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Pinned by Love
Living up to your kick-butt image as an elite monster wrestler is hard when you (maybe) want to kiss your hated rival. A fun enemies-to-lovers lesbian romantasy.
To the whole world, Athena Rainstorm is the most hated villain in Elite Monster Wrestling. Away from the boos and jeers that slice deep, she’s just Iris, a sensitive harpy who’s only ever wanted one thing: to spread her wings and win an elusive championship title.
Her fiercest rival is Lena, the perfect minotaur who has it all. With her toned, muscular physique and devastating looks, “Helen Stronghorn” wins fights, fans, and adulation with the greatest of ease.
Their hatred for each other in and out of the ring is legend. But when the wrestlers are forced to spend time together prepping for the biggest event of the year, their masks begin to crack. They glimpse each other’s realities: the pressure of perfection crushing Lena and the childhood dream always just out of Iris’s reach.
Will their newfound understanding ruin their infamous rivalry in the ring? Because they still hate each other, right? Or…do they?
To the whole world, Athena Rainstorm is the most hated villain in Elite Monster Wrestling. Away from the boos and jeers that slice deep, she’s just Iris, a sensitive harpy who’s only ever wanted one thing: to spread her wings and win an elusive championship title.
Her fiercest rival is Lena, the perfect minotaur who has it all. With her toned, muscular physique and devastating looks, “Helen Stronghorn” wins fights, fans, and adulation with the greatest of ease.
Their hatred for each other in and out of the ring is legend. But when the wrestlers are forced to spend time together prepping for the biggest event of the year, their masks begin to crack. They glimpse each other’s realities: the pressure of perfection crushing Lena and the childhood dream always just out of Iris’s reach.
Will their newfound understanding ruin their infamous rivalry in the ring? Because they still hate each other, right? Or…do they?
204 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2025
9 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Elaine J. Daniels
4 books40 followersElaine J. Daniels writes the stories she wants to read. For as long as she can remember, she has imagined vivid characters with extraordinary lives and adventures. Her first attempt at writing a novel was a retelling of Lord of the Rings with herself as the protagonist (and Frodo’s girlfriend) when she was 11. When she’s not writing, Elaine enjoys reading romance novels, eating her wife’s cooking, trying new hobbies, and spending quality time with her friends, family, and furry babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 10, 2025
4 Stars
This was a truly enjoyable read. I admire the little pivots the author took that made a feel good book have a little bit of difference from the usual formulaic trope. For example, like not having the third act break-up which I was sure was gonna happen. And I love that.
The characters were great. The enemies part was believable and the hate was founded. And I appreciate how their relationship slowly migrated. It read genuine for me.
I’m not a monster fan because what do you mean she has hooves? What do you mean she has a snout? What do you mean she has wings? Like how does this all fit logistically in a room white sleeping or having sex? Like it’s hard for me to comprehend. However, I don’t know what it was about the characters in this story but I saw past the physical differences and just accepted it as part of the story. It was great because I wasn’t hung up on frivolous details. My point is, I enjoyed this monster, enemies to lovers story.
This was a truly enjoyable read. I admire the little pivots the author took that made a feel good book have a little bit of difference from the usual formulaic trope. For example, like not having the third act break-up which I was sure was gonna happen. And I love that.
The characters were great. The enemies part was believable and the hate was founded. And I appreciate how their relationship slowly migrated. It read genuine for me.
I’m not a monster fan because what do you mean she has hooves? What do you mean she has a snout? What do you mean she has wings? Like how does this all fit logistically in a room white sleeping or having sex? Like it’s hard for me to comprehend. However, I don’t know what it was about the characters in this story but I saw past the physical differences and just accepted it as part of the story. It was great because I wasn’t hung up on frivolous details. My point is, I enjoyed this monster, enemies to lovers story.
February 21, 2025
Brilliant!
Iris and Lena are through and through rivals in Elite Monster Wrestling. Iris is the biggest villain in that world as her wrestling persona but in reality she is a more sensitive soul, as Lena soon discovers when they are forced to spend time together as orders to get along better come from the powers of the wrestling federation. Feelings develop between them that come with big consequences.
There is definitely something fun and fresh about this story! With monster wrestling, emotional connections, and fun commercials it really had a sense of the showmanship and eccentricness of pro wrestling. There were a whole cast of characters and perspectives but Iris and Lena were the main focus. When they stopped putting up a wall to one another they discovered connection and admiration for one another that led them to a path of happiness with one another but my heart broke for both of them in knowing because their wrestling personas and careers deemed that what was shared couldn’t be public.
It took such strength from them both to want their happiness and relationship more than their careers. They took risks and chances but I admired all of it because it broke the mould and ensured their freedom but also that of their colleagues in wrestling. It was amazing all they went through and how love could change that unfaltered dedication to a system of control, so they could regain their freedom.
This is a great read, lots of fun, and packed with action and emotion to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Iris and Lena are through and through rivals in Elite Monster Wrestling. Iris is the biggest villain in that world as her wrestling persona but in reality she is a more sensitive soul, as Lena soon discovers when they are forced to spend time together as orders to get along better come from the powers of the wrestling federation. Feelings develop between them that come with big consequences.
There is definitely something fun and fresh about this story! With monster wrestling, emotional connections, and fun commercials it really had a sense of the showmanship and eccentricness of pro wrestling. There were a whole cast of characters and perspectives but Iris and Lena were the main focus. When they stopped putting up a wall to one another they discovered connection and admiration for one another that led them to a path of happiness with one another but my heart broke for both of them in knowing because their wrestling personas and careers deemed that what was shared couldn’t be public.
It took such strength from them both to want their happiness and relationship more than their careers. They took risks and chances but I admired all of it because it broke the mould and ensured their freedom but also that of their colleagues in wrestling. It was amazing all they went through and how love could change that unfaltered dedication to a system of control, so they could regain their freedom.
This is a great read, lots of fun, and packed with action and emotion to keep you on the edge of your seat!
