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Shifter Suspense #4
Craving the Kraken
His monster is hidden deep inside. Hers is on the outside for everyone to see.Carol Zhang is a shark shifter who can’t hide her animal side. Her eerie eyes and sharp teeth make her an outcast even among other shifters. Only her fated mate could see through her terrifying exterior to the shy, lonely woman underneath. She’s been waiting to meet him her whole life.
And then she does. And everything goes wrong.
Moss Taylor thought the worst thing that would happen to him this week was his soul breaking into pieces as an ancient monster took over his body as its new vessel. You know. The usual.
Then he laid eyes on Carol Zhang, and lost his heart as well.
She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. The ocean runs through her veins the same way it runs through his. But if he tells her the truth about who he is—what he is—he’ll take away any chance she has of living a normal life.
If the monster inside him doesn’t take her first.
Craving the Kraken is a fast-paced steamy shifter paranormal romance with instant mate recognition, mating bonds, and a nightmarish tentacle monster from the depths. And an adorable baby dragon.
And then she does. And everything goes wrong.
Moss Taylor thought the worst thing that would happen to him this week was his soul breaking into pieces as an ancient monster took over his body as its new vessel. You know. The usual.
Then he laid eyes on Carol Zhang, and lost his heart as well.
She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. The ocean runs through her veins the same way it runs through his. But if he tells her the truth about who he is—what he is—he’ll take away any chance she has of living a normal life.
If the monster inside him doesn’t take her first.
Craving the Kraken is a fast-paced steamy shifter paranormal romance with instant mate recognition, mating bonds, and a nightmarish tentacle monster from the depths. And an adorable baby dragon.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2024
295 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
326 books1,509 followersZoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 3, 2024
Deep as a Kraken's Cave
It waxes poetic, poignant, and melancholy, and pointedly penetrates the heart. The journey to the happily ever after is one by sea, and a wavey-stormy one at that. But all in all, it's worthy of adding to your hoard.
It waxes poetic, poignant, and melancholy, and pointedly penetrates the heart. The journey to the happily ever after is one by sea, and a wavey-stormy one at that. But all in all, it's worthy of adding to your hoard.
July 6, 2025
This book is a bit different from the usual fated mates shifter stories, with several mythical creatures involved. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order since the earlier books provide a lot of backstory for this book.
August 9, 2025
★★★★
Don't be fooled by the name: this is not a "monster" story, but a shifter story. The shifter just happens to be a kraken. Or rather, THE Kraken.
It's a sad story in many ways: the FMC has had a very difficult life, and the MMC has his taken away in a second, when the Kraken appears. But, as in every true romance, there is a HEA. Our characters struggle through and find each other.
This is book 4 in the series: I read it first, not immediatley realizing it was a series (the cover does not indicate that.). I think it would be better to read in order, so you know the side characers involved, but it does stand on its own.
4 Star: Great read, but not necessarily one I would read a second time (my critieria for 5)
September 29, 2024
Finding love while saving the world
I enjoyed this fated mates romantic suspense tale with a side of secrets. It included all the best elements of this genre - sweet moments, spicy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, evil entities, henchmen, plot twists, and love. The story was slow to start but once it got going it was hard to put down. Moss is an octopus shifter whose family guards the ancient Kraken. When his great uncle, who has been the keeper of the Kraken dies, the Kraken takes the place of Moss’ octopus shifter and Moss becomes the Kraken. Carol is a shark shifter whose shark teeth and eyes are always present even when she’s in human form. The ever present shark teeth and eyes make her look decidedly not completely human. The day the Kraken appears in Moss’ life, there is a huge storm. Carol is on an airplane with her coworkers transporting Maggie, a baby dragon, along with two dragon eggs. The plane is attacked and Carol and Maggie fall from the plane and are caught by the Kraken. The three of them end up marooned together on an island. Moss and Carol are mates but their secrets create a stumbling block for both of them. To get to their HEA, they’ll need to be baggage unpacking, truth telling, and leaps of faith all while trying to avoid danger, wait for rescue, and keep the shifter world safe. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Moss and Carol. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. This well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow and a captivating storyline.
