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The Kraken's Castaway
I drowned in Lake Superior.
I was rescued by some ancient god monster in the depths of the lake.
I've got gills now, that's fun.
And I'm apparently the smokin' hottest thing this Viking octopus shifter has ever seen.
Cool.
Cool cool cool.
Lillian and Erik have a problem. They were cursed by two wayward Titans holed up in Lake Superior, trapped on an island, and won't be set free until they agree to be surrogate and seed donor for an entire hoard of monster babies.
The solution? Simple. No funny business, no matter how tempting the tentacles.
But the longer they’re held captive, the closer they become. Giving into their feelings could mean the end of the world as they know it, but eternity is a long time. And as the two of them develop a stronger and stronger connection, the torture of staying apart becomes all the more impossible to bear.
With the world at stake, are they strong enough to keep their hands off each other? Or is their attraction even greater than the forces they’re keeping at bay?
I was rescued by some ancient god monster in the depths of the lake.
I've got gills now, that's fun.
And I'm apparently the smokin' hottest thing this Viking octopus shifter has ever seen.
Cool.
Cool cool cool.
Lillian and Erik have a problem. They were cursed by two wayward Titans holed up in Lake Superior, trapped on an island, and won't be set free until they agree to be surrogate and seed donor for an entire hoard of monster babies.
The solution? Simple. No funny business, no matter how tempting the tentacles.
But the longer they’re held captive, the closer they become. Giving into their feelings could mean the end of the world as they know it, but eternity is a long time. And as the two of them develop a stronger and stronger connection, the torture of staying apart becomes all the more impossible to bear.
With the world at stake, are they strong enough to keep their hands off each other? Or is their attraction even greater than the forces they’re keeping at bay?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
75 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 10, 2025
My March ARC Read! Book 1 of a Dark Monster Romance! It had me at tentacles & the trigger warnings page was epic. Super fun & very spicy. The plot I expected to weak but it was soo good & relatable! The dual love story was really fascinating. Giving love to the villains in the story too, I just ate it up. This one is going to be the next booktok trending book!
December 16, 2025
I had a hard time with this book because of plot inconsistencies and the idea introduced later on that Lillian could have her PCOS healed. I haven’t read the second book, so maybe she isn’t healed but her symptoms are better or something, but it gave me the ick. I also didn’t understand the dynamic between Lillian and Tiffany, and the rapid flip flopping of feelings there.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: PCOS/fertility issues Pregnancy loss (mention) Suicidal Ideation (mention) Attempted Suicide (mention) SA of side character by MMC while under control of monster (past) Dubious consent Sexomnia Hypnosis Magical Manipulation Possession Mind-break
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: PCOS/fertility issues Pregnancy loss (mention) Suicidal Ideation (mention) Attempted Suicide (mention) SA of side character by MMC while under control of monster (past) Dubious consent Sexomnia Hypnosis Magical Manipulation Possession Mind-break
October 1, 2025
This book was so fun from start to finish! I cannot wait to dig into book two!!
February 24, 2025
Honestly, this was everything I wanted from the preview. Blew my expectations out of the water.... :) the lore and story are just top tier. The story sucks :) you in and holds you hostage. I can not wait for book 2. I am salivating to finish this.
September 8, 2025
I purchased this book at a local romance book fair and was super intrigued by the local author and monster romance genre. I enjoyed the story until about the last 10%. Then it just got a little … much… for me. But up until that point I was completely on board!!
MMC Lillian is on her last girls weekend trip with her bestie Tiffany who is about to get married. This is supposed to be a fun-filled weekend of reading, hanging out, swimming in the lake, and just relaxing together. Except that Tiffany’s fiancé showed up and kind of ruined the girls-only vibe. A big argument later, Tiffany leaves and Lillian is alone at the lake house and goes exploring, only to wake up and find herself on a deserted island on the lake. And there’s a man. A handsome Viking man who helps her after she injures herself and can’t make it back to the lake house. But there’s more to this man than meets the eye and Lillian has to decide if she’s ok with that.
It took me a long time to read this because I didn’t have the audiobook, so I was just reading and I’m much slower at that (busy work life, three kids, you get it). But I finally krak-ed (get it? 🤣) and bought the audiobook. It’s narrated by the author, and there’s just a level of awesomeness when the author reads it. There’s no miscommunication about how this or that should be read. It’s read EXACTLY the way the author intended it, and that really is the best! She has a good reading voice, and reads at a good speed. I really enjoyed the audiobook.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series. I do want to know what happens next, but that last 10% of the book kinda weirded me out, and I have a lot of books on my TBR. We’ll see if I come back to this.
MMC Lillian is on her last girls weekend trip with her bestie Tiffany who is about to get married. This is supposed to be a fun-filled weekend of reading, hanging out, swimming in the lake, and just relaxing together. Except that Tiffany’s fiancé showed up and kind of ruined the girls-only vibe. A big argument later, Tiffany leaves and Lillian is alone at the lake house and goes exploring, only to wake up and find herself on a deserted island on the lake. And there’s a man. A handsome Viking man who helps her after she injures herself and can’t make it back to the lake house. But there’s more to this man than meets the eye and Lillian has to decide if she’s ok with that.
