family didn't love him.
Dean is a human working at a cryptid research facility. He should not have been so clueless at basic concepts regarding cultural differences. It really bugged me that Art got such a raw deal in their partnership.
This was listed as romance, but it was just a reason for tentacle porn. I really disliked the original premise of this book and Art and Dean's relationship. Lab techs asked Art out. He rejected them, and they quit. Art got punished. Why not tell lab techs to stop sexually harassing the nice scientist?
Then Dean, knowing Art was socially naive invited him over for sexy times without talking about what that means (Hookup? Dating? Friends wirh benefits?). How wildly not cool. Art, who had zero sexual experience, had to be the one to bring up consent. Then Dean just let Art be confused and walk out when it was over, still without conversation, even though he knew Art had never had sex.
Dean described dating as temporary mating when he explained it to Art. He didn't discuss that it could become permanent later down the line if the two decide to continue their relationship. Nothing. It was a rather shitty way to treat his new boyfriend.
I disliked Dean. When Dean finally realized Frank the boss wqs a dick, he didn't go to HR. He also didn't do anything about the rumors except tell his friend to let their friends know it was a lie. Why didn't he personally talk to people?
Dean spent the month wanting to take Art to do human Christmas things and didn't ask Art about doing cephalapod things. When he found out Art's mom didn't bake Christmas cookies with him, he felt bad for Art. Art had to point out that they have different family traditions and that not doing human traditions didnt mean his family didn't love him.
Dean is a human working at a cryptid research facility. He should not have been so clueless at basic concepts regarding cultural differences. It really bugged me that Art got such a raw deal in their partnership.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
Home is Where the Art is
A Merry Christmas for Art… and His Tentacles
TINSEL AND TENTACLES 2.0
AMY BELLOWS SHANNON MAE
Humans Dean and James both work at CSA, one of the premier scientific labs in the country.
Cryptids came out thirty years ago, and it's now a period of acceptance and reality TV shows like 'America’s Next Top Cryptid'.
Cephalopods are 'amazing at camouflage' and Art, who appears human but has hands and tentacles, is awfully shy. Dean tries, but every time he says hi, Art literally disappears.
Dean hasn't clue how to ask him out.
Unfortunately he's about to spend a lot of time with the cute genius, because their boss Frank wants Dean to teach Art how to interact with humans without sending them running from the lab.
Of course, Frank the harpy is not exactly on firm HR grounds here and his attitude towards Art is either bullying.
Dean adores Art's 'nerd aesthetic' and though Art may ramble on and explain things in a way which suggests he is neurodiverse, Dean has no problems with Art's random segues.
And Art's tentacles seem to have a mind if their own, frequently winding up wrapped around Dean.
This is a wonderful, sweet and cute colleagues to more romance in which Art's tentacles seem to be playing matchmaker for Art.
It's time for Dean to teach Art the joy of just having fun, and to not worry about whether hot chocolate has too much sugar or anything else. He wants to share his Christmas traditions with Art, and in doing so, they become even closer.
The office Christmas party is great fun and bestie James plus security guard Bob are excellent characters.
Though it's spicy, it's the story and the holiday cheer plus the laughter that makes this book so good.
As for a spin off, I'd love to see inside America’s Next Top Cryptid.
A Merry Christmas for Art… and His Tentacles
TINSEL AND TENTACLES 2.0
AMY BELLOWS SHANNON MAE
Humans Dean and James both work at CSA, one of the premier scientific labs in the country.
Cryptids came out thirty years ago, and it's now a period of acceptance and reality TV shows like 'America’s Next Top Cryptid'.
Cephalopods are 'amazing at camouflage' and Art, who appears human but has hands and tentacles, is awfully shy. Dean tries, but every time he says hi, Art literally disappears.
Dean hasn't clue how to ask him out.
Unfortunately he's about to spend a lot of time with the cute genius, because their boss Frank wants Dean to teach Art how to interact with humans without sending them running from the lab.
