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Clutching Cthulhu's Pearls
Harriett
1922, Cypress Kentucky, USA
Does Leopold suspect me? My aging husband’s beady eyes are glued to his experiments and notes, but I twitch as if I’m the specimen he examines. His work created our menagerie of selectively bred and surgically enhanced animals—ugly snakes with mouse heads, birds with paws and puppy faces, and worse. They frighten me, but not as much as my future of lonely nights in an empty marriage bed. If we still lived in Boston, among the speakeasies and dancehalls, I’d get the attention I crave from men. With our long, platonic, unconsummated marriage, can Leopold blame me for skinny dipping in the swamp after his lantern goes out? But isolated on his estate, I refuse to give up my visits to the plant frons that give me more pleasure than a man ever could…
Phineas
She comes to my lagoon when the moon rises. With her silky skin, shimmering hair, and sweet voice, she’s irresistible. Her moans and gasps of pleasure haunt me between her visits. Who is she? Where did Papa get her? After years of his silence, is she the next female he selected to carry my eggs? I can’t risk her fleeing in terror at my monstrous appearance, but it isn’t fair for her to believe my tentacles’ touches are innocent plants…
How will Harriett react when Phin reveals his Cthulhu nature? What happens when Leopold catches them in the act—will he separate the lovers or incorporate them into his experiments?
Monsters have always existed. They walk amongst us or live in the shadows. Hungering. Craving. Looking for love. Are you ready to meet these swoon-worthy specters and creatures of the night? It's time for monsters...
Clutching Cthulhu’s Pearls is a horror romance with oviposition spicy scenes, exhibitionism, and violence, written for mature audiences.
1922, Cypress Kentucky, USA
Does Leopold suspect me? My aging husband’s beady eyes are glued to his experiments and notes, but I twitch as if I’m the specimen he examines. His work created our menagerie of selectively bred and surgically enhanced animals—ugly snakes with mouse heads, birds with paws and puppy faces, and worse. They frighten me, but not as much as my future of lonely nights in an empty marriage bed. If we still lived in Boston, among the speakeasies and dancehalls, I’d get the attention I crave from men. With our long, platonic, unconsummated marriage, can Leopold blame me for skinny dipping in the swamp after his lantern goes out? But isolated on his estate, I refuse to give up my visits to the plant frons that give me more pleasure than a man ever could…
Phineas
She comes to my lagoon when the moon rises. With her silky skin, shimmering hair, and sweet voice, she’s irresistible. Her moans and gasps of pleasure haunt me between her visits. Who is she? Where did Papa get her? After years of his silence, is she the next female he selected to carry my eggs? I can’t risk her fleeing in terror at my monstrous appearance, but it isn’t fair for her to believe my tentacles’ touches are innocent plants…
How will Harriett react when Phin reveals his Cthulhu nature? What happens when Leopold catches them in the act—will he separate the lovers or incorporate them into his experiments?
Monsters have always existed. They walk amongst us or live in the shadows. Hungering. Craving. Looking for love. Are you ready to meet these swoon-worthy specters and creatures of the night? It's time for monsters...
Clutching Cthulhu’s Pearls is a horror romance with oviposition spicy scenes, exhibitionism, and violence, written for mature audiences.
- GenresMonstersHistorical
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
49 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Barr
44 books320 followersMarilyn Barr currently resides in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats.
When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula. She is a sucker (haha) for cheesy horror movies, Italian food, punk music, black cats, & bad puns.
When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula. She is a sucker (haha) for cheesy horror movies, Italian food, punk music, black cats, & bad puns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 27, 2024
I adored this story for many reasons. I loved the horror yet romance. I loved the movie vibes. The family vibes. I loved that Phin was more monstrous in looks, and I really loved his tents!
I was swept away with an old-fashioned classic movie feel and absolutely delighted in it.
I really need to know his brothers storys please!
I was swept away with an old-fashioned classic movie feel and absolutely delighted in it.
I really need to know his brothers storys please!
December 15, 2024
The short review is that this is an enjoyable book and I highly recommend it.
The longer review is:
I didn’t read the description, I just saw Cthulhu and said yes please, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading. It was a wild ride from start to finish and I would’ve finished it in one sitting, but pesky things like needing sleep so I can go to work got in the way.