It took me a long time to read this because I didn’t have the audiobook, so I was just reading and I’m much slower at that (busy work life, three kids, you get it). But I finally krak-ed (get it? 🤣) and bought the audiobook. It’s narrated by the author, and there’s just a level of awesomeness when the author reads it. There’s no miscommunication about how this or that should be read. It’s read EXACTLY the way the author intended it, and that really is the best! She has a good reading voice, and reads at a good speed. I really enjoyed the audiobook.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series. I do want to know what happens next, but that last 10% of the book kinda weirded me out, and I have a lot of books on my TBR. We’ll see if I come back to this.
March 29, 2025
When Lillian agrees to one last girls’ trip before life changes forever, she expects awkward silences, maybe a little heartbreak—but not a cursed Viking monster in the depths of Lake Superior. Lillian, grieving a miscarriage and fractured friendship, finds herself entangled—literally and emotionally—with Erik, an immortal man bound to an ancient sea creature named Phorkys. As their connection grows, Lillian has to confront her past, her desire, and the cost of love when a goddess offers her an impossible bargain or lose everything she cares about. A dark, steamy, romantic, and boundary-pushing erotic fantasy blending emotional healing with supernatural heat, exploring love, connection, consent, bodily autonomy, grief, survival, chosen family, sacrifice, and what happens when monsters aren’t the only ones we have to fear. Story continues in next book.
March 20, 2025
This was so freaking hot! Not only that, it’s also ridiculously funny. Loved the FMC and her inner monologue, then the MMC and his cluelessness was the cherry on top.
Spice🌶️- Those spicy chapters are not playing around, they are spicy! You might need to get your monster toy out for this one *wink wink*
Plot 📖- Great! I was completely engrossed by the mystery of it all, needing more answers each chapter. If you think you know what’s happening, let me be the one to say, you don’t. Those last chapters left me stunned. Oh, and the plot twist? Yeah… good good stuff.
Spice🌶️- Those spicy chapters are not playing around, they are spicy! You might need to get your monster toy out for this one *wink wink*
Plot 📖- Great! I was completely engrossed by the mystery of it all, needing more answers each chapter. If you think you know what’s happening, let me be the one to say, you don’t. Those last chapters left me stunned. Oh, and the plot twist? Yeah… good good stuff.
February 27, 2025
I've read some books about tentacles in my day. I've never read a book about a tentacle dick being loaded up like a Pez dispenser.
July 27, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up for rating)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first book by Cassandra Medcalf and The Kraken’s Castaway had a very unique premise in which the ‘villains’ are looking for their version of a HEA but need human hosts in order to make that happen.
🐙Primoridal Titans with Tentacles
🌊Cursed MCs
🐙Viking MMC
🌊Curvy FMC
🐙Forced Proximity
🌊Deals with Monsters
🐙Tentacle Spice
Lillian thinks she’s going to get a last hurrah in the form of a girl’s trip with her bestie, Tiffany, before Tiffany’s baby arrives. While at Lake Superior, Lillian and Tiffany get into an argument about their drifting friendship and Lillian swims off…only to end up drowning and getting “saved” while simultaneously cursed by a Titan monster trapped in the lake. Luckily? Viking Erik is there…but turns out he was cursed hundreds of years ago and neither he nor Lillian can leave their island until they agree to help these primordial beings have their own hoard of babies. No pressure, right? It’s as simple as being a surrogate and seed donor – saying “yes” could unleash monsters into the world, and saying “no” means immortality and an unsavory end for other humans in the vicinity…
I really liked Erik as an MMC. The strength with which he fought the Titan lurking beneath his skin was impressive and endearing. Erik wanted to end his curse without endangering others and he was a big, delicious Viking you wanted to climb like a tree. Lillian’s inner monologues were definitely comic relief and had me snorting a time or two. I didn’t love either monster who cursed the MCs initially, they definitely came across as truly villainous before you got their backstory…and by the end, the jury was still out on their long-term motives lol, but the tentacle spice, spiced. I think this is definitely a book that you need to be committed to reading both books and the signup short story because there is quite the cliffhanger situation. While being the first book in the series, the pacing missed the mark for me personally. The premise drew me in, and getting to what’s described in the premise took until maybe the last 10% of the book when quite a few new elements were introduced that left you with a lot of questions and little answers on logistics…
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first book by Cassandra Medcalf and The Kraken’s Castaway had a very unique premise in which the ‘villains’ are looking for their version of a HEA but need human hosts in order to make that happen.
