The Lovely Dark: A Monster Romance Anthology

by Emma Hamm, Juliette Cross, Zoey Draven

Best-selling fantasy authors Emma Hamm, Juliette Cross, and Zoey Draven present three original, full-length novellas in this delicious and dark monster romance anthology.


Wave Song
Alys Fairweather has always loved the sea. So when her father gets the opportunity to build a city beneath the waves, she is the first in the submarine with him. She never expected to discover an entire species of merfolk living there. And she certainly didn’t expect to find one of them so captivating. But the song of the waves is one she has never been able to deny, even when that temptation comes in the form of a battle scarred merman.


Kings and Bones

When Murgha’s degenerate father bets their last bit of coin and her in a high-stakes game of kings and bones, she fears she will become the property of the lecherous ambassador. But when the most fearsome dark fae she has ever seen steps into the game and wins the pot, she knows her fate is much worse. She is now owned by the enemy.


The Midnight Arrow

Marion enjoys her quiet life in the shadowed woods, selling her healing potions in the village by day and tending to her otherworldly garden by night. But then she saves a devilishly handsome Kylorr, with his powerful wings and sharp fangs, shot through with an arrow and bleeding to death one moonlit night. Her mysterious Kylorr awakens new desires—but she fears he might be hiding dark secrets of his own…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Anthologies, Paranormal Romance, Dark Romance

582 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.

Reviews

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Rayne's review, I added this to my TBR and it's a nice intro to each of these author's worlds (2 fantasy series and a sci-fi one). I personally preferred the Juliette Cross story, due to liking both the main characters the most. I did find the Emma Hamm and Zoey Draven stories to be intriguing, I just personally didn't connect with them as much.

I would definitely recommend trying this three story collection out though, whether you've read these authors before or are new to them. There's some fated mates, cultural differences, sometimes some mystery or danger, nicely developed characters, and solid depth for the shortness of the stories.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for Kings and Bones by Juliette Cross.

I'm always up for some monster romance and I plan to read the other novellas when I get my beautiful physical copy in my hands. But I started with this one.

I enjoyed getting to know Vallon and Murgha and getting a peek into the work that JC is sharing with us. I am beyond excited for the new world she is building and the creatures and magic we will be immersed in with the Wraith King.

I was sad when Wraith King had to be post-poned but I think this novella is great place to start.

Murgha gets throw in the pot of her father's gambling bet and without any say of her own, she becomes the prize to Vallon. This fearsome and handsome dark fae can't mean anything good for her OR he could be everything she didn't know she needed.

In Kings and Bones we start to get a feel for this world and meet who I assume will be some key players. We go flying to knew places and find out about mates. The tale went by quickly and left me wanting more in the best way.

I look forward to what this world will bring us in September.

5 stars
2 on the spice scale

*Thank you to Juliette Cross for an ARC of this title.*

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First there was a unique, sweet romance by Emma Hamm that gave me all the soft emotions. I really enjoyed watching their love story unfold and I was racing to the end to see how they could make it work. I’m curious now to read more from this author.

Then, Juliette Cross created a story that gripped me right from the start. It was interesting and so well developed I’m highly anticipating her next book from the same world, ‘The Wraith King’.

Finally, Zoey Draven once again gives us perfection. Truly this book was 5 stars for me. It somehow had the world building, detail and development that even some novels struggle to execute, all packed into a 200 pages story. It had the romance, the plot, the intrigue, the secrecy, heartbreak, spice, and everything you could even want. I was so wrapped into the world I forgot how short it was. I wish I bought the physical copy just for this story alone (although all three were well worth the read!).

This is a perfect bundle of three novellas that can cure anyone from a reading slump or is just the perfect thing to pick up for a break between longer stories!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven:

I truly believe Zoey can do no wrong. This was amazing. The fact that she made this 200 pages novella feel like 400 pages is pure magic. The pacing was perfect, the TWISTS AND THE TURNS, one of the BEST sex scenes l've read in a long time, I cried a little too, and the romance was everything. My mind is still reeling from reading this amazing book and I just can't process anything else right now. Zoey proved once again how brilliant of a writer she is, truly.

*I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book.*

[☾All of Meg☀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never want to see the words quim or cunny again for as long as I live

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨I read The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven. I enjoyed it, but really wish it was longer 😭.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kings and Bones review: I adore Juliette Cross. I think she writes such fun and compelling fantasy romances. Her character work is top notch, and she has a great way of building chemistry in her romances.