There was more religion in this book than I thought there’d be (again didn’t properly read the description) but it does make sense based on how it’s used. Obviously Harriet’s husband is horrid and you wish death on him (I won’t spoil that for you) and Phin, the sweet tentacle monster, is just the cutest.
I really hope this becomes a series and some of the other experiments can get their version of raft life.
Side note this was the first book with eggs and I’m still wrapping my head around that. But in a good way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The longer review is:
I didn’t read the description, I just saw Cthulhu and said yes please, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading. It was a wild ride from start to finish and I would’ve finished it in one sitting, but pesky things like needing sleep so I can go to work got in the way.
There was more religion in this book than I thought there’d be (again didn’t properly read the description) but it does make sense based on how it’s used. Obviously Harriet’s husband is horrid and you wish death on him (I won’t spoil that for you) and Phin, the sweet tentacle monster, is just the cutest.
I really hope this becomes a series and some of the other experiments can get their version of raft life.
Side note this was the first book with eggs and I’m still wrapping my head around that. But in a good way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
A tale of science, horrible husbands, religious trauma, and a schmoopy sweet tentacled MMC who just wants to love his “Hairy”—plus some oviposition for funsies.
February 13, 2025
Harriett is married to Leopold and he's a scientist. They've been married ten years and in all that time he doesn't listen or hear her. She's berating him for not eating. He's too busy with his research that he needs done before the next World's Fair in Los Angeles. It's the year 1922 and they live in Cypress Kentucky. She heads out and goes to the swamp and goes wading. She's attracted reeds of the swamp. Strange it feels like they sense her mood. Then she tries to figure out what the reeds are and thinks tentacles. Then she falls in and the tentacles with what feel like hands help her to shore. She is intrigued and can't wait to visit again. She goes back that night and gets more than she hoped for. She got from whatever it is what she couldn't get from her husband in ten years of marriage. Then to her horror her husband is there encouraging Phineas and telling her she'll be an incubator. If he'd known she was willing and so deprived he would have used her sooner. Now she and Phineas are in his lab while Phineas plants his eggs in her. Her husband Leopold watches and takes notes. Afterwards he gives both something to knock them out. Eventually he unties her and leaves her locked in the lab. Now she's looking for Phineas. They need to get out of there.
Phineas has been chained while Leopold's brother is whipping him while shouting bible verses and cursing him. He will endure to protect Harriett and his family. Meanwhile Leopold is trying to get Harriett ready for the guests coming to check on his work for the World Fair. Harriett decides they need to escape tonight.
Leopold is convinced that he is more intellegent that his wife. He is thrilled to be able to show his brillance and experiments to the World Fair people. He takes Harriett back to her room where she escapes. She thinks to go to the caretaker for help only to find he helped. He tells her he has to to make sure he gets his land back. When he's trying to drown her Phineas's siblings rescue her. Now she's asking them to help her find him so they can live the dream he has. They find him in the second dungeons. She does as much as she can to take care of his wounds. Then Leopold who had gone to get the scientists from the World Fair returns. She stayed to get the book that was read to him on fairy tales.
Will she and Phineas make it out alive? Will they be able to help his siblings? What can they do to Leopold to stop him and his evil ways?
A fascinating and disturbing story about a literal mad scientist who refuses to think about anyone except himself and his needs and wants. The reader will find they are cheering on Harriett and Phineas and all his siblings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Phineas has been chained while Leopold's brother is whipping him while shouting bible verses and cursing him. He will endure to protect Harriett and his family. Meanwhile Leopold is trying to get Harriett ready for the guests coming to check on his work for the World Fair. Harriett decides they need to escape tonight.
Leopold is convinced that he is more intellegent that his wife. He is thrilled to be able to show his brillance and experiments to the World Fair people. He takes Harriett back to her room where she escapes. She thinks to go to the caretaker for help only to find he helped. He tells her he has to to make sure he gets his land back. When he's trying to drown her Phineas's siblings rescue her. Now she's asking them to help her find him so they can live the dream he has. They find him in the second dungeons. She does as much as she can to take care of his wounds. Then Leopold who had gone to get the scientists from the World Fair returns. She stayed to get the book that was read to him on fairy tales.
