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Hallow's Cove
Love is Trash in Hallow's Cove
After a string of awful relationships and cheating exes, Hayley is fed up with dating. Her solution? Swear off dating humans and look for a monster mate in Hallow’s Cove.
When she moves to the quaint town inhabited by more monsters than humans, she quickly realizes that finding her match isn’t as simple as she’d hoped. Let down by dead end dates and awkward flirting attempts with the locals, Hayley resigns herself to the fact that she might not be destined for love.
Turns out her fated romance is closer than she thinks, when raccoon shifter Jake stumbles upon a pair of her torn unmentionables. It’s love at first sniff as he realizes from her scent that Hayley is his mate.
The only problem? She’s a sweet, charming human who’d never want a dumpster-diving weirdo like him. Will Jake be able to show Hayley the treasure that lies beneath his trash-loving exterior?
This is a cozy, sweet and steamy monster romance novella that takes place in the small town of Hallow's Cove, a shared world in a multi-author series. Love is Trash features a dumpster fire raccoon shifter MMC, a hopeless romantic human FMC, underwear theft, and unconventional dates.
When she moves to the quaint town inhabited by more monsters than humans, she quickly realizes that finding her match isn’t as simple as she’d hoped. Let down by dead end dates and awkward flirting attempts with the locals, Hayley resigns herself to the fact that she might not be destined for love.
Turns out her fated romance is closer than she thinks, when raccoon shifter Jake stumbles upon a pair of her torn unmentionables. It’s love at first sniff as he realizes from her scent that Hayley is his mate.
The only problem? She’s a sweet, charming human who’d never want a dumpster-diving weirdo like him. Will Jake be able to show Hayley the treasure that lies beneath his trash-loving exterior?
This is a cozy, sweet and steamy monster romance novella that takes place in the small town of Hallow's Cove, a shared world in a multi-author series. Love is Trash features a dumpster fire raccoon shifter MMC, a hopeless romantic human FMC, underwear theft, and unconventional dates.
159 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2025
190 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Emily Antoinette
16 books905 followersEmily loves cozy, emotional, and spicy romances with a monstrous twist. When she isn’t musing on the merits of doting, dominant monsters, she reads an obscene amount of romance novels, and cultivates her eccentric recluse persona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
June 9, 2025
4.5 stars
Jake was such a lovable weirdo and I was cackling during some of his internal dialogue with his raccoon side, Beans. And I definitely spent way too long on YouTube trying to find a video of raccoons screaming to attract a mate. Hayley was also eccentric and socially awkward, and kind. I loved that they were both plus size as well. Super sweet cozy story.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: panty stealing-ish (from trash), cheating by ex, friends siding with cheating ex
Jake was such a lovable weirdo and I was cackling during some of his internal dialogue with his raccoon side, Beans. And I definitely spent way too long on YouTube trying to find a video of raccoons screaming to attract a mate. Hayley was also eccentric and socially awkward, and kind. I loved that they were both plus size as well. Super sweet cozy story.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: panty stealing-ish (from trash), cheating by ex, friends siding with cheating ex
May 3, 2025
EDIT changing my rating a month later from 4 to 5 stars because I can’t stop thinking about this book and looking for other similar titles. This mmc invented longing
4.3 so charming
4.3 so charming
March 22, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Just the sweetest, silliest and cutest story I ever did read! These two quirky souls have found their match with each other and they didn’t even know it. Fresh off a broken heart Hayley is looking for her a mate, just like her aunties love story. But after many not so stellar dates she has resigned herself that maybe it’s just not in the cards. One pair of not-so-lucky ripped undies and broken “massager” later she is now trying to get down to this dread raccoon bandit stealing her trash. Enter Jake, a true trash panda at heart (literally), finding the treasure in the most unlikely of places. One late night scavenge has him stumbling upon his most unexpected find yet. From awkward meet-cute to secret identities and silly shenanigans this was a fun read that I couldn’t get enough of. A perfect light-hearted read that makes Hallow’s Cove a cozy small town I would love to live in!🦝💜
Just the sweetest, silliest and cutest story I ever did read! These two quirky souls have found their match with each other and they didn’t even know it. Fresh off a broken heart Hayley is looking for her a mate, just like her aunties love story. But after many not so stellar dates she has resigned herself that maybe it’s just not in the cards. One pair of not-so-lucky ripped undies and broken “massager” later she is now trying to get down to this dread raccoon bandit stealing her trash. Enter Jake, a true trash panda at heart (literally), finding the treasure in the most unlikely of places. One late night scavenge has him stumbling upon his most unexpected find yet. From awkward meet-cute to secret identities and silly shenanigans this was a fun read that I couldn’t get enough of. A perfect light-hearted read that makes Hallow’s Cove a cozy small town I would love to live in!🦝💜
March 23, 2025
BEANS omg. I loved thissss.