I enjoyed this fated mates romantic suspense tale with a side of secrets. It included all the best elements of this genre - sweet moments, spicy scenes, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, evil entities, henchmen, plot twists, and love. The story was slow to start but once it got going it was hard to put down. Moss is an octopus shifter whose family guards the ancient Kraken. When his great uncle, who has been the keeper of the Kraken dies, the Kraken takes the place of Moss’ octopus shifter and Moss becomes the Kraken. Carol is a shark shifter whose shark teeth and eyes are always present even when she’s in human form. The ever present shark teeth and eyes make her look decidedly not completely human. The day the Kraken appears in Moss’ life, there is a huge storm. Carol is on an airplane with her coworkers transporting Maggie, a baby dragon, along with two dragon eggs. The plane is attacked and Carol and Maggie fall from the plane and are caught by the Kraken. The three of them end up marooned together on an island. Moss and Carol are mates but their secrets create a stumbling block for both of them. To get to their HEA, they’ll need to be baggage unpacking, truth telling, and leaps of faith all while trying to avoid danger, wait for rescue, and keep the shifter world safe. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Moss and Carol. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. This well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow and a captivating storyline.
April 1, 2025
Sighhhh. I really wanted to like this book, especially given it was a Kiwi author (plus a Kiwi character! And Te Reo names!)
But... DNFed at 18% because I just couldn't handle the whirlpool of angst, self-doubt and borderline self-hatred that swirled around not just one but both of the main characters.
New Zealand Zoe does seem to have a thing for main characters who don't trust - or who actively hate - their shift-forms. At this point in the Shifter Suspense series, it almost seems like her signature calling card. And if angstfests are your thing, you might well enjoy this more than I did.
But here's the thing: I specifically read shifter romance as my bedtime reading BECAUSE it's low-stakes, low-angst and generally unlikely to spike my anxiety before I try to sleep. So picking up this instalment and then getting sucked down into an overwhelming angst-vortex was just not what I was looking for.
I think this is another definite case of 'this work is just not for me'.
But... DNFed at 18% because I just couldn't handle the whirlpool of angst, self-doubt and borderline self-hatred that swirled around not just one but both of the main characters.
New Zealand Zoe does seem to have a thing for main characters who don't trust - or who actively hate - their shift-forms. At this point in the Shifter Suspense series, it almost seems like her signature calling card. And if angstfests are your thing, you might well enjoy this more than I did.
But here's the thing: I specifically read shifter romance as my bedtime reading BECAUSE it's low-stakes, low-angst and generally unlikely to spike my anxiety before I try to sleep. So picking up this instalment and then getting sucked down into an overwhelming angst-vortex was just not what I was looking for.
I think this is another definite case of 'this work is just not for me'.
September 30, 2024
'Zoe Chant' always manages to come up with the most unique shifters. I'm not sure I've ever read about a Kraken having a fated mate. When Moss thinks his duty of becoming the Kraken means his life is over. Imagine his surprise when the next thing he knows is he has met his mate. Keeping this secret from her will not be easy and can only buy him so much time. Carol has a few secrets of her own. The first cannot be kept from Moss, she is caring for a dragonling. They recognize one another as mates, but navigating their new relationship will have to wait. Danger is coming and they must put their trust in one another to survive. A great story full of an amazing group of characters. But above all else, this is a love story and they will find a way to have their HEA.
November 3, 2024
Another great book from Zoe Chant!!!
But can we minimize the angst roller coaster a little bit next time? I know it's part of getting the story told, it's part of the vehicle driving the story, but it didn't tug my emotions as much as it frustrated me on how heavy and constant the angst was on both sides. It's needed, but maybe not so much beat your characters into submission until they're touching the earth's core. I love your stories Zoe! This was just a bit too heavy on the angsty- angst... The plot was almost drowned out and I found myself not liking the main characters as much because there was hardly any resilience or good characteristics in them, just depressed angst the whole time. I'm sorry... I really did like the storyline too though and look forward to more.