Kings and Bones is set in the same world as her upcoming Wraith Kings book, and I loved seeing this bonus story about Murgah a half fae and Vallon a dark fae.

He rescues/wins her in a gamble and instantly knows there is something about her that is meant for him that goes beyond his feeling of responsibility of protecting her.

It's a great new world by Juliette and a great new romance.

Zoey Draven is another fave fantasy romance author, so I'm excited to give her story a try. And Emma Ham is also usually solid for me!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 3.75 Stars!

Wave Song was interesting but not well written IMO.

Kings and Bones was great! Definitely my favorite of this anthology and I am really looking forward to The Wraith King this fall.

The Midnight Arrow was somehow somber but it wasn't sad. I liked it. Good characters and expansion to the Kylorr world. I'd definitely read more stories set in the Below.

Overall an enjoyable anthology. Happy reading!

[Nisha-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My god, Zoey Draven’s characterisation is so so good. So rich and real and always with an arc of true growth and evolution. Both clever and witty characters in their own right and so attractive for it. I just loved these two, my heart broke when theirs broke and healed with their healing. Plus the worldbuilding was fascinating in its development beyond the Kylorr novels.

I couldn’t get through the other two novellas. The storytelling was so tedious my brain was bored with both.

[↬ Ⓛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The midnight arrow by Zoey Drave - 3.5 stars

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the “Wave Song” novella that is the prequel for the “Deep Waters” series and I inhaled this book in a few great gulps and did not want to put it down or come up for air! 🧜‍♂️🌊It was AMAZING! I was RAVENOUS for this love story when it was mentioned in “Whispers of the Deep” and when I saw in a review for that same book that there was a prequel that had Alys love story with an undine, I downloaded it immediately.

It is the best novella that I have ever read. Most novellas leave me feeling like the pacing was just not right and maybe I would love the story if it was fully fleshed out but this one was just soooooo amazing! I loved Imber and how dreamy and gentle he was with Alys. I loved hearing the background story of the underground cities being built and how Alys and Imber got to spend their lives together.

I would kill for a full length novel of these two but I am so grateful that their story was written at all. I teared up like 3 times. Imber and Alys love each other so much and as flawed as Alys’ inventor father is, he loves he so much too. This novella helped click into place some background knowledge for me that has deepened my appreciation for the world the author has built and has made me even more ravenous for the next books!

I am not even a fan of water-related romances and this book series completely changed that for me. Now I need more mermen romance stat! 🧜‍♂️🧜‍♂️The world-building is there, the character building and love story is 🔥. Do yourself a favor and try it out! You will be so addicted and starving for more! Five stars!

I have yet to read the rest of the novellas in this anthology but I am sure it will be a delightfully dive into new authors for me! Looking forward to it! 🥰💕

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wave Song by Emma Hamm
2.5/5
Ch 3: aww man, all tell about their first few weeks together, no show. Ugh I was looking forward to that. Ch 6: gosh there is SO little dialogue between Alys and Imber
All show and barely any tell. Is Emma Hamm like this or is it cuz it’s a novella?
Ch 9: okay so this tentacle is attached to her neck on her side. And where is it attached to him on his side????
This wasn’t great but I had a lot of fun reacting with the others in the buddy read about the mysterious breathing tentacle and double peen. Shame that the double peen was basically useless and a tease.

King & Bones by Juliette Cross
3/5
I flipped to the synopsis page for this and saw the FMC’s name is Murgha and now I’ve decided to read Draven’s novella first instead lmao. MURGHA?
Ch 8: ||so her mom DID cheat on her stepdad with her true father? And she’s actually pure blooded and not half breed?||
Also aww ||he got her mother’s necklace back for her||
Ch 16: OH MY GOD. NOOOOO. What’s wrong with ||good old fashioned pussy and cunt omg||
I’ve read SEVEN Juliette Cross books (the Stay a Spell series) and she has never used ||cunny/quim ||before, ever. I would never have requested this book as a buddy read otherwise lolol
Overall, I agree that ||it was very low on plot and I was also looking forward to the steam, but it was completely ruined by those words. I also will not be continuing the series because I’m scared. ||

