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Maritime Monsters #1
Kissing the Shark
What would you do if a hunky shark shifter dude walked out of the ocean and claimed you as his mate?
I love my job at the Maritime Monsters Institute. I get to help ocean life as well as humans who shift into marine-based creatures. There’s so much to learn about the monster community, and I’d like to think my knowledge has helped all sea creatures.
Dating life? Who’s that, never heard of her.
But then a tall shifter strides in from the ocean and gets down on one knee in front of me. Everyone at my job witnesses him declaring his undying love for me. It’s nonsense because he doesn’t know me. In fact, he’s new to the surface world!
I tell him to stop, but cutting this shark out of my life is more difficult than it seems. My job finds me teaching him all about life on land. It doesn’t help that I find him drop-dead handsome.
This monster is naïve and overbearing. But after weeks of working together, we become friends. The shark becomes…endearing. Charming. Sweet.
I never thought I could be in a human-monster relationship. But this shark threatens to drown me with his love in the best possible way. I want to give this shifter a shot, but if I do, will our hearts sink or swim?
“Kissing the Shark” is an adult male-male spicy paranormal romance novel set in the Creepin U monster universe. This romcom stars an affectionate shark shifter who’s lived in the ocean his whole life, and the researcher he falls head over fin for. With all the Maritime Monsters novels, a spicy good time and a HEA are guaranteed.
I love my job at the Maritime Monsters Institute. I get to help ocean life as well as humans who shift into marine-based creatures. There’s so much to learn about the monster community, and I’d like to think my knowledge has helped all sea creatures.
Dating life? Who’s that, never heard of her.
But then a tall shifter strides in from the ocean and gets down on one knee in front of me. Everyone at my job witnesses him declaring his undying love for me. It’s nonsense because he doesn’t know me. In fact, he’s new to the surface world!
I tell him to stop, but cutting this shark out of my life is more difficult than it seems. My job finds me teaching him all about life on land. It doesn’t help that I find him drop-dead handsome.
This monster is naïve and overbearing. But after weeks of working together, we become friends. The shark becomes…endearing. Charming. Sweet.
I never thought I could be in a human-monster relationship. But this shark threatens to drown me with his love in the best possible way. I want to give this shifter a shot, but if I do, will our hearts sink or swim?
“Kissing the Shark” is an adult male-male spicy paranormal romance novel set in the Creepin U monster universe. This romcom stars an affectionate shark shifter who’s lived in the ocean his whole life, and the researcher he falls head over fin for. With all the Maritime Monsters novels, a spicy good time and a HEA are guaranteed.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2025
45 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Rachels
23 books115 followersCD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.
He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.
He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).
He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.
He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 22, 2025
~2.5~
Let's be real here. This is in no way, shape, or form a 5 star book. I'm losing faith in GR ratings.
I read Kissing the Shark on a lark, and it was good fun; simplistic, with no world building to speak off, cookie-cutter characters, and a barely there plot, but cute nevertheless.
Treat this one as a palate cleaner (it's a very easy read!), like I did, and you won't be disappointed.
Let's be real here. This is in no way, shape, or form a 5 star book. I'm losing faith in GR ratings.
I read Kissing the Shark on a lark, and it was good fun; simplistic, with no world building to speak off, cookie-cutter characters, and a barely there plot, but cute nevertheless.
Treat this one as a palate cleaner (it's a very easy read!), like I did, and you won't be disappointed.
January 31, 2025
It was my impulsive choice which led me to read this book. I'm honestly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did!
January 5, 2025
Razorjaw was a puppy dog through and through, complete with wagging tail. I was anticipating an instalove situation, but Karlo turned it into a slow burn. Karlo had a lot of insecurities about his worthiness as a partner and it impacted his willingness to jump into daring Razorjaw. Razorjaw was nothing but confidence — until he came to the surface world. I would have loved more on page little moments between the MCs, but their love story was still sweet.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: discussion of homophobia, near drowning, injury involving blood, hunting (fish), close call to shark attack (not by MC), brief references to racism, speciesism
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: discussion of homophobia, near drowning, injury involving blood, hunting (fish), close call to shark attack (not by MC), brief references to racism, speciesism
March 29, 2025
Gave up at 53%.
I was so excited to jump into this book after reading the blurb. And the cover art is so cute! It started off great and was giving The Little Mermaid vibes, but then it took a turn and not in a good way.
Beyond there being a lot of errors and sentence structure issues, the story is a mess. The pacing is off and Karlo’s character is inconsistent with how he thinks and the things he says and does, so the story doesn’t mesh or ring true.
