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Femme Fatale Monsters #3

Make Me Bee-lieve

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Romance can blossom in the most unlikely of places…

Calvin isn’t exactly what you’d call popular with the ladies. His lanky frame, thick glasses, and preference for spending time with his science experiments (and his cat) have left him unlucky in love. At least, that’s until he accidentally shrinks himself to the size of an ant with his own ray gun and ends up being whisked away into the beehive he’s been caring for.

Once inside the hive, he finds himself transported into a realm of wonder and opulence, as the royal family treats him like a god. He needs to get back home, of course (he has a job and a cat to get back to!) but his budding attraction for the queen-to-be has him hesitating. Not only that, but he doesn’t trust the princess’s royal retinue. And as their beekeeper, it’s his duty to ensure the health and safety of the hive, right?

…And sometimes your soul mate can be the most unlikely of people.

Polina is destined for the throne in only two weeks, but she isn’t looking forward to her coronation. Thanks to her mother’s untimely death, she’s been handed more responsibility than she’s ready for, and her majordomo hasn’t been the most helpful presence. Throw in a fiancé she hates and the myriad of daily duties she’s expected to perform, and Polina is at the end of her rope.
But when Polina learns about a sinister plot that threatens everything her mother built, she realizes she must step into her role, ready or not. And then there’s Calvin, the human caretaker of their hive, who somehow inserts himself into her life… and her heart. Can the two of them save Polina’s hive, or is her reign destined to end before it even begins?

Make Me Bee-lieve is the third installment in the Femme Fatale Monsters series, but each book can be enjoyed in any order. The story is written in the first person with dual POVs. While lighthearted and fun, there is content that some may find difficult. HEA guaranteed. Please refer to the author’s website for a full list of CWs.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

26 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

D.J. Russo

18 books195 followers
American author living in the Netherlands.

Keep up to date with everything I'm working on!

https://authordjrusso.carrd.co/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,827 reviews516 followers
August 15, 2024
4.5 stars
This was such a fun read! I immediately fell in love with Calvin, because who wouldn’t love such a shy nerdy guy. His internal monologue was on point and funny AF. Polina was a semi-spoiled princess who helped Calvin see his worth while he was a safe space for her. This was such a fun play on honeybees, complete with the most vicious aspects of their existence. It was super cute and I need Kyle to have a book because I love him and this is the second one he’s shown up in. And maybe Maurice. But let’s be real, even if they don’t get books, imma still continue on with this series.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: abuse from colleague (hers, verbal manipulation, the whole nine yards), frightening situations with a giant chicken, threat of being eaten by spider, LOTS of insects.Dismemberment (again, lots of bugs), death, claustrophobic moments, death by crushing (stampede), violence, gore, a forced engagement to a total dingus with relationship between MCs occurring during engagement, drug use (soft ones, MJ).
Profile Image for spidermse.
314 reviews50 followers
August 15, 2024
Being held by her is like being hugged by a mug of tea after a long, hard day, and just as comforting.

Oh my goodness....I loved this story and characters so much. Calvin's POV was hilarious and if I was in the same situations as him I would absolutely have the exact feelings and inner monologues as he did. He's the perfect cinnamon roll, nerdy MMC but oooh boy when dom Calvin came out? HOT. I loved Polina's confidence in herself. She was a little spoiled and that came out sometimes in her responses to others but she did have her hive's and subjects' safety and happiness first and foremost in her mind. She's an unpredictable force of nature wrapped up in an attractive golden package." If I met Polina in real life I think I would be "scaroused" (as Calvin said), too.

The chicken scene....fantastic. It's definitely one of my favorite scenes in this series. If you've read Sink or Swim then you'll know exactly what chicken is causing all the ruckus.

Loved all the cameos! Poor Kyle is still his goofy self but he wormed his way into my heart. And I can't wait to see him get his own monster mate!

The ending was intense - a lot more intense for me than the other two books in this series. And I stayed up late to finish because I needed to know how it ended! The insect fae world is vicious and I wasn't sure how they were going to get to that HEA at some points. It was a bittersweet ending but I think it was perfect for all the characters and was a lovely ending to this first series of monster romances.
Profile Image for D.J..
Author 18 books195 followers
Read
August 12, 2024
This is the final Femme Fatale Monsters book in series 1!
It will pick up again next year with series 2, so stay tuned!
Profile Image for Caity.
212 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2024
I really like the Femme Fatale series - we love a lady monster!