🐙Primoridal Titans with Tentacles
🌊Cursed MCs
🐙Viking MMC
🌊Curvy FMC
🐙Forced Proximity
🌊Deals with Monsters
🐙Tentacle Spice
Lillian thinks she’s going to get a last hurrah in the form of a girl’s trip with her bestie, Tiffany, before Tiffany’s baby arrives. While at Lake Superior, Lillian and Tiffany get into an argument about their drifting friendship and Lillian swims off…only to end up drowning and getting “saved” while simultaneously cursed by a Titan monster trapped in the lake. Luckily? Viking Erik is there…but turns out he was cursed hundreds of years ago and neither he nor Lillian can leave their island until they agree to help these primordial beings have their own hoard of babies. No pressure, right? It’s as simple as being a surrogate and seed donor – saying “yes” could unleash monsters into the world, and saying “no” means immortality and an unsavory end for other humans in the vicinity…
I really liked Erik as an MMC. The strength with which he fought the Titan lurking beneath his skin was impressive and endearing. Erik wanted to end his curse without endangering others and he was a big, delicious Viking you wanted to climb like a tree. Lillian’s inner monologues were definitely comic relief and had me snorting a time or two. I didn’t love either monster who cursed the MCs initially, they definitely came across as truly villainous before you got their backstory…and by the end, the jury was still out on their long-term motives lol, but the tentacle spice, spiced. I think this is definitely a book that you need to be committed to reading both books and the signup short story because there is quite the cliffhanger situation. While being the first book in the series, the pacing missed the mark for me personally. The premise drew me in, and getting to what’s described in the premise took until maybe the last 10% of the book when quite a few new elements were introduced that left you with a lot of questions and little answers on logistics…
March 24, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️- signed up on booksprout!
•••!read the triggers because this ain’t all light and fluffy, this has some dark topics!•••
now i’ve read a couple monster romances and i love me some dark romance… but this was.. different?👀 and now i’m like sign me up🙋🏼♀️🤣 (not to that extent though, just reading about it! don’t be getting it twisted!🤣🤣🤣) i like my brain to be scratched okay…
lillian is a curvy 30 year old FMC and erik is a viking MMC who lost his crew and his ship in a wreckage many many moons ago.. he was saved by phorkys, a monster of the sea who took up residency in his body. but… there’s only one way to break the curse…
lillian finds herself captured to the sea monsters desires and it takes her a while to come to terms with things because it was A LOT to take in and understandably so! ain’t no way you’d just be like ‘yeah sure why not, i’ll do that!!!’😩🤣🤣 and girl, i have some questions🤔🤨😂
we had insecurities, PCOS representation, trauma, grief, vulnerabilities, lack of understanding, sacrifices, bi awakenings, breeding k*nks & well ofc.. lots of.. spice🐙😂
there were so many twists and turns and i was blown away by it all tbh.. the way in which this was written, i just couldn’t stop turning the pages because i can’t lie, ya girl was invested and curious🧐 but still, that would hurt!! right?🫣🤣
that ending though, seriously took me by surprise but now it all makes sense👀
like wtf did i just read? but why am i so intrigued? the thoughts are conflicting but i can’t lie i’m here for it.
have i added the second book to my tbr? yes.. yes i have. we listen and we don’t judge, okay? okay😂
if you like yourself some monster smut, add this one to your tbr🫡
if you don’t like pregnancy tropes/talk this one won’t be for you…
but even if you don’t and are just curious.. then add it. add it to your never ending tbr bcus yasss!!
i devoured this within 24 hours.
okay, bye💋
•4⭐️ •4🌶️
•••!read the triggers because this ain’t all light and fluffy, this has some dark topics!•••
now i’ve read a couple monster romances and i love me some dark romance… but this was.. different?👀 and now i’m like sign me up🙋🏼♀️🤣 (not to that extent though, just reading about it! don’t be getting it twisted!🤣🤣🤣) i like my brain to be scratched okay…
lillian is a curvy 30 year old FMC and erik is a viking MMC who lost his crew and his ship in a wreckage many many moons ago.. he was saved by phorkys, a monster of the sea who took up residency in his body. but… there’s only one way to break the curse…
lillian finds herself captured to the sea monsters desires and it takes her a while to come to terms with things because it was A LOT to take in and understandably so! ain’t no way you’d just be like ‘yeah sure why not, i’ll do that!!!’😩🤣🤣 and girl, i have some questions🤔🤨😂
we had insecurities, PCOS representation, trauma, grief, vulnerabilities, lack of understanding, sacrifices, bi awakenings, breeding k*nks & well ofc.. lots of.. spice🐙😂
there were so many twists and turns and i was blown away by it all tbh.. the way in which this was written, i just couldn’t stop turning the pages because i can’t lie, ya girl was invested and curious🧐 but still, that would hurt!! right?🫣🤣
that ending though, seriously took me by surprise but now it all makes sense👀
like wtf did i just read? but why am i so intrigued? the thoughts are conflicting but i can’t lie i’m here for it.
have i added the second book to my tbr? yes.. yes i have. we listen and we don’t judge, okay? okay😂
if you like yourself some monster smut, add this one to your tbr🫡
if you don’t like pregnancy tropes/talk this one won’t be for you…
but even if you don’t and are just curious.. then add it. add it to your never ending tbr bcus yasss!!
i devoured this within 24 hours.
okay, bye💋
•4⭐️ •4🌶️
May 22, 2025
This book was so much fun. I loved the plus-size rep for the FMC—it was so refreshing to see a heroine who was plus size without being a side character or afterthought. She did fall into the stereotype that plus-size women are not as confident, BUT I feel like it made sense with her history and added depth to her character.