I really disliked Karlo from the beginning. He’s cold and almost mean. He overreacts when he first meets RJ. And him thanking him for SAVING HIS LIFE comes off as an afterthought. It’s lame, lackluster, and not at all heartfelt. I was holding out for him to have a character change, but by 53%, that hasn’t happened and I’m done waiting. And on top of that, there’s very little emotion shared between the MCs. It’s just not coming off the page at all. The author isn’t doing a good job of showing; instead, they’re just telling how things are and it’s not working.
As I write this review, the book has like a 4.4 rating. I think once more people read and rate, it’ll drop and start to reflect a truer rating. I think this author has potential, but they need a better editor/proofer and a clearer vision before starting.
I was so excited to jump into this book after reading the blurb. And the cover art is so cute! It started off great and was giving The Little Mermaid vibes, but then it took a turn and not in a good way.
Beyond there being a lot of errors and sentence structure issues, the story is a mess. The pacing is off and Karlo’s character is inconsistent with how he thinks and the things he says and does, so the story doesn’t mesh or ring true.
I really disliked Karlo from the beginning. He’s cold and almost mean. He overreacts when he first meets RJ. And him thanking him for SAVING HIS LIFE comes off as an afterthought. It’s lame, lackluster, and not at all heartfelt. I was holding out for him to have a character change, but by 53%, that hasn’t happened and I’m done waiting. And on top of that, there’s very little emotion shared between the MCs. It’s just not coming off the page at all. The author isn’t doing a good job of showing; instead, they’re just telling how things are and it’s not working.
As I write this review, the book has like a 4.4 rating. I think once more people read and rate, it’ll drop and start to reflect a truer rating. I think this author has potential, but they need a better editor/proofer and a clearer vision before starting.
January 31, 2025
A MM Paranormal romance with Shark Shifter x Human, Fish out of water (in all ways 🙃)! It's cute, funny, sweet, emotional, with an age gap (~9yrs), fitting in & fears, winning hearts & a "shiny" date.
I loved Razorjaw & Karlo, read my #ARC in 6hrs (over 2days).
🦈Razorjaw is the predator of the sea. A shark shifter who's lived underwater, apathetic to land-dwellers... until he saves a human! RJ is naive, comes off as headstrong, but is charming, patient (Sasaki to Miyano level 😳) & gentle.
🚣♂️Karlo is a Filipino, gay Marine Biologist at MMI. He's cautious due to bad ex's, comes off as cold (ahh, they're strangers, why RJ proposed?!😆) but is fun, caring & charismatic.
K turned RJ's Insta-love "Mates" to Slowburn lol. Strangers, Co-workers, friends...more? Their relationship development is pretty good! RJ broke K's walls 🤧, helped K's low self-esteem with praise 😍. They are sensual together 😁. The tail-wagging & bioluminescent (IYKYK) date were cute!
But can RJ fit in on land? 🥺 Is he good enough for his beloved? That was a good plot point, along with the world building & research! Been some time since I read a 3rd act break-up but it's reasonable, with hints so done well. K's friends & RJ's family are awesome 😍. Cute ending. I want Skyler's story!
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5🦈/5
2) The Characters: 5💞/5
3) Top feels: ☺️😅😳🤭🙈😉🥺😯😁😔😍🤨😆😤😭🥰🙌🦈💞
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst+Slowburn: 2.75/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Fish out of water, Insta Slowburn) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
I loved Razorjaw & Karlo, read my #ARC in 6hrs (over 2days).
🦈Razorjaw is the predator of the sea. A shark shifter who's lived underwater, apathetic to land-dwellers... until he saves a human! RJ is naive, comes off as headstrong, but is charming, patient (Sasaki to Miyano level 😳) & gentle.
🚣♂️Karlo is a Filipino, gay Marine Biologist at MMI. He's cautious due to bad ex's, comes off as cold (ahh, they're strangers, why RJ proposed?!😆) but is fun, caring & charismatic.
K turned RJ's Insta-love "Mates" to Slowburn lol. Strangers, Co-workers, friends...more? Their relationship development is pretty good! RJ broke K's walls 🤧, helped K's low self-esteem with praise 😍. They are sensual together 😁. The tail-wagging & bioluminescent (IYKYK) date were cute!
But can RJ fit in on land? 🥺 Is he good enough for his beloved? That was a good plot point, along with the world building & research! Been some time since I read a 3rd act break-up but it's reasonable, with hints so done well. K's friends & RJ's family are awesome 😍. Cute ending. I want Skyler's story!