Will she and Phineas make it out alive? Will they be able to help his siblings? What can they do to Leopold to stop him and his evil ways?
A fascinating and disturbing story about a literal mad scientist who refuses to think about anyone except himself and his needs and wants. The reader will find they are cheering on Harriett and Phineas and all his siblings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
Here we have a story vaguely set in the 1920s, only really pertinent for the upcoming World Fair, as we have a wife of a seemingly dull and yet still "mad" scientist, being exceedingly bored in the swamps of Kentucky. She's married to a much older man who only dreams of concocting wild hybrid creatures so he can show off to all the other scientists and prove Darwin wrong. She was the daughter of a botanist, and of course, during this time period, made her too smart for suitors. Soon enough, she encounters some very curious "plants" in the river water, and then a mysterious tentacle creature.
With how poor her husband treats her, it's no surprise she was eager to find any sort of affection elsewhere in her home. Things heat up pretty quickly. It's a tease at first of course, but a very enticing one. I did think that it would go quickly throughout the story with more smut, but there was a bit of a plot here, which I hadn't expected.
The plot has to do with her old husband and his experiments. This is where the story kinda fails a bit. She's trying to avoid him figuring that she wants to go into the swamp every night, and despite having been a housebound wife for over a decade... Does not realize just how evil her husband is.
We also get the pov of the monster lover, Phin, which I did enjoy a lot, seeing that he was a sapient creature who could be quite smart when given the chance. It's a bit of an instalove/instalust situation (which I've learned I don't quite adore) but it works so well here.
The plot regarding the husband and his experiments had quite a bit of small plot holes, but can be mainly forgiven considering this is more of a smut book. I won't spoil much else, but it did pull me out of the story a few times. I did like the other characters we meet, and was sad we couldn't see what happened to them by the end.
There's also an adorable illustration that shows up with Phin's pov, which I love, but that also pulls me out from the sexy scenes or the more dramatic ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the cover? It's cute. A little too cutesy for the darker plot in the storyline, but I appreciate not using AI for the cover. It's nice to see the monster as a whole, with the main female lead being covered instead of the other way around. Nice and colorful.
This does have an interesting HEA, and overall, I did enjoy the story. Definitely looking forward to reading more from the author.
With how poor her husband treats her, it's no surprise she was eager to find any sort of affection elsewhere in her home. Things heat up pretty quickly. It's a tease at first of course, but a very enticing one. I did think that it would go quickly throughout the story with more smut, but there was a bit of a plot here, which I hadn't expected.
The plot has to do with her old husband and his experiments. This is where the story kinda fails a bit. She's trying to avoid him figuring that she wants to go into the swamp every night, and despite having been a housebound wife for over a decade... Does not realize just how evil her husband is.
We also get the pov of the monster lover, Phin, which I did enjoy a lot, seeing that he was a sapient creature who could be quite smart when given the chance. It's a bit of an instalove/instalust situation (which I've learned I don't quite adore) but it works so well here.
The plot regarding the husband and his experiments had quite a bit of small plot holes, but can be mainly forgiven considering this is more of a smut book. I won't spoil much else, but it did pull me out of the story a few times. I did like the other characters we meet, and was sad we couldn't see what happened to them by the end.
There's also an adorable illustration that shows up with Phin's pov, which I love, but that also pulls me out from the sexy scenes or the more dramatic ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the cover? It's cute. A little too cutesy for the darker plot in the storyline, but I appreciate not using AI for the cover. It's nice to see the monster as a whole, with the main female lead being covered instead of the other way around. Nice and colorful.
This does have an interesting HEA, and overall, I did enjoy the story. Definitely looking forward to reading more from the author.