The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven
5/5
Ch 1: “I know you’re there,” came his deep voice, tinged in something darker. Pain, I realized. “I would know your scent anywhere, little witch.”
Oh hello, I like this nickname
Ch 4: “You hate Veras. Would you like me to give you his still-beating heart? Perhaps that can be my repayment to you. For saving my life, I will give you his. I will give you one favor, Marion, and it can be whatever you want. I vow I will grant it.”
Ch 9: Did you know that your cottage, your land has more magic than I’ve felt in the Black Veil? Than I’ve ever felt in Rolara?” “Is that really true?” He inclined his head. “Because you’ve allowed magic to bloom here—the glowflies being a large part of that. You tend to them, they produce for you. A symbiotic relationship. And you don’t expect more than they can give. A beautiful balance. You’ve done well here, Marion.”
I love when the MMC praises the FMC for non-sexual things, too
Ch 10: “She died a terrible death because of you. I don’t know if I can forgive you, Veras. Ever,” I said quietly. Lorik turned. I felt the heat of his hand come around my waist. Veras paused on the pathway, looking back at me over his shoulder. “I loved her more than anything in this world.” “What you don’t understand, Marion,” he replied, “is that I did too. We have that in common, at the very least.”
Ch 11: “Oh, my love,” Lorik said, his tone gruff. And I realized I liked that term of endearment entirely too much coming off his lips. “There’s a part of me that just wants to keep you shielded from every dark thing in this world. Even me.”
Ch 17: “Thinking of me, little witch?” I gasped, whirling, half of the water can spilling outside the bed. But when I saw Lorik standing on the boundary of my property line, just beyond the witch’s spell, the can tumbled from my grip and I grinned. I rushed toward him, and he caught me with a grunt when I accidentally slammed into him a little harder than anticipated. He felt solid and warm in my arms. I buried my face in his chest, noticing he wore a dark blue vest with subtle silver embroidery and dark pants. In his embrace, I felt a rush of relief so bright that it nearly brought tears springing to my eyes. Then I felt silly, keeping my face pressed to his clothes so he wouldn’t see. “I missed you too, Marion,” Lorik murmured, his lips brushing the tip of my ear, his breath hot with the words. He ducked his head, tucking me close. And I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so happy.
Ch 22: 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Okay overall, I freakin loved this novella. Like it tugged at all my heartstrings with the angst and there was also some really great fluff!! There were a lot of elements I really liked as well… the little witch and my love endearments, the forbidden/star-crossed lovers, Peek the loyal pet, FMC intelligent and having a spine… I felt like it was really well done for a novella and kinda wish it were a full length book instead so I could have moaaar.

Okay I finished the three novellas!! Overall it was a bust… didn’t really like 2/3 novellas. But I did LOVE The Midnight Arrow so I feel like it was still worth it. The Midnight Arrow is the kind of novella I would consider rereading. Great mix of ||angst/fluff. ||

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen this gets five stars but only because Juliette Cross gets five stars. I loved her story. The others…not so much.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Midnight Arrow” by Zoey Draven

5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶

“My beautiful little witch in the woods. You need to be appreciated. You need to be touched. I think you need to be loved.”

-This review is for Zoey Draven’s contribution in “The Lovely Dark” monster romance anthology. The length of the story is about 200 pages, which makes it more of a novella than short story. It takes place in the same universe as the Brides of the Kylorr series, but you don’t need to read any Zoey Draven book prior in order to understand the plot; the story stands well on its own.

-The story revolves around a human healer FMC, and a half Kylorr/half Allavari MMC. The FMC finds the MMC injured in a forest, and due to her oath as a healer, takes him back to her cottage in order to heal him. But these are not total strangers, they’ve been eyeing each other at the weekly market where the FMC sells her medicinal products. There’s so much tension already established between the two of them, and now that they’re finally face-to-face, it’s very easy for the MCs to lean into that attraction.

-The MMC, Lorik, is quite mysterious throughout the entire story. Readers learn about him in little bits and pieces, at the same pace as the FMC, Marion. He’s obviously hiding something from her, but it’s not apparent what that is and why he’s doing it. Lorik looks very intimidating, he’s very tall, has large wings, horns, and he’s very muscular. But when he speaks he’s so gentle, and there’s no roughness to his personality.