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5🦈/5
2) The Characters: 5💞/5
3) Top feels: ☺️😅😳🤭🙈😉🥺😯😁😔😍🤨😆😤😭🥰🙌🦈💞
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst+Slowburn: 2.75/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Fish out of water, Insta Slowburn) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
January 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and SWOONING 😍 get you a man like RJ bc he’s top tier book boyfriend.
I love that RJ didn’t give up on Karlo even though Karlo was hesitant at first and I loved the growth and development between our two MMC’s
I also loved the side characters in this book! They were supportive and funny and added that extra element to the book.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned.
5/5 ⭐️
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet and SWOONING 😍 get you a man like RJ bc he’s top tier book boyfriend.
I love that RJ didn’t give up on Karlo even though Karlo was hesitant at first and I loved the growth and development between our two MMC’s
I also loved the side characters in this book! They were supportive and funny and added that extra element to the book.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned.
5/5 ⭐️
January 27, 2025
Aww this one was so freaking cute and had me laughing! It definitely is MM shark shifter romcom !! And yall RJ is such a cinnamon and I love the slow burn aspect of this book! Definitely give a it check if you are a fan of monster romance with low angst and love that romcom vibes!! It definitely a great pallet cleanser between heavier read!! Soo glad to have read this!!❤️❤️ also their meet cute reminded me a little of little mermaid vibes and reunion had me laughing 🤣🤣🤣 overall a fun read!! ❤️
April 16, 2025
This was a cute cozy mm romance between a human and a shape shifting shark. If you like spicy books where one of the lovers is a monster then you should read this book. The one thing that I thought was a little to excessive was using the word mate. As in, you are my mate.. nobody can hurt my mate. I almost wanted to count how many times the word was used, but other than that, it was a warm fuzzy story.
January 21, 2025
“karlo castillo, you should not apologize for who you are, because who you are is wonderful.”
ignore me, i'll just be in the corner hoping and praying that c.d. rachels continues to make more books in this series… because, omg, kissing the shark had no right to be as romantic, sweet, and cute as it was.
October 21, 2025
This book is written in the style of a grade school essay. The prose is robotic, detached, and completely devoid of emotion. The characters are incredibly toxic to one another. This is not a monster romance friendly book, as the human character only accepts and loves the shark’s human form for a vast majority of the book.
February 11, 2025
Just wow! I loved this book so much. A nice easy to read flow that makes it so you can’t put the book down …. I literally read half the book while in the bathtub. I look forward to many more books in the series
February 25, 2025
A new-to-me author and a fun story! The pacing felt a little wonky at times, but the story was sweet. I would read more in this world for sure!
October 17, 2025
Read this as a group read- um yeah. May leave a more detailed review later.
May 21, 2025
This was a bit of an impulse pick. I’m happy with the fact that there’s a BIPOC MC, however that’s where the good parts of this book end. The characters fell flat for me. The three friends seemed childish for being in their 30s, the conflict lasted for two pages and the overall romance was borderline cringe.
February 18, 2025
This was dull and there was just no chemistry between the MC’s.
January 13, 2025
Kissing the Shark is the first installment in CD Rachels’ Maritime Monsters series. The story follows RazorJaw Shaughnessy, a shark shifter who grew up in the ocean and Karlo Castillo, a Filipino human.
Razorjaw is the apex predator of the ocean and picks up the scent of prey bleeding but turns out the prey he smelled was Karlo passed out face down in the ocean. Razorjaw being a shifter and therefore half human, does not eat humans instead he drags Karlo to the beach.
Razorjaw finds a key in Karlo’s pocket and for whatever reason takes it. He doesn’t know what a key is. Razorjaw feels a pull to Karlo and wants to claim him as his mate but that involves finding him first. Razorjaw or RJ, has a fully human aunt who helps him figure out that the key is from the Maritime Monsters Institute. RJ becomes a monster liaison for the institute.
RJ was raised in the ocean with minimal time spent on land. He is unfamiliar with human customs and basic things like credit cards and money. When he finds Karlo he basically proposes in front of the entire office floor. Which is endearingly hilarious to me but a bit horrifying to Karlo.
RJ is mostly undeterred though and determined to better understand life on land, including human courting rituals as he finds out fairytales aren’t real.
Karlo is untrusting of RJ’s advances at first. His self esteem is pretty low and he had a pretty awful ex boyfriend. Karlo slowly comes around to RJ as he’s been nothing but honest and willing to learn.
There is a third act breakup but it isn’t drawn out at all.
Overall I did enjoy this one. I love a monster who needs to learn about human life…especially when it includes the spicy parts of human life. Karlo is the one who introduces RJ to a lot, including his first O.