This world just keeps getting cooler! There are Bee Fae! (also beetles and spiders ?!) There were a lot of cute moments in the book Chicken Attack that had me laughing out loud, especially with Calvin's foot. I think I just really got hung up on not loving Polina. I felt like she came across as bossy or rude. But she is a queen bee, and she plays that role. I didn't love how the romance progressed between her and the caretaker; it was very sudden, which I'm usually fine with, but it didn't feel like it worked for me. I thought overall the story is so cool and interesting, but I just didn't really connect with the characters and their motivations.
Profile Image for Michelle Lebron.
251 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2024


Polina and Calvin are the cutest; I loved this couple so much. They are so beautiful together, just as sweet, if not sweeter than honey. Who would have thought that they both embody the entire concept so well? We start with Calvin, a nerd who hasn’t had much luck in life—in fact, none at all. He’s been bullied his whole life. He decides to share a hobby with his brother: beekeeping. It’s there that he is mysteriously shrunk and ends up inside the hive he’s been caring for. Calvin is quite the character; his monologues had me laughing so hard. His personality is so cute and shy. But we can see that with Polina, he brings out this sexy and seductive side, which, let me tell you, is impressive. I loved the whole concept of the book. I enjoyed it from start to finish and didn’t want to stop reading until I knew what happened. Polina is a true princess with that queen air that I loved so much. She’s always doing what others tell her, but never what she truly desires—until Calvin steps in and encourages her to seek her own freedom. I loved the chicken scene; it was an epic moment 🤣. I can't wait to find out what our next adventure in this Femme Fatale series will be. I’m more than ready for our next couple, hoping that Kyle is one of them—he deserves his own story.
Profile Image for Amiee.
146 reviews2 followers
Read
August 25, 2024
How is Calvin my new favourite man. He is soft and sweet but dirty and flirty and strong willed. He knows what he wants, he cant always voice it, but when he does... *swooon* Polina is secretly shy and wants to let someone else have control but she knows what she wants and shes not shy about asking for it! Calvin would give her the moon and the stars if she asked and I adore that about them, theyre just so cute together.
I feel for Kyle, he seems like such a nice guy and i hope we see more ofhim in future books. I also cant wait to see more or Maurice, he would be great to get a drink with. The little nods DJ put in this to Oona and Nick and Faith and Byron were incredible and im so glad theyre still around.
Profile Image for Nymphie (Cynthia).
217 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2024
This has to be the best installment from the Femme Fatale series yet! It’s impossible not to immediately fall for these characters. They are so wonderfully perfect together. Polina helps Calvin to see that he is worth something and that he matters. Calvin helps Polina to understand that she doesn’t have to sacrifice everything she wants for the people around her, and that sometimes it’s okay to be a selfish princess. This story was action packed and incredibly exciting! I loved all of the side characters, especially the cameos from previous MCs in this universe.
Profile Image for Gleeful Goblin Reviews.
645 reviews20 followers
September 1, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: This book has such a cool and unique set of characters. I've read a ton of monster romances but I hadn't read anything about bee fae before! In most ways they're exactly like a hive of normal bees from the perspective of hierarchy and behavior. The hive is also of course, secret from the normal human world. And the first interaction l, albeit only one party knows about it, is so SWEET. "A man wearing a beekeeping outfit approaches the hive and sits down in a chair in front of my balcony. He won’t be able to see me—the glamour magic we have warding the entire hive will make sure of that, so I can watch him in peace. He rests his elbows on his knees as he stares straight ahead. I wish I could see his face. It’s always bothered me that I could never make out the humans’ eyes beneath their hideous costumes. If only they understood we would never sting them, not as the regular bees would, then perhaps they’d have no need to gas us, either. “So, I hope you’ll forgive me, because I have no clue what I’m doing.” The man clears his throat. “Okay, maybe not entirely true. I just watched ten hours worth of beekeeping lessons online.” I have no idea what that means, but I’m no less intrigued, and lean against the railing to listen. “My brother put me up to this, you know. Just so you know who to blame in case things go a$$-up.” I snicker. Oh, he’s kind of funny. “But I promise to take care of you to the best of my ability. The last thing I want is for my brother’s shítty judgment to affect any of you little guys.” Blinking, I wonder if this human knows that none of us are, in fact, guys? We’re all female. Every single one of us. Well, except for Florian, of course. He is as male as they come, but I don’t count him in our number, as I rarely think about him at all unless he’s making an idíot of himself. Which, I suppose, is actually quite frequently. “Jules told me there’s a new queen in here, so uh. Hello, Your Majesty.” The human dips his head respectfully and does a playful little flourish. I can’t help the rising heat that spreads across my cheeks. “I hope to serve you well.” Sighing, I rest my head on my arms as I continue to stare at the human as he speaks. He has a lovely voice. Soft, yet strong and firm, with just a hint of huskiness that sends a thrill through my heart in a way nothing—no one—ever has before. Certainly not Florian. Yes, yes, I’ll sleep with him because I have to, but it’s not like I’ll enjoy myself. And then he will díe the minute he’s finished so I can lay my eggs and restart the cycle of life in the colony as expected. But if I had someone to lie with who had a voice like that? Oh, I could see myself enjoying the process. Yes, indeed."