-The FMC, Marion, has been through some intense heartache. She lost her sister ten years prior, and has been isolating herself in the Black Veil forest ever since. She’s built a life for herself that she thought was for her benefit, but is now starting to realize just how lonely her day-to-day life is. Lorik kind of shocks her into thinking about all the possibilities available to her; she doesn’t have to be alone, and she doesn’t have to burrow deeper in her grief.

-Zoey Draven is the queen of scifi-fantasy, and as always, the world building is flawless. It’s rich and full of depth, but not intimidating to readers. I love how she presents the culture of each alien race she’s created, because it feels like an immersive experience. Another thing Zoey does so well is build a relationship full of longing, passion, and angst. Reading her books is such a moving and emotional experience, and this story was no different. I felt so much for Lorik and Marion, and the difficult situation they found themselves in.

-This is a shorter story, but Zoey doesn’t skimp on the smut. It’s the perfect balance between plot, worldbuilding, character development, and spice.

-I highly recommend reading this story if you’re in the mood for a shorter scifi-fantasy romance, one that will really pull at your heart strings, with an emotional conflict facing both MCs. I really enjoyed how the conflict was approached and resolved.

[Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only picked this up to read Zoey Draven’s novella, but I might check out the other stories someday. Zoey’s story was really good! There is an accompanying short story that should be read before this one that you can find on her website (also comes in audiobook form and both are free 👍)

I’m intrigued by the world she created here, although the world building in regard to the races and history was a bit confusing to me coming from her in the same universe but different planet so no overlap Kylorr series. There were a few interesting side characters and backstories I’d like to know more about. Also the Below! I was really hoping we’d see any of that in this novella as we got a glimpse in the short story, and even though the plot had a lot to do with the Below we don’t see it at all. Too bad. I’d love to see future books about the Below King or even Marion’s half-enemy Veras, the local crime lord, but after hearing Marion’s sister’s sad story I can’t imagine him with anyone else… Marion and Lorik’s romance though was really sweet and the setting of this book was really cozy if not a little spooky. I liked the cottage in the dangerous woods with her potion making and her garden filled with flowers and the insects she tends to and of course her cat-like creature, Peek! Loved him. Overall just a fun read and I’m curious to see what else Zoey might write in this world.

ETA: I read most of Juliette Cross’ novella, but finally decided to stop torturing myself and DNF it. It was…real bad and full of cliches, just throwing around the word ‘male’, fated mates and having a bat winged H like that would make the whole story. Pass. Might still check out the mermaid novella lol

[Silvy]

leaving this one unrated as i didn’t finish either of the first two short stories, and instead skipped ahead to zoey’s short story – which was magical and fun and hot and i’m already dying for more. if zoey writes it, i’m not only reading it, i’m devouring it. i’m gnawing at the bars of my enclosure to get to it – and the midnight arrow was everything i expected and more. cute, fun, twisty, romantic, and made me yearn to be beamed up and spit out on a planet where there are magic bees and magic dogs.

i’ll probably go back and finish the other two stories at a later date, because they both seemed promising, but still well worth it for the midnight arrow alone.

pick up this anthology if you’re looking for a few short and sweet monster (and monster-adjacent) romance stories to keep you warm – especially on a day when your attention span might struggle to commit to a full-fledged book.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Wave Song" - ⭐⭐⭐
"Kings and Bones" - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Midnight Arrow" - ⭐⭐⭐

[micolreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for "Wave Song" by Emma Hamm

I absolutely had to read this after reading Whispers in the Deep. That book sparked my love for underwater stories and now I'm hooked. I cannot wait for the second book in that series to come out. But this story was so delightful and heart touching and just gave such a great preface to the main storyline. It isn't necessary to read Whispers of the Deep first, but doing so made me feel so much more attachment to these two. I love them, I love what they stand for in this story and the main story, and it also makes me so sad at the same time. My feelings for her father also totally changed after this. This was so great to hold me over until the next book comes out.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology was perfection, and I loved every minute of it! I'm a BIG fan of Juliette, I've enjoyed one of Zoey's books to date, and Emma was new to me, but they all fully understood the job!