February 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The story follows Iris and Lena - two rivals in the Elite Monster Wrestling world. Iris is the cursed villain - a Harpy who’s determined to finally win the championship. Lena is the wrestling worlds sweetheart - a Minotaur who’s dad is a famous wrestler. When they are forced to spend time together, they learn there’s more to their rival than meets the eye. Their chemistry is off the charts, but that’s just part of the act, right?
Let me start by saying this was such a FUN and flirty read. I know nothing about wrestling so I was little nervous on how I would like it, but this author made this such a unique ride! The characters and wrestling terms were easy to follow along with and I never felt confused. PLUS - this book has COMMERCIAL BREAKS! Probably one of my favorite parts of the book because I have never heard of that! Little PSA for my girls who like smut - one thing Elaine knows how to do is write a steamy scene. Oof. 🥵🌶️
Once again she knocked it out of the park. Elaine will forever be an instant buy author for me!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The story follows Iris and Lena - two rivals in the Elite Monster Wrestling world. Iris is the cursed villain - a Harpy who’s determined to finally win the championship. Lena is the wrestling worlds sweetheart - a Minotaur who’s dad is a famous wrestler. When they are forced to spend time together, they learn there’s more to their rival than meets the eye. Their chemistry is off the charts, but that’s just part of the act, right?
Let me start by saying this was such a FUN and flirty read. I know nothing about wrestling so I was little nervous on how I would like it, but this author made this such a unique ride! The characters and wrestling terms were easy to follow along with and I never felt confused. PLUS - this book has COMMERCIAL BREAKS! Probably one of my favorite parts of the book because I have never heard of that! Little PSA for my girls who like smut - one thing Elaine knows how to do is write a steamy scene. Oof. 🥵🌶️
Once again she knocked it out of the park. Elaine will forever be an instant buy author for me!
August 2, 2025
Wrestling enemies to lovers? Yes please!
Honestly I'm not really interested in wrestling beyond Rhea Ripley. But I gained some insight into how the matches work. Maybe I'll watch one now...
The rivalry could have been dragged on for longer. (Maybe I just love slow-burn romances.)
I kind of made the mistake to read the first half of the book while hungry. The writing was so well done and there was so much food being made/mentioned/eaten, that I was literally punishing myself. But that just speaks for the author and the writing style.
So even if you aren't into wrestling, I'm recommending this book to you, maybe you learn something about yourself?
Honestly I'm not really interested in wrestling beyond Rhea Ripley. But I gained some insight into how the matches work. Maybe I'll watch one now...
The rivalry could have been dragged on for longer. (Maybe I just love slow-burn romances.)
I kind of made the mistake to read the first half of the book while hungry. The writing was so well done and there was so much food being made/mentioned/eaten, that I was literally punishing myself. But that just speaks for the author and the writing style.
So even if you aren't into wrestling, I'm recommending this book to you, maybe you learn something about yourself?
January 31, 2025
This was a fun read. There’s an entire genre of people who need to have this haha. I don’t know too much about the wrestling industry but from what I’ve seen this is pretty spot on.
Everything about Iris and Lena is so damn hot. Especially when you picture them in your head as Rhea Ripley Megan the stallion (I know she’s not a wrestler but she dresses like one, okay?!)
Everything about Iris and Lena is so damn hot. Especially when you picture them in your head as Rhea Ripley Megan the stallion (I know she’s not a wrestler but she dresses like one, okay?!)
March 26, 2025
I just have to say… SO FREAKING CUTE.
I always look forward to Elaine releasing a new book. I swear they just get better & better each time (and I loved their first book!)
Pinned by Love is a sweet enemies to lovers monster romance. The design of the characters is so lovely. I’m so drawn in by this cover! Even for someone like me who really isn’t into wrestling, it was so easy to follow along with everything that was going on! I loved the little notes upfront to help me follow along with the characters & their wrestling names.
The spice was just *chefs kiss* perfect. Elaine does such a great job at writing sapphic romance.
I also just HAVE to say… the commercial breaks?! GENUIS.
I always look forward to Elaine releasing a new book. I swear they just get better & better each time (and I loved their first book!)
Pinned by Love is a sweet enemies to lovers monster romance. The design of the characters is so lovely. I’m so drawn in by this cover! Even for someone like me who really isn’t into wrestling, it was so easy to follow along with everything that was going on! I loved the little notes upfront to help me follow along with the characters & their wrestling names.
The spice was just *chefs kiss* perfect. Elaine does such a great job at writing sapphic romance.
I also just HAVE to say… the commercial breaks?! GENUIS.
February 5, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Pinned by Love was delightful to read. It’s very clearly a love letter to wrestling in a queer monster romance form. It’s camp in the best way (seriously, there are cheesy ‘commercial’ breaks for everything from stools to action figures sprinkled throughout the novella that had me grinning with the silliness of them.) As someone who wasn’t into wrestling, the lingo wasn’t too hard to get into and I think the author kept it simple enough to encourage newcomers while giving long time wrestling fans a wink-wink, nudge-nudge I would imagine they would appreciate.
Lena and Iris were a fun couple to read. The tension between the villain and the hero in wrestling is always sweet and it’s played up wonderfully here. Not to mention when the tension finally blows up and Lena and Iris admit their growing feelings for each other - their steamy scenes are incredibly hot.
If you want a campy good time with a nice dash of spice, you are in for some fun with Pinned by Love.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley & Ylva Publishing. All opinions are my own*
Pinned by Love was delightful to read. It’s very clearly a love letter to wrestling in a queer monster romance form. It’s camp in the best way (seriously, there are cheesy ‘commercial’ breaks for everything from stools to action figures sprinkled throughout the novella that had me grinning with the silliness of them.) As someone who wasn’t into wrestling, the lingo wasn’t too hard to get into and I think the author kept it simple enough to encourage newcomers while giving long time wrestling fans a wink-wink, nudge-nudge I would imagine they would appreciate.