Eric? Total hunk. Shipwrecked, mysterious, emotionally layered… yes, please. The chemistry between him and the FMC was off the charts, and the monster romance elements (yes, tentacle sex included 👀) were super hot. If you’re into steamy reads with a supernatural twist, this definitely delivers.
The plot was really interesting too. I didn’t expect to get so invested in the Lake Superior monster gods and the lore surrounding them, but it all pulled me in. The worldbuilding was surprisingly deep for something that also leans hard into the spicy stuff.
That said, the ending with the breeding went a little off the rails for me. Not in a bad way exactly, but it felt a bit too out there—even for a monster romance. It kind of took me out of the story for a second, but honestly, I was still entertained. I think that is just a personal preference, but if you are REALLY into tentacles, mating and eggs, then this book is for you.
Overall, a super solid read with amazing body positivity, great steam, and a unique setting. If you’re into mythical lake monsters and bold romance, you’ll probably love this one.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book (I’m hoping there will be a next book), because there are some questions I have that were left unanswered.
Eric? Total hunk. Shipwrecked, mysterious, emotionally layered… yes, please. The chemistry between him and the FMC was off the charts, and the monster romance elements (yes, tentacle sex included 👀) were super hot. If you’re into steamy reads with a supernatural twist, this definitely delivers.
The plot was really interesting too. I didn’t expect to get so invested in the Lake Superior monster gods and the lore surrounding them, but it all pulled me in. The worldbuilding was surprisingly deep for something that also leans hard into the spicy stuff.
That said, the ending with the breeding went a little off the rails for me. Not in a bad way exactly, but it felt a bit too out there—even for a monster romance. It kind of took me out of the story for a second, but honestly, I was still entertained. I think that is just a personal preference, but if you are REALLY into tentacles, mating and eggs, then this book is for you.
Overall, a super solid read with amazing body positivity, great steam, and a unique setting. If you’re into mythical lake monsters and bold romance, you’ll probably love this one.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book (I’m hoping there will be a next book), because there are some questions I have that were left unanswered.
October 29, 2025
I met Cassandra at a Pride event in northern MN and purchased her two Kraken books. She was lovely to visit with. I tend to prefer audiobooks but wanted to support an indie author.
This was my first monster romance. I read a ton of paranormal romance, romantasy, contemporary romance, dark romance, mafia romance …. you get the picture. :)
I didn’t pay attention when I started the audiobook that the author performed the narration. She did an awesome job and I’m a bit sad that book 2 is not narrated yet (but they’ll both be coming out in dual narration soon - yay!!)
I enjoyed this book. It takes place in one of my favorite lakes - Superior. There is humor in the story as well as angst. So much angst. And lots of tentacles. :)
Erik has a range of emotions, including sadness, and shares them. As a Viking male almost a thousand years old, he does try the whole “me Tarzan, you Jane” thing that doesn’t work out well for him in the end. :)
Lillian is a plus sized woman with demons of her own. Her best friend is pushing her away and she doesn’t u destined why. Tiffany decides she’s going home and Lillian heads back out into the lake to escape for a bit. Things take a surprising turn at that point.
It is a quick and easy listen and, if you like monster romance, you should love this.
This was my first monster romance. I read a ton of paranormal romance, romantasy, contemporary romance, dark romance, mafia romance …. you get the picture. :)
I didn’t pay attention when I started the audiobook that the author performed the narration. She did an awesome job and I’m a bit sad that book 2 is not narrated yet (but they’ll both be coming out in dual narration soon - yay!!)
I enjoyed this book. It takes place in one of my favorite lakes - Superior. There is humor in the story as well as angst. So much angst. And lots of tentacles. :)
Erik has a range of emotions, including sadness, and shares them. As a Viking male almost a thousand years old, he does try the whole “me Tarzan, you Jane” thing that doesn’t work out well for him in the end. :)
Lillian is a plus sized woman with demons of her own. Her best friend is pushing her away and she doesn’t u destined why. Tiffany decides she’s going home and Lillian heads back out into the lake to escape for a bit. Things take a surprising turn at that point.
It is a quick and easy listen and, if you like monster romance, you should love this.
March 26, 2025
"An Incredible Dark Monster Romance story"
This story is exciting, funny and steamy hot. The characters are unique and awesome.
Lillian aka Lil is spunky and curvy young woman. She goes on a vacation with her bf Tiff. For years they vacationed on Lake superior. Lil is upset because this would be the last vacation they spend together. As Tiff is pregnant and about to get married. For sometime Lil has felt Tiff pulling away. Even though Tiff agreed to this vacation she brought her fiance along to. Then she spends more time with him then Lil. Lil gets upset and swims to a deserted island in the middle of the lake. Before she swam there she had read a steamy monster romance. So when she gets to the island Lil decides to go skinny dipping!