February 23, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I don't typically read much in the way of time period pieces oriented towards the past BUT I adore this author and I've loved her work so much I couldn't help myself. And it was absolutely worth it! The book is dedicated to the unsung hero wives who keep their husbands (and families) alive and on track because that's absolutely how our FMC Harriet's life is oriented. Her husband (for now) is a scientist who is so absorbed in his work he neglects almost all functions necessary for human life, even with her making it as seamless as possible to do things like eat. She is not only unappreciated but also unloved and achingly lonely, so we can understand in minute detail how she might find love and fulfillment in the embrace of a Eldritch Horror later on: “Harriett, Harriett, not again,” he wails. “You knew your place when we married. I have been nothing but open and honest about your role in this household and the type of marriage we have. I never promised love and romance or parties with friends. My home was enough in the beginning. What changed?” “Nothing changed,” I say with a defeated sigh. He's right. He never promised friends, but I thought the implied promise in marriage was that he would be my friend or —gasp—my lover. When I confessed how dismal our marriage was to Eleanor, she said my feelings were normal. She said the longing I felt and the lack of love I perceived were simply Mother Nature’s way of telling me it was time to have a baby. Boy, did Leopold laugh when I asked for a baby! I was humiliated and never brought it up again. Is it truly the lack of motherhood that drills a hole in my heart? I never played with baby dolls, so why would I want one now? Why am I expecting more—a pregnancy, no less—from a man who couldn't perform on our wedding night? No, I was a fool to think I would get more than unrequited love when the sight of me sprawled out on our marriage bed for the first time wasn't enough to stir his passions."
With the stage being set, we get to learn a LOT very quickly about Harriet's thoughts and desires that being our MMC Phineas into her....life. This book has some delightfully tingly horror themes to it and despite an innocent looking cover, this book contains some absolutely filthy (in the best way) details.This story will wrap you up in its tentacles and never let you go. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With the stage being set, we get to learn a LOT very quickly about Harriet's thoughts and desires that being our MMC Phineas into her....life. This book has some delightfully tingly horror themes to it and despite an innocent looking cover, this book contains some absolutely filthy (in the best way) details.This story will wrap you up in its tentacles and never let you go. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
'What am I willing to risk to see the face behind this experience? To kiss his lips or find another way to thank him for showing me affection? I can’t find it in me to be ashamed of my behavior.
Which is worse— returning to my loveless marriage after what I just experienced or my growing addiction to a monster’s touch?'
I've read five others of Marilyn's Barr's books- all in the Chuchunya series- and enjoyed them. This book sounded very different both in monster and in tone, so I didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed it. An evil mad scientist experimenting on animals to create warped hybrids in the name of science, a lonely, affection and touch-starved wife trapped in the middle of nowhere, and Phineas alone in the swamp.
I loved both Harriett and Phin. I was sad for her decade of loneliness married to a man whose only attention was for the creatures he created. Phin's story hurt my heart. There's an innocence to him. I don't want to say too much because this story both fascinated and hooked me and I couldn't wait to see where it would go. This is my favorite Marilyn Barr book to date. 5 stars.
Which is worse— returning to my loveless marriage after what I just experienced or my growing addiction to a monster’s touch?'
I've read five others of Marilyn's Barr's books- all in the Chuchunya series- and enjoyed them. This book sounded very different both in monster and in tone, so I didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed it. An evil mad scientist experimenting on animals to create warped hybrids in the name of science, a lonely, affection and touch-starved wife trapped in the middle of nowhere, and Phineas alone in the swamp.
I loved both Harriett and Phin. I was sad for her decade of loneliness married to a man whose only attention was for the creatures he created. Phin's story hurt my heart. There's an innocence to him. I don't want to say too much because this story both fascinated and hooked me and I couldn't wait to see where it would go. This is my favorite Marilyn Barr book to date. 5 stars.
December 17, 2024
Harriett’s (h) life is anything but ordinary in an isolated home in a Kentucky swamp, where she's trapped in a cold marriage to Leopold, a cruel scientist obsessed with his experimentations, and is desperate for connection and freedom. Her world changes when she encounters Phineas (H), a hybrid product of Leopold’s twisted experiments, and things quickly heat up between the two. What begins as an otherworldly encounter grows into a forbidden love that redefines everything Harriett thought she knew about herself and her place in the world. As Harriett becomes entangled in Leopold’s plans, she and Phin realize they'll have to risk everything to escape his control and build a new life together. Along the way, Harriett discovers the depths of her strength and resilience, while Phin learns to trust in love and hope. Love that Phin and Harriet find their happiness, but I so wanted their friends to be able to escape too. Hot and steamy monster-human romance, with breeding kink, exploring love, survival, transformation, resilience, horror, freedom, family, and adventure.