This one was definitely a slow burn but when they got to it, spicy lessons ensued.
I think my only critique here is that it dragged a bit towards the end. It wasn’t that I was uninterested or it was bad but I think it could’ve used a quicker wrap up.
The epilogue was adorable.
Razorjaw is the apex predator of the ocean and picks up the scent of prey bleeding but turns out the prey he smelled was Karlo passed out face down in the ocean. Razorjaw being a shifter and therefore half human, does not eat humans instead he drags Karlo to the beach.
Razorjaw finds a key in Karlo’s pocket and for whatever reason takes it. He doesn’t know what a key is. Razorjaw feels a pull to Karlo and wants to claim him as his mate but that involves finding him first. Razorjaw or RJ, has a fully human aunt who helps him figure out that the key is from the Maritime Monsters Institute. RJ becomes a monster liaison for the institute.
RJ was raised in the ocean with minimal time spent on land. He is unfamiliar with human customs and basic things like credit cards and money. When he finds Karlo he basically proposes in front of the entire office floor. Which is endearingly hilarious to me but a bit horrifying to Karlo.
RJ is mostly undeterred though and determined to better understand life on land, including human courting rituals as he finds out fairytales aren’t real.
Karlo is untrusting of RJ’s advances at first. His self esteem is pretty low and he had a pretty awful ex boyfriend. Karlo slowly comes around to RJ as he’s been nothing but honest and willing to learn.
There is a third act breakup but it isn’t drawn out at all.
Overall I did enjoy this one. I love a monster who needs to learn about human life…especially when it includes the spicy parts of human life. Karlo is the one who introduces RJ to a lot, including his first O.
This one was definitely a slow burn but when they got to it, spicy lessons ensued.
I think my only critique here is that it dragged a bit towards the end. It wasn’t that I was uninterested or it was bad but I think it could’ve used a quicker wrap up.
The epilogue was adorable.
January 6, 2025
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5 (rounded up for rating)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
When CD Rachels asked if I’d be interested in joining the shARC team for his upcoming MM Monster Romance, the answer was simple. Yes. Do I love puns? Yes. Do I love monster romance? Also, Yes. Do I love big, buff, shark shifter men who are delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls and act like a big golden retriever with their fated mate—tail wagging included? ABSOLUTELY.
💙MM Monster Romance
🦈Shark Shifter MMC
🌊Marine Biologist MMC
💙Fated Mates
🦈Protective & Inexperienced Shifter
🌊Forced Proximity
💙Friends to Lovers
Karlo loves his job at the Maritime Monsters Institute. As a marine biologist, he’s living out his dream helping ocean life and the humans who shift into marine-based creatures. Dedicated to his work, Karlo is blindsided when a hunky shark shifter walks out of the ocean and gets down on one knee in front of all his coworkers, declaring his undying love for him. Not your typical start to the morning 😂
Trying his best not to freak out, Karlo gently lets the shark shifter down, they don’t even know each other! Little does Karlo know that this hunky shark is the same man who saved him from a surfing accident and now he wants to be Karlo’s Prince Charming.
Forced to work together, Karlo begins teaching Razorjaw about life on the surface. In their time together, the overbearing, naive monster who acts like an overly excited puppy in Karlo’s presence becomes…endearing. Karlo can’t stop thinking about the shark shifter and the lines between professionalism and friendship blur…
This was a cute monster romcom starring an inexperienced shark shifter MMC who has lived in the ocean his entire life, and is itching to shower his fated mate with affection. Turns out the researcher he falls head over fin for never thought he would be in a human-monster relationship, and his heart is guarded. Will these two learn to navigate the open waters they’re swimming in, or will their hearts sink?
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
When CD Rachels asked if I’d be interested in joining the shARC team for his upcoming MM Monster Romance, the answer was simple. Yes. Do I love puns? Yes. Do I love monster romance? Also, Yes. Do I love big, buff, shark shifter men who are delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls and act like a big golden retriever with their fated mate—tail wagging included? ABSOLUTELY.
💙MM Monster Romance
🦈Shark Shifter MMC
🌊Marine Biologist MMC
💙Fated Mates
🦈Protective & Inexperienced Shifter
🌊Forced Proximity
💙Friends to Lovers
Karlo loves his job at the Maritime Monsters Institute. As a marine biologist, he’s living out his dream helping ocean life and the humans who shift into marine-based creatures. Dedicated to his work, Karlo is blindsided when a hunky shark shifter walks out of the ocean and gets down on one knee in front of all his coworkers, declaring his undying love for him. Not your typical start to the morning 😂
Trying his best not to freak out, Karlo gently lets the shark shifter down, they don’t even know each other! Little does Karlo know that this hunky shark is the same man who saved him from a surfing accident and now he wants to be Karlo’s Prince Charming.