Erik is a sexy man cursed to become a Kraken. A Kraken is a squid like creature but much larger then a normal one. For many years he has lived in lake superior ,and on the deserted island. He wants him to breed with a human woman.
Erik gets drawn to Lil.Only he fights his inner monster , because his monster wants them to breed Lil.
Next thing Lil knows is she becomes cursed to! Can these two find a way to break their curses? Or will the monster win out?
You will love this exciting, funny, dark and steamy hot five Star plus story.
This story is exciting, funny and steamy hot. The characters are unique and awesome.
Lillian aka Lil is spunky and curvy young woman. She goes on a vacation with her bf Tiff. For years they vacationed on Lake superior. Lil is upset because this would be the last vacation they spend together. As Tiff is pregnant and about to get married. For sometime Lil has felt Tiff pulling away. Even though Tiff agreed to this vacation she brought her fiance along to. Then she spends more time with him then Lil. Lil gets upset and swims to a deserted island in the middle of the lake. Before she swam there she had read a steamy monster romance. So when she gets to the island Lil decides to go skinny dipping!
Erik is a sexy man cursed to become a Kraken. A Kraken is a squid like creature but much larger then a normal one. For many years he has lived in lake superior ,and on the deserted island. He wants him to breed with a human woman.
Erik gets drawn to Lil.Only he fights his inner monster , because his monster wants them to breed Lil.
Next thing Lil knows is she becomes cursed to! Can these two find a way to break their curses? Or will the monster win out?
You will love this exciting, funny, dark and steamy hot five Star plus story.
April 14, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought the concept was creative overall, but upon finishing this one I mostly just have more questions than answers. The character voices were distinct, and it was interesting to see how Phorkys and Keto influenced the two main characters. That being said, there were some times where characteristics and world-building descriptions felt inconsistent, which took me out of the immersion. For example, Erik’s understanding of English is said to have been gained from a combination of hearing other people speak over the years, as well as reading books left behind (which raised a lot of questions for me), only for him to later ask Lillian to help him with his reading. What does that mean in the terms of his speaking English? Was Phorkys always speaking to him in English, or did they communicate another way before he learned?
The pacing also felt a bit off. I know this is the start of a series, but the story takes a long time to get to the point that’s actually described in the synopsis. So many new elements were introduced in the last 10% of the book, that it didn’t really feel like a satisfying conclusion.
I thought the concept was creative overall, but upon finishing this one I mostly just have more questions than answers. The character voices were distinct, and it was interesting to see how Phorkys and Keto influenced the two main characters. That being said, there were some times where characteristics and world-building descriptions felt inconsistent, which took me out of the immersion. For example, Erik’s understanding of English is said to have been gained from a combination of hearing other people speak over the years, as well as reading books left behind (which raised a lot of questions for me), only for him to later ask Lillian to help him with his reading. What does that mean in the terms of his speaking English? Was Phorkys always speaking to him in English, or did they communicate another way before he learned?
The pacing also felt a bit off. I know this is the start of a series, but the story takes a long time to get to the point that’s actually described in the synopsis. So many new elements were introduced in the last 10% of the book, that it didn’t really feel like a satisfying conclusion.
March 14, 2025
First time reading this author and it was interesting, a good story about Lillian and her friend Tiffany. They had been best friends for years and now she felt that Tiffany was pulling away from her and she didn’t understand why.
Erik is a Viking that has been trapped in a cove near where the girls vacation. He has resigned himself to this life, finding no way to end this torture.
This book was good, lots of trigger warnings, some I had to look up, lol. But it does end on a cliff hanger. There are links for a prequel and sequel at the end, but not sure when the next book will come out.
I was drawn into this story and fascinated at the story. Like I said there are many triggers, they are listed at the beginning of the book, before you get invested into it.
So grab the book, make sure there aren’t any warnings you object to and enjoy this book! The characters are well fleshed out and you care what happens to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Erik is a Viking that has been trapped in a cove near where the girls vacation. He has resigned himself to this life, finding no way to end this torture.
This book was good, lots of trigger warnings, some I had to look up, lol. But it does end on a cliff hanger. There are links for a prequel and sequel at the end, but not sure when the next book will come out.
I was drawn into this story and fascinated at the story. Like I said there are many triggers, they are listed at the beginning of the book, before you get invested into it.
So grab the book, make sure there aren’t any warnings you object to and enjoy this book! The characters are well fleshed out and you care what happens to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
Monster romance
Forced proximity,
Must mate to break the curse
He takes care of her injury
Plus size rep
Cinnamon roll mmc
Instalove
Squirting
Tentacle play
Ovipositor
Magical gut rearranging
Cliffhanger (duet)
This is a sweet monster romance that features a modern-day human woman and an ancient Viking who are forced together and fight the burning desire to mate and end a 1000-year-old curse, all while delving into some heavy topics (loss and loneliness).