April 12, 2025
Unfortunately I had to DNF this one at about the halfway point. I wanted more of the storyline and more of a transition from lonely housewife to adventurous sex loving mate of Phineas (phin). It had great bones and had a great villain but it all moved too quick for me to enjoy so I kept being pulled out of the story . I wanted more info on the animals and experiments. I needed more on the husband...some sort of red flags to show him as more than a recluse researcher. He was described as someone who barely eats, let alone pays attention to his wife..yet he instantly realizes she sneaks away to a pond on their property after she goes there only twice before? That doesn't really match his previous description that the author describes. I also wanted more on Harriet and Phin before she starts craving his eggs and life with him. Yes she was in a bad situation but she was much too eager for it all for someone who barely met him. It was such an interesting concept for a story and I was wanting just ..more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Hear me when I tell you, and I mean this in the best way, but what in the world did I just read? My flabbers are thoroughly gasted.
I have read quite a few Marilyn Barr books, and I think she has found her calling. Sci-Fi/ Horror/ Monster Romance. Yep, she nailed it. Did I laugh? Yes. Was I intrigued and disturbed at the same time? You bet. Did I gasp and then yell, “WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW?” Also yes.
I’m not even going to tell you anything about the book, other than if it sounds even slightly interesting, you won't regret reading it. I am absolutely beside myself wondering what happened to all the other characters, so I am so excited that there are more books coming!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read quite a few Marilyn Barr books, and I think she has found her calling. Sci-Fi/ Horror/ Monster Romance. Yep, she nailed it. Did I laugh? Yes. Was I intrigued and disturbed at the same time? You bet. Did I gasp and then yell, “WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW?” Also yes.
I’m not even going to tell you anything about the book, other than if it sounds even slightly interesting, you won't regret reading it. I am absolutely beside myself wondering what happened to all the other characters, so I am so excited that there are more books coming!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2025
Two people who have never felt love. Two people who have longed to experience physical connection in a hard, scary world. Harriet and Phin's monster romance takes place in the 1920s in a dark, isolated world of swamps and labs, making you feel as though you were just pulled into a Hollywood movie set in the black and white era. The suspense is perfectly balanced with all the darkest desires of a madman manipulating his creations and his wife and her monster lover who are plotting their escape. I'm surprised how much this book made me squirm and gasp, both from worry for the characters and because Barr really knows which buttons to push! 100% a Five Star Read!
February 26, 2025
I read a lot of monster romance, but I don't think I've ever read a horror monster romance. This was such a unique story and I loved how different it was from anything I've read before. It's a little dark, a little horrifying, and so sweet. I couldn't help but cheer Phin and Harriett on as they overcame everything in their way to live their dream of a raft life together. Phin is one of the sweetest MMCs and he was so gentle with Harriett. They were a great balance together, Harriett is so strong, but I loved seeing her softness with Phin. I'd love to read more about some of the side characters too.
March 20, 2025
I do not like Leopold....he is sneaky, mean, self-absorbed and just plain ole evil. Harriett was starved for love and mistreated by her husband and was seeking affection when he she happened upon Phin.
Phin is not just a swamp monster, he is the child of Lepold and whatever animal he cross breeded with in a petri dish....JUST WHY!!!!????? Leopold is mess and he thinks he is scientist...even a scientist is doctor and i snot to do harm to any living organism..and that is all Leopld did - HURT!!!!!!
I love how Phin's siblings help to get them out and live the life he dreamed of!!!
I hope that we see more of the characters in this book...especially Ruth!!!
Phin is not just a swamp monster, he is the child of Lepold and whatever animal he cross breeded with in a petri dish....JUST WHY!!!!????? Leopold is mess and he thinks he is scientist...even a scientist is doctor and i snot to do harm to any living organism..and that is all Leopld did - HURT!!!!!!
I love how Phin's siblings help to get them out and live the life he dreamed of!!!
I hope that we see more of the characters in this book...especially Ruth!!!