Lena and Iris were a fun couple to read. The tension between the villain and the hero in wrestling is always sweet and it’s played up wonderfully here. Not to mention when the tension finally blows up and Lena and Iris admit their growing feelings for each other - their steamy scenes are incredibly hot.
If you want a campy good time with a nice dash of spice, you are in for some fun with Pinned by Love.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley & Ylva Publishing. All opinions are my own*
January 24, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for being given an e-arc in exhange for my honest review of this book.
I am a huge fan of monster romance but i know nothing about wrestling so going into this I was a little nervous as I’m also not the biggest fan of sports romances.
The explanation and trigger warnings at the beginning of the book was very helpful, I’m not the best at remembering names or species so it was helpful I was able to look back at.
Full of enemies-to-lovers, angst and want the best part had to be the commerical breaks they were brilliant.
Praise to the author it was well written and the characters and most importantly their relationship was well developed and didn’t feel rushed for the story to end in time.
I’ll defiantly be interested in more from this author or this world.
I am a huge fan of monster romance but i know nothing about wrestling so going into this I was a little nervous as I’m also not the biggest fan of sports romances.
The explanation and trigger warnings at the beginning of the book was very helpful, I’m not the best at remembering names or species so it was helpful I was able to look back at.
Full of enemies-to-lovers, angst and want the best part had to be the commerical breaks they were brilliant.
Praise to the author it was well written and the characters and most importantly their relationship was well developed and didn’t feel rushed for the story to end in time.
I’ll defiantly be interested in more from this author or this world.
May 13, 2025
I got this book in exchange for a honest review.
I know next to nothing about wrestling, but this was such a cute book! The author makes it easy to follow along even if you’re a noob like me.
Also the way it was written like we’re watching a reality tv show or like professional wrestling is genius.
We could all use a little Human Energy Drink
The play on Monster energy drink, amazing 🤣
I know next to nothing about wrestling, but this was such a cute book! The author makes it easy to follow along even if you’re a noob like me.
Also the way it was written like we’re watching a reality tv show or like professional wrestling is genius.
We could all use a little Human Energy Drink
The play on Monster energy drink, amazing 🤣
January 24, 2025
Elaine ATE and left no crumbs.
First of all, the enemies to lovers dynamic was so good! So many EtL is watered down now, but this felt really real! I loved watching them work through their feelings for each other. The side characters, oh my gosh, so good; we love good secondary characters. I want to be friends with all of them. I adored the moment when Lena and her father finally talked to each other. Oh and the painting party that Iris planned melted my heart. Also, I love how accessible you made the sport for someone who knows nothing about wrestling. It was magical. 🥹
*im horrible at coherent reviews, so here are my initial thoughts word vomited for you all*
First of all, the enemies to lovers dynamic was so good! So many EtL is watered down now, but this felt really real! I loved watching them work through their feelings for each other. The side characters, oh my gosh, so good; we love good secondary characters. I want to be friends with all of them. I adored the moment when Lena and her father finally talked to each other. Oh and the painting party that Iris planned melted my heart. Also, I love how accessible you made the sport for someone who knows nothing about wrestling. It was magical. 🥹
*im horrible at coherent reviews, so here are my initial thoughts word vomited for you all*
March 26, 2025
An absolutely delightful read into a world I knew nothing about before!!!!
January 21, 2025
Unique debut romance with monsters who wrestle and commercial breaks! (3.5 stars)
High praise to author Elaine J Daniels for the unconventional elements of this book: different kinds of 'monsters' who wrestle in a professional league, chapters that are commercial breaks from the action and drama, characters with multiple names and nicknames they go by, and at least one bold place for the mains to get it on, to name a few.
There is a content warning at the beginning of the book letting readers know which chapters contain steamy/explicit scenes in case they want to skip them; I read the entire book and suggest you don't skip anything unless that kind of content is an issue for you. A character appendix is also included but it only covers the names, species and roles the wrestlers play in and out of matches; those characters each have multiple names (given first and last names, a stage name, and a nickname in the ring) so mark that page to refer back to when you need it. I had to use it a few times while reading since the names used depend on where the character is and who's interacting with or referring to them in the story. There are a couple of human characters but the bulk of the cast are monsters of differing types. The story is set in the monster realm and information about the human realm is limited and not always accurate; the monster realm also lacks mobile phones so there's no texting between characters.
Chapters are told primarily from the POV's of main characters Iris and Lena, and are tagged accordingly; other chapters are either from the POV of a match commentator or are commercial breaks, the latter of which are reminiscent in places of classic North American TV ads from long ago and a great source of comic relief. There is humor elsewhere in the book along with a bit of angst and drama to break up the action in the match ring. I frequently forgot the characters were monsters until there's a mention of a tail, wings, or horns; ironically the monsters here are more 'human' (in the best sense of the word) than the actual human characters. There is a bit of terminology relating to wrestling moves that comes up but nothing too deep in the weeds so if you know nothing about wrestling it's easy to look up the words online for clarification or just gloss over them.
I read thru the book fairly quickly. It's an easy read with predictable moments in the plot and different kinds of grand gestures to provide feel good moments for the reader and story characters alike. I did question why some characters didn't get more time on the page (Lucy the Cerberus for one) and if some minor details relating to other secondary characters were brought up and then seemingly forgotten in order to wrap up the story in a particular way. The mains and their friends were presumably in their thirties yet their behavior often read as more juvenile so this may be a more appealing read for adults in the younger end of the age scale although older adults may enjoy the commercial breaks for the echoes of nostalgia; also the audience chants for one of the wrestlers were weird and a bit creepy to my ears. For a debut novel it shows promise given the creativity and imagination of the author displayed on the page so I'd be interested to see and read her future stories to see where it takes readers and to also note the growth and development in the writing.
High praise to author Elaine J Daniels for the unconventional elements of this book: different kinds of 'monsters' who wrestle in a professional league, chapters that are commercial breaks from the action and drama, characters with multiple names and nicknames they go by, and at least one bold place for the mains to get it on, to name a few.