Erik is the perfect cinnamon roll MMC stuck with a kraken god in his body and Lillian is a feisty and fresh FMC who happens to be into monster smut. Match made in heaven.
I enjoyed the story overall. Always a fan of tentacle play and the spice hits the spot. The quick pacing keeps you engaged but not overwhelmed. I knocked off a star for the ending. It was very abrupt. Technically, all conflict was resolved but it left off in a way that felt incomplete for no other reason than to draw you back with book 2, as it's a duet.
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
Monster romance
Forced proximity,
Must mate to break the curse
He takes care of her injury
Plus size rep
Cinnamon roll mmc
Instalove
Squirting
Tentacle play
Ovipositor
Magical gut rearranging
Cliffhanger (duet)
This is a sweet monster romance that features a modern-day human woman and an ancient Viking who are forced together and fight the burning desire to mate and end a 1000-year-old curse, all while delving into some heavy topics (loss and loneliness).
Erik is the perfect cinnamon roll MMC stuck with a kraken god in his body and Lillian is a feisty and fresh FMC who happens to be into monster smut. Match made in heaven.
I enjoyed the story overall. Always a fan of tentacle play and the spice hits the spot. The quick pacing keeps you engaged but not overwhelmed. I knocked off a star for the ending. It was very abrupt. Technically, all conflict was resolved but it left off in a way that felt incomplete for no other reason than to draw you back with book 2, as it's a duet.
July 2, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - heavy spice
LOVES:
- First of all, Erik. I really felt for him. He’s overcome with shame and guilt. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be out of control of your own body. He’s incredibly self-sacrificing and that’s an admirable quality, though at times, I just wanted to yell at him to do what he wants!
- Lillian has a lot of feelings going too. She’s got grief, confusion, rejection, and insecurity, but she’s so strong willed and kind. Also her inner monologues are often quite hilarious 😂 I really like her as an FMC.
- This book took such a turn that I just never would have seen coming. Things were happening that were so far out of the realm of possibility in my mind that it felt like I spent the whole second half of the book in some kind of trance.
Honestly, I have so many thoughts that I can’t articulate even one of them. All I know is that the cliffhanger left me needing to know what’s going to happen!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - heavy spice
LOVES:
- First of all, Erik. I really felt for him. He’s overcome with shame and guilt. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be out of control of your own body. He’s incredibly self-sacrificing and that’s an admirable quality, though at times, I just wanted to yell at him to do what he wants!
- Lillian has a lot of feelings going too. She’s got grief, confusion, rejection, and insecurity, but she’s so strong willed and kind. Also her inner monologues are often quite hilarious 😂 I really like her as an FMC.
- This book took such a turn that I just never would have seen coming. Things were happening that were so far out of the realm of possibility in my mind that it felt like I spent the whole second half of the book in some kind of trance.
Honestly, I have so many thoughts that I can’t articulate even one of them. All I know is that the cliffhanger left me needing to know what’s going to happen!
July 7, 2025
This somehow exceeded my expectations of what I was hoping for. The story itself is so well written that the smut is more impactful when it's delivered. Lillian goes on a vacation with her best friend whom she gets in a fight with. Afterwards, she swims off and encounters a man who has a tentacle monster trapped inside of him. As Lillian drowns, she discovers that this monster and his mate Keto have a very specific future in store for her.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... except Lillian can't resist her curiosity and lust for Erik. I mean how could she resist a penis that is compared to the Sear's Tower. Lillian is living the dream. A man that provides food and let's her read while he hunts? Perfect. Her fetishes may just be able to give her the life that she has always dreamed of. Thank you to Book Sirens and Cassandra Medcalf for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... except Lillian can't resist her curiosity and lust for Erik. I mean how could she resist a penis that is compared to the Sear's Tower. Lillian is living the dream. A man that provides food and let's her read while he hunts? Perfect. Her fetishes may just be able to give her the life that she has always dreamed of. Thank you to Book Sirens and Cassandra Medcalf for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
August 22, 2025
I received a review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Monster romance with a plus size fmc? Hell yeah!
I'm not the best at reviews so here's a collection of my thoughts that I wrote down while reading
I loved the little domestic scenes while they were in the woods
I have to admit that I love a man that gets angsty because he thinks he's a monster (Twilight defined my tween years, can you blame me) but at the same time Erik's calm and thoughtful personality really matches with Lillian's sort of bold and modern personality so well and I love the way they go together.
At first I was worried there was gonna be some miscommunication trope when Lillian wanted to go to the mainland. But there wasn't because 👏 they 👏 understand 👏 each 👏 other 👏 so just for that this book gets 5 stars /j
I personally didn't enjoy the egg scene at the end but I'm not here to yuck someone else's yum and I did enjoy the rest of the book so that will not affect my overall rating.
Monster romance with a plus size fmc? Hell yeah!
I'm not the best at reviews so here's a collection of my thoughts that I wrote down while reading
I loved the little domestic scenes while they were in the woods
I have to admit that I love a man that gets angsty because he thinks he's a monster (Twilight defined my tween years, can you blame me) but at the same time Erik's calm and thoughtful personality really matches with Lillian's sort of bold and modern personality so well and I love the way they go together.