February 7, 2025
Harriett is a touch starved, unhappily married woman. Her husband treats her more as a maid than a wife. He is solely focused on his inhumane science experiments.
Harriett's one escape is wading in the murky swamp water, where the plant tendrils are the closest thing to touch she experiences. Until one night when she swears they aren't plants.
Leading her to learn the true horrors of her husband's experiments.
This is very much a horror romance where the true monster is her scientist husband. But Harriett and Phineas do get their happily ever after.
Harriett's one escape is wading in the murky swamp water, where the plant tendrils are the closest thing to touch she experiences. Until one night when she swears they aren't plants.
Leading her to learn the true horrors of her husband's experiments.
This is very much a horror romance where the true monster is her scientist husband. But Harriett and Phineas do get their happily ever after.
February 7, 2025
“Clutching Cthulhu’s Pearls” by Marilyn Barr
-This unique 1920s monster romance blends horror, love, and resilience in an isolated Kentucky swamp. Trapped in a cold marriage to a cruel scientist, Harriett finds forbidden passion with Phineas, one of the monstrous creations. The love between Harriet and Phineas grows amidst experiments, religious trauma, and danger, leading to a daring fight for freedom. A wild, emotional ride with old-school sci-fi vibes and a sweet tentacled hero.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-This unique 1920s monster romance blends horror, love, and resilience in an isolated Kentucky swamp. Trapped in a cold marriage to a cruel scientist, Harriett finds forbidden passion with Phineas, one of the monstrous creations. The love between Harriet and Phineas grows amidst experiments, religious trauma, and danger, leading to a daring fight for freedom. A wild, emotional ride with old-school sci-fi vibes and a sweet tentacled hero.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2025
Horror Monster Romance
The author describes this book as a monster horror romance but the horror is more akin to the old black and white monster movies or the Twilight Zone. There is a bit of gore but mostly it is scary because of the intensity of the danger and suspense. I really haven’t read anything quite like it before and I quite enjoyed it. Also, I am a sucker (pun intended) for tentacles and boy does this have tentacles!! It does end in a HEA but I do hope some of the side characters get a story at some point.
The author describes this book as a monster horror romance but the horror is more akin to the old black and white monster movies or the Twilight Zone. There is a bit of gore but mostly it is scary because of the intensity of the danger and suspense. I really haven’t read anything quite like it before and I quite enjoyed it. Also, I am a sucker (pun intended) for tentacles and boy does this have tentacles!! It does end in a HEA but I do hope some of the side characters get a story at some point.
February 16, 2025
WTF Did I Just Read - HAHA
First off the wasn't that bad. I toke off one star for the way it ended which I well not spoil the surprise. Less just say that ending was not what I had anticipated for an ending and epilogue. The other star for the actual writing itself. Like I mentioned its not that its bad its just the say did is written. Some things are descriptive others are vague. Not to mention tons escalate rather quickly but also messy. It you have an imagination than this book isn't to bad. You just have to fill in some blanks
First off the wasn't that bad. I toke off one star for the way it ended which I well not spoil the surprise. Less just say that ending was not what I had anticipated for an ending and epilogue. The other star for the actual writing itself. Like I mentioned its not that its bad its just the say did is written. Some things are descriptive others are vague. Not to mention tons escalate rather quickly but also messy. It you have an imagination than this book isn't to bad. You just have to fill in some blanks
February 28, 2025
You might think that this has the sense of a B movie horror and from the front image you would be right but the truth is that this is also a tale about two hautingly lonely souls. While set in the 1920s you have no need to fear that you won't be able to see the dynamics of the day nor understand the characters. Harriet might as well be her husband's housekeeper for all the attention and lack of thanks given to her. Phin just wants to be loved for himself. Is it all as it seems though? Refreshing and fantastic alternate sort of read.
February 9, 2025
This was an engaging and wild read right from page one. Harriet is trapped in a loveless marriage to scientist Leopold. She's touch starved and unnerved by his creepy experiments until she discovers Phin. Let me tell you, you quickly realize the true monster is Leopold :( With a bold escape, Harriet and Phin do get a hot and steamy HEA and now I'm on tenterhooks waiting to see if their friends will be as lucky. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to then next book ;D
February 15, 2025
Harriett and Phineas
Harriett's human husband was more monster than Phineas. Phineas has a soft he wasn't when it came to Harriet and his young. Their beginning was unorthodox and difficult, but they found the love they were wanting.