Of course, Frank the harpy is not exactly on firm HR grounds here and his attitude towards Art is either bullying.
Dean adores Art's 'nerd aesthetic' and though Art may ramble on and explain things in a way which suggests he is neurodiverse, Dean has no problems with Art's random segues.
And Art's tentacles seem to have a mind if their own, frequently winding up wrapped around Dean.
This is a wonderful, sweet and cute colleagues to more romance in which Art's tentacles seem to be playing matchmaker for Art.
It's time for Dean to teach Art the joy of just having fun, and to not worry about whether hot chocolate has too much sugar or anything else. He wants to share his Christmas traditions with Art, and in doing so, they become even closer.
The office Christmas party is great fun and bestie James plus security guard Bob are excellent characters.
Though it's spicy, it's the story and the holiday cheer plus the laughter that makes this book so good.
As for a spin off, I'd love to see inside America’s Next Top Cryptid.
November 4, 2024
This is the first book I've read in the second season of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles series. It's a short, sweet, low stakes read, and I'm so happy I picked this story to kick of my holiday reading.
Art is a cephalopod shifter who can be quite awkward when interacting with others socially (think Sheldon from Big Bang Theory). He's very smart, which makes him a bit too literal, and that sometimes rubs people the wrong way. But he has the biggest heart and the best intentions. Dean is his human co-worker and the two have secret crushes on each other. So when Dean is tasked with coaching Art on appropriate social interactions, he decides this is his chance to see if there is more cooking between them in the lab than his supposed one-sided crush.
I enjoyed the premise of the story and the worldbuilding. There is so much attention to detail in crafting the world and lives of cephalopod shifters, it felt like they could actually be real. I loved seeing sweet Art come out of his shell and realize that there never was anything "wrong" with him and plenty of people, especially Dean, wanted to get to know him better. Lady Karma comes into play helping Art get some well-deserved justice, and the ending to the story was very satisfying.
This was a low angst, sweet and steamy (what those tentacles do!) romance between a human and a cephalopod shifter taking the time and care to learn about each other's cultures. I loved everything about this story, the worldbuilding, and the characters. After reading this story, I'm ready to start my winter holiday season reading. It was the perfect palate cleanser after a couple months of spooky reads.
Art is a cephalopod shifter who can be quite awkward when interacting with others socially (think Sheldon from Big Bang Theory). He's very smart, which makes him a bit too literal, and that sometimes rubs people the wrong way. But he has the biggest heart and the best intentions. Dean is his human co-worker and the two have secret crushes on each other. So when Dean is tasked with coaching Art on appropriate social interactions, he decides this is his chance to see if there is more cooking between them in the lab than his supposed one-sided crush.
I enjoyed the premise of the story and the worldbuilding. There is so much attention to detail in crafting the world and lives of cephalopod shifters, it felt like they could actually be real. I loved seeing sweet Art come out of his shell and realize that there never was anything "wrong" with him and plenty of people, especially Dean, wanted to get to know him better. Lady Karma comes into play helping Art get some well-deserved justice, and the ending to the story was very satisfying.
This was a low angst, sweet and steamy (what those tentacles do!) romance between a human and a cephalopod shifter taking the time and care to learn about each other's cultures. I loved everything about this story, the worldbuilding, and the characters. After reading this story, I'm ready to start my winter holiday season reading. It was the perfect palate cleanser after a couple months of spooky reads.
November 7, 2024
When cryptids came out as living among us, there was a settling in period, but now having a loch ness monster as your neighbour and a bigfoot as your security guard at work is just par for the course. Luckily for me, Dean happens to work with the sweetest, sexiest cephalopod in the entire building. Unfortunately for him, his people skills aren’t the greatest. When their harpy boss demands that Dean teach him how to interact with people. Teaching him all about the human holiday of Christmas while giving him important people skills, their lessons happen to look like dates. It’s embarrassing that Art's boss assigned someone to teach him people skills. It’s also hopeless. If learning how to interact with human beings was something anyone could learn in a class, he would have done so by now. But hanging out with Dean Miller isn’t so bad, even if Art's tentacles have a mind of their own and won’t stop touching him. He doesn’t mind his awkwardness the way other people do, and he doesn’t mind his tentacles either. His easy acceptance makes Art want things that he's not used to wanting - wonder what he would do if he asked for more than people lessons?