Forced to work together, Karlo begins teaching Razorjaw about life on the surface. In their time together, the overbearing, naive monster who acts like an overly excited puppy in Karlo’s presence becomes…endearing. Karlo can’t stop thinking about the shark shifter and the lines between professionalism and friendship blur…
This was a cute monster romcom starring an inexperienced shark shifter MMC who has lived in the ocean his entire life, and is itching to shower his fated mate with affection. Turns out the researcher he falls head over fin for never thought he would be in a human-monster relationship, and his heart is guarded. Will these two learn to navigate the open waters they’re swimming in, or will their hearts sink?
January 24, 2025
Surface level, this is a fluffy, cheesy, ooey-gooey story with shifters, BIPOC representation, and all of that classic romance book energy we all try to pretend we’re too high-brow for. No one ever said a good, little red bodice-ripper was out of style, and they still sell by the millions, so let’s all just call it what it is: our favourite way to relax and enjoy a bottom lip-biting evening.
Also, doth this mere idiot detect a hint of The Little Mermaid, but make it gay asf? Methinks. Me-hopes…
If you read critically, and between the lines, however, it’s actually pretty dark and more than a little sobering. A stark, eye-opening look at the world as it presents itself to the gay BIPOC community. It shines a very bright light on everything from familial relationships and racial/sexual identity tensions, to the state of current US and international affairs. It reminds you that this world has gotten real fucking ugly, and we’re actively killing the most beautiful parts of it.
And I do not mean just the damn planet, ya feel me?
This is where the resistance meets the masses, people. This kind of writing right here. Yeah, you can enjoy it as a fluff piece, but don’t miss the best content it provides by keeping things light and airy. When humanity once again circles back to the same lessons they’ve yet to learn, it’s gonna be books like this that archive the struggles being faced by folx just trying to fucking exist in peace and leave the place a little better than they found it.
Maybe it’ll give solace, hope, and courage to future generations that will need it.
4.5/5. It had some little editing misses here and there, which looked more like the automatic corrective function in most writing programs being a fucking traitor (as usual), but this was fantastic. Either way you read, it’s a good time. Just know you might cry a little in between cooing over the saccharine sweeties inside. This is a great little world, and I absolutely loved being here.
Also, doth this mere idiot detect a hint of The Little Mermaid, but make it gay asf? Methinks. Me-hopes…
If you read critically, and between the lines, however, it’s actually pretty dark and more than a little sobering. A stark, eye-opening look at the world as it presents itself to the gay BIPOC community. It shines a very bright light on everything from familial relationships and racial/sexual identity tensions, to the state of current US and international affairs. It reminds you that this world has gotten real fucking ugly, and we’re actively killing the most beautiful parts of it.
And I do not mean just the damn planet, ya feel me?
This is where the resistance meets the masses, people. This kind of writing right here. Yeah, you can enjoy it as a fluff piece, but don’t miss the best content it provides by keeping things light and airy. When humanity once again circles back to the same lessons they’ve yet to learn, it’s gonna be books like this that archive the struggles being faced by folx just trying to fucking exist in peace and leave the place a little better than they found it.
Maybe it’ll give solace, hope, and courage to future generations that will need it.
4.5/5. It had some little editing misses here and there, which looked more like the automatic corrective function in most writing programs being a fucking traitor (as usual), but this was fantastic. Either way you read, it’s a good time. Just know you might cry a little in between cooing over the saccharine sweeties inside. This is a great little world, and I absolutely loved being here.
January 17, 2025
This was such a fun, lighthearted read with some serious moments sprinkled throughout. I loved the books of the Creepin U universe, so it was great to be back in that world.
Karlo works at the Maritime Monsters Institute and Razorjaw is a shark shifter who saves him and then goes to the Institute to learn about being a land dweller, but he's also there to get closer to Karlo who he's fallen for.
Razorjaw was very endearing! I really enjoyed reading his POVs. He didn't always know what was appropriate and I think that made him more endearing, I just wanted to shield him from the awful truths of life. I loved how his tail always indicated how he was feeling. Karlo was so patient and I loved that about him. I also really enjoyed his thirst for knowledge when it came to his field of study. While the book is lighthearted we still got to see experience and hear about some of the struggles Karlo has as a Filipino man. Society and family both contribute to his struggles, and my heart went out to him feeling the pressure his family(mainly his mother) were putting on him to live a certain way and work in a certain field.
