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Sharp

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Cordelia found true peace while perched on the cliff, listening to the waves and feeling the mist on her skin. Until one wrong step sends her crashing through the surface. She had never learned to swim, and didn't expect to survive, let alone wake up in a cave with him standing over her. His silver skin, permanent scowl, and rows of jagged teeth were unlike anything she had ever seen before. With their numbers dwindling, the Oceanic Council passes a decree that all shifters can take human mates, so long as they come willingly. Zale wasn’t like the others that could shift enough to pass as human, and planned to suffer through his oncoming rut in solitude. But the ocean gives him a gift when a beautiful woman lands on him, and Zale is intent on keeping her. But another faction has been seeking a way to tear apart the shifters, waiting for any sign of weakness. A fragile, human female provides them with the opportunity to uproot and take control of the entire Council. Can Zale protect Cordelia and convince her to stay, or will she risk everything to escape?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

32 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

Natoshia Baer

7 books42 followers
Natoshia has had a fondness for writing since she was a young girl, sitting with her mother at the computer as they created fantasy worlds full of adventure in short stories. Flash forward to today, and she is still sitting far too close to the computer screen as she types away. But now her stories are a little darker, with a pinch of excitement and a touch of spice. She has written a little of everything, from brooding mafia men to the paranormal, and now the monstrous side of books. When she’s not reading or writing, Natoshia is spending time with her husband and their two children, or her beloved cat Chunky. Her favorite colors are Morally Gray and Red Flags, which is reflected in every new character she writes. She hopes you find a beautiful escape within the pages of her books.

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5 stars
47 (35%)
4 stars
38 (28%)
3 stars
29 (21%)
2 stars
11 (8%)
1 star
7 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 19, 2025
I'm bored

The writing is so generic and both MCs are so bland~~~~

Props for not going with a bad comic cover or photoshopped torso (one of the reasons I picked this up) but the content didn't match that originality.



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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
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Profile Image for Ashley Beek.
196 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2025
“Is she seriously being attacked AGAIN??” - Me the whole book
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,818 reviews52 followers
November 24, 2024
ARC Review

Sharp is the first book in the Swimming with Sharks series, a thrilling monster romance that will pull you in from the very first page.

Cordelia is a lonely girl who loves reading, especially steamy romantic books. On a walk one day, she finds herself drawn to the water. A single slip leads her to a fateful encounter with a shark. According to the Oceanic Council, shifters are allowed to mate with humans—if they come willingly. When Cordelia falls into the arms of Zale, a powerful shark shifter, he sees this as a sign and takes her to his cave. Though her first instinct is to flee, Cordelia doesn’t know how to swim. As she spends more time with Zale, she starts to feel emotions she’s never experienced before.

But just as Cordelia decides to embrace this new life, a dangerous conflict arises. Another group of shifters begins attacking, putting their lives at risk. Will Zale be able to protect his mate, or will Cordelia take the opportunity to escape?

If you love the following tropes, this book is for you:

Opposites attract
Sunshine/grumpy
Touch her and die
The plot flows naturally, immersing the reader in the romance between Cordelia and Zale while also delving into the perilous situation in the ocean. A side conflict—an ongoing war between the Council and another shifter species—adds depth to the story. Cordelia and Zale share fantastic chemistry, and their banter is both entertaining and heartwarming. The spice level in this book is a solid 5/5. One of my favorite moments was when Cordelia fought for the first time, showing a side of her strength that was truly captivating.

If you're a fan of monster romance, Sharp is a must-read. Don’t miss out!
Profile Image for Erin Saulpaugh.
526 reviews15 followers
December 20, 2024
I was hooked by the cover, and I dived right in! I was not disappointed at all! What a great way to start this swimming with the sharks series! I need me a shark 🦈 shifter! After you read this, you're going to want one, too, trust me. Cordelia goes on a walk and finds herself suddenly drawn to the water for some strange reason. Next, she finds herself slipping into the water and finds herself face to face with a 7-foot great white shark. The female shark-shifters population is becoming extinct. And so the Oceanic Council has decided to grant permission for Shifters to mate with humans, as long as they are willing. Zale (shark-shifter) sees this as a sign and takes Cordelia to his cave. Cordelia doesn't know how to swim, so she panics. Zale teaches her, and they start to spend more time together. They start to spend more together, and Cordelia starts to develop feelings she's never experienced before.
Just as things start falling into place, things take a dangerous turn. Will Cordelia spend her life with Zale, or will she find a way to escape?
I really enjoyed reading this. I loved Zale and Cordelia's chemistry. I loved the banter. The spice was spicing. Cordelia is a strong FMC. What's nice about her strength is she didn't know she had it in her. If you have a thing for monster romances, then this is for you! Add shark-shifter to your list of monster boyfriends. The world building is beautifully written and easy to follow. You won't be disappointed! I highly recommend it! I can't wait to see what happens next with this new series. I hope we get to see more of the other shark-shifters.
Profile Image for Im Arcana.
53 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2024
This is a great book to test the waters , so to speak, into monster smut 😀 aka shark shifting mmcs, Zale, that are 100% devoted to their love interests, in this case Cordelia.