But can we minimize the angst roller coaster a little bit next time? I know it's part of getting the story told, it's part of the vehicle driving the story, but it didn't tug my emotions as much as it frustrated me on how heavy and constant the angst was on both sides. It's needed, but maybe not so much beat your characters into submission until they're touching the earth's core. I love your stories Zoe! This was just a bit too heavy on the angsty- angst... The plot was almost drowned out and I found myself not liking the main characters as much because there was hardly any resilience or good characteristics in them, just depressed angst the whole time. I'm sorry... I really did like the storyline too though and look forward to more.
October 13, 2024
Zoe Chant never disappoints! This was a great story of fated mates with a twist with a lot of danger and an adorable baby dragon to boot. Carol is a shark shifter who doesn't quite mesh with the rest of her family and community. Moss is a giant cinnamon roll of an octopus shifter who has to make an unimaginable sacrifice.
Loved that characters from previous Shifter Suspense stories made an appearance, but not really necessary to enjoy the story. Lots of lore and legends to follow along with but an enjoyable ride. Of course, can't wait until the next (last?) book in the series. Until then, may just do a reread of the previous ones.
Loved that characters from previous Shifter Suspense stories made an appearance, but not really necessary to enjoy the story. Lots of lore and legends to follow along with but an enjoyable ride. Of course, can't wait until the next (last?) book in the series. Until then, may just do a reread of the previous ones.
October 5, 2024
confusing
I was disappointed in the cover art. Did not see it as per writers characters. The baby dragon stole this book.
Felt like it needed some revisions and editing. Did not understand the whole fearing his duty or lack of understanding of what his other was. No way did I buy that the guardian needed to hide until called. Or the birds being woken up. Frankly whole back story of dragons, etc did not make sense. Did like the beginning of the chef and her shark character. Unfortunately the half way shifted did not make sense either.
I was disappointed in the cover art. Did not see it as per writers characters. The baby dragon stole this book.
Felt like it needed some revisions and editing. Did not understand the whole fearing his duty or lack of understanding of what his other was. No way did I buy that the guardian needed to hide until called. Or the birds being woken up. Frankly whole back story of dragons, etc did not make sense. Did like the beginning of the chef and her shark character. Unfortunately the half way shifted did not make sense either.
December 20, 2025
Though definitely different and I really loved the aquatic shifters aspect, this just felt boring and too angst ridden for too long.
I liked both Moss and Carol, though they took a long time to solidify their mating bond.
The Symphalian shifters were intriguing, though also a very sad situation to be in.
Not a reread or audible listen for me.
Though I definitely want to read the next book to see what happens as we’ve been left with quite a few open ended situations. Let’s hope the time frame isn't as long as we’ve waited for the previous books.
Read through KU.
I liked both Moss and Carol, though they took a long time to solidify their mating bond.
The Symphalian shifters were intriguing, though also a very sad situation to be in.
Not a reread or audible listen for me.
Though I definitely want to read the next book to see what happens as we’ve been left with quite a few open ended situations. Let’s hope the time frame isn't as long as we’ve waited for the previous books.
Read through KU.
December 27, 2025
Fantastic
This is the fourth book in this series and while you don't have this have read the first three to enjoy it I recommend that you do just for background. Also it's been a while since the first three have been released so if you have to maybe do a reread of the first three for fun. I was hooked start to finish. There is plenty of action. There is a lot of angst but I'm good with that. I think Carol and Moss are great together. Of course cute baby dragon Maggie steals the show. I love have shifters that we don't usually see. I'm excited to read,the next book.
This is the fourth book in this series and while you don't have this have read the first three to enjoy it I recommend that you do just for background. Also it's been a while since the first three have been released so if you have to maybe do a reread of the first three for fun. I was hooked start to finish. There is plenty of action. There is a lot of angst but I'm good with that. I think Carol and Moss are great together. Of course cute baby dragon Maggie steals the show. I love have shifters that we don't usually see. I'm excited to read,the next book.