Original, drama, danger, action, adventure, monster/human pairing, steamy, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harriett's human husband was more monster than Phineas. Phineas has a soft he wasn't when it came to Harriet and his young. Their beginning was unorthodox and difficult, but they found the love they were wanting.
Original, drama, danger, action, adventure, monster/human pairing, steamy, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
This is a weird and entertaining, lyrically written story with a fun and wild premise. The writing really is great; it has a decidedly last century feel to the way it's told, and that was very interesting. I think I really enjoyed this one, and honestly, the title is hilarious. Give it a read; you will be entertained.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2025
This was great fun to read. It is an enjoyable mix of monster romance and sci fi! I liked the way there were unexpected twists to the storyline as the book progressed. I also liked the way all the characters had layers to them and good and evil were not a clear as first impressions might suggest.
I really like the way this author writes and I am looking forward to reading more by her in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really like the way this author writes and I am looking forward to reading more by her in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
did-not-finish
July 16, 2025❌DNF@30%
Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 thus far
Format: KU
Genre: PNR
POV: 1st person Dual
Page count: 212
What you’ll find:
✅Monster romance - Cthulhu
✅Historical setting
✅FMC in a loveless marriage
✅Tentacles, ovipositor
This was a bit too ridiculous for me. It was way too instalovey. Also during the sexy scenes, I could never understand what position they were in or what was really happening and it irked me. Love me some tentacle smut, but this one was not it. 🤷♀️
Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 thus far
Format: KU
Genre: PNR
POV: 1st person Dual
Page count: 212
What you’ll find:
✅Monster romance - Cthulhu
✅Historical setting
✅FMC in a loveless marriage
✅Tentacles, ovipositor
This was a bit too ridiculous for me. It was way too instalovey. Also during the sexy scenes, I could never understand what position they were in or what was really happening and it irked me. Love me some tentacle smut, but this one was not it. 🤷♀️
January 1, 2025
First of I love that this book takes place in the 1920's which is a time that intrigues me. I also like the fact that it's about a scientist that creates creatures from his experiments and throw in a love story between one of the monsters and his wife is completely genius. I love Phineas he is so sweet and it melts my heart when he finds love with Harriet who has never felt love as well.
February 13, 2025
This book is part of the Monster Brides Romances. This is a fun romance between a female and a Cthulhu. Great characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. I was rooting for their happy ending through the whole book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2025
Darkly Perverse Yet Hope-filled
Harriett is in a cold loveless marriage with a max-scientist. One night, she slips into the swamp to cool off, only to find what she has been looking for - passion and love. This story has some truly dark and heinous parts to it, but the ending makes up for it. I was absolutely gripped by this story - what a fantastic read.
February 20, 2025
This book was absolutely unhinged in the best of ways. The start was slow and lulls you into a false sense of calm. Just your average 30 year age gap loveless marriage. Nothing to see here. And then you get smacked upside the head with a 4ft tentacle. Fantastic monster spice, crazy twists, epic escape attempts. Definitely recommend.
February 24, 2025
I love a good monster romance and once I saw Clutching Cthulhu's Pearls I knew I had to dive right in. I am a big fan of tentacle monsters, especially the great old one, and really enjoyed the steamy aspects of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2025
This book was an interesting read, I’ve not read one yet with the Cthulhu theme/character. It was good. I think reading the blurb I was hoping for a little more mystery in the beginning, but overall was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
Heartfelt and Steamy…
I didn’t realize how prevalent a “breeding kink” would be in this book and I was pleasantly surprised, although if you’re not into that sort of thing this may not be the book for you. I like how the action is immediate and how caring Phin is. I do wish that Phin and Harriet had longer to fall in love, and that the family followed. Will we get a part two?
I didn’t realize how prevalent a “breeding kink” would be in this book and I was pleasantly surprised, although if you’re not into that sort of thing this may not be the book for you. I like how the action is immediate and how caring Phin is. I do wish that Phin and Harriet had longer to fall in love, and that the family followed. Will we get a part two?
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