This was a sweet story as Dean tried to teach shy Art how to interact with people and how their dates started to mean much more. I enjoyed the Christmas theme of the story and how their affection for each other developed. The cultural differences were quite funny sometimes. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was a sweet story as Dean tried to teach shy Art how to interact with people and how their dates started to mean much more. I enjoyed the Christmas theme of the story and how their affection for each other developed. The cultural differences were quite funny sometimes. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 5, 2024
What a SWEET, low angst story 😍 Dean and Art are definitely meant to be together. Art is a brilliant but socially awkward cephalopod shifter scientist with gorgeous tentacles. It is so adorable that his tentacles have minds of their own and often do things towards Dean that Art finds embarassing but Dean loves 😜 Dean is friendly, kind, personable and a really great guy who works in the lab with Art.
There is mutual pining between Art and Dean but Art is painfully shy and cannot imagine a world where Dean would be into him while Dean is totally hot for Art but doesn't want to scare him into disappearing, literally! Lol.
Art has a very direct and intelligent way of speaking and a brilliant scientific mind that often rubs people the wrong way at work. Dean teams up with him to help him gain some confidence socially. What follows is a series of fun dates through the Christmas holiday season while these two learn all about each other.
These two are perfect for each other and provide great dialogue, lots of funny moments and some Seriously smexy times with lots of tentacle play 🥵 I definitely recommend this adorable little read.
This story has an adorable HEA, I couldn't give it a perfect five stars because I was REALLY hoping for some adorable little cephalopod babies, especially after that last spicy scene!
I generously received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
There is mutual pining between Art and Dean but Art is painfully shy and cannot imagine a world where Dean would be into him while Dean is totally hot for Art but doesn't want to scare him into disappearing, literally! Lol.
Art has a very direct and intelligent way of speaking and a brilliant scientific mind that often rubs people the wrong way at work. Dean teams up with him to help him gain some confidence socially. What follows is a series of fun dates through the Christmas holiday season while these two learn all about each other.
These two are perfect for each other and provide great dialogue, lots of funny moments and some Seriously smexy times with lots of tentacle play 🥵 I definitely recommend this adorable little read.
This story has an adorable HEA, I couldn't give it a perfect five stars because I was REALLY hoping for some adorable little cephalopod babies, especially after that last spicy scene!
I generously received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
This book is from the multiauthor Tentacles and Christmas series, season two. From the title along you might expect this would be rather smutty. All sex, little storyline. The blurb suggests different. Reading A Merry Christmas..., you realize it's a sweet and tender love story. With tentacles. Art is brilliant, a scientist working on a project that will benefit both humans and cryptids. After a string of lab techs quit after interacting with him, his boss puts him on notice. Learn to get along with others, or you're out. Fellow scientist Dean Miller is assigned to 'teach him.' The assignment allows the two to explore the crushes they have on each other.
Dean introduces Art to the joys of the holiday season. The results are hilarious. Cephalopod shifters as a whole have a tendency to be literal, and Art takes that to a level higher. He's rather shy and sensitive. And clueless. The descriptions of how and why hot chocolate is bad for you and cannibalistic non shifter cephalopod reproduction had me laughing out loud. And Dean doesn't even blink.
While it's absolutely adorable, the story has a (gentle) lesson about cultural differences. And a rather sarcastic journey into corporate rules and how to get around them. Offered by the HR director.