There is a content warning at the beginning of the book letting readers know which chapters contain steamy/explicit scenes in case they want to skip them; I read the entire book and suggest you don't skip anything unless that kind of content is an issue for you. A character appendix is also included but it only covers the names, species and roles the wrestlers play in and out of matches; those characters each have multiple names (given first and last names, a stage name, and a nickname in the ring) so mark that page to refer back to when you need it. I had to use it a few times while reading since the names used depend on where the character is and who's interacting with or referring to them in the story. There are a couple of human characters but the bulk of the cast are monsters of differing types. The story is set in the monster realm and information about the human realm is limited and not always accurate; the monster realm also lacks mobile phones so there's no texting between characters.
Chapters are told primarily from the POV's of main characters Iris and Lena, and are tagged accordingly; other chapters are either from the POV of a match commentator or are commercial breaks, the latter of which are reminiscent in places of classic North American TV ads from long ago and a great source of comic relief. There is humor elsewhere in the book along with a bit of angst and drama to break up the action in the match ring. I frequently forgot the characters were monsters until there's a mention of a tail, wings, or horns; ironically the monsters here are more 'human' (in the best sense of the word) than the actual human characters. There is a bit of terminology relating to wrestling moves that comes up but nothing too deep in the weeds so if you know nothing about wrestling it's easy to look up the words online for clarification or just gloss over them.
I read thru the book fairly quickly. It's an easy read with predictable moments in the plot and different kinds of grand gestures to provide feel good moments for the reader and story characters alike. I did question why some characters didn't get more time on the page (Lucy the Cerberus for one) and if some minor details relating to other secondary characters were brought up and then seemingly forgotten in order to wrap up the story in a particular way. The mains and their friends were presumably in their thirties yet their behavior often read as more juvenile so this may be a more appealing read for adults in the younger end of the age scale although older adults may enjoy the commercial breaks for the echoes of nostalgia; also the audience chants for one of the wrestlers were weird and a bit creepy to my ears. For a debut novel it shows promise given the creativity and imagination of the author displayed on the page so I'd be interested to see and read her future stories to see where it takes readers and to also note the growth and development in the writing.
September 1, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Pinned by Love was the lighthearted and enjoyable sapphic monster romance that I needed! Elaine J. Daniels knocked it out of the park with this fun and flirty novella, and my inner wrestling head ADORED this rivals to lovers dynamic!! Don’t worry, if you know nothing about wrestling, you’re given a little key of wrestling terms so you know the lingo, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the wrestling world, complete with commercial breaks for wrestler-endorsed products – such a fun touch!!
💥Wrestling Rivals/Enemies to Lovers
🪽Harpy x Minotaur Sapphic Romance
💕Forbidden Workplace Romance
💥Forced Proximity
Athena Rainstorm is the most hated villain in Elite Monster Wrestling…but outside of the ring? Those boos and jeers cut deep because Iris is actually a sensitive harpy who has only ever dreamed of holding a championship title – a title that feels out of reach because her fiercest rival, Lena, aka “Helen Stronghorn”, is adored by fans and isn’t letting go of that belt any time soon.
The hatred between these two in and out of the ring is legendary, and when they’re forced to spend time together? Well, living up to their images is turning out to be hard when they start to get to know one another and all they can think of is kissing each other.
Will this newfound understanding ruin their infamous rivalry in the ring?
The rivals to lovers dynamic between Iris and Lena was perfection!! Iris was a flawless heel persona (that’s the scripted “villian”), and Lena was the embodiment of sugar and spice and everything nice as a babyface (that’s the scripted “hero”). The fact that each woman secretly thought the other was attractive was the perfect little carrot to dangle in front of us as their tension built when they were forced to spend time together in preparation for their match…I dunno about you but, I’d probably have a hard time too if I was getting pinned to the mat by a hottie with a bodyyyyyyy 🤭 and when the spice hits? Chef’s kiss! The steam was steaming!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Pinned by Love was the lighthearted and enjoyable sapphic monster romance that I needed! Elaine J. Daniels knocked it out of the park with this fun and flirty novella, and my inner wrestling head ADORED this rivals to lovers dynamic!! Don’t worry, if you know nothing about wrestling, you’re given a little key of wrestling terms so you know the lingo, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the wrestling world, complete with commercial breaks for wrestler-endorsed products – such a fun touch!!
💥Wrestling Rivals/Enemies to Lovers
🪽Harpy x Minotaur Sapphic Romance
💕Forbidden Workplace Romance
💥Forced Proximity
Athena Rainstorm is the most hated villain in Elite Monster Wrestling…but outside of the ring? Those boos and jeers cut deep because Iris is actually a sensitive harpy who has only ever dreamed of holding a championship title – a title that feels out of reach because her fiercest rival, Lena, aka “Helen Stronghorn”, is adored by fans and isn’t letting go of that belt any time soon.
The hatred between these two in and out of the ring is legendary, and when they’re forced to spend time together? Well, living up to their images is turning out to be hard when they start to get to know one another and all they can think of is kissing each other.
Will this newfound understanding ruin their infamous rivalry in the ring?
The rivals to lovers dynamic between Iris and Lena was perfection!! Iris was a flawless heel persona (that’s the scripted “villian”), and Lena was the embodiment of sugar and spice and everything nice as a babyface (that’s the scripted “hero”). The fact that each woman secretly thought the other was attractive was the perfect little carrot to dangle in front of us as their tension built when they were forced to spend time together in preparation for their match…I dunno about you but, I’d probably have a hard time too if I was getting pinned to the mat by a hottie with a bodyyyyyyy 🤭 and when the spice hits? Chef’s kiss! The steam was steaming!
February 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Nothing in the realms compares to being in love with Lena. Not even winning gold.”
First, I want to thank Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for allowing me to read this book ahead of release.