Jake and Hayley are the sweetest little weirdos. Hayley is in town running her aunts Bodega while she on her honeymoon and is kinda sort of desperately looking to find a partner. She is so love-starved, she just wants to find her person! Enter Jake, and his inner raccoon, Beans (I LOVE Beans). Stealing undies from a dumpster is weird, but is it still weird if you only stole them because you scented your FATED MATE on them? a little but still, its kinda cuteee.
I get being awkward and weird and being afraid to show people that side of you, so Jake and Hayley being weird together made me so happy. I love that they felt safe being themselves together ( well, Jake had some secrets but he fixed that in the end) They were so hot together too, whewwwww!!!! Jake is a man who LOVES to eat, let me just leave it at that.
I really loved this, it was so cute. They fit perfectly together. I can't wait for more stories from Hallows Cove!
Jake and Hayley are the sweetest little weirdos. Hayley is in town running her aunts Bodega while she on her honeymoon and is kinda sort of desperately looking to find a partner. She is so love-starved, she just wants to find her person! Enter Jake, and his inner raccoon, Beans (I LOVE Beans). Stealing undies from a dumpster is weird, but is it still weird if you only stole them because you scented your FATED MATE on them? a little but still, its kinda cuteee.
I get being awkward and weird and being afraid to show people that side of you, so Jake and Hayley being weird together made me so happy. I love that they felt safe being themselves together ( well, Jake had some secrets but he fixed that in the end) They were so hot together too, whewwwww!!!! Jake is a man who LOVES to eat, let me just leave it at that.
I really loved this, it was so cute. They fit perfectly together. I can't wait for more stories from Hallows Cove!
July 27, 2025
4.5 stars
OMG this was so funny and silly, I was cackling to myself while reading it.
The FMC catches a raccoon running off with her panties, and her neighbour (the MMC) suggests a stakeout to make sure they’re not dealing with a raccoon infestation. Except he’s actually the racoon (shifter) who at first sniff realised she’s his mate, and is half terrified she’ll think he’s a weirdo for stealing her panties. Shenanigans!
These two were socially awkward people, but together were just so adorable. What a fun, low-angst novella, I really enjoyed this and will be checking out other books written by Emily Antoinette!
OMG this was so funny and silly, I was cackling to myself while reading it.
The FMC catches a raccoon running off with her panties, and her neighbour (the MMC) suggests a stakeout to make sure they’re not dealing with a raccoon infestation. Except he’s actually the racoon (shifter) who at first sniff realised she’s his mate, and is half terrified she’ll think he’s a weirdo for stealing her panties. Shenanigans!
These two were socially awkward people, but together were just so adorable. What a fun, low-angst novella, I really enjoyed this and will be checking out other books written by Emily Antoinette!
May 2, 2025
yikes what a total cringe fest
Good God the FMC was awful. I'm so weird! I'm a weirdo! I don't have friends because I'm weird! Oh no, did I say something weird to this stranger? Everyone thinks I'm so weird! I don't fit in anywhere because I'm the weirdest weird girl ever! SHE WAS THE FUCKING DEFINITION OF A BASIC BITCH. what the fuck was she on about? she was a total complete fucking normie. Oh wait, she has blue hair! So wEiRd!!!!