A quick, fun read. I would love to read more about these two and this cryptid world.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Dean introduces Art to the joys of the holiday season. The results are hilarious. Cephalopod shifters as a whole have a tendency to be literal, and Art takes that to a level higher. He's rather shy and sensitive. And clueless. The descriptions of how and why hot chocolate is bad for you and cannibalistic non shifter cephalopod reproduction had me laughing out loud. And Dean doesn't even blink.
While it's absolutely adorable, the story has a (gentle) lesson about cultural differences. And a rather sarcastic journey into corporate rules and how to get around them. Offered by the HR director.
A quick, fun read. I would love to read more about these two and this cryptid world.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
December 1, 2024
“I’m supposed to prevent Art from offending people?” he asks. “Exactly. You get along with everyone, so you’re going to teach Art how to interact with people in a way that doesn’t make them want to quit. You’re also going to work side-by-side with him all day and smooth over any unpleasant interactions he may have with the rest of the staff.”
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I liked that Cryptids were out and about in society in this world- even college courses to learn about them, reality shows featuring them. (Can I live in this world please??)
I absolutely loved both Art, an introverted and socially awkward cephalopod, and Dean, the cheerful human all too willing to help him with his people skills and to be more sociable at the orders of their boss- who isn't happy with all the lab techs leaving. Art was sweet and innocent and I felt really bad that his awkwardness was not only called out by his boss, but h would have been fired if he weren't so good at his job.
I loved the two of them together. Art was adorable, and with both of them having a crush on each other, and Art's tentacles sometimes having a mind of their own, this was a very fun, sweet romance.
A cute, sweet, holiday read. This was the first book I've read by these authors and I will definitely be reading more! 5 stars.
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I liked that Cryptids were out and about in society in this world- even college courses to learn about them, reality shows featuring them. (Can I live in this world please??)
I absolutely loved both Art, an introverted and socially awkward cephalopod, and Dean, the cheerful human all too willing to help him with his people skills and to be more sociable at the orders of their boss- who isn't happy with all the lab techs leaving. Art was sweet and innocent and I felt really bad that his awkwardness was not only called out by his boss, but h would have been fired if he weren't so good at his job.
I loved the two of them together. Art was adorable, and with both of them having a crush on each other, and Art's tentacles sometimes having a mind of their own, this was a very fun, sweet romance.
A cute, sweet, holiday read. This was the first book I've read by these authors and I will definitely be reading more! 5 stars.
November 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this romance between Dean and Art. These two work together but Art is a super shy and socially awkward genius cephalopod shifter. Dean is a sweet, personable, human who works at a highly cryptid agency. I wasn't exactly sure what the agency did, but it doesn't matter. These two have kind of circled around each other and it isn't until they're sort of forced to spend some time together that they finally decide to become boyfriends. It's a fairly low angst story with most of that being from an external force. I loved how Dean not only accepted all of Art's straightforwardness but also appreciated it. He tried to give Art guidelines to help Art feel comfortable in social situations. It was awesome seeing Art make friends at work! As sweet as this story is, there's still a good amount of spice and I loved these scenes. I feel that they gave a good balance to the story and didn't take over the storyline.
This was really fun and a perfect holiday read. Christmas played a big focus and seeing Dean share his favorite holiday with Art was special. I hope we get to see Dean's best friend and some of the others who work with them. I'm curious as to the other types of cryptids who work with these two!
This was really fun and a perfect holiday read. Christmas played a big focus and seeing Dean share his favorite holiday with Art was special. I hope we get to see Dean's best friend and some of the others who work with them. I'm curious as to the other types of cryptids who work with these two!
November 4, 2024
A MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR ART... AND HIS TENTACLES is part of the multi-author standalone story Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series. In a world where Cryptids are 'out', Art is a scientist with limited people skills. He sees the world in black and white and social niceties take second place to facts. He was brilliant! Dean is a human who gets along with most people and Cryptids. He also has a major crush on Art but doesn't think he will ever get a chance.
I loved this story! Simple as that. Art and Dean are a great couple, and I loved seeing Art conquer his doubts as Dean spoke clearly and explained things. I also loved that it wasn't all one-sided, with Art providing reassurance and explanations to Dean when needed.