This was the first paranormal romance I have ever read and I loved it so much! But not even alternative universes are safe from the horrors of straight men 😔
This novel takes place in an alternative universe, where all kinds of monsters live like humans do in this world. Sometimes humans somehow end up in this alternative universe, and one of the humans started a wrestling entertainment company. The two main characters are both wrestlers, with one of them being a heel and the other being a babyface, so they are basically rivals.
I personally have never watched wrestling before (except for Rhea Ripley edits, if that counts) but the author did a great job of explaining all the terms and describing the matches.
The writing of the story felt really immersive and the emotions the characters felt were portrayed in a way that made the story feel real. The story is written from the main characters’ POV, alternating between Iris and Lena. Because of this, the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters were so obvious (in a good way) that I was screaming at my kindle for them to kiss by 20%.
The romance in this was so good, I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. And the spice???? Hot.
The only thing that I would criticise is that the relationship felt a bit rushed. I feel like this could have easily been 50 pages longer.
That is also the reason why this is not a five star read for me. I loved it so much, that I wish there would have been more of it! I think that the character development could have been dragged out a little more. Other than that, this was amazing and I will definitely be rereading this!
February 17, 2025
✨✨Pinned by Love Review✨✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice in chps: 12, 15, 16, 19, & 26
‼️‼️CW|TW‼️‼️
- Verbal abuse in workplace from authority figure
- Childhood trauma
💕💕Tropes💕💕
- Low-angst romance
- Rivals to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden romance
- Exhibitionism
❤️❤️Quotes that stole my ❤️❤️
- What would I have said to her? Hello? You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Why don’t you sit on my face? No way.
- “Please, Iris. Let me kiss you.” My heart hammers in my chest and roars in my ears. She gasps but doesn’t pull away. “You want to kiss me?” “More than anything.” “Then kiss me,” she says with a sigh. And I do.
- “Where do you see this going?” I finally blurt out the question, and it’s loud, echoing off the gym walls. “Wherever you’ll let it go,” she responds in a soft and vulnerable tone.
✨✨Onto the Review✨✨
Let me start by saying I know not a single thing about pro wrestling, or wrestling at all. At the beginning of the book before the story starts Elaine maps out some basic pro wrestling terms which was super helpful and I felt like I knew what I was reading which was really nice!
Our two FMCs are Iris (stage name Athena “the snatcher” ) who is a Harpy and a heel (bad guy) in pro wrestling, and Lena (stage name Helen “Mother” Stronghorn) who is a Minotaur and a Babyface (hero) in pro wrestling. They cannot stand each other and are paired together to compete in and are ordered to spend time together outside of training to work on compatibility and work on their differences, turns out they’re way more compatible than anyone could imagine 😮💨😮💨
If you are looking for a F/F LGBTQ inclusive monster romance you NEED to pick this book up! I could not put it down I was instantly obsessed and also lived in the author’s DMS throughout my read 😅 this book is available on Amazon and kindle unlimited!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice in chps: 12, 15, 16, 19, & 26
‼️‼️CW|TW‼️‼️
- Verbal abuse in workplace from authority figure
- Childhood trauma
💕💕Tropes💕💕
- Low-angst romance
- Rivals to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden romance
- Exhibitionism
❤️❤️Quotes that stole my ❤️❤️
- What would I have said to her? Hello? You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Why don’t you sit on my face? No way.
- “Please, Iris. Let me kiss you.” My heart hammers in my chest and roars in my ears. She gasps but doesn’t pull away. “You want to kiss me?” “More than anything.” “Then kiss me,” she says with a sigh. And I do.
- “Where do you see this going?” I finally blurt out the question, and it’s loud, echoing off the gym walls. “Wherever you’ll let it go,” she responds in a soft and vulnerable tone.
✨✨Onto the Review✨✨
Let me start by saying I know not a single thing about pro wrestling, or wrestling at all. At the beginning of the book before the story starts Elaine maps out some basic pro wrestling terms which was super helpful and I felt like I knew what I was reading which was really nice!
Our two FMCs are Iris (stage name Athena “the snatcher” ) who is a Harpy and a heel (bad guy) in pro wrestling, and Lena (stage name Helen “Mother” Stronghorn) who is a Minotaur and a Babyface (hero) in pro wrestling. They cannot stand each other and are paired together to compete in and are ordered to spend time together outside of training to work on compatibility and work on their differences, turns out they’re way more compatible than anyone could imagine 😮💨😮💨
If you are looking for a F/F LGBTQ inclusive monster romance you NEED to pick this book up! I could not put it down I was instantly obsessed and also lived in the author’s DMS throughout my read 😅 this book is available on Amazon and kindle unlimited!
May 22, 2025
This was a very unique reading experience, and I must add, delightfully refreshing. It was about monster wrestlers competing in Elite Monster Wrestling (EMW.)
The wrestling matches were scripted in advance and the fans were ravenous for their favorites. The two main characters in this came from different backgrounds and were bitter enemies who intensely disliked each other….until they didn’t. The first was Iris, a 5 1/2 ft. tall harpy. Her stage name was Athena “The Snatcher” Rainstorm. She had to fight her way up in the minor league circuit.
Her bitter enemy was Lena, a 6 1/2 ft tall Minotaur. Her stage name was Helen “Mother” Stronghorn. She’d been born, as one would say, with a silver spoon in her mouth. This is because her father was the most famous wrestler of all and she had all the support she needed to make it to the big time.
The two archnemesis were tasked to face off in the championship match. Being enemies meant that they would need to find a way to make peace in order to practice their pre-scripted routines.
How they managed to do this was an important part of the book and the road to this was fun and amusing with lines such as, “I’ve never kissed someone with a muzzle before, but I have no problem adjusting!”
Yes, there were many unique and entertaining moments in the book in addition to being the first book I’ve read with commercials for products such as Human Energy Drinks, A Puppysitter, Tough Love Action Sitters and my favorite, “Never Stand on a Swivel Chair!”
I thought several times how much fun I imagine the author had writing this. It required a lot of research and study and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read this. My thanks to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for the arc.
