Tempted by Tentacles

Fated Dates

by Elle M. Drew

What is more tempting to a corporate baddie than a man wanting to pin her down to a mattress and stuff her to the brim? Her perfect match, who comes with tentacles...


Desperate for some decompression, relaxation, and relief, Lily stumbles across a dating app promising a perfect match. It's a risk, but the reward seems worth it—especially when she sees her match isn't some stranger! Instead, it’s a flashback to college, but he has muscles, a stubbled jaw, and confidence. Should she give him the chance she never did before?


For Fisk, matching with Lily was hitting the jackpot! She was his dream girl, his tentacle drenched fantasy. What luck to know that the one person he never forgot was his perfect match. Throwing caution to the wind, he invites her to his vacation home to give her everything she's looking for and more! She deserves to be worshipped, pleasured, and wrapped up in tentacles, but first, he has to convince her the app knows what it's talking about. They're perfect for each other, and the sooner she realizes it, the sooner he can stuff her full of exactly what she needs.


Tempted by Tentacles is part of the Fated Dates multi-author series and a complete standalone. Want to read more tales of monsters getting matched via app? Get the complete series today!

Genres: Novella, Monster Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Monsters, Plus Size, Shapeshifters

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2024

About the author

Elle M Drew is an avid writer and reader of spicy fantasy and paranormal romance. Her career began with fanfiction and took off from there. Elle infuses a touch of magic into all of her work.

When she isn’t busy writing, Elle lives with her husband and two children after recently moving to the Upstate of South Carolina from Okinawa, Japan. She always has iced coffee and a stack of bullet journals on hand for impromptu writing and plotting sessions, and she always has instrumental music playing.

After twenty steamy and extraordinary years of writing fanfiction, she’s finally publishing her own books where a magical blend of fantasy and the paranormal mix with dark romance… with an adult, sexy spin, of course.

READER BIO IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING:
I'm a very easy to please reader - I read to escape. I read to enjoy. I'm a mood reader. I'm a binge reader. I love a book if it sparks a little joy and it turns pages.
My Star Chart:
★ I finished it. I wish I hadn't. You will not see this rating very often if ever.
★★ I finished it because FOMO. I'm glad it's over. You will rarely see this.
★★★ It's a read. I'll give the most thoughts on this, to help other readers decide if they want to read.
★★★★ Sparks joy, would not reread.
★★★★★ Sparks joy, gives serotonin, would read again.

Reviews

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

- kraken shifter + plus size baddie
- second chance romance
- billionaire
- fated mates
- tentacle play

Tempted by Tentacles is the perfect intro for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of monster banging.

Embrace the monster fuckery, babes!

This was my first read by Elle M. Drew, but definitely not my last. This was spicy and fast paced, and so far my favorite of the Fated Dates series!

[Kaitlyn Kirby Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute, quick and spicy shifter story

Often times with shorter stories it all feels so rushed, but I feel like this was the perfect mix of spicy, fun and quick.

M/F
Fated mates
Sea monster x human
All the tentacle action you could want

[Aria Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy tentacles!!!

I love kraken romance stories. They’re my favorite monster type ever. Fisk has had a crush on Lily since they were in school but she never truly noticed him. He was awkward and quiet while she was confident.

Years later Lily decides she deserves a break from all the work she’s been doing and downloads a few apps to find a hookup. Of course she gets Kis-meet and the two of them decide to spend a weekend together.

Fisk is a freaking wet dream. He worships her. Like actually worships her. He has one goal, to make her never want to leave. This is one of the spiciest monster books I’ve read in awhile and it was so tremendously well written. I loved how they came together, it was fast but it felt so right. So natural. I’m so glad I read this and you will be too!!

[•° Whimsy Fairy °• · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a huge fan

While there were some parts I enjoyed in this book they simply did not outweigh the negatives. This book seemed very repetitive and I often felt a sort of deja vu while reading. Overall, not the book for me.

[જ⁀➴Charity ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly? It was an okay book. But I did not like it very much. The lines between the characters just came off way too cringey for me.

[balayageandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy texts and tentacles…oh my!