The world-building is second to none, giving me a wonderful insight into the different customs and traditions of Dean and Art's families. Exceedingly well-paced and with steamy moments aplenty, this was a book I read in one sitting and HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
4 Nov, 2024
I loved this story! Simple as that. Art and Dean are a great couple, and I loved seeing Art conquer his doubts as Dean spoke clearly and explained things. I also loved that it wasn't all one-sided, with Art providing reassurance and explanations to Dean when needed.
The world-building is second to none, giving me a wonderful insight into the different customs and traditions of Dean and Art's families. Exceedingly well-paced and with steamy moments aplenty, this was a book I read in one sitting and HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
4 Nov, 2024
October 31, 2024
This was a super cute, tentacle-filled festive read!
Art is a super smart, socially awkward Cephalopod scientist. Dean is an outgoing, human lab tech. When their dept manager decides Art needs 'interacting with others' lessons, he assigns Dean as Art's teacher. Lucky for Dean who has had a mini crush on Art since day one, and lucky for Art because Dean is compassionate, smart, and actually really appreciates his forthright manner.
Art and Dean were absolutely adorable together. From Dean deciding the best plan is to teach/get Art to try festive themed activities.... to them deciding on being 'temporary mate's... to them meeting the parents! It was lovely to see Art bloom in social confidence with Dean's support and care. I found myself smiling and giggling at them page after page.
"Art... and his tentacles" is part of the multi author collab Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0. Fully standalone.
Read if you're looking for a sweet, festive, human/cephalopod MM romance. Forced proximity. Different worlds. 'Temporary mates' to HEA!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
Art is a super smart, socially awkward Cephalopod scientist. Dean is an outgoing, human lab tech. When their dept manager decides Art needs 'interacting with others' lessons, he assigns Dean as Art's teacher. Lucky for Dean who has had a mini crush on Art since day one, and lucky for Art because Dean is compassionate, smart, and actually really appreciates his forthright manner.
Art and Dean were absolutely adorable together. From Dean deciding the best plan is to teach/get Art to try festive themed activities.... to them deciding on being 'temporary mate's... to them meeting the parents! It was lovely to see Art bloom in social confidence with Dean's support and care. I found myself smiling and giggling at them page after page.
"Art... and his tentacles" is part of the multi author collab Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0. Fully standalone.
Read if you're looking for a sweet, festive, human/cephalopod MM romance. Forced proximity. Different worlds. 'Temporary mates' to HEA!
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
July 7, 2025
Well this was just absurd fluff and I'm here for it.
So in this world, cryptids are part of everyday life--and one lab tech, Dean, is crushing hard on a cephalopod shifter in his lab. Do we get anything about Art's shifting, or why there are cephalopod shifters, or what reason they're usually in finance? Nope. The worldbuilding is almost nonexistent (seriously I'm so mad that I don't fully understand where Art's tentacles are on his body and how they connect with the rest of his physiology), but it's also not the point. The point is that Art--who is deeply autistic-coded--is in the crosshairs of Frank, his boss, who assigns Dean to teach him people skills.
I deeply appreciate that Dean gets to a place where he recognizes that's bunk and the resolution with Frank is lovely, as are the secondary characters who show up to flesh out Art and Dean's workplace drama. But really this is about appreciating the trappings of Christmas and having tentacle sex. That's what the book is for. If you don't want those things, this is not for you, but if you're down, this is charming and very sweet and I absolutely love Art and his family. Cheering for Art and Dean forever.
So in this world, cryptids are part of everyday life--and one lab tech, Dean, is crushing hard on a cephalopod shifter in his lab. Do we get anything about Art's shifting, or why there are cephalopod shifters, or what reason they're usually in finance? Nope. The worldbuilding is almost nonexistent (seriously I'm so mad that I don't fully understand where Art's tentacles are on his body and how they connect with the rest of his physiology), but it's also not the point. The point is that Art--who is deeply autistic-coded--is in the crosshairs of Frank, his boss, who assigns Dean to teach him people skills.