The wrestling matches were scripted in advance and the fans were ravenous for their favorites. The two main characters in this came from different backgrounds and were bitter enemies who intensely disliked each other….until they didn’t. The first was Iris, a 5 1/2 ft. tall harpy. Her stage name was Athena “The Snatcher” Rainstorm. She had to fight her way up in the minor league circuit.
Her bitter enemy was Lena, a 6 1/2 ft tall Minotaur. Her stage name was Helen “Mother” Stronghorn. She’d been born, as one would say, with a silver spoon in her mouth. This is because her father was the most famous wrestler of all and she had all the support she needed to make it to the big time.
The two archnemesis were tasked to face off in the championship match. Being enemies meant that they would need to find a way to make peace in order to practice their pre-scripted routines.
How they managed to do this was an important part of the book and the road to this was fun and amusing with lines such as, “I’ve never kissed someone with a muzzle before, but I have no problem adjusting!”
Yes, there were many unique and entertaining moments in the book in addition to being the first book I’ve read with commercials for products such as Human Energy Drinks, A Puppysitter, Tough Love Action Sitters and my favorite, “Never Stand on a Swivel Chair!”
I thought several times how much fun I imagine the author had writing this. It required a lot of research and study and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read this. My thanks to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for the arc.
June 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
I DNFd this around the 80% mark. I tried to stick through it, but once the characters got together, I just lost all interest in the story. I thought the premise of the story is interesting, but it's odd that all the actual world building information is in the author note at the beginning and not actually the text of the story. The way characters talk feel like they're reading off of a script instead of actually feeling anything they say, and all the personality you get from the text is lost in the dialogue. I also wasn't a fan of how characters are called male or female in the story - I understand that the author was avoiding man and woman as terms for humans, but I wish they'd gone for, like, mon and womon (using "monster" instead of "man") or something instead, because I hear someone say "the female" and immediate associate them with transphobes and incels. And, last complaint, the little chapters that are just fake advertisements between the actual plot are just tedious and feel like filler to make the book longer. You can absolutely skip them and not lose anything from the rest of the story.
Things I did like: a whole world with monsters in them and not many humans is a cool concept. I like the decision to have a harpy as one of the main characters, because that's not a popular monster in romance books. The wrestling stuff was a lot of fun. I am sad I didn't get to see how their match goes, so maybe I'll skip a few chapters just to read the conclusion to that plot point.
I really wish I could give this more stars - I'd love to at least give it a 3 - but there's not enough about the book I enjoyed to warrant a 3.
I DNFd this around the 80% mark. I tried to stick through it, but once the characters got together, I just lost all interest in the story. I thought the premise of the story is interesting, but it's odd that all the actual world building information is in the author note at the beginning and not actually the text of the story. The way characters talk feel like they're reading off of a script instead of actually feeling anything they say, and all the personality you get from the text is lost in the dialogue. I also wasn't a fan of how characters are called male or female in the story - I understand that the author was avoiding man and woman as terms for humans, but I wish they'd gone for, like, mon and womon (using "monster" instead of "man") or something instead, because I hear someone say "the female" and immediate associate them with transphobes and incels. And, last complaint, the little chapters that are just fake advertisements between the actual plot are just tedious and feel like filler to make the book longer. You can absolutely skip them and not lose anything from the rest of the story.
Things I did like: a whole world with monsters in them and not many humans is a cool concept. I like the decision to have a harpy as one of the main characters, because that's not a popular monster in romance books. The wrestling stuff was a lot of fun. I am sad I didn't get to see how their match goes, so maybe I'll skip a few chapters just to read the conclusion to that plot point.
I really wish I could give this more stars - I'd love to at least give it a 3 - but there's not enough about the book I enjoyed to warrant a 3.
June 7, 2025
FF enemies-to-lovers romance told in present tense, dual first person POV. It’s a second world setting of sorts; not a portal fantasy but humans and monsters can travel between realms, although this is not a big plot point.
This is a really fun book; the story is occasionally broken up with “commercial breaks” where the author shows different characters appearing in ads, which helps flesh out the supporting characters and is a great worldbuilding method.
I loved the way Iris and Lena’s relationship developed; their personalities are so different to their stage personas but they both struggle to move past their first impressions of one another. The characterisation is solid and consistent, and there’s definitely series potential here.
The wrestling aspect was fun too. I know I’m using that word a lot, but I love that wrestling is becoming the next big thing in sports romance. (Everything I know about sports I learned from romance novels). Daniels also touches on worker exploitation and unionisation, in a very heart-swelling and not at all shoe-horned in way.
This book is absolute fluff (complimentary) and is great if you’re looking for a palate cleanser or want to take your mind off…everything. I highly recommend it!
This is a really fun book; the story is occasionally broken up with “commercial breaks” where the author shows different characters appearing in ads, which helps flesh out the supporting characters and is a great worldbuilding method.
I loved the way Iris and Lena’s relationship developed; their personalities are so different to their stage personas but they both struggle to move past their first impressions of one another. The characterisation is solid and consistent, and there’s definitely series potential here.
The wrestling aspect was fun too. I know I’m using that word a lot, but I love that wrestling is becoming the next big thing in sports romance. (Everything I know about sports I learned from romance novels). Daniels also touches on worker exploitation and unionisation, in a very heart-swelling and not at all shoe-horned in way.
This book is absolute fluff (complimentary) and is great if you’re looking for a palate cleanser or want to take your mind off…everything. I highly recommend it!
January 19, 2025
I love romantasy! Especially monster romantasy.
In this case, it challenged my imagination by imagining how a Harpy could love a Minotaur while reading this book.
I loved it!
It's definitely a fun enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance.
Full of prejudice, false impressions and misunderstandings at the beginning and then a tentative approach that turns into a hot and sizzling inferno!
These two feuding EMW wrestlers can't be in the same room without being hostile towards each other and now have to train together to put on a mega show.