Want to read
September 30, 2024It belongs to the series titled Shifter Suspense and this is volume 4
This series also has slightly different titles, which are listed for example on amazon :
1. Claimed by the Panther (Shifter Suspense Book 1) by Zoe Chant
2 Saved by the Billionaire Lion Shifter (Shifter Suspense Book 2) by Zoe Chant
3 Stealing the Snow Leopard's Heart (Shifter Suspense Book 3) by Zoe Chant
4 Craving the Kraken (Shifter Suspense Book 4) by Zoe Chant
This series also has slightly different titles, which are listed for example on amazon :
1. Claimed by the Panther (Shifter Suspense Book 1) by Zoe Chant
2 Saved by the Billionaire Lion Shifter (Shifter Suspense Book 2) by Zoe Chant
3 Stealing the Snow Leopard's Heart (Shifter Suspense Book 3) by Zoe Chant
4 Craving the Kraken (Shifter Suspense Book 4) by Zoe Chant
November 13, 2024
it was good story up until..
it was good story up until..near end when right in the middle of a crazed lunatic is putting hundreds of lives in danger . MMC & MFC decide to have smex right there in the middle of Antarctic Ocean with crew and villain watching them .. it was bizarre.. I literally had to skip it just to get back to the real life or death action.
I mean really ? It’s like if two boxers just stopped in the middle of match.. to play on a playground…
it was good story up until..near end when right in the middle of a crazed lunatic is putting hundreds of lives in danger . MMC & MFC decide to have smex right there in the middle of Antarctic Ocean with crew and villain watching them .. it was bizarre.. I literally had to skip it just to get back to the real life or death action.
I mean really ? It’s like if two boxers just stopped in the middle of match.. to play on a playground…
November 30, 2024
Becoming the Kraken
The first two books was released July 2017 book three a year later, I read the first three in 2022. Book four this book was released 6 years ish later? So for me there is a 2 year gap.So I don't remember past people's story's much, there is a book 5 but not sure when?
But that aside this is action packed.But the storyline is not complete.think next book is about the uncle (dragon)
The first two books was released July 2017 book three a year later, I read the first three in 2022. Book four this book was released 6 years ish later? So for me there is a 2 year gap.So I don't remember past people's story's much, there is a book 5 but not sure when?
But that aside this is action packed.But the storyline is not complete.think next book is about the uncle (dragon)
November 8, 2024
The leaked is very unique and lonely but it wants 2 keep the promises it made 2 keep others safe. After his great uncle died unexpectedly, he has 2 fulfill the unexpected duty but can he get what he dreamed about, A possible mate, A good future? His new future may have sum draw backs unforeseen but will it worth it? I think it is 4 him since they can have s few agreements. But who knows...
January 21, 2025
Sooooo good!
My only problem with this amazing story? I need the next book immediately! It's so wonderful to see Carol find her perfect mate, and Moss find himself. Not to mention Maggie and her shenanigans. This overarching story is starting to build up, and I can't wait to read more!
My only problem with this amazing story? I need the next book immediately! It's so wonderful to see Carol find her perfect mate, and Moss find himself. Not to mention Maggie and her shenanigans. This overarching story is starting to build up, and I can't wait to read more!
February 16, 2025
Craving the Kraken (Shifter Suspense Book 4)
Moss and Carol's tale is one that needs to be read and reread. The story captures the reader from the beginning and keeps you involved and engaged to the end. It will make you smile, sniff back a tear, and laugh out loud. I trust you will enjoy this adventure as much as I did. Enjoy!
Moss and Carol's tale is one that needs to be read and reread. The story captures the reader from the beginning and keeps you involved and engaged to the end. It will make you smile, sniff back a tear, and laugh out loud. I trust you will enjoy this adventure as much as I did. Enjoy!
March 25, 2025
Waiting for the next book to (maybe?) complete at least part of the series arc, as this story is leaving a lot of current open plot lines up in the air.
Shifter Suspense 5 - Falling for the Shadow Dragon
There's no info that I can find on a publication date (as of March 2025), just the title listed at the end of this book.
Shifter Suspense 5 - Falling for the Shadow Dragon
There's no info that I can find on a publication date (as of March 2025), just the title listed at the end of this book.
Read
March 30, 2025Disappointed in this book as it's not as good as many of her others. Not bad just not as good as I had trouble with the premise of the kraken along with a kind of muddled telling of the romance between the two main characters. An ok read, just not on par with many of the others I've read by this author.