I deeply appreciate that Dean gets to a place where he recognizes that's bunk and the resolution with Frank is lovely, as are the secondary characters who show up to flesh out Art and Dean's workplace drama. But really this is about appreciating the trappings of Christmas and having tentacle sex. That's what the book is for. If you don't want those things, this is not for you, but if you're down, this is charming and very sweet and I absolutely love Art and his family. Cheering for Art and Dean forever.
November 11, 2024
Holiday Cheer Meter: 4/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
Book 1 of 13 of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Dean Miller (human), lab tech
Art (cephalopod), scientist
This one just hit right and I loved almost everything about it. I loved how sweet, shy and awkward Art was and how Dean Miller liked him just as he was. That Art's tentacles had a mind of their own at times and would touch Dean without Art's conscious though was adorable. This had all the holiday vibes I love; ice skating, tree decorating, cookie baking, etc with Art gaining a new appreciation for all things Christmassy. The families of our MCs were wholesome and supportive and the cephalopod mating ritual was a cute and fun addition. The steamy scenes were delightful; I'm a... sucker... for marking.
The storyline with Art's boss provided a convenient excuse for Art and Dean to spend more time together but wasn't developed beyond that basic idea, trying to carry more of the story than it could so I wish it had either been more thought out or simplified.
Although part of series, this stands alone well; the series is built that way and though it portends than some books "may be connected to some authors’ pre-existing worlds" (not my favourite thing) this doesn't appear to be the case here, or if it is, the authors in question did a phenomenal job of not letting the reader feel like they were missing out on any previous context and were given a true HEA that doesn't require further reading to achieve.
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
Book 1 of 13 of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Dean Miller (human), lab tech
Art (cephalopod), scientist
This one just hit right and I loved almost everything about it. I loved how sweet, shy and awkward Art was and how Dean Miller liked him just as he was. That Art's tentacles had a mind of their own at times and would touch Dean without Art's conscious though was adorable. This had all the holiday vibes I love; ice skating, tree decorating, cookie baking, etc with Art gaining a new appreciation for all things Christmassy. The families of our MCs were wholesome and supportive and the cephalopod mating ritual was a cute and fun addition. The steamy scenes were delightful; I'm a... sucker... for marking.
The storyline with Art's boss provided a convenient excuse for Art and Dean to spend more time together but wasn't developed beyond that basic idea, trying to carry more of the story than it could so I wish it had either been more thought out or simplified.
Although part of series, this stands alone well; the series is built that way and though it portends than some books "may be connected to some authors’ pre-existing worlds" (not my favourite thing) this doesn't appear to be the case here, or if it is, the authors in question did a phenomenal job of not letting the reader feel like they were missing out on any previous context and were given a true HEA that doesn't require further reading to achieve.
November 9, 2024
This was cozy, fluffy, fun and just what I needed!
Art is a cephalopod and Dean is a human and they work together as scientists in a lab. Dean is asked to spend more time with Art outside of working hours because their boss thinks Artis rude and lacks social skills. This actually works out for them because they have both had crushed on each other. And in the end their boss gets what he deserves.
I really loved both Art and Dean. I loved that Art's tentacles had a mind of their own and wanted to touch Dean even when Art was too shy to do it. Honestly, the tentacles gave Art away. I loved Art's scientific mind and his honesty. Dean was so nice to him and very encouraging. I also really enjoyed how much Dean loved the tentacles and what they did. Honestly, tentacles would be a great thing to have to help with various activities.
This was a very enjoyable Christmas novella and I would recommend it to anyone that wants a Christmas novella with a side of fantasy. I really enjoyed the world the story was set in and I will definitely read more novellas from this series.
Art is a cephalopod and Dean is a human and they work together as scientists in a lab. Dean is asked to spend more time with Art outside of working hours because their boss thinks Artis rude and lacks social skills. This actually works out for them because they have both had crushed on each other. And in the end their boss gets what he deserves.