I really enjoyed their journey from strangers to lovers. The last chapter and the epilogue were awesome! I always love epilogues, but this was something else, and I felt like it elevated the book even more. It was great to see Karlo and Razorjaw living their life and being happy.
The book felt easy to read and the story flowed really well. There were a lot of laughs, maybe a couple of tears, and a lot of fun was had while reading this sweet, fun and lighthearted book. I'm also definitely interested in reading further books in this series when they release.
Karlo works at the Maritime Monsters Institute and Razorjaw is a shark shifter who saves him and then goes to the Institute to learn about being a land dweller, but he's also there to get closer to Karlo who he's fallen for.
Razorjaw was very endearing! I really enjoyed reading his POVs. He didn't always know what was appropriate and I think that made him more endearing, I just wanted to shield him from the awful truths of life. I loved how his tail always indicated how he was feeling. Karlo was so patient and I loved that about him. I also really enjoyed his thirst for knowledge when it came to his field of study. While the book is lighthearted we still got to see experience and hear about some of the struggles Karlo has as a Filipino man. Society and family both contribute to his struggles, and my heart went out to him feeling the pressure his family(mainly his mother) were putting on him to live a certain way and work in a certain field.
I really enjoyed their journey from strangers to lovers. The last chapter and the epilogue were awesome! I always love epilogues, but this was something else, and I felt like it elevated the book even more. It was great to see Karlo and Razorjaw living their life and being happy.
The book felt easy to read and the story flowed really well. There were a lot of laughs, maybe a couple of tears, and a lot of fun was had while reading this sweet, fun and lighthearted book. I'm also definitely interested in reading further books in this series when they release.
February 9, 2025
Note: For those that like to read things in order, there is a cute prequel for this series in the Candy Hearts: Volume 2 anthology called My Eel-ectric Valentine, which features Karlo's friend and colleague, eel-shifter Ardsley, finding love. Both stories stand alone well, but Ardsley and his boyfriend, Tyson, are mentioned a few times in this book so those interested in their backstory might want to check it out.
1st person, present tense, dual PoV
Karlo Castillo, human ('almost 30'), marine biologist at the Maritime Monsters Institute
Razorjaw 'RJ' Shaughnessy, great white shark shifter (21), research liaison at the Maritime Monsters Institute
I almost DNF'd this one a quarter of the way in because it wasn't working for me but I preserved since the synopsis sounded so cute and I love a fish out of water story, though it didn't get much better for me.
While I adored RJ, I never really warmed up to Karlo. He was cold for no discernible reason, which made an adorable and sweet meet-cute rather awkward and uncomfortable. I get that boyfriends past made him self-conscious and wary of love, but I ended up feeling bad for RJ throughout most of the story, who, despite being the 'apex predator of the sea', was a golden retriever on land with his mate, constantly reassuring him that he was perfect. He was constantly trying to 'earn' the love of his mate who didn't have to do anything to deserve it in the first place. In fact he didn't try to be a good partner to RJ at all really.
I didn't love the tone of this book, there was an undercurrent of speciesism that I didn't love, especially when Karlo kept wanting to be loved for who he was but then was simultaneously embarrassed that RJ wasn't properly assimilated into life as a land dweller.
I'll probably check out other books in the series because I think the concept is cool and the Creepin U universe is a fun place to explore with all the monster potential.
1st person, present tense, dual PoV
Karlo Castillo, human ('almost 30'), marine biologist at the Maritime Monsters Institute
Razorjaw 'RJ' Shaughnessy, great white shark shifter (21), research liaison at the Maritime Monsters Institute
I almost DNF'd this one a quarter of the way in because it wasn't working for me but I preserved since the synopsis sounded so cute and I love a fish out of water story, though it didn't get much better for me.
While I adored RJ, I never really warmed up to Karlo. He was cold for no discernible reason, which made an adorable and sweet meet-cute rather awkward and uncomfortable. I get that boyfriends past made him self-conscious and wary of love, but I ended up feeling bad for RJ throughout most of the story, who, despite being the 'apex predator of the sea', was a golden retriever on land with his mate, constantly reassuring him that he was perfect. He was constantly trying to 'earn' the love of his mate who didn't have to do anything to deserve it in the first place. In fact he didn't try to be a good partner to RJ at all really.
I didn't love the tone of this book, there was an undercurrent of speciesism that I didn't love, especially when Karlo kept wanting to be loved for who he was but then was simultaneously embarrassed that RJ wasn't properly assimilated into life as a land dweller.
I'll probably check out other books in the series because I think the concept is cool and the Creepin U universe is a fun place to explore with all the monster potential.