She was like those girls who were obsessed with mustaches, shopped at hot topic and just nobody understands!!!!! because they were soooo different and soooo quirky and special. barf
Good God the FMC was awful. I'm so weird! I'm a weirdo! I don't have friends because I'm weird! Oh no, did I say something weird to this stranger? Everyone thinks I'm so weird! I don't fit in anywhere because I'm the weirdest weird girl ever! SHE WAS THE FUCKING DEFINITION OF A BASIC BITCH. what the fuck was she on about? she was a total complete fucking normie. Oh wait, she has blue hair! So wEiRd!!!!
She was like those girls who were obsessed with mustaches, shopped at hot topic and just nobody understands!!!!! because they were soooo different and soooo quirky and special. barf
June 8, 2025
3.5 stars
A short and silly bi4bi queer MF romance!
Raccoon shifter dumpster dives and finds his mates panties, pining ensues. I appreciated that they both matched eachother's freak.
Both leads are a bit weird and eccentric and silly, and it was refreshing seeing the small town also just embrace their silliness. This had a good mix of lightheartedness and horniness to keep the plot going.
Suspend disbelief and have a fun time!
A short and silly bi4bi queer MF romance!
Raccoon shifter dumpster dives and finds his mates panties, pining ensues. I appreciated that they both matched eachother's freak.
Both leads are a bit weird and eccentric and silly, and it was refreshing seeing the small town also just embrace their silliness. This had a good mix of lightheartedness and horniness to keep the plot going.
Suspend disbelief and have a fun time!
August 19, 2025
Hayley comes off a bit too desperate for a mate in the beginning (girl, breathe) and I was side-eyeing some of her decisions. But once Jake enters the picture? I was sold.
Hayley ends up in Hallow’s Cove after one too many crappy exes and decides it’s time to try her luck with monsters …literally. She’s hoping to find someone who’ll love her weird little self and not cheat on her every five seconds. (Fair!) Except… turns out finding a respectful monster boyfriend isn’t as easy as expected.
Enter Jake, her quiet, awkward, adorably strange neighbor who just so happens to run a shop called Trash to Treasure and maybe likes dumpster diving a little too much. Oh, and he's a raccoon shifter named Beans. (Yes, Beans. I can't.) Jake is soft and sweet and unhinged in the gentlest way. He’s totally smitten with Hayley from the jump, because mate but instead of going full alpha-claim mode, he takes his time, shows up for her, woos her in the weirdest and most endearing ways possible.
And Hayley? Once she stops spiraling over not having a partner and starts embracing the beautifully strange person she is, she shines. I loved how weird their dates were, how unapologetically odd they both are, and how they never tried to be “normal” for each other. No fancy dinners. No overdone tropes. Just pure, quirky, chaotic love. The way they leaned into their mutual oddness made it feel real and actually super romantic.
Also: thank god the whole “you’re a raccoon shifter???” reveal didn’t turn into some huge third-act meltdown. She was like, “oh, that tracks” and honestly, that reaction made me love her even more.
trops/kinks/safety
🩷human/shifter
🩷neighbors
🩷plus size FMC
🩷fated mates
🩷hidden identity
🩷mention of cheating ex (past FMC)
🩷panty sniffing
🩷sex toys
🩷face sitting
🩷breeding kink
🩷voyeurism
🩷dirty talk
Hayley ends up in Hallow’s Cove after one too many crappy exes and decides it’s time to try her luck with monsters …literally. She’s hoping to find someone who’ll love her weird little self and not cheat on her every five seconds. (Fair!) Except… turns out finding a respectful monster boyfriend isn’t as easy as expected.
Enter Jake, her quiet, awkward, adorably strange neighbor who just so happens to run a shop called Trash to Treasure and maybe likes dumpster diving a little too much. Oh, and he's a raccoon shifter named Beans. (Yes, Beans. I can't.) Jake is soft and sweet and unhinged in the gentlest way. He’s totally smitten with Hayley from the jump, because mate but instead of going full alpha-claim mode, he takes his time, shows up for her, woos her in the weirdest and most endearing ways possible.