I really loved both Art and Dean. I loved that Art's tentacles had a mind of their own and wanted to touch Dean even when Art was too shy to do it. Honestly, the tentacles gave Art away. I loved Art's scientific mind and his honesty. Dean was so nice to him and very encouraging. I also really enjoyed how much Dean loved the tentacles and what they did. Honestly, tentacles would be a great thing to have to help with various activities.
This was a very enjoyable Christmas novella and I would recommend it to anyone that wants a Christmas novella with a side of fantasy. I really enjoyed the world the story was set in and I will definitely read more novellas from this series.
December 9, 2024
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟒/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
such a cute story! exactly what i'd expect from Amy Bellows🥰 i'm not familiar with the other author but this co-writing worked very well, they created an endearing & delightful story together!👏
not sure how intentional the neurodivergent rep was but it was beautiful & spoke to me, i absolutely loved Art, he was so endearing! along with his tentacles!💓🤭
Dean was an amazing character as well, i loved how enchanted he was by Art! it was also so sweet how Dean introduced christmas traditions to Art!
this book was just totally magical with lots of feels & christmas funsies, loved it!
⊹˚⍋*. 🐙 ˚.∘ 𖠰 ˚.∘ 🦑 *.⍋˚⊹
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
𖠰˚.∘ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ
𖠰˚.∘ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ × ᴄᴇᴘʜᴀʟᴏᴘᴏᴅ sʜɪғᴛᴇʀ
𖠰˚.∘ ᴛᴇɴᴛᴀᴄʟᴇs
𖠰˚.∘ ᴄᴏᴡᴏʀᴋᴇʀs (sᴄɪᴇɴᴛɪsᴛs)
𖠰˚.∘ ᴏᴜᴛɢᴏɪɴɢ ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ × sʜʏ ᴍᴄ
𖠰˚.∘ ʟᴏᴡ ᴀɴɢsᴛ, ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ
𖠰˚.∘ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ᴅᴘ, ᴍɪʟᴅ ʙᴏɴᴅᴀɢᴇ, sᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ
𖠰˚.∘ sᴛʀɪᴄᴋ ʀᴏʟᴇs (sʜʏ ᴍᴄ ᴛᴏᴘs)
𖠰˚.∘ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏʀᴛ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ (ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs)
➽ ᴄᴡ: ᴍɪsᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴀᴛ ᴡᴏʀᴋ (ʙʏ ᴀssʜᴏʟᴇ ʙᴏss)
such a cute story! exactly what i'd expect from Amy Bellows🥰 i'm not familiar with the other author but this co-writing worked very well, they created an endearing & delightful story together!👏
not sure how intentional the neurodivergent rep was but it was beautiful & spoke to me, i absolutely loved Art, he was so endearing! along with his tentacles!💓🤭
Dean was an amazing character as well, i loved how enchanted he was by Art! it was also so sweet how Dean introduced christmas traditions to Art!
this book was just totally magical with lots of feels & christmas funsies, loved it!
⊹˚⍋*. 🐙 ˚.∘ 𖠰 ˚.∘ 🦑 *.⍋˚⊹
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
𖠰˚.∘ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ
𖠰˚.∘ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ × ᴄᴇᴘʜᴀʟᴏᴘᴏᴅ sʜɪғᴛᴇʀ
𖠰˚.∘ ᴛᴇɴᴛᴀᴄʟᴇs
𖠰˚.∘ ᴄᴏᴡᴏʀᴋᴇʀs (sᴄɪᴇɴᴛɪsᴛs)
𖠰˚.∘ ᴏᴜᴛɢᴏɪɴɢ ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ × sʜʏ ᴍᴄ
𖠰˚.∘ ʟᴏᴡ ᴀɴɢsᴛ, ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ
𖠰˚.∘ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ᴅᴘ, ᴍɪʟᴅ ʙᴏɴᴅᴀɢᴇ, sᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ
𖠰˚.∘ sᴛʀɪᴄᴋ ʀᴏʟᴇs (sʜʏ ᴍᴄ ᴛᴏᴘs)
𖠰˚.∘ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏʀᴛ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ (ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs)
➽ ᴄᴡ: ᴍɪsᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴀᴛ ᴡᴏʀᴋ (ʙʏ ᴀssʜᴏʟᴇ ʙᴏss)
December 19, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
A Merry Christmas for Art… and His Tentacles by Amy Bellows and Shannon Mae is part of the second season of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles collection of standalone stories. This is a sweet and lighthearted story, with a warm relationship between Art and Dean. Art is socially awkward and doesn’t know how to interact with people very well. He tends to be very straightforward and not really aware of people’s feelings or how he comes across.