Cordelia sent into motion a series of events that led her to finding her true love and realizing that the life she had before was nothing without Zale

When she accidentally falls into the ocean thinking that she was going to die, she literally falls into the arms of Zale. A Shark shifter who can shift to a human like man. He was tasked into finding a human female to mate with, but the catch was they had to be willing. Zale wished he could find a mate and she quite literally fell into his arms. And this was the sign he needed she belonged to him and together they had to over come the odds that were already against them from the start.

It was fast paced and a quick read. I like that the story told of a world beneath the surface that involved drama, politics and the possibility of a species extinction if they were unable to procreate and carry on. And this was not a take against their will scenario. They had a say if they wanted to be there or not.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

100% read the triggers on this one 😀😀😀
Profile Image for MeaganNoel.
19 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc. 🖤



“Then give your old life to the ocean and allow me to give you a new one.”

I enjoyed this book soooo much. I’m a big fan of Emma Hamms Deep Waters series and have been looking for other books that include mermen/ocean shifters and this really hit the spot.

Zale and Cordelia are such a fun duo, they constantly bicker back and forth (in a fun way), love each other so much and aren’t afraid to take risks when it comes to to protecting each other. The spice was top tier and it had me kicking my feet well into the night.

I loved the plot where the krakens and shark shifters are both running out of potential mating partners causing a war over the human girls. I feel like this can really be built on with Ronan taking his father’s place as king.

I also really enjoyed all the side characters and hope that we get to see other installments that include their stories. I love these grumpy shark boys. Fingers crossed that we get to see more! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aussie.
1,429 reviews36 followers
December 18, 2024
"A tall, muscular man that's not quite human tickles your fancy? Yeah, me too. He has two peens."

This book pulled me in as it had me hooked especially with the thrilling monster romance that you don't wanna missed ..

FMC Cordelia, she is a lonely girl that just loves to read especially those steamy books... She went on a walk and she was instantly drawed to the water ..... a single slip that lead her to a fateful encounter with a shark ....

The oceanic council have allow the shifters to be able to mate with humans.... if they come willingly...

Cordelia falls into the arms of Zale who is a powerful shark shifter. He see this as a sign and take her to his cave...Cordelia first instinct is to flee but she doesn't know how to swim... She slowly spends more time with Zale and she starts to feel emotions that she never experienced before ...

She decide to embrace this new life and dangerous conflict rises ....
Profile Image for Cormier Calvert.
71 reviews14 followers
September 5, 2025
Unique spin on shifter romance
I’ve read my fair share of paranormal romances, but Sharp really stands out. Instead of wolves, bears, or dragons, we get oceanic shifters, which felt so refreshing. The description of Zale’s form not conventionally beautiful, but alien and striking made me appreciate that Baer wasn’t afraid to push against the usual tropes. Cordelia’s inability to swim and her near-death experience is a clever metaphor for being thrust into a new world without preparation. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed: hesitant, mistrustful, but slowly layered with respect and genuine attraction. My one gripe is that some of the political Council scenes could have been expanded even more, because the idea of rival factions tearing the shifters apart was fascinating. Still, the romance carried enough weight to make up for it. If you’re looking for something both steamy and thoughtful, this is it.
Profile Image for Jesi.
40 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2024
Looking for a fun spicy shifter read? Then Sharp is for you!

With their female population dwindling these shark shifters seek out mates in a different species- humans. Cordelia’s heart calls her to the ocean and one misstep has her falling into its depths to meet Zale, a 7ft+ great white shifter.