At first I was worried there was gonna be some miscommunication trope when Lillian wanted to go to the mainland. But there wasn't because 👏 they 👏 understand 👏 each 👏 other 👏 so just for that this book gets 5 stars /j
I personally didn't enjoy the egg scene at the end but I'm not here to yuck someone else's yum and I did enjoy the rest of the book so that will not affect my overall rating.
April 16, 2025
I might be slightly biased because I LOVE Cass's books PERIOD and I LOVE Monster Romance, period.
So of course, putting these two things together was a SOLID win for me!
As a neurodivergent geek and fangirl, I LOVE nerdy MCs and nerd culture, and this book embraces those things as much as it does the spice. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and could not put it down!
I also feel like while there is a lot that stays true to the Monster Romance genre here, this book is also a fresh breath of air too and it is different from the norm, which is what I personally love about it. Again, I might be biased as a fan of Cass, but I would recommend this book to seasoned monster lovers and monster romance newbies alike.
This one is def on my re-read list and I can't wait for book 2!!!
So of course, putting these two things together was a SOLID win for me!
As a neurodivergent geek and fangirl, I LOVE nerdy MCs and nerd culture, and this book embraces those things as much as it does the spice. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and could not put it down!
I also feel like while there is a lot that stays true to the Monster Romance genre here, this book is also a fresh breath of air too and it is different from the norm, which is what I personally love about it. Again, I might be biased as a fan of Cass, but I would recommend this book to seasoned monster lovers and monster romance newbies alike.
This one is def on my re-read list and I can't wait for book 2!!!
March 6, 2025
Wow. I'll tell you what, wow. 5/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Kinks and tags are labeled at the beginning, but for those needing a heads up: Tentacles (obviously), Breeding Kink, Oviposition, Pregnancy Kink.
Actually genuinely a very enjoyable read, despite some of the "dark" moments it is very funny, the humor is fucking on POINT. There are several times I genuinely laughed. It parallels the raw emotions and grief the FMC and MMC are going through. Both characters felt very well developed and fleshed out. Would very much like a whole fucking series of these please and thank you.
My only complaint? She uses the word hoo-ha more than once unironically instead of just using the word pussy or vagina. Besides that, 10/10, would recommend.
Kinks and tags are labeled at the beginning, but for those needing a heads up: Tentacles (obviously), Breeding Kink, Oviposition, Pregnancy Kink.
Actually genuinely a very enjoyable read, despite some of the "dark" moments it is very funny, the humor is fucking on POINT. There are several times I genuinely laughed. It parallels the raw emotions and grief the FMC and MMC are going through. Both characters felt very well developed and fleshed out. Would very much like a whole fucking series of these please and thank you.
My only complaint? She uses the word hoo-ha more than once unironically instead of just using the word pussy or vagina. Besides that, 10/10, would recommend.
March 14, 2025
I appear to be developing a taste for Kraken reads and was excited to see this and sign up! :D This was a like more angst's compared to others I have read but still a good read. Lillian and Erik are trapped on an island at the whim of the gods. They are there for a reason and you will learn more as you read this. I will add that I'm not normally a fan of 'cliff hanger' type books, but there will be more on these two in the next book. Thankfully I will only have to wait until around July to read more of these two and those around them. Thank you, Cassandra, for having me on board and I will eagerly await the next book. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2025
Another amazing book from Cassandra. She knows how to make her characters come alive and boy did she do that with this book! This strangers-to-lovers story had me screaming for them to finally make that final move and man did they deliver!!
I have never actually read a tentacle monster romance before and this has shown me how much it can suck-pun fully intended-me in. It was hot, it was steamy, everything I love in a romance and then some! Plus the FMC being a little on the curvy side and dealing with a PCOS diagnosis, hit me close to home.
I cannot wait for the second book to see how this story progresses!
I have never actually read a tentacle monster romance before and this has shown me how much it can suck-pun fully intended-me in. It was hot, it was steamy, everything I love in a romance and then some! Plus the FMC being a little on the curvy side and dealing with a PCOS diagnosis, hit me close to home.
I cannot wait for the second book to see how this story progresses!
March 10, 2025
This book had no right to be this good?! I came here for some Viking/monster smut book, and I'm feeling complex emotions about grief, friendship, and depression? How dare you Cassandra Medcalf! Yes, this book is super spicy, but the character development for Erik was phenomenal, and I went from hate to love almost instantly for Tiffany. I need book 2 ASAP because let me tell you DEVOURED the last 100 pages. I know this is supposed to be a duology, but I really need a novella or short story of just Erik trying to understand modern life and language and failing miserably.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC!
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC!
June 7, 2025
My first monster romance was a success!