My thoughts:
-Once again I am absolutely in love with this little Fated Dates series…. This Kis-Meet app is such a cute little concept and I’m loving it!
-I absolutely love how the FMC is as smart as she is gorgeous…and how she eludes this confidence!
-I love how the MMC was at one point nerdy and awkward and has grown into his true self… between his now very less awkward body… tentacles included…and his filthy mouth…shewww is it hot in here or is it just me?!
-And the banter and teasing between these two is top notch!
-Then factor in the spice and lawd have mercy… you’re gonna need a dip in the ocean to cool off!
-Seriously if you love monster romance this is a great little series to check out!

[Kay S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took so long because Dragon Age.

Heavier on the human spicy times than the monster spicy times I signed up for.

Lily and I are very similar though and it was sooooo nice to be able to empathise and see myself so much in a character so major props there. And some of the lines were just *chef's kiss*

And the spice was great, don't get me wrong. But I came for the kraken and really just got a human lady and a dude thinking more about not being all tentacle-y than about his lady.

Great story, good time, should have more tentacles.

[Sarah_A6210 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read

This was an easy novella, I am enjoying the monster verse series, this one was a little heavier on the spice compared to the others, not that it’s a bad thing. I could definitely see how after 10+ years of one sided attraction they’d dive right in. The MMC was confident but shy and cute I loved the combo.

[Romane | Bookylicious · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for a tentacle romance what the hell is wrong with me

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I literally wanted a quick, fun and easy read and this was absolutely that! These two are just so fun!

[Izzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

90% through before there’s any tentacle action? I’m feeling bamboozled

[Donna Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Elle M. Drew Masterpiece!
***************
Tropes: Fated mates, spicy romantasy
***************
Triggers: Explicit sexual content--biting, choking, light bondage, forced orgasms/orgasm overload, casual hookup, self degradation by the MMC, alcohol consumption, deception via omission, tentacles
***************
The chemistry between Lily & Fisk was instant and incendiary! I was afraid my eReader was going to melt. The plot is well paced and is a straightforward vehicle for Elle's signature spice. I could not put it down and ended up staying up way past my bedtime to finish it.

Movie rating would be XXX, adults only for sure! Cover image is a 4/5, overall plot is 5/5, romance is 3/5, violence is 1/5, and 5/5 for spice. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I can honestly recommend this book. Preorder now, or purchase October 14th.

[neeshreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up for rating)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This was my first book by Elle M Drew and Tempted by Tentacles was an enjoyable monster romance where the MCs find their fated mate via a dating app. This is a great novella to try out if you haven’t read monster romance before, since there are more spicy times in human form (which are 🔥🥵🔥) than with tentacles.

🐙MF Monster Romance
🌊Fated Mates
🐙Kraken Shifter MMC
🌊Human FMC
🐙He Falls First
🌊Dating App Insta-lust
🐙Dash of Tentacles

Lily has been working herself to the bone climbing the corporate ladder, and needs to decompress since it’s been a while (if you know what I mean 🤭). Deciding to take some much-needed vacation days, Lily stumbles across a dating app that promises her one perfect match. Lily takes the risk and finds her perfect match isn’t a stranger, but someone she was acquainted with in college…except now? He’s all muscles, stubbled jaw and oozing confidence. Should she give him a chance?

When Fisk sees that he’s matched with Lily, he’s over the moon. Lily was Fisk’s dream girl back in college before he had grown into himself and his monster. Taking a leap of faith, he invites Lily to his beach house to give her everything she’s looking for…and more 🐙 Fisk is determined to show Lily how perfect they are together, but will his secret bring them closer, or keep her just out of reach?

Fisk is an absolute dream. When this man says he wants to worship Lily, he isn’t kidding and he DELIVERS!

[The Spicy Familiar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever dreamed of being adored in every possible way by a tentacled cinnamon roll with a filthy mouth, Tempted by Tentacles is about to become your new religion. Add in a confident plus-size heroine, a magical dating app, and enough spice to steam your Kindle—this one delivers.

Lily is a brilliant, curvy, and overworked powerhouse who decides she’s earned a break (yes queen). What’s the plan? A no-strings, no-drama hookup weekend. Enter: Kis-Meet, a magical dating app that matches you with your perfect mate. And surprise! Her match is none other than Fisk—the shy, nerdy guy from her past who's not so shy anymore.

Fisk? Yeah, he’s a full-on glow-up. All grown, all confidence, and yes—tentacles. But not just for show, oh no. He’s sweet, he's attentive, and he’s extremely invested in Lily’s pleasure. This man (Kraken? Gentleman cephalopod?) worships her like a goddess. He’s determined to make her never want to leave—and honestly? I wouldn’t either.