January 14, 2025
🦈 Razorjaw is a shark shifter who stumbled across his mate, unconscious, one day while swimming around in the ocean. He saves his mate, but only has a keychain to find him again. What is a shark shifter to do except move to land and try to woo him?
🦈 First, this was such a fun read. CD writes like he is sitting right next to you telling a story - full of joy, well rounded characters, and humor on (almost) every page (omg Chapter 20, you punk 👀). It was fun to revisit my oceanography roots and dive into this world of normalized monsters and humans. I loved that it was more than sea shifters too! Vampires, werewolves, ogres...everyone is there.
🦈 I can't wait to see what comes next!
Pick up if you love:
🦈 An adorable shark just trying his best
🦈 An equally adorable human who doesn't want to rush things
🦈 A Cinderella story for your next beach date
🦈 First, this was such a fun read. CD writes like he is sitting right next to you telling a story - full of joy, well rounded characters, and humor on (almost) every page (omg Chapter 20, you punk 👀). It was fun to revisit my oceanography roots and dive into this world of normalized monsters and humans. I loved that it was more than sea shifters too! Vampires, werewolves, ogres...everyone is there.
🦈 I can't wait to see what comes next!
Pick up if you love:
🦈 An adorable shark just trying his best
🦈 An equally adorable human who doesn't want to rush things
🦈 A Cinderella story for your next beach date
January 18, 2025
𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖.
🍁🍁🍁🍁
Kɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀʀᴋ • CD Rᴀᴄʜᴇʟs
Maritime Monsters • Book 1
Karlo • Razorjaw
After Karlo has a surfing accident, Razorjaw saves him and knows from the moment he lays eyes on him that Karlo is his mate. Now Razorjaw must court Karlo and convince him they are meant to be together.
I giggled and had a smile on my face for most of the story and found these two so adorable. RJ’s properness made for interesting conversations with other characters. I felt for Karlo and the things that he was struggling with.
I am looking forward to more stories in this world.
Kɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀʀᴋ contains…
🦈 Shark Shifter • Human
🦈 Fated Mates
🦈 Strangers to Co•workers to Lovers
🦈 Interracial • Interspecies
🏳️🌈 MM w/HEA
🎙️ First•Person POV
🍁🍁🍁🍁
Kɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀʀᴋ • CD Rᴀᴄʜᴇʟs
Maritime Monsters • Book 1
Karlo • Razorjaw
After Karlo has a surfing accident, Razorjaw saves him and knows from the moment he lays eyes on him that Karlo is his mate. Now Razorjaw must court Karlo and convince him they are meant to be together.
I giggled and had a smile on my face for most of the story and found these two so adorable. RJ’s properness made for interesting conversations with other characters. I felt for Karlo and the things that he was struggling with.
I am looking forward to more stories in this world.
Kɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀʀᴋ contains…
🦈 Shark Shifter • Human
🦈 Fated Mates
🦈 Strangers to Co•workers to Lovers
🦈 Interracial • Interspecies
🏳️🌈 MM w/HEA
🎙️ First•Person POV
January 4, 2025
Since reading the Creepin U series, I have been eager to get back to that wonderful universe and get another monster fix. This was the perfect return and the absolute BEST book to start off 2025. It gave me "Little Mermaid" and "My Fair Lady" vibes, with our sweet shark shifter Razorjaw saving Karlo from drowning and knowing immediately that he's the one for him. From a slightly bumpy start together to learning to move in each other's worlds, I loved RJ and Karlo together. Add in a cast of great side characters, both human and monsters, and this was such a fun and sweet read. It's definitely going to be added to my "reread for instant mood lift" list. Another winner from CD Rachels, who has become one of my absolute favorite authors and a must-reads.
January 6, 2025
This was my first shifter book that was non- wolf, and this story was just adorable! Razorjaw and his lack of knowledge in the “land dwellers” world is so cute! Watching him learn it all throughout the book is adorable especially during the spicy scenes 🤭 I love how patient Karlo is with him, and teaches him all the things. This was a fast paced, easy to read, feel good story. (except for a particular character 😡 who shall not be named because I hate spoilers and don’t want to spoil anything for anyone else!) The epilogue took me by surprise in the best way, I wasn’t expecting it but it absolutely melted my heart!
January 20, 2025
This was such a cute, heartwarming story! I loved the idea of the MMI, what a great program to learn about the ocean! Karlo is working at the MMI trying to learn as much as he can about marine life and how to save it. He doesn't expect to be swept off of his feet by the cute new shark shifter that starts working there.