Between learning the ins and outs of each other’s differences and the drawl they have to one another soon a mate bond is formed. There is tons of spice between the two.

The world building is easy to follow with them going up again rouge kraken. No sooner do you think things are settling for the couple does something rear its head in to make their lives a living hell.

Friendships are made along the way.


If you choose to read this then you are in for a treat.
Profile Image for Emalynn McCullough.
5 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
My ARC Review of Sharp

This was my first shifter/monster romance. I applied to read it because my sister loves sharks and it looked interesting. I also really like the cover! I absolutely loved it. If I didn't have a lot going on I would have finished it in a day. Zale is such a cutie pie. The spice was spicing. It also had some parts that really made me both laugh and giggle and kick my feet.

There were some gramatical errors. And I don't know if it was intentional, but frequently when someone else started speaking there would be no new paragraph. So sometimes it confused me for a second who was actually speaking. Hopefully that will get fixed.

Even with the small errors I really enjoyed this book. The story and the characters. I can't wait to read the next one! ☺️🩶🩵
47 reviews
November 24, 2024
4.25 Swimming Stars! ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Quick Spicy read that was hard to put down.
Okay… 1st off ocean shifters? Yes please!
The world building of this world was easy to follow along. Let me tell you Zale and his mate couldn’t catch a break. That moment when you think everything is just a little TOO okay at 50%? That’s what she did to us 😂. I’m hoping we get to dive into the side characters mated as well. I need to know!
Also… 🖕🏻 to Kieren. Rude.
I’m also curious as to know a little more about FMC background and upbringing. It was touched briefly but I didn’t know what made her HER.
Loved this 🤍

Instalove
Instalust
Mates
Biting Marks
OTP Alpha Shark
Breeding
Pregnancy
Profile Image for Katty .
13 reviews
August 5, 2025
A quick, short story that was perfect for a post-shark week read. First time I’ve ever read a shark shifter book and it was interesting���especially the TWO peens concept. Def didn’t hate it 😅 Idky but having a nurse shark be the health care professional in this book cracked me up. The story contained a couple different tropes, including the miscommunication trope which isn’t my favorite. Because it was so short it was hard to fully imagine the characters world due to the break-neck speed. However, I did enjoy the parts where Zale and Cordelia would swim around and explore the reef.
Profile Image for Kristina Blackford.
17 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
Shifters
Sunshine - Grumpy
Touch her && die
Spicy 🌶🌶🌶

My 1st ocean shifter read && OH. MY. SHARK so worth it!!
Amazing read!!

Cordelia && Zales ocean love story && making friends along the way!
- Cordelia is a sweet human that falls into a shark Shifters fins, Zale.
- Zale is a Grumpy shark shifter willing to do what ever it takes to protect his new mate.
Their story is amazing!

If you lock sharks, shifters, the ocean, && spice this book is for you!!
Profile Image for Megan Aunkst.
100 reviews
December 3, 2024
This was my first fantasy romance from Natoshia, as I've been reading her mafia romance more. But I loved this story. I've been in the mood for monster/shifter romances lately and this fulfilled that. This was my first shark shifter romance that's for sure. Also, 2 dicks, that's all I'm gonna say.

I'd love to see more of these characters, even in a short story/novella the way she did with the characters from Our Darling, Isabelle!
Profile Image for Fiona McAuliffe.
15 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2025
I don't even know what happened here. In 237pg there are 3 kidnappings, 3 (4?) political meetings, several dinners with "friends" that provide coitus interruptus for no reason, 2 heat cycles, and a pregnancy. If the smut was better the rating would be better. Mostly I'm confused and annoyed that I continued reading for as long as I did. I should know better than to take recommendations from tiktok but here we are.
Profile Image for Hannah Hill.
218 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2025
Cordelia falling onto Zale was the best thing to happen to her honestly 😂😂 I loved this shark shifter romance so much! I wasn’t sure going in what to expect but it did not disappoint 😆

Zale loves and protects her furiously throughout the story. The side characters were amazing and I love Anna Marie so much and how she just forces herself into their lives to be her friend.