These two characters, Polina and Calvin, are a study in opposites. Polina is mostly sure of herself, has a lot of firm opinions, and when she wants something she goes after it. Calvin has a ton of uncertainty and when he meets Polina he hasn't quite found his footing so to speak. He's adorable in his shy nature and bookish tendencies. Calvin is an engineer and has invented an item that brings both these characters' worlds together and watching those worlds blend is a delight. This is a super fun and very sweet times story. 5/5 Stars
Profile Image for Lia ☾.
237 reviews31 followers
August 29, 2024
Story rating: 3.75 ⭐️ | Romance lvl: 3.0 ⭐️
Spice lvl: 2.5 🌶️  | Smut frequency: Medium ⏳

----------------------—

Tropes:
🐝 Fae bee FMC x Human MMC
✨ Insta-attraction
😏 She's a bossy princess
🥰 He's a shy nerd
👉 He accidentally shrunk himself
👉 Political intrigue

----------------------—

~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~

First, let me say that Calvin is the GREENEST FLAG EVER just bc of how he's treating his cat. 💚 (Yh he's also just the best with Polina but it's kinda expected, you know? 😂 so the cat's making the difference hahaha)

Second, the attitude of Polina with Florian? I'm dead💀 I love her hahaha she's a savage.

Now to the story
This is a short, very entertaining, fast-paced romance between a bossy (but sweet) fae princess and a shy (& even sweeter) nerd. 🥰✨

Think of a clever mashup of Ferngully x Antz, then add a little dash of smut, and you'll have a pretty good picture of what to expect with this book. 😂🙌

Honestly, the whole series is just super amazing and I freaking loved to read about monster romance when the women are in charge AND are the monsters! It's rare!


~ SPICE 🌶️ ~

I'd characterize this book as the "Nothing over the top but still enough to make you blush" type. 👀
They're both virgins but they're also both older than 30yo. So inexperienced, yeah, but not innocent. 😏



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This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖

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2,993 reviews30 followers
Read
September 7, 2024
Calvin, the male human lead, is a nerd with a poor relationship with his brother but, when his brother asks him to take custody of a beehive so he and his girlfriend can go on holidays, he agrees. Polina, the female fae with a primary bee-like form, is a Princess about to be crowned now she’s old enough. But she doesn’t get along with her primary administrator and she’s resigned to her mating partner, who is definitely an inconsiderate jerk.

When Calvin’s shrink ray accidentally makes him bee size, Polina’s hive rescues him. But Polina’s life is in danger, even if she refuses to recognise it, and Calvin is worried he might never get back home…

This story is dual POV, and has a really interesting premise. It’s a contemporary fantasy romance that I really thought I’d enjoy a lot. I DID enjoy that the female lead is non-human and the male lead is human - there’s definitely not enough of that around! I enjoyed the theoretical development of their relationship and the discovery both were undergoing. I didn’t like the story surrounding them, the level of politics, and the sheer bloody mindedness of Polina’s unwillingness to recognise threats towards her. I enjoyed the strong secondary support characters and their diversity. I found the ending cute. But I’ll admit that this story didn’t do a lot for me. If you like the reversed monster/human contrast, a background political storyline, and angst, this might be the story for you.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Astra.
22 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
I received an ARC of this from the author personally. I heard about it via a post they made and well the bee movie is like my fave flick so this was up my alley.

I will keep this as spoiler free as possible HOWEVER tldr should you buy this ? Yes. It was a nice little cleanse from the darker reads I’ve explored recently and the romance between the two was cute.