But the shifter, Razerjaw, immediately asks him to be his mate?? What?? This is going to take some getting used to! Of course, he isn't familiar with the ways on land, and it's a learning curve for sure. But it was so cute to watch him learn about his human side and try to woo Karlo at the same time. Such a feel good book!
But the shifter, Razerjaw, immediately asks him to be his mate?? What?? This is going to take some getting used to! Of course, he isn't familiar with the ways on land, and it's a learning curve for sure. But it was so cute to watch him learn about his human side and try to woo Karlo at the same time. Such a feel good book!
January 24, 2025
I received this copy as an ARC. All thoughts are my own. Loved this book. Sometimes you need a fluffy and light romance and this is it. It is super cute and sweet. Karlo suffers from self-esteem issues due to his ex and is saved both literally and figuratively by R.J. (shark man). I didn't want this story to end. Reading the story made me feel like I was inside a dreamy bubble of warmth.
The author is an asian-american man who writes mm which is important to note since I feel its important that the mm romance book community have more diverse and male voices.
It was bubbly. It was cotton candy. It was shark approved.
🦈🩷💙🥰
The author is an asian-american man who writes mm which is important to note since I feel its important that the mm romance book community have more diverse and male voices.
It was bubbly. It was cotton candy. It was shark approved.
🦈🩷💙🥰
January 22, 2025
Mr. Rachels does it again!
Another triumph from this author. CD Rachels has a magic way with wonderfully tender stories with terrific characters, be they humans, sharks, trees and, well, anything sentient, really.
This story captures a human and a shark shifter who desperately wants to be his mate. Karlo, the human, suffers from the pain of previous rejection. His shark shifter won’t give up on Karlo, in this tender, whimsical and lovely tale. Or should I say tail? Whatever.
Read this story. You’ll thank me for the advice.
Another triumph from this author. CD Rachels has a magic way with wonderfully tender stories with terrific characters, be they humans, sharks, trees and, well, anything sentient, really.
This story captures a human and a shark shifter who desperately wants to be his mate. Karlo, the human, suffers from the pain of previous rejection. His shark shifter won’t give up on Karlo, in this tender, whimsical and lovely tale. Or should I say tail? Whatever.
Read this story. You’ll thank me for the advice.
January 23, 2025
Super sweet mm monster romance
This was just the sweetest story! If you a love character that feels love deeply and is the sweetest true romantic in the history of all HEA's this book is for you. If you also like A reluctant, kinda beaten down nerdy marine biologist as the guy who is slowly charmed by that first character, this is the perfect story for you. And finally... if monster romance is your jam (it's soooooo my jam!) then run and grab this book up!!! I think this is going on my top 10 list for comfort rereads. I loved how the story unfolded and all the feels.
This was just the sweetest story! If you a love character that feels love deeply and is the sweetest true romantic in the history of all HEA's this book is for you. If you also like A reluctant, kinda beaten down nerdy marine biologist as the guy who is slowly charmed by that first character, this is the perfect story for you. And finally... if monster romance is your jam (it's soooooo my jam!) then run and grab this book up!!! I think this is going on my top 10 list for comfort rereads. I loved how the story unfolded and all the feels.
January 26, 2025
RJ is the cutest, sweetest shark shifter ever. He falls into insta-love with Karlo and it. Is. Adorable! He literally wags his tail. How can you not fall in love with him? Is your heart stone? Am I the only one imagining a cute chibi shark waging its tail? Does Karlo fall instantly for RJ too like it's a Disney story and they live HEA? Eh, no. Slow burn for Karlo! He's been hurt before and insecurity is thy name! He doesn't believe he deserves to be loved even if RJ keeps telling him he's perfect. The beginning is all cuteness but the second half gets into the nitty gritty of love. RJ has to learn how to assimilate into the human world. Things get messy but love does conquer all.
December 19, 2025
Kissing the Shark is the first book in the Maritime Monsters series and is the predecessor to Sea Monster Single Dad. Since I've read the latter, I thought I'd read the former, because there's continuity between them.
In this one, Razor, a shark shifter (with a heart of gold) who has barely surfaced, saves Karlo from drowning.
Karlo works at the maritime institute and is extremely insecure because his heart has been broken many times, so he doesn't easily accept Razor.
The mc´s of the next book appear, which gives a sense of continuity to the universe created by the author.
In this one, Razor, a shark shifter (with a heart of gold) who has barely surfaced, saves Karlo from drowning.
Karlo works at the maritime institute and is extremely insecure because his heart has been broken many times, so he doesn't easily accept Razor.
The mc´s of the next book appear, which gives a sense of continuity to the universe created by the author.
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