Whispers of the Dryad

The Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy #2

by Nikki Riker

Lorraine thought she’d outrun her darkest nightmare when she escaped her ex’s betrayal, but the enchanted forest has other plans. Taken in by Ash, a brooding Drus guardian, Lorraine finds herself caught between anger and desire, fighting the bond that ties her to a realm of ancient magic and whispered secrets.

But Ash’s mysterious past and fierce devotion have their limits, and when the veil between worlds thins on All Hallow’s Eve, Lorraine will face a sever the powerful bond keeping her alive or stay with Ash, risking not only her freedom but the growing passion that defies her resolve.

As desires intensify, can Lorraine break free before the call of the Dryad becomes permanent—or will she surrender to a love that’s both prison and paradise?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woodland Beasts – Book 2 . . .

This second book in the trilogy, set in the enchanted forest, has a well-paced storyline and is an exciting read! There is plenty of action, great world building, character development, and some really good plot twists. The reader is carried along as the storyline continues to hold our attention and creates emotional attachments to the characters that make what happens to them matter. Lorraine has an important decision to make, a choice between severing the bond that keeps her alive or remaining with Ash and taking her chances. What will she decide? The series is worth your time to read and enjoy! Don’t miss it, and be ready for the next book to continue the story!

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki I’m mad at you for that cliffhanger!!!
I like that this book continues on where the last one left off, plenty of lovely spicy scenes sprinkled throughout (the tree anyone?) however I will say I found that certain words and phrases had been a little overused 😅 (the word thick was used a lot, as well as constant reminders of the size of Ash 👀 if you get my meaning)
There was also one part where the clothes Lorraine was wearing changed from a dress to a top and pants (without her getting changed) when the POV shifted.
But aside from those minor things, I very much loved this book, the twist at the end had me rethinking everything I knew from book 1, and I cannot wait for the next one!

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment continues “The Woodland Beasts” delightful twisted story, with more intrigue, action and drama. While adding depth to the story and showing us more of Lorraine and Ash’s character. It’s one of the best emotional Rollercoasters I've ever been on and I’m already anxiously awaiting the end. This story had a most astonishing twist of fate.

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

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Woodland Beasts Romance Trilogy series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous book. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed about the first book. The overall storyline worked well and was glad I got to read this. Nikki Riker has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorraine and ash's story continues, with more depth and desires twists and more! Just as things seem to be in one path does something occur to change it all, and I can't wait for bk3!.

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

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all this was a pretty good book.
There was a couple areas where there was inconsistencies and clothing.
The Cliffhanger will definitely keep you holding on for the next book.

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

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly thought I was going to rate this book 3 stars up until like 75%.
I felt like we kept going in circles for a long time there, but the last part made up for a lot of it.

Definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Excited to see how it ends.

[Merlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great next installment. I am loving this trilogy, it's so well done. There's plenty of action to keep you going and the world building is so good.