Calvin is an average nerdy dude. He’s not athletic and definitely not a people person. When he’s roped into caring for his slightly estranged brothers beehive it clashes with his own experiment in a very unexpected way.

Calvin is loveable and you do root for him throughout. He’s a wallflower and inexperienced so you can understand someone of his reluctance and inability to socially connect. Polina is the exact opposite. She’s fierce and headstrong. It’s like you watch their personalities rub off on one another over time. Polina learns to choose herself and Calvin learns to step into the things he wants instead of watching others enjoy it.

This one was definitely entertaining. If you like fae stories or the bee movie definitely read it.
Profile Image for Ash.
434 reviews13 followers
September 2, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️ Honey I shrunk...myself!?
Calvin and Polina are the cutest and I will die on that ant hill. Calvin the sweet shy nerdy man is roped into caring for a beehive because of his brother's latest request. With nothing to loose he takes on the new hobby with vigor, what he doesn't know is this new hive might become more precious to him than he can anticipate. Polina is on the verge of taking her position as queen of her fae beehive, when an unexpected visitor sends everyone into a tizzy. Now these two lonely souls have found companionship with one another but what does that mean for the future of the hive and Calvin's return to his life? There are some great twists and turns you won't see coming but the ride is worth the outcome. A fun romance with a unique and interesting world to dive into!

🖤🐝🍯Thank you to D.J. for the complimentary copy to review!
Profile Image for Milica.
1,122 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2025
One of the worst books I've ever read. The characters were awful, especially the heroine. She fled and left her people to be killed. And she was so worried that she was having sex with the hero while her people were being slaughtered. And the author had the nerve to have her take her maiden flight. After she left all her people to be killed. And that immoral coward got her happy ending, without any consequences or guilt. I still can't believe it.
And they ate bacon and pancakes. Really? Bees eating animals. I mean, they're fae, but they're still like bees.
And it was disrespectful to the bees that they didn't have their own books, instead they only had human books. A very strange choice.
I chose this book because I saw it had double virgins trope, but that didn't play an important part. Instead of making their relationship more special, it did absolutely nothing.
Profile Image for Monica.
51 reviews
August 31, 2024
This was my favorite book in the Femme Fatale series! Polina and Calvin are the cutest duo. I loved the action in this one. The plot was a lot of fun to read and full of lots of emotions. Polina's guards were kind and acted as loving friends to her. Calvin was supportive and surprisingly sexy when his dominant side came out. I enjoyed their experiences together, especially their little flight. Polina is a deserving queen, no matter where her choices take her.

It was so fun seeing characters from other books. Kyle and Calvin were unexpected friends, but I loved to see it happen. Kyle deserves his own book and his own adventures after being present for the last 2 :)
Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book47 followers
August 18, 2024
I'm loving this series so much!
The females being the monsters and the guys being the Humans is such a nice change!
I absolutely loved Polina and Calvin together!
He was the shy nerdy type and she is literally a princess/queen to bee 👀😂
I loved the whole vibe of this book other than some certain bees but overall I loved everyone else!
Polina has always lived her life with what she was 'suppose' to do but Calvin gave her the freedom she didn't know she so deeply craved!
I can't wait to see what else we get from this series!
Profile Image for Marian Pattechat.
Author 9 books81 followers
August 25, 2024
My favourite book in the series! The world building blew me away. I'm not a fan of insects but ate this story up and wanted more, so that tells you how good it is written! Loveable characters (including fun cameos from previous books), a new world of a monstrous femme fatale to discover alongside the nerdy scientist MMC, battles, adventure, humour,
imaginative schexy times - bee-lieve that this book has it all!

I received an eARC of this book, and above is my honest review.
Profile Image for Noriboo.
697 reviews41 followers
September 1, 2024
This was incredibly sweet 🥰
Calvin's pov was so funny, as he had the most humourous way of looking at the entire situation of being shrunk and realising that the bees he's been looking after for his brother are actually fae.
He just rolled with it and was so cute and kind. I loved Pollina's sass and how she went for what she wanted in a respectful way.