And Hayley? Once she stops spiraling over not having a partner and starts embracing the beautifully strange person she is, she shines. I loved how weird their dates were, how unapologetically odd they both are, and how they never tried to be “normal” for each other. No fancy dinners. No overdone tropes. Just pure, quirky, chaotic love. The way they leaned into their mutual oddness made it feel real and actually super romantic.
Also: thank god the whole “you’re a raccoon shifter???” reveal didn’t turn into some huge third-act meltdown. She was like, “oh, that tracks” and honestly, that reaction made me love her even more.
trops/kinks/safety
🩷human/shifter
🩷neighbors
🩷plus size FMC
🩷fated mates
🩷hidden identity
🩷mention of cheating ex (past FMC)
🩷panty sniffing
🩷sex toys
🩷face sitting
🩷breeding kink
🩷voyeurism
🩷dirty talk
July 20, 2025
This was a really refreshing shifter read. A raccoon shifter is rarely written into romance but this was really quirky and cute but also very spicy. I like that the MMC wasn’t a typical alpha shifter. He was a little scattered and flustered and I liked it!
April 1, 2025
This story was hilarious! Hayley is fed up with humans and decides she wants a monster mate. After all, her Aunt moved to this quirky town and found her true love. So, while her Aunt is away, Hayley moves in and takes over running her shop, all the while trying to find her monster match. However, being a serial dater in her new hometown comes with small-town gossip and people thinking she is just one thirsty chick. But one shifter in town named Jake, finds her adorable and knows she is his mate. But he is a raccoon shifter and a dumpster diver. No way would she be interested in him! The author is new to me but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You will have to purchase a copy to find out what happens.
March 29, 2025
Thank you Emily Antionette for the ARC!
Trigger or content warnings? Yes. Included in book.
Jake is *weird* alright? I know he won’t be everyones cup of tea, but I was down for how odd he is.
Details?
FMC’s name is Hayley. She is 35 years old. MMC’s name is Jake, and he is 38 years old.
OP drama- Hayley goes out with another person after meeting Jake because she’s trying to find her fated mate. She does not know Jake is her fated mate. The farthest they go is kissing, because her date only wanted something casual.
Birth control is used. Condoms are not.
My thoughts?
I found out things about myself while reading Love is Trash. Jake is, a whole other league of a MMC. He was not an overly dominant man, and while I didn’t enjoy how easily he let go of Hayley while she was casually seeing the other person it sadly did make sense with his character. In Jake’s mind- Hayley presents as someone out of his league. Hayley is able to get along with people socially, put herself out there, and is super bubbly. Jake on the other hand is a bit of a recluse, a bit of a grump, and finds himself not getting along with people. Even if he wants to. I found out things about myself while reading about Jake with his looted goods of Hayley’s. These scenes are sexually explicit and so dir-ty! I was sat on my bed feeling positively scandalized. Loving every minute of it. I can’t wait for the future books of Hallow’s Cove.
Trigger or content warnings? Yes. Included in book.
Jake is *weird* alright? I know he won’t be everyones cup of tea, but I was down for how odd he is.
Details?
FMC’s name is Hayley. She is 35 years old. MMC’s name is Jake, and he is 38 years old.
OP drama- Hayley goes out with another person after meeting Jake because she’s trying to find her fated mate. She does not know Jake is her fated mate. The farthest they go is kissing, because her date only wanted something casual.
Birth control is used. Condoms are not.
My thoughts?