As someone who lives in Minnesota, and the story taking place IN Lake Superior I found it my duty to read this one and test out monster romances, and listen, it did not disappoint. Lillian and Erik cross paths and right away I’m hooked ( pun intended). There are some really unique elements to the characters that I don’t want to give away but it was what kept me so intrigued in the story. The spice was spicing ( and yes, tentacles were involved, trust me it was good). I fell for their story and their relationship and cannot wait for the next book! Left you on a cliffhanger and ready to dive in (pun also intended) to the next one!
As someone who lives in Minnesota, and the story taking place IN Lake Superior I found it my duty to read this one and test out monster romances, and listen, it did not disappoint. Lillian and Erik cross paths and right away I’m hooked ( pun intended). There are some really unique elements to the characters that I don’t want to give away but it was what kept me so intrigued in the story. The spice was spicing ( and yes, tentacles were involved, trust me it was good). I fell for their story and their relationship and cannot wait for the next book! Left you on a cliffhanger and ready to dive in (pun also intended) to the next one!
July 10, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fairly quick read, the action was good if a bit angsty. Both the main characters have suffered loss of loved ones and struggled with being alone. Lillian suffered a miscarriage and has really had a hard time with depression since then. Erik lost his entire family and been a cast away alone and isolated. I do really like the fact that there is insta lust between the two characters but the feelings and romance slowly builds between them. Who knew that swimming in a lake on a girls trip would least to destiny and being taken by a titan to help their legacy live on.
This was a fairly quick read, the action was good if a bit angsty. Both the main characters have suffered loss of loved ones and struggled with being alone. Lillian suffered a miscarriage and has really had a hard time with depression since then. Erik lost his entire family and been a cast away alone and isolated. I do really like the fact that there is insta lust between the two characters but the feelings and romance slowly builds between them. Who knew that swimming in a lake on a girls trip would least to destiny and being taken by a titan to help their legacy live on.
July 20, 2025
Not something I will ever read again or any other story by this author.
This is really an unbelievably dumb story! I found myself flipping through chapters just finish it. I have read many alien brides, cap, the females by other world creatures that have kept my interest. But this one was way off. The authors imagination made it so hard to believe that I lost interest in unbelievable story she was writing. Once again, it’s a cliffhanger and I definitely will not be reading the second one. If you buy it, good luck hope you enjoy it as I know I won’t follow up with any of the other others.
This is really an unbelievably dumb story! I found myself flipping through chapters just finish it. I have read many alien brides, cap, the females by other world creatures that have kept my interest. But this one was way off. The authors imagination made it so hard to believe that I lost interest in unbelievable story she was writing. Once again, it’s a cliffhanger and I definitely will not be reading the second one. If you buy it, good luck hope you enjoy it as I know I won’t follow up with any of the other others.
April 7, 2025
4.25 Stars!
This was a good time. It does have some darker themes so make sure you check the TW/CWs before diving in.
The spice in this book was phenomenal, the tension and chemistry between these main characters was so good, and there was so much more plot than I thought there would be going into this. I knew it was a monster romance, but I didn't expect it to keep me on the edge of my seat like it did.
This book does end in a cliffhanger, but it wasn't too bad. It has me excited to read book 2 in this series.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book.
This was a good time. It does have some darker themes so make sure you check the TW/CWs before diving in.
The spice in this book was phenomenal, the tension and chemistry between these main characters was so good, and there was so much more plot than I thought there would be going into this. I knew it was a monster romance, but I didn't expect it to keep me on the edge of my seat like it did.
This book does end in a cliffhanger, but it wasn't too bad. It has me excited to read book 2 in this series.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book.
May 22, 2025
Lillian’s “one last girls’ trip” turns into a steamy, emotional rollercoaster when she encounters Erik, an immortal man bound to a cursed sea creature. Grieving a miscarriage and a fractured friendship, Lillian’s connection with Erik forces her to confront her past, desires, and a dangerous bargain with a goddess. This dark, erotic fantasy is packed with heat, humor, and a gripping plot full of twists.
The spice? 🔥 Off the charts!
An unforgettable mix of romance, supernatural suspense, and raw emotion. Can’t wait for the next book!
The spice? 🔥 Off the charts!
An unforgettable mix of romance, supernatural suspense, and raw emotion. Can’t wait for the next book!
October 7, 2025
ERIK AND LILLIAN
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
This story is about a woman, Lillian, who feels useless as she cannot have children, an a thousand-year-old Viking, Erik, who has been saved by a squid demi-god, Phorkys. The story shows that Erik and Lillian are mates, and Lillian wants Erik to be free of Phorkys. She strikes an agreement becomes Keto, a demi-goddess’s surrogate to free Erik. Lillian’s dedication to Erik is commendable as is Eric’s dedication to her.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
This story is about a woman, Lillian, who feels useless as she cannot have children, an a thousand-year-old Viking, Erik, who has been saved by a squid demi-god, Phorkys. The story shows that Erik and Lillian are mates, and Lillian wants Erik to be free of Phorkys. She strikes an agreement becomes Keto, a demi-goddess’s surrogate to free Erik. Lillian’s dedication to Erik is commendable as is Eric’s dedication to her.
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