The connection is fast, their banter is playful, their chemistry electric, and the emotional undercurrent.. chef's kiss. There’s a soft vulnerability beneath all that spice, and it makes every scene hit that much harder.

Tropes:
🐙 Second Chance (kind of) / Past Connection
🐙 Monster Romance / Tentacled MMC
🐙 Size-Positive Heroine
🐙 Magical Matchmaking App (Kis-Meet series)
🐙 Tentacles and filthy-talking nerd energy
🐙 Fast-burn but emotionally grounded

Read Rating: 🔮🔮🔮🔮
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Magic Meter: 💫💫

[Cara Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟
LOL kinky tentacle sex but make it also soulmate romantic
I enjoyed this quick little read and thought it was surprisingly sweet.

Favorite quotes:

“Lily Durham, you're a challenge worth putting in all the work for.”
She smiled at his answer, amazed at how warm she felt all over, like something inside her was healing, something she hadn't even realized was broken.
If love was real and possible for her, she was pretty sure she was currently feeling it.

“Please tell me you feel it too,” she asked, her voice very quiet. “The...magnetism? I don't know how else to describe it, but since we connected on the app, it's like there's a magnet pulling me towards you, and I don't want to fight it. If you feel it too, then stop fighting it. I don't know where this is going, but—”
“Yeah, I feel it too,” he admitted, knowing it was so much more than magnetism. He was drawn to her, connected to her, would never find another like her.

“It's like we're a perfect match.” She sounded as breathless as he felt.
She had no clue how perfect they were, how perfect she was for him, how perfect he was for her. Had no clue that his soul was already fitting in with hers, trying to keep her bound to him forever. Had no clue that when he had promised her anything and everything, he truly meant it.

[Sarah Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great release from Elle! I got through this novella in an afternoon and would describe it as your perfect intro to monster-f**king. I love a fantasy/shifter romance in general but tend to stick to your more generic wolves, bears, vampires etc., so I wasn’t sure if this was going to be for me. I found her descriptions and Fick’s POV to be imaginative and immersive which led me to do some kraken research- a funny sentence to type. Elle captures the feeling of being on a dating app and literally and metaphorically kicking your feet when you hit it off with someone through her charming texting dialogue. Of course the spice is incredible (this is an Elle M. Drew release, what else did you expect?) but more than anything, if you’ve enjoyed any of Elle’s other releases you’ll come to love and see yourself in our protagonist Lily. Most of Elle’s books are led by a similar character, she is who she is and her partners worship her and who doesn’t want that! An easy and fun read! Bravo!

[TheReaderVert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another One Bites the Dust

Elle Drew is a great writer. The characters pull you in, and this is a sweet tale. The main characters were adorable in their smut haze, and this book is a smut haze. Some of the deets:

😶‍🌫️ Secrets (MMC is a tots rich guy wuss in some ways 😄. He's had a crush on the FMC since college. Can't let the crush go. Being set up on a dating app seals the deal for him to shoot his shot. It's slightly refreshing that he has his own insecurities and issues to work through. His big secret is shifting into a Kraken)

😶‍🌫️ Brat FMC (she calls herself a bad bitch and a little bit of a brat with a smirk. But it's nice seeing a plus-size or full figured FMC who had high self esteem)

😶‍🌫️ FatedMates (mysterious app appears to set up supes with their mates)

😶‍🌫️ tentacles (biggest drawback was the tentacles coming so late in the book. There were wall to wall smex scenes with the MMC consent being constant, but the tentacles don't make an appearance until the last 15% of the book

😶‍🌫️ Secret identity (this plays out as the only conflict for the entire story. The characters didn't really go deep. So this is a #Softlife book. The secret gets dragged out until the end. This means communication between the characters is limited. They have a tendency to have the same discussions and conversations, so it starts to feel a little stale.

😶‍🌫️ novella (since it was so much smex. Felt this could have been even shorter. After a while it was same ole same ole. But again, the author is talented)

[Elle Drew]

Dear reader, please note that Tempted by the Tentacles contains the following:

Explicit sexual content, including the following: biting, choking kink, stuffing and stretching, light bondage, cock warming, forced orgasms and orgasm overload, begging, and bruising.

There is also unsafe dating app hookup behavior, self-degradation by the MMC, and alcohol consumption without intoxication.