I think where this story succeeds most is in the sweet and accepting dynamic between Art and Dean, and the warm vibe for the story. It isn’t super deep and developed, but there is enough here that I think fans of holiday stories (and tentacle play) can find something to enjoy.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
A Merry Christmas for Art… and His Tentacles by Amy Bellows and Shannon Mae is part of the second season of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles collection of standalone stories. This is a sweet and lighthearted story, with a warm relationship between Art and Dean. Art is socially awkward and doesn’t know how to interact with people very well. He tends to be very straightforward and not really aware of people’s feelings or how he comes across.
I think where this story succeeds most is in the sweet and accepting dynamic between Art and Dean, and the warm vibe for the story. It isn’t super deep and developed, but there is enough here that I think fans of holiday stories (and tentacle play) can find something to enjoy.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 28, 2024
4.5/5 This is a delightful holiday adventure. I love how formal, literal, and (almost always) rule-abiding Art is. It’s entertaining to watch Dean help him socialise and become more comfortable around others—but also accept Art exactly as he is. It’s always clear how much they care for one another, even when they’re only “temporary mates”.
Their families are awesome, which was nice to see. Their interactions always made me laugh. I like how holiday happiness slowly creeped up in Art. I loved all the tentacle snuggling (and other activities, lol). I appreciated how accepting they are of one another (of food, of culture, of physical and social needs, and more) even while they’re sometimes going a bit outside of their comfort zones. Frank might be a jerk, but he accidentally had a great idea when he got those two to spend time together. ;)
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Their families are awesome, which was nice to see. Their interactions always made me laugh. I like how holiday happiness slowly creeped up in Art. I loved all the tentacle snuggling (and other activities, lol). I appreciated how accepting they are of one another (of food, of culture, of physical and social needs, and more) even while they’re sometimes going a bit outside of their comfort zones. Frank might be a jerk, but he accidentally had a great idea when he got those two to spend time together. ;)
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
November 7, 2024
A Merry Christmas for Art… is book one of the Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0 series of 13 tentacle Christmas holiday stories released every 3 to 4 days leading up to the holidays. Cryptids openly live and work among humans now, but Art is a brilliant but totally nerdy scientist who has zero people skills. Human Dean Miller works in the lab with him and has an itsy bitsy crush on Art. After Art runs off another lab tech, their harpy boss asks Dean to teach Art to get along with his colleagues.
Art is embarrassed and would prefer to stay in his lab away from everyone, but he has to admit Dean isn’t so bad. And his tentacles seem to have a mind of their own when around Dean. Spending so much time together in and out of work brings them much closer together and Art’s tentacles don’t seem to want to let Dean go. Yes there is a lot of tentacle porn steam before Art and Dean get to their HEA. This book is a standalone but may be connected to the authors previous works
Art is embarrassed and would prefer to stay in his lab away from everyone, but he has to admit Dean isn’t so bad. And his tentacles seem to have a mind of their own when around Dean. Spending so much time together in and out of work brings them much closer together and Art’s tentacles don’t seem to want to let Dean go. Yes there is a lot of tentacle porn steam before Art and Dean get to their HEA. This book is a standalone but may be connected to the authors previous works
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