The perfect story if you're looking for a steamy story with a femme monster, a cute geeky mmc, and shrinking machine shenanigans.
Profile Image for Mary E. Jung.
201 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2024
Sweet and Smexy

Um. This was awesome.
Think the bee movie, honey I shrunk the kids, and then add in literally every nerdy mummy, Indian Jones, inkwell, shenanigans you can think of.
Loved the courtly intrigue. The world building and description. Everything was so beautiful and interesting.
Calvin is the perfect beta on the streets alpha in the sheets character.
Polina was sassy and fun.
Overall a good read.
Profile Image for Madison Bolin.
31 reviews
January 24, 2025
5/5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

I would give this book a 2.5/5 spice level. 25/75 smut to plot ratio. This book was unlike anything I’ve read so far with the way the far are and their home structures. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a MMC like Calvin he’s giving Milo from Atlantis. I love it. And little bossy Princess Polina is so adorable!!! This was such a sweet and interesting story!! Would highly recommended especially as a palette cleanser.
Profile Image for christy - pr0bablyreadingsmut.
405 reviews
August 25, 2024
oh i LOVED this book. probably my favorite in the series!!! pollina and calvin are the absolute sweetest ever. calvin is SUCH an adorable lil nerdy mmc and i would lay down my life for him. pollina is a badass, hot af, mommy fmc and i would also die for her but she can absolutely handle herself. what a beautiful story

five honey stars
398 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2024
Who doesn't love a lady monster???

Polina is a great 'Royal' character. Polina and Calvin are just right for each other.
Calvin gives all the nerdy MMC vibes.
The author promised Milo from Atlantis vibes and definitely delivered.
Readers everywhere are falling in love with their new book bf!!!

That chicken scene!!!
I definitely cannot wait for more from this series.
Profile Image for Rachelqueenvixen.
248 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2024
I think this one is my favorite so far.

I loved this so much. It felt like the bee movie meets honey I shrunk the kids but with romance.

The mmc is nerdy and sweet. I love him so much.

The fmc is a fae bee princess soon to be queen.
Profile Image for Marcy Fallucca.
135 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2024
I LOVED this book! Best one (so far) for me. The MC’s are so sweet (and spicy) and the world itself is fun and fantastical.

If you’re looking for something cozy but fun, sweet but spicy, THIS IS IT.
Profile Image for The.SmuttyBookClub.
852 reviews
September 11, 2024
***Please note that this review is mainly for my benefit as it is more of a summary of the book and may contain spoilers.***

🌶
• F virgin
• M virgin
• MF
• F to M oral
• M to F oral
• Spanking
• Flying sex

6 MF sex scenes

Calvin and Polina
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa Albanese.
718 reviews19 followers
January 31, 2025
I’m sorry but a book about a bee x human had no right being this cute!! I am obsessed. I really loved this story cause it was cozy, spicy and had some suspense! Will be reading the rest in the series for sure 🐝
386 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2024
I am loving this series with monster babes. Polina is a bee fae that’s having trouble in her hive. Calvin is a cute lil nerd/amateur beekeeper who accidentally shrinks himself and ends up saved by the bees. When he meets the Princess soon to be Queen, Polina, it’s basically insta lust. These two are absolutely adorable!! I loved that Polina wanted Calvin to read to her all the time and that’s kind of how she fell in love with him 😍 I loved how protective Polina was of Calvin and how she saved him over and over again! The femme fatale monster series is seriously fun! 🐝🌸
Profile Image for River.
469 reviews10 followers
August 22, 2024
I had low expectations going into this but was pleasantly surprised. I actually really enjoyed it. And I got pretty into it as well. The book kept me hooked. Who’d bee-lieve it could be so good!
Profile Image for Brittney Stanford.
121 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
Did I think I was going to enjoy a romance novel with a fae bee and a human? Absolutely I did! This was soo cute!

"There's that sad smile again. The one that she puts on whenever there's a load on her mind but she won't share it."

This story follows Calvin, a inventor who is unhappy with how his life panned out. And Polina a princess who was born into her role to rule the hive.

"Though she be but little, she is fierce."

I don't want to give away any of the story.. think honey I shrunk the kids meets a bugs life- but add a few sprinkles of spice.

"Oh goodness gracious. She tastes like a flower in summer."

Listen... this spice was spicin! I felt like I was not so patiently waiting for the slow burn to burn bright. It was worth the tease I'll tell ya that. And the end scene. Lawd! I hope I have the honor of arc reading for D.J. Russo again!
Profile Image for Shelby.
363 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2024
This was an interesting book but I was invested lol..

I liked the storyline and how it was something different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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