Not only that, they are forced to spend time together in private to get their refinement out of the way and at least be civilized with each other.
Who could have guessed what they really think of each other and how they feel.
Of course, a lot of it revolves around wrestling, but in my opinion it is not overarching and the story is concentrated on Iris and Lena.
The explanation at the beginning of the book was very helpful. I'm not a wrestling expert, but I liked it now and then. I would have liked to watch these two ;)
Thanks so much to the Author and Ylva Publishing for this ARC! This is my honest opinion and review.
In this case, it challenged my imagination by imagining how a Harpy could love a Minotaur while reading this book.
I loved it!
It's definitely a fun enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance.
Full of prejudice, false impressions and misunderstandings at the beginning and then a tentative approach that turns into a hot and sizzling inferno!
These two feuding EMW wrestlers can't be in the same room without being hostile towards each other and now have to train together to put on a mega show.
Not only that, they are forced to spend time together in private to get their refinement out of the way and at least be civilized with each other.
Who could have guessed what they really think of each other and how they feel.
Of course, a lot of it revolves around wrestling, but in my opinion it is not overarching and the story is concentrated on Iris and Lena.
The explanation at the beginning of the book was very helpful. I'm not a wrestling expert, but I liked it now and then. I would have liked to watch these two ;)
Thanks so much to the Author and Ylva Publishing for this ARC! This is my honest opinion and review.
February 4, 2025
Honest ARC Review: Wrestling fans will love this sapphic monster romance featuring enemy wrestlers that might feel more than just hate for each other. Lena and Iris are both professional wrestlers but have very different experiences in the industry. Lena grew up in the scene because of her famous wrestler dad. She is loved and cheered on by her fans and is a champion. Iris has always dreamed of being a wrestler and champion. While shes achieved her goal of being a wrestler she is a villain in the rink and booed by fans. Lena and Iris are set to wrestle in the championship match but they have never liked each other. They are ordered to spend time outside the ring so they can be friendly enough to work together. This monster romance was a nice slow burn that built over time of getting to know each other. I learned about wrestling which is pretty cool and the side characters were very endearing. This was a sweet enemies to lovers romance that had a happy and rewarding ending. Check this book out if you enjoy sapphic love, monster romance, secret relationship, a little exhibitionism, and funny commercial breaks.
February 16, 2025
Let me just start off with WOW. This is my first true monster loves monster romance. No shifter type monsters and no human falling for a monster and it was a KNOCK OUT!
Iris and Lena are rivals both in the ring and out of it in this amazing enemies to lovers wrestling book.
I’m not a wrestling fan but everything was so well done in this story. From both our leading lady monsters POVs, to the POV of the announcers where we feel like we’re watching an actual wrestling match, to the cute quirky commercial breaks helping us dive into the realm a little more. The side character are all written so well, everything on each page has its place and importance and I love it.
I love Iris our harpy who has worked her whole life to get where she is. And our Minotaur Lena may be a legacy with a famous father, but she’s a star all on her own.
I adore the hangouts and dates for these enemies to become lovers, getting to actually know each other. But let me tell you, the spice is spicin!!!! I love a good public smutty smut. And let me just say…mommy does know best. 🔥😜🥵
Elaine suplexed it from the top rope and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
Iris and Lena are rivals both in the ring and out of it in this amazing enemies to lovers wrestling book.
I’m not a wrestling fan but everything was so well done in this story. From both our leading lady monsters POVs, to the POV of the announcers where we feel like we’re watching an actual wrestling match, to the cute quirky commercial breaks helping us dive into the realm a little more. The side character are all written so well, everything on each page has its place and importance and I love it.
I love Iris our harpy who has worked her whole life to get where she is. And our Minotaur Lena may be a legacy with a famous father, but she’s a star all on her own.
I adore the hangouts and dates for these enemies to become lovers, getting to actually know each other. But let me tell you, the spice is spicin!!!! I love a good public smutty smut. And let me just say…mommy does know best. 🔥😜🥵
Elaine suplexed it from the top rope and I can’t wait to read more of her books!
January 31, 2025
Thank you netgally for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I looooved this book! A sapphic rivals to lovers in the wrestling scene. I don’t know much about wrestling but the book explained perfectly how everything worked so I understood everything. Iris and Lena started off hating each other but were forced together because they needed to work with each other. They slowly realized they actually liked each other and had good and honest conversations.
I loved iris and Lena as a couple and the spicy scenes were really good! I appreciated that the author put exactly where the spicy scenes were in the beginning of the book. Also really liked the explaining of the wrestling terms and the character appendix.
All in all I would really recommend this book if you’re looking for a sapphic monster romance!
I looooved this book! A sapphic rivals to lovers in the wrestling scene. I don’t know much about wrestling but the book explained perfectly how everything worked so I understood everything. Iris and Lena started off hating each other but were forced together because they needed to work with each other. They slowly realized they actually liked each other and had good and honest conversations.
I loved iris and Lena as a couple and the spicy scenes were really good! I appreciated that the author put exactly where the spicy scenes were in the beginning of the book. Also really liked the explaining of the wrestling terms and the character appendix.
All in all I would really recommend this book if you’re looking for a sapphic monster romance!
February 17, 2025
Thanks so much to Ylva Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
This was so good! It’s honestly all down to Kayla Faber that I’m into wrestling romances so if you’ve not read her Wrestling Girls series, that’s 100% what led me here.
And it did not disappoint. I loved this story and these characters so much. I love a good enemies to lovers story so throw in a touch of sporting rivalry and this was always gonna be a win.
Iris and Lena have SO much chemistry. Right from the start with all their arguing, I knew I was gonna enjoy their romance. The pivotal dinner moment was so well executed, and everything that followed was so lovely and fluffy.
I also really loved the whole overthrowing their awful boss plot. The uprising was well deserved.
I’d devour more books in this world if the author wanted to write them!
This was so good! It’s honestly all down to Kayla Faber that I’m into wrestling romances so if you’ve not read her Wrestling Girls series, that’s 100% what led me here.
And it did not disappoint. I loved this story and these characters so much. I love a good enemies to lovers story so throw in a touch of sporting rivalry and this was always gonna be a win.
Iris and Lena have SO much chemistry. Right from the start with all their arguing, I knew I was gonna enjoy their romance. The pivotal dinner moment was so well executed, and everything that followed was so lovely and fluffy.
I also really loved the whole overthrowing their awful boss plot. The uprising was well deserved.
I’d devour more books in this world if the author wanted to write them!
February 14, 2025
Iris aka Athena Rainfall is a pro wrestler, and a 'heel' aka a villain in the mock battles. She has finally made it to the top bout, but finds out she'll have to fight a wrestler she loathes.
Lena aka Helen 'Mother' Stronghorn is a 'babyface' a hero and is beloved by all. Everyone except Iris, and it bugs Lena as she'd like them to get along better. When Iris isn't pissing her off.
I like the fake TV ads the various girls star in, It's pretty funny.
Forced to train together and interact because of the coming fight, they quickly realize they like each other... but will the job and pretending to be foes pull them apart?
The end felt a bit rushed and could have used more buildup, but otherwise really fun read.
Lena aka Helen 'Mother' Stronghorn is a 'babyface' a hero and is beloved by all. Everyone except Iris, and it bugs Lena as she'd like them to get along better. When Iris isn't pissing her off.
I like the fake TV ads the various girls star in, It's pretty funny.
Forced to train together and interact because of the coming fight, they quickly realize they like each other... but will the job and pretending to be foes pull them apart?
The end felt a bit rushed and could have used more buildup, but otherwise really fun read.
February 21, 2025
Pinned By Love is a wonderful sapphic romantasy that I had a difficult time putting down. Lena and Iris can’t stand each other. As pro wrestling rivals, they’re constantly clashing with sharp words, intense glares, and undeniable tension. But when they’re forced to train together for a championship match, the tension between them skyrockets. What starts as pure animosity slowly shifts as they spend more time together, letting their walls down and discovering a connection they never expected. With plenty of action, snark, and fantasy mixed in, Pinned By Love is a fun, fiery story about rivalry, romance, and learning to let someone in. Grab your copy immediately!
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
May 30, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice
LOVES:
- An excellent Author’s Note with super helpful info about wrestling, what to expect, and the setting. I’ve found that I really love a thorough author’s note!
- The wrestling scenes were a lot of fun to read. Action packed!
- The human vs magical realms and how they interact with each other was pretty fascinating
- Random interjections for commercials and commentator’s POV were a great surprise. I enjoyed those little breaks in the story 😊
- There were a couple of exhibitionist scenes that were 🔥
- They stuck it to the man and it was so satisfying! I loved the climax when everything big happened 🥰 so sweet
This was so cute! Super easy read and I would definitely seek out more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the eARC 💝
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice
LOVES:
- An excellent Author’s Note with super helpful info about wrestling, what to expect, and the setting. I’ve found that I really love a thorough author’s note!
- The wrestling scenes were a lot of fun to read. Action packed!
- The human vs magical realms and how they interact with each other was pretty fascinating
- Random interjections for commercials and commentator’s POV were a great surprise. I enjoyed those little breaks in the story 😊
- There were a couple of exhibitionist scenes that were 🔥
- They stuck it to the man and it was so satisfying! I loved the climax when everything big happened 🥰 so sweet
This was so cute! Super easy read and I would definitely seek out more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the eARC 💝
February 8, 2025
I think this is one of my new favorite reads!! The plot was fun and hot. The storyline and topic is something new, so it was a lot of fun to read. Elaine smashed this one. Sapphic wrestling!! Iris and Lena and each of their respective friends (and their characters!!) were a lot of fun to read and really enjoyable. They were both strong and sexy characters, and their enemies to friends to lovers transitions had me kicking my feet the whole time. (SLUMBER PARTY!!!!) The story world is so interesting, and I would love to see what might come next in the EMW universe. Also, the commerical breaks were such a nice touch!
January 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is a perfect crossover of my niche interests in monster romance, Sapphics, and pro wrestling. Lena and Iris are fantasic and have wonderful as both lovers and opponents. I wish the back half of the book was more developed in their relationship and the dynamics of the other wrestlers.
Truly my only complaint is I think the book should have been a bit longer to build and develop the relationships.
This book is a perfect crossover of my niche interests in monster romance, Sapphics, and pro wrestling. Lena and Iris are fantasic and have wonderful as both lovers and opponents. I wish the back half of the book was more developed in their relationship and the dynamics of the other wrestlers.
Truly my only complaint is I think the book should have been a bit longer to build and develop the relationships.
February 3, 2025
I know almost nothing about wrestling (and have little desire to watch) and still found this book incredibly captivating and enjoyable. The characters were well developed and their struggles and emotions were easily relatable, as were their respective groups of friends. I’m hoping for more books in this universe! Would definitely recommend to someone looking for an enemies-to-lovers type of read, with the monsters as a plus (and definitely not a reason to shy away from the book for those who are drawn more to realistic fiction).
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
February 6, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't typically read a lot of monster romance books and know next to nothing about wrestling, but I still really enjoyed this one! I thought the chemistry between the characters was very cute, and I appreciated that there was no third act breakup scene. I also found the wrestling aspect very fun and easy to get into despite having no previous knowledge, and the commercial breaks were an excellent addition. Overall, a very sweet book perfect for wrestling and romance fans alike, 4.3/5 stars.
I don't typically read a lot of monster romance books and know next to nothing about wrestling, but I still really enjoyed this one! I thought the chemistry between the characters was very cute, and I appreciated that there was no third act breakup scene. I also found the wrestling aspect very fun and easy to get into despite having no previous knowledge, and the commercial breaks were an excellent addition. Overall, a very sweet book perfect for wrestling and romance fans alike, 4.3/5 stars.
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