In Emma Hamm's Wave Song, we're in an apocalyptic land, and our heroine Alys is obsessed with everything under the sea. Her father is a brilliant inventor trying to figure out a way to build a city under the sea to save his fellow humans. But, when Alys discovers Imber, a merman, or undine, and they are instantly drawn to each other, she worries what will become of his people if her father's plans progress. I've never read a mermaid romance before and this was such a unique take on this type of story. I was constantly left wondering how they could possibly make things work, and the journey was wonderful!

Juliette Cross' Kings and Bones takes place in a new world for her, and it is the same setting as her upcoming full-length novel The Wraith King! Murgha's father bets her while gambling in the titular game, and she is contemplating a quick escape. Vallon, a dark fae priest, shows up and wins her at the last minute, and she's not sure if he's actually a better alternative. But Vallon proves himself, and their journey together reveals much about them both. Their connection was perfection, and the worldbuilding got me so hyped for The Wraith King!

The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven pairs a healer and witch, Marion, who has shut herself away from the world following the death of her younger sister, and Lorik, a half-Kylorr hunter, who is injured in the scary woods outside her cabin, late one night. Marion saves his life, and their connection is immediate and HOT. But Lorik has secrets, and Marion wants to know them. Their story was beautiful, and breathtaking, and at one point it even made me cry. I'm so intrigued by this world, and I wonder where it fits into her new Brides of the Kylorr series. I'm definitely going to find out!

Overall this collection of stories was truly wonderful, and I am thrilled to dig into more from each of these authors. The vibes of these stories fit together so well, and I would love to see another collection from them in the future!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book

[Sydney S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars for the Juliette Cross novella, 5 stars for the Zooey Draven novella. I didn’t read Emma Hamm’s because I don’t like merpeople or ocean settings.

Kings and Bones by Juliette Cross: 3 stars
The first half is 4 stars, the second half is 2 stars. I can’t believe how much the quality went down. Their interactions weren’t right. Something was off. The pacing, for sure, but something else too. Can’t put it into words. And I don’t like how they talked to each other. Also, in regards to her impending orgasm, the hero says, “more honey for me, eh, darling?” 😑

I’m not sure why I keep reading Cross’s books. I always enjoy them at the 3-stars level, but they’re never really for me. They’re cozy in a way that doesn’t entirely work for me. And yet I keep reading her stuff. They pass the time and they're easy to sink into, I'll give her that. I’m sure this novella will be a big hit for others, but it was just “good” to me.

The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven: 5 stars
So good! I haven’t read anything else by Draven, but now I definitely want to. Fantastic world, like a combo of medieval fantasy + sci-fi + paranormal. We have different species from different planets on this one planet with magic that feels like a medieval-style fantasy world. One species is parasitic like vampires, with wings like fae. I love both characters, love their story, love the setting, love the writing, love it all. I hope she publishes this novella on its own, outside of this anthology. And I really hope we get some future stories set in the Below.

[Lara the Smut Raider 🏹 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mainly read this for the Juliette Cross story, which I definitely enjoyed. It moved a bit fast, which is fine since it was a novella. Loved the chemistry between Murgha and Vallon. It was a great introduction to the world in her upcoming series “The Rise of Northgall.”

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: the word “cunny” being used for her girl parts 😭 😭 😭 it immediately took me out of the story and sexy times. It sounded childish and fucking weird and I hated it.

So one star removed for the liberal use of this awful word. I fear if she continues using it during the entire series she has planned out, I may not be able to read the rest of the books 😂

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wave Song: Very cute story, the world was just a little confusing to me. I reckon it works a bit better if you read the Deep Water series (which is on my tbr) before reading this novella. But still very enjoyable, as a stand-alone I'd give it 4 stars.

Kings and Bones: Super enticing world, can't wait to read more about it in the upcoming The Rise of Northgall series! I loved the way the MMC was down bad for the FMC 😍 The only thing that threw me off a bit were the spicy scenes, I felt a little weird about some of the descriptions and vocabulary. As a stand-alone this would've been a 4.5 star rating (probably rounded up to 5) for me.

The Midnight Arrow: Zoey Draven did it again. I love the Brides of the Kylorr series, so my expectations were high. This novella didn't only meet my expectations, it succeeded them. So deliciously angsty yumyumyum! The only question I would've liked to be answered in the end is if these two were blood mates after all or not. But I'm holding out hope that we may see a glimpse of them again at some point. In whatever form.
I'd give this 6 stars if I could.

[Bookworm123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored the first story! Wow!