I found out things about myself while reading Love is Trash. Jake is, a whole other league of a MMC. He was not an overly dominant man, and while I didn’t enjoy how easily he let go of Hayley while she was casually seeing the other person it sadly did make sense with his character. In Jake’s mind- Hayley presents as someone out of his league. Hayley is able to get along with people socially, put herself out there, and is super bubbly. Jake on the other hand is a bit of a recluse, a bit of a grump, and finds himself not getting along with people. Even if he wants to. I found out things about myself while reading about Jake with his looted goods of Hayley’s. These scenes are sexually explicit and so dir-ty! I was sat on my bed feeling positively scandalized. Loving every minute of it. I can’t wait for the future books of Hallow’s Cove.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
I have been REALLY enjoying all of the in Hallow's Cove books that have been releasing but I'd have to say, so far this one is my favorite. The 2 main leads, Jake and Hayley had me laughing the entire book, and I loved the fact that they were just 2 weirdos looking for someone to appreciate their brand of weird. This book is cozy and low stakes and I honestly loved every second of it. If you're looking for a monster romance that will keep you laughing and make you just fall in love with the characters that you can binge read, then this is most definitely for you.
October 18, 2025
When I think about Hayley with other people, though, I want to scream. She's mine. She's my mate, not anyone else's. She's the most precious treasure I've ever stumbled upon, and I'm too greedy to share her.
4.25 stars
This was such an awkward, hilarious, romantic, and swoony story! I loved our hot-mess-of-a-hero, Jake. He's a dumpster-diving trash panda raccoon who never really wanted a mate until his shifted half
Tropes: fated mates, disastrous meet-cute, awkward raccoon shifter hero, unlucky-in-love heroine, he's obsessed with her/she has a raccoon problem, unconventional dates, hidden identity, low angst, slow burn, breeding & mating kink, STEAMY🔥
April 2, 2025
'Love at first sight, or sniff, or however it works, is a real thing for some monsters. God, it’s so romantic.' 🤭
This was adorable and hilarious! Hayley was a ticket, as my Nan would say. She was a little awkward yes, but she was sunshiny and sweet too, and her brand of weird would fit right in with my friends and I's weird. Same with Jake. I thought his nervous rambling and spacing out was so cute, and I loved when Hayley would remind him to breathe and bring him back to focus, it was a really sweet layer to their dynamic. Their romance was unique but so very fitting for their personalities, and I was really committed to their happiness, which is something I find to be true of all of Emily's pairings.
The spice was spicing, I love that Emily went there with the panties and scent/mating obsession. I know that someone said it was too weird for them (and thats chill, everyone has their preferences) but I don’t think it would be a monster romance without something weird or taboo. Shifters are generally pretty entry level monsterfucker wise, so I like that Emily went the kinky route to make it less basic.
I enjoyed the ways more townsfolk were introduced too, I’m really enjoying the shared world thing a lot and I always get excited when a new potential FMC/MMC is introduced. 😻
My only “complaint” isn’t really a complaint, but a request — I want more Beans!! hehehe 🦝
This was adorable and hilarious! Hayley was a ticket, as my Nan would say. She was a little awkward yes, but she was sunshiny and sweet too, and her brand of weird would fit right in with my friends and I's weird. Same with Jake. I thought his nervous rambling and spacing out was so cute, and I loved when Hayley would remind him to breathe and bring him back to focus, it was a really sweet layer to their dynamic. Their romance was unique but so very fitting for their personalities, and I was really committed to their happiness, which is something I find to be true of all of Emily's pairings.
The spice was spicing, I love that Emily went there with the panties and scent/mating obsession. I know that someone said it was too weird for them (and thats chill, everyone has their preferences) but I don’t think it would be a monster romance without something weird or taboo. Shifters are generally pretty entry level monsterfucker wise, so I like that Emily went the kinky route to make it less basic.
I enjoyed the ways more townsfolk were introduced too, I’m really enjoying the shared world thing a lot and I always get excited when a new potential FMC/MMC is introduced. 😻
My only “complaint” isn’t really a complaint, but a request — I want more Beans!! hehehe 🦝
July 18, 2025
Not really my cup of tea, BUT it was well written.
April 1, 2025
Okay, this book is pure chaos in the best way.
Meet Hayley: tired of dating humans and ready to find love in a town full of monsters. She thinks finding "the one" will be a total breeze, but... it's not. Enter Jake, the dumpster-diving raccoon shifter who somehow sniffs out that Hayley is his FATED MATE. (Yes, you read that right.)