October 15, 2025
confusing
I had trouble relating to either main character in this book and at the end, I still felt like I only knew superficial things about Moss. Most of what I knew about Carol was from the previous books in the series, rather than from her repetitive and often tedious inner monologue.
Not my favorite, but I’ll probably finish this series.
I had trouble relating to either main character in this book and at the end, I still felt like I only knew superficial things about Moss. Most of what I knew about Carol was from the previous books in the series, rather than from her repetitive and often tedious inner monologue.
Not my favorite, but I’ll probably finish this series.
October 26, 2025
4.7
Very creative, intriguing turn this series has taken definitely not the normal shifter HEA suspense story. The Kraken & the great white and of course the irrepressible Maggie love that she gets her own voice. Her character is such a realistic combination very well done. Must read on to see how all this wraps up! Hooked me like any good fisherman!
Very creative, intriguing turn this series has taken definitely not the normal shifter HEA suspense story. The Kraken & the great white and of course the irrepressible Maggie love that she gets her own voice. Her character is such a realistic combination very well done. Must read on to see how all this wraps up! Hooked me like any good fisherman!
October 6, 2024
Great!
This book, as a stand-alone, was such a good read, but when combined with the series as a whole? Amazing!
I love the character building, and amaggie is just so adorable, I am sure I have a goofy grin whenever I read about her antics.
This book, as a stand-alone, was such a good read, but when combined with the series as a whole? Amazing!
I love the character building, and amaggie is just so adorable, I am sure I have a goofy grin whenever I read about her antics.
October 8, 2024
The storyline was too chaotic
The only good part of the was the baby dragon, the rest of it was ridiculous. There was no flow ,main character, her emotions up and down. It was just it had no flow. I hope the other books are better than this one.
The only good part of the was the baby dragon, the rest of it was ridiculous. There was no flow ,main character, her emotions up and down. It was just it had no flow. I hope the other books are better than this one.
October 15, 2024
a great addition to this series
I have been reading Ms. Chant, et al, for a while now. I have been binge reading her for a couple of months. This book is a wonderful addition to this series. It is obvious there are more coming. I cannot wait!
I have been reading Ms. Chant, et al, for a while now. I have been binge reading her for a couple of months. This book is a wonderful addition to this series. It is obvious there are more coming. I cannot wait!
November 14, 2024
Craving the kraken
This the fourth book I've read in this series by Zoe chant l really liked this series its free flowing jeeps you wanting to find out what's happening keeps you on your toes
This the fourth book I've read in this series by Zoe chant l really liked this series its free flowing jeeps you wanting to find out what's happening keeps you on your toes
December 24, 2024
Amazing
Love this book! All the books in this series are delightful! This one is special since both Moss and Carol were able to understand plus accept who they are. They and their animal sides are at peace!
Love this book! All the books in this series are delightful! This one is special since both Moss and Carol were able to understand plus accept who they are. They and their animal sides are at peace!
April 19, 2025
Excellently written
I truly liked the suspense and it's fantasy. It kept my attention and desire to read on. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and desire to dive into a fantasy world
I truly liked the suspense and it's fantasy. It kept my attention and desire to read on. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and desire to dive into a fantasy world
July 6, 2025
Brilliant Series
Craving the Kraken (Shifter Suspense Book 4) by Zoe Chant. As usual for Zoe Chant a fantastic series, 4 books you can’t put down until the end. Plots that twist and turn and characters, the good, the bad and in the between.
Craving the Kraken (Shifter Suspense Book 4) by Zoe Chant. As usual for Zoe Chant a fantastic series, 4 books you can’t put down until the end. Plots that twist and turn and characters, the good, the bad and in the between.
September 27, 2024
This was a hugely anticipated book for me, I wanted more Maggie and Zoe did not disappoint! Great continuation of the series.
September 29, 2024
💜🔥💜🔥💜🔥
I am at a bit of a loss for words! This story has new and terrifying creatures causing havoc in the shifter world ... get ready for the excitement!
I am at a bit of a loss for words! This story has new and terrifying creatures causing havoc in the shifter world ... get ready for the excitement!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews