The Dryad's Embrace

The Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy #1

by Nikki Riker

Lorraine never imagined her desperate escape would lead her into the arms of a creature from her darkest fantasies. Fleeing a life of terror, she stumbles into an enchanted forest, where the shadows are alive and nothing is as it seems. There, she’s rescued by Ash—a powerful dryad with glowing eyes and a body forged from ancient magic.

Ash offers her protection, but his help comes at a price: her freedom in exchange for a bond that ties her to him until the next full moon. As Lorraine’s fear gives way to a passion she’s never known, she must navigate a world of dark magic and dangerous secrets, all while fighting the growing attraction between them.

Will Lorraine risk her heart and her life for the monster who saved her, or will she be consumed by the darkness?

Perfect for fans of alpha males, fated mates, and steamy monster romance.

Genres: Fantasy Romance, Amazon, Fantasy

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

About the author

Nikki Riker writes steamy paranormal romances. Her stories blend biker vampires, elemental magic, and small-town gothic atmospheres with alpha protectors, fated mates, and fiercely independent heroines who fight for their happily-ever-afters.

When she's not crafting tales of forbidden love and bite tension, Nikki can be found at her New England home, watching the waves roll in while her quirky dog naps at her feet and her mischievous cat plots world domination.

You can stay up to date with Nikki at her website: http://NikkiRiker.com

Reviews

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Most of the time, I’m used to it. It’s like an open wound, you know? In time, it grows shut, and the nerves pull away. Even though the scar is still there, and it still throbs and aches sometimes… it’s not as bad as it used to be.”

“The Dryad’s Embrace,” by Nikki Riker

I liked this book but there were some things I would’ve liked to be different.
What I liked:
-The Dryad lore, I love dryad lore because it’s not used enough in books, and I love to see it.
- Greek mythology mixed in with the story plot.
-The MMC is heartbroken and jaded, and just super depressed. If we could just be trees and sleep when we are depressed people would definitely do the same.
-When she touches his tree he feels it, like in an erotic way Lol.
What I didn’t like so much:
-The FMC, I felt like she was boring.
-Not a lot of action, mostly internal thoughts. I like it when there’s a lot of internal dilemmas, but I prefer it to be in addition to stuff that actually happen.
All in all, I thought the book was good, but it was just not my thing. It felt a lot slower and more slice of life than I would’ve liked. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Dryad
-Greek Lore
-Mafia/Gang

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

“If I wasn’t careful, I could fall into those eyes. And once I fell, I knew I would fall forever.”

“I guess the pain you go through when big things happen starts to set you apart.”

[Halle Stump · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a romance book that focused on a dryad. This was a refreshing change. Like I said the romance was a great change of pace from the normal fantasy/paranormal romance tropes. The characters had immense developmental growth. I find myself shocked that the author was able to put so much character growth and change into less than 300 pages. The book never felt rushed though. It never seemed like they were trying to quickly get to the end of the book or skipping plot lines. There was a large amount of spicy scenes between the two main characters, with enough detail to make me blush. The book seemed to have it all romance, drama, action, fated mates, touch her and die, etc. I love the touch of greek mythology that was sprinkled into the story without it being overwhelming. The only downside I had to the book was that it ended on a cliff hanger that was upsetting. I loved these characters so much and the fact that they couldn't properly communicate was frustrating (just sit down and let me love you!). However, I understand this is a trilogy series and the cliff hanger was necessary for the set up to the next book.

Overall, it was a great book and I highly recommend it. I would give it between a 4.5 - 4.75.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashy Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I've never seen a Monster romance with a male Dryad! So that was really neat! This was definitely something new and I was loving the story, but I felt like I was missing something just not sure what. Maybe it was the lack of knowledge about this type of creature.
Lorraine escapes a nightmare rescued by Dryad, Ash, who can protect her as long as they are bonded til next full moon which happens to be Halloween. She is taken to a different realm and has to stay with him until then.
He has had his heart broken in the past by a mortal so he is hesitant but there is just something about Lorraine that he cant stay away. She is very grateful for his help and tries to get to ‘know’ him more while she is in his realm.
Im hoping to get to know more of these characters and how their story will continue in the next books in the series. One thing I will say is I was not expecting the romance to go the way it did, it came on fast and a bit strong for me (Im more a slow burn with tension build up and I understand that is not every book but Im not sure this was my thing either), I do like the dynamic though. Im always down for a good cliffhanger though, I am looking forward to the next books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BiblioBoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dryad's Embrace is an excellent story concept and one that I will continue to read as the Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy is published. The foundation of a romance between a Drus (a tree spirit from mythology) and a human in this particular world has so much to offer a reader, and absolutely begins to deliver on that promise in this first book. I would definitely appreciate if the plot moved a bit faster and was able to provide a better sense of closure at the end of this first book (rather than the pseudo cliff hanger that does occur). However, I can understand why this might be intentional for a multi-book series and do not believe that changes the readability of this first book. I also found that at times the language appeared repetitive when describing specific emotions or scenes, but there were definitely moments where I was immersed in the environments, the characters, and the magic system that was built to encapsulate them. Looking forward to book two of the series!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Woodland Beasts this is one that you will not put down so buckle up it is a ride. Lorraine escapes a nightmare into another realm, one she didn’t know existed when she is rescued by Dryad and taking him up on his offer meaning staying bond to him for a full moon. Ash is sweet has been hurt by mortals in the past so hesitant a little but something about her pulls him to learn the more they are around each other the more she grows on him and makes him want to keep her making stay away nearly impossible. Lorraine is grateful for his help, the more she is around him she works at getting to know him, neither knowing what to expect but the magnetic pull can’t be ignored and the more they just try to get to know each other the stronger the pull between them grows but where are they headed?

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars. This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the Greek mythology and the relationships and friendships. The magic system in this book is nicely done. My biggest complaint is how abrupt the ending is. I'm not a fan of cliff hangers. Even if something is o part of a series, I like there to be a finalty to something. I don't like when it's in the middle of something. It's an impatience thing. I will definitely be picking up the next story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 27%. The idea of the dryad is intriguing, but once again, the guy’s POV is just him wandering around in the forest thinking about the girl. The pace of the story slows whenever the FMC thinks about stupid Oscar or she has a dumb dream. And I wasn’t feeling the chemistry. Dang, why am I so picky? I haven’t read a really good story in a while. I mean, if i were this author and was invested in the characters, I would probably have been all into this because the writing isn’t bad. I guess I just want more action than making out in a cabin and listening to perverts in the woods.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a trilogy so it will end on a cliffhanger, this was clarified by the author happily !
This book has a lot of magic, spice, a lot of characters building up. There is a ton of action as two worlds meet unexpectedly, will Ash & Lorraine find there way to the love they both feel but can’t quite get passed so many obstacles??. What will their next steps be

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dryad's Embrace is an exciting tale that had me hooked from the start. The author crisply weaves together Greek mythology and magic, making this a captivating drama. The chemistry between Lorraine and Ash evokes strong emotions in the reader and add to the enjoyment of this tale. The cliffhanger makes you catch your breath in anticipation of what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SilverGlass · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’ed at 41%. I just couldn’t get past the repetitive and awful writing. From the characters (which were all unlikable) to the setting to whatever the story was supposed to be, I didn’t buy into any of it. I mean, the male character was supposed to be asleep in his tree for decades yet he speaks and acts like he’s all caught up on the current cultural lingo?

I gave it a decent chance. No thanks.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorraine runs from one nightmare I to the realm and arms of Ash a Drus, where nothings as it seems and danger lurks still but Ash will keep her safe as long as she's bonded to him. Well written engaging read I can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story set in the modern world with lots of Greek lore and mythology woven in between. There was quite a bit of steamy fun but I felt the pace was slow at times, but not enough to take me out of the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esmeralda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s step into a world of ancient magic and forbidden love. Nikki Riker's writing was mesmerizing, and this slow-burn romance will leave you spellbound. A must-read for fans of paranormal romance. Would recommend this and rest in series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy series, it had that element that I wanted in a dark fantasy romance. I enjoyed how good everything was and how the story worked overall. Nikki Riker has a strong writing style and can’t wait for more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MarlyUsagi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting with this book, it wasn't bad but I definitely didn't think the dryad would be a male which I love I guess I just expected it to be female there wasn't really much happening in the bookit was a quick read so didn't really get attached to the characters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Paranormal Romance Story has an entertaining romance story with well-crafted world, intriguing characters. These characters have unique personalities, intertwined histories and believable interactions. This story has the following: a woman desperately escaping, a powerful dryad, enchanted forests, a rescue, twists, turns, adventure, fear, a bond, love, steam and a HEA. A must read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first with this author and was really a first time subject that was a bit fascinating. A great story and good spice and wonderful and interesting world building. Great book!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read. Anyone who loves monster fugging has to add this to their TBR! This was my first Dryad spicy read and I’m honestly shocked there isn’t more out there. One sided enemies to lovers. Dark fantasy. Very spicy! Love, loved, will continue to love!

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a romance book that focused on a dryad so I was very drawn to this series. The book had romance, spice, action, and drama. I love the touch of Greek mythology. The book ended on a cliffhanger so be ready to want more. Looking forward to book two.

[Tomie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. The story is so amazingly beautiful and addictive that it sucks you in to the point you can’t put it down. Worth every word to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this is my first book about Dryad's and I don't know much about Greek mythology so I had to do some research. I found the book to be pleasant little confusing but pleasant. It's a Trilogy so we'll see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, I liked how it started right in the action then jumped to a week earlier. The whole concept is well written and I enjoyed reading about the characters and the magic.
The spicy scenes were hot, however they got a *little* repetitive after the first couple

[Sherilyn Moreton]

DNF at 21% - this book feels unedited and unpolished.

The povs are confusing at first and I expected that Ash was a dryad (female) at first, and was excited this was going to be sapphic.

This could have potential, but I feel it needs an overhaul.

[Tracy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dryad's Embrace
Book 1 of The Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy
Nikki Riker

I enjoyed the chemistry, drama and journey.

[Merlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Dryad romance and I absolutely loved it. Despite being a fairly short read this book packs a ton in. There's deep character development, rich story and great world building.

[I Climbed Mount Halsin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF it didn't hold my interest

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

📖1.5⭐️5🌶️ not for me

[Book_Mom_Of_Three]

DNF this one it’s just spice I was hoping it has plot to it

[Deborah Darnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh! Mystical and sexy!! Interesting idea about the gods— intense!