Jake is the weirdest, sweetest little dumpster monster who only wants to show Hayley that there’s treasure beneath his trash-loving exterior. And tbh, I’m obsessed with them. From stolen undies (don’t ask) to weird date vibes and just pure awkwardness, this book is full of that energy. And don’t even get me started on Beans, Jake’s inner raccoon – an absolute mood.
The vibe? Cozy, weird, and sweet, with a sprinkle of monstrous romance. Hallow’s Cove is a place I’d 100% wanna live in, even if the dating scene is a lil strange. If you love quirky love stories and characters that make you feel all warm inside, this book is for you.
4.5⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Meet Hayley: tired of dating humans and ready to find love in a town full of monsters. She thinks finding "the one" will be a total breeze, but... it's not. Enter Jake, the dumpster-diving raccoon shifter who somehow sniffs out that Hayley is his FATED MATE. (Yes, you read that right.)
Jake is the weirdest, sweetest little dumpster monster who only wants to show Hayley that there’s treasure beneath his trash-loving exterior. And tbh, I’m obsessed with them. From stolen undies (don’t ask) to weird date vibes and just pure awkwardness, this book is full of that energy. And don’t even get me started on Beans, Jake’s inner raccoon – an absolute mood.
The vibe? Cozy, weird, and sweet, with a sprinkle of monstrous romance. Hallow’s Cove is a place I’d 100% wanna live in, even if the dating scene is a lil strange. If you love quirky love stories and characters that make you feel all warm inside, this book is for you.
4.5⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2025
I am still in love with Hallow’s Cove. Human Hayley is taking care of her aunt’s bodega while she’s on her honeymoon. She is on a mission to find love, since humans have failed her, she’s turned to monsters. She’s trying to go on dates but isn’t finding anything exciting. Jake is the thrift shop next door’s owner.. and a raccoon shifter (totally on board for this!!) Hayley’s lucky panties get a rip and she’s forced to throw them away, where an errant raccoon steals them.
This is an instant lovey, fated mates, hidden identity story in this cozy town. I did find some bits over the top but I guess that’s a raccoon for you, and this was a relatively slow burn for being so instant lovey.
This is an instant lovey, fated mates, hidden identity story in this cozy town. I did find some bits over the top but I guess that’s a raccoon for you, and this was a relatively slow burn for being so instant lovey.
May 31, 2025
This book was so CUTE and funny. Hayley is so relatable. Who wouldn’t want to move to a monster town and try to find their fated mate? Jake was a total mess but in such an adorable way. If someone gave me a first date like the one he prepared, I’d fall in love as well. I loved the scenes where Beans took over 😂 Also, hello to the spice 🥵
Read this if you enjoy:
🦝 A series of interconnected standalones
💜 Raccoon shifter MMC
🦝 Fated mates
💜 Obsession
“If someone is the right person for you, they'll like you because of your eccentricities, not in spite of them. Be yourself.”
“I feel like a trashy version of a Disney princess with my ability to bond with this raccoon, and honestly, it tracks.”
“I know what it's like to hear people say you're too much, or too odd, and make yourself smaller to try to fit what they want you to be. It's a constant struggle, and I love that you haven't changed who you are to make people more comfortable. It makes me feel safe to be myself with you.”
Read this if you enjoy:
🦝 A series of interconnected standalones
💜 Raccoon shifter MMC
🦝 Fated mates
💜 Obsession
“If someone is the right person for you, they'll like you because of your eccentricities, not in spite of them. Be yourself.”
“I feel like a trashy version of a Disney princess with my ability to bond with this raccoon, and honestly, it tracks.”
“I know what it's like to hear people say you're too much, or too odd, and make yourself smaller to try to fit what they want you to be. It's a constant struggle, and I love that you haven't changed who you are to make people more comfortable. It makes me feel safe to be myself with you.”
July 8, 2025
I am sure it is a surprise to no one when I say that this