Throughout the book, there is also lying by omission.

And, as you can likely guess by the title… tentacles. And yes, they like to play.

Please take care of yourself before reading!

xoxo, Elle

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first kraken read and boy oh boy did Elle M Drew make use of those tentacles!

Lily and Fisk connect on the Kis-Meet dating app and opt to spend the weekend together. Little does Lily know that the app finds one's fated mate. These two have a sex-filled weekend including shenanigans both in and out of the water.

Fisk worries that Lily will bolt once she learns of the other half of his identity. Without giving too much away, those tentacles can be very persuasive!

Per the author's note, this novella includes:
Biting
Choking (consensual)
Stuffing and stretching
Light bondage
C*ck warming
Orgasms and orgasm overload
Begging
Bruising
Did I mention the tentacles?

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily & Fisk, the names alone captured me

Time, we take it for granted. It's what we do in between could be defined. Lily and Fisk crossed paths at university. Allowing their souls to start their journey. Fast forward a decade, and with a little help from kis-met, they find each other again. I love Fisk wanting to be patient, but having Lily face to face his resolve was a gonner.
His reveal was crucial to their beginning, Lily handled it like a champ.
Loved these characters.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main Characters:
Lily & Fisk

Review:
This was a quick fun read. I enjoyed Fisk and Lily.

Tropes:
-Billionaire
-Kraken
-Mates
-Monsters
-Novella
-Paranormal
-Plus Sized Protagonist
-Smut

Quotes:
"She was a fucking prize, and if body fat was going to scare them off, they didn't deserve a single second of her time or attention."

"It was crazy to even consider the word love, but maybe after getting to know him better, she could keep him...and enjoy the stubble he had promised her."

[Nicole B West · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cannot tell you how disappointed I was in this book. For it being a Kraken book with Tentacles in the title, there was no kraken or tentacles really in the book at all. The author was unnecessary long winded on each chapter, constantly repeating herself. The MMC is a Kraken but spent the whole book until almost 90% of the way through hiding that fact from her. There was only one tiny spicy scene in the last 5% of the book that had any tentacles in it. There were plenty of other spicy scenes that were good, but this wasn't really a monster romance. Absolutely a waste of time.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy freaking freak.

I’ve been in a reading slump for weeks. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get into this because of it. But holy 💩 on a shingle!

I suddenly find myself with a tentacle sized/shaped hole (in my life).

Fisk is everything I never knew I needed in my life! And Queen Goddess level of confidence and self love that Lily exudes is incredible!

I want to read this novella over and over and over! Infinite stars and all of the peppers!

[Ariana Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a quick monster romance fix?? This is the book for you. As the title says it definitely involves some tentacles at play.

This is a fated mates romance. So there is an instant connection which is perfect for this novella. I loved how Fisk and Lily knew each other previously. And how that played into their current relationship

This is a fun and fast read. And I was giggling and blushing my way through.

I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This was good. I really liked it.
I always love an MMC that is absolutely obsessed with the FMC.
I enjoyed the confidence of both main characters and the body positivity about Lily from both her and Fisk.
I do think the timeline was a little confusing and I really wish we had gotten more building of this world.

[Mrs McN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, male female, dual point of view, paranormal/monster (kraken shifter! tentacles!), contemporary romance. Fated Dates has been an entertaining series and I'm a big Elle M Drew fan so I was glad to read her contribution. Love a sweet dirty talking male lead and a confident plus size female lead. This couple has the charm and the zing. Lastly, omg - the TENTACLES. 🔥

[Kelly G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick novella to read. It is insta-love, because it this series is based around a magical dating app that matches mythical beings with their perfect match.

Fisk and Lily were fun to read. I do wish Fisk had confessed earlier, I felt a little robbed of the tentacles. That being said, I did enjoy it. If you're looking for a smutty little interlude, this is a perfect read!

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but the heroine does not find out about his tentacles and kraken form until the end of the story. Then there are two short intimate scenes with tentacles, one on the sandy beach and one inside his house.

The hero kept fantasizing in his mind about her and his tentacles earlier in the story. So I kept expecting that to happen but tentacles were barely part of their stoey.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elle's FMCs - they are always confident in their bodies and themselves, and their MMCs have ALL the green flags!

Tempted by Tentacles is another great release from her and if you like monster and kraken romance stories that does not immediately start with a bang (but DEF gets there quickly) then you'll like this story too