But the second and third ones fell flat. They read too much like Romantic Fantasy with lots of world building and a lesser focus on the romance.

If you are into Romance Fantasy with lots of world building and rules and stuff (with some spice) you will love the last two stories.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like it was written by a teenager and edited by a novice

[bewoelkt.aber.heiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gekommen bin ich für die Novelle von Juliette Cross und überrascht war ich darüber, wie gut mir alle 3 Novellen gefallen haben! Man muss natürlich kleinere Abstriche machen, denn weil die Novellen auf wenig Raum eine ganze Lovestory unterbringen, ist es natürlich ziemlich insta love in allen Geschichten. In jedem Fall erfüllt die Anthologie zweifelsohne ihren Marketing-Zweck, denn alle 3 Novellen machen mich richtig neugierig auf die dazugehörigen Romanreihen!

Kings and Bones von Juliette Cross - 4 Sterne
Ich kann es kaum erwarten, den ersten Roman in voller Länge "The Wraith King" aus dieser neuen Welt zu lesen, denn das Worldbuilding hat mir schon in dieser Novelle sehr gefallen. Auch die Figuren Murgha und Vallon haben viel Chemie miteinander und ich hatte, wie ich es von Cross kenne, auch hier ein tolles cozy romance-Gefühl, mit fated mates und all den Tropes, die ich so liebe. Insgesamt hatte ich im Plot abseits der Lovestory aber ein bisschen das Gefühl, dass er vor dem Höhepunkt abbricht. Ich kann mir nur vorstellen, dass das Pärchen im Laufe der Reihe noch eine Rolle spielen wird und dann der hier angefangene Plot nochmal eine Rolle spielt (zumindest hoffe ich das).

The Midnight Arrow von Zoey Draven - 4,5 Sterne
Diese Novelle hat mich richtig überrascht. Ich war so gar nicht darauf vorbereitet, wie gut sie mir gefallen würde! Das Setting von Marions Hütte mitten im magischen Wald habe ich mir so gut vorstellen können, es war ein bisschen, als leuchteten die Farben und Szenerie vor meinem geistigen Auge. Die Novelle ist auch die längste von den dreien, was man im Beziehungsaufbau zwischen Marion und Lorik gemerkt hat, der mich richtig abgeholt hat und am Ende auch ordentlich Dramatik hatte, aber rund abgeschlossen wird. Ich werde ganz sicher zu einem weiteren Buch von Zoey Draven aus dieser Welt greifen!

Wave Song von Emma Hamm - 3,5 Sterne
Insgesamt eine tolle Prämisse und auch wenn mir vom Prozess des Verliebens ein bisschen zu wenig gezeigt wurde, habe ich Alys und Imber ihre Liebe durchaus abgenommen. Insgesamt war aber für die großen Hindernisse der Beziehung immer etwas zu schnell und einfach eine Lösung gefunden. Außerdem ist die Novelle die "echteste" monster romance, weil sich Emma Hamm mit den Undinen wirklich Wesen ausgedacht hat, die deutlich von den menschlichen Love Interests divergieren. Auch hier überlege ich, den ersten vollen Roman der Welt zu testen.

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wave Song by Emma Hamm

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/6.
🌶️🌶️/5.

This was so endearing! I love that Imber & Alys were curious of each other since the first time they saw each other and they just wanted to know one another. I love seeing them explore each other and build this enthralling bond with a language barrier. Don’t worry, they learn each other’s language later on. 😉
I found interesting how Imber species work and the fact that the females are the ones in charge basically and are the ones doing the mating. With that said Imber knows how to mate too. 🤗 he also had a bonus surprise for Alys 🤭.

I just love the little things. Imber brought all sorts of gifts for Alys even when they weren’t talking yet. That was his way of showing her that he chose her to be his mate and it was adorable.

I wish Alys father could’ve done more but I’m content with what he ended up doing in the end. I hoped Alys could’ve stop things for happening but alas it is what it is.
I do believe that Imber’s family will find a better place and everyone will be together again.


King & Bones by Juliette Cross

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/6.
🌶️🌶️/5.

It always great to be back with another Juliette’s stories.
I loved this world and the possibilities we have. I can’t wait for The Wraith King!