The spice was spicing 🔥🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🔥

🍆🍆< he has 2 👀
12 reviews
December 4, 2024
Do you Like sharks? What about shifter romance? How about shark shifter romance? If you said yes to any of those questions this book is definitely for the you! Cordelia and Zale are super cute together. The story was well written and had me hooked from the moment Cordelia fell into the ocean up until the end and their happily ever after.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for tammy crabtree.
60 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2024
Sharp is Spicey shark shifter romance. Easy read well written fantasy shark shifter finds Cordelia, after she’s fell into the ocean. Due to the women being few and far between in his world Zale wants to keep her for hisself. Will she stay or escape. You will have to read it to find out for yourself .
Profile Image for Letsreadagoodbook.
384 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2024
You know imma just go have to fall in the ocean! Lol jk jk jk!!

Lol This was a fun read! It kept me interesting from being to end!! These 2 where super cute together! Lol I would be like her to if I just feel into an ocean into a man that looked like a shark and a man! Like ok!!!! But he grew on her and it was super cute watching!
Profile Image for Jessica Grooms.
186 reviews10 followers
December 10, 2024
This is the first book in the Swimming with Sharks series and I can already tell it's going to be a good one. This is my first shark shifter book and it was soo good! I loved meeting Zale and seeing how sweet he is with Cordelia. I also love meeting Anna Marie and Galeo. All the characters are interesting and the story keeps you hooked. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Nupur.
457 reviews10 followers
December 12, 2024
A Romance between a Shark Shifter and Human, sounds fun right.
Well it was definitely a fun read and undoubtedly steamy too.
Having a Shark man as her mate, what could go wrong for our FMC.. well, you need to read to find out.
No spoilers from me. My lips are sealed 🤐
But I would say this, the chemistry, the plot, the characters and the writing in general are all just wonderful.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Ellie.
43 reviews
January 3, 2025
DNF at 25%
I saw this book advertised on booktok videos for instagram comparing it to the sharks from finding nemo
The pacing feels off. Things move incredibly quickly. It’s almost like too much happens in single chapters. I like the idea behind it but it’s written in a way that I don’t enjoy. I wish we knew more about the characters internal workings during their conversations.
Profile Image for Tracy Booktalk.
308 reviews15 followers
January 15, 2025
☀️ This was such an excellent book. I love Natoshias’ books and this one was very different from the rest! Two peens, yup I will read it.
☀️ There are shark shifters, kraken shifters and all manner of ocean life as you find yourself falling in love with shark shifters. I would love to see what happens for the future of shark shifters.
☀️ I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sarah Hilbert.
64 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
DNF….thought this would be a weird/fun break from my regular reading, but I was left so disappointed. The typos and odd grammar were so distracting. The pacing was also off. Reminded me of “Song of the Abyss” (Songs of Nendavia), which I read on the Galatea app years ago. Except that story was much better. I actually found it on Kindle Unlimited so I’m gonna read that again instead ✌🏻
25 reviews
February 19, 2025
2.5 rounded up. This is an excellent entry point to monster romance simply for how smooth the author writes his hotness into monstrousness (and vice versa). However the plot dragged and I felt the characters were flat. I wanted more from our FMC. I also wouldn’t have minded the MMC to be a bit more monstrous, but that’s pretty nitpicky.
Profile Image for Jenn Z.
188 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2024
That dedication tho..

Wow sharks are some moody creatures and possessive.

I love this couple the attitude is perfect and the way they interacted is just so entertaining to read

Monster romance for the win I can’t wait to read more
Profile Image for Cayla Pitts.
88 reviews21 followers
November 27, 2024
First shark shifter romance I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last! I loved the pacing of this book, the smut was balanced with a solid plot line, and the spice was spicin’. If you like shifter/monster romances then you’re gonna love this one!!
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews9 followers
December 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! I mean who doesn’t love a good shifter romance, especially one where the MMC has an extra appendage lol!!! The world building in this book was incredibly good, and the characters were fun and entertaining. I can’t wait to read more from this author and this world!
Profile Image for Christie Smith.
22 reviews
December 27, 2024
This is my first shifter romance, and it was definitely worth it! And who wouldn't love a man with 2 😉. This is a must-read if you are into grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, touch her and ☠️, and HEA 🖤
Profile Image for Michaelene Brooks.
7 reviews
January 20, 2025
Fantastic fun read!!

This was a fast moving fun filled adventure with plenty of shut and laughs and action! If you like some shifter monster fun definitely a must read!! I hope there is a second one coming with some of the other shifters introduced!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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