Murgha is a pariah in her home because of who she is but Vallon enters the picture to save her from a terrible fate and show her that she too can be treasured and be loved like others. I loved their story and where this is led us too. I love the little familiar too. I honestly cannot wait to read more about this world and about the people we saw briefly in this story.

The Midnight Arrow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/6.
🌶️🌶️.5/5.

Wow, this took a turn. I suspected what Lorik was but what he did went a bit far however i understand why he did it and I liked Marion’s response to it all. I wish we got to see the Bellow and Marion meeting Lorik’s sister.
I loved Marion and the journey she had to go on herself. Forgiveness is hard as F but she overcame her hurt and gave forgiveness.
I actually also liked that even though she forgave Lorik, he didn’t forgave himself for what he did to her. I loved them together, I just wish there was more of them after they made peace with each other . 🙂

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid short stories. Zoey Draven was my favourite in this one and it actually was my favourite iteration of the kylorr and I found the mmc more likeable than either of the brides of kylorr series. I'm super interested to see if she continues on with the plot line she explored in this short story because it really seemed cool.
Emma Hamm's story was my first introduction to her work. I honestly loved it, and I'm definitely going to read her other books after this. I did find that it felt super rushed and maybe a bit much for how short it was but I loved the curiosity aspect of meeting a brand new species and learning eachothers language.
Juliette Cross' story was quite different from the other book I've read from her and I actually enjoyed it a lot. I'm excited to see her new series on the fae and really enjoyed that there were no humans. I did feel like it focused too much on building up characters that will show up inher new book so that's one of the reasons it wasn't my favourite addition. I do wish I saw more of the characters in the end as I feel like their story was a little too quickly wrapped up.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wave Song - Emma Hamm 🌟🌟

My main gripe with this short story (and Whispers of the Deep, too) is that the author does not know how to deal with having humans living under the sea.

What I mean by this is the fact that any and all problems you can think of when you think of humans living underwater, she solves in these offhand, unbelievable ways. I’m usually pretty capable of suspending my disbelief, but the solutions offered here? It’s all either too damn convenient, implausible, or both. It just takes me out of the story completely. Which is funny, because we’re talking about a fantasy story with fantasy creatures here. Don’t even get me started on how they overcome the language barrier. The insta-love also irked me - I understand that these are short stories, and characters would need to fall for each other pretty quickly, but it can be done elegantly (as proven by another story in this anthology!)

Her writing in both this short story and Whispers of the Deep just doesn’t seem to be for me.

Kings & Bones - Juliette Cross 🌟🌟

I wanted to really like this, but it ended up being ‘just okay’ for me as well. Both the FMC and the MMC had no originality to them, and the world building was simultaneously too simplified and too confusing. The insta-love was insta-loving hard. I’d originally put The Wraith King from the author on my TBR, but I’m definitely feeling less excited now. This story takes place after that book, too? Right? Maybe I don’t get it, but it feels like an awkward choice.

The Midnight Arrow - Zoe Draven 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

THIS ONE. I’m so happy I read this anthology- just for this. Again, this is an anthology so these stories are on the shorter side, but Zoe Draven managed to put in e-ve-ry-thing that I love. I don’t want to spoil, so I won’t mention what I loved exactly, but the author managed to have me fully invested in the world and the characters. It all felt really fleshed out. The romance completely won me over. It CAN be done without resorting to insta-love in short(er) stories. I was truly rooting for them at the end.

Overall, I’ll probably only return for a reread of the Midnight Arrow in this anthology. Three stars.

[Allyson Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 separate novellas by three different writers with 3 similarly dissatisfying endings.

Book 1: It is about some kind of science nerd protege girl in a semi-dystopian world where land is becoming progressively uninhabitable and the greedy 2-leggeds want to build a city underwater. Makes sense. Girly, goes down in her little water hover craft and meets a mer-man. He’s got 2 penises and a gentle nature. He’s also low-key afraid of taking a mate of his own species and makes often die during coupling. Yeah. Loads to unpack there.

Book 2: half breed fairy girl with special powers that are forbidden is found by extremely large shadow fae dzaddy who inherited a death vow to look out from her from his father, but whoopsie, sees her and insta-mate-love. There was a pretense of angst.

Book 3: what on earth or not earth was going on here? The world building was so complicated but somehow shallow. Hell dimensions. Accidental demon pets on the loose. Shadow veil garden glow worm bees???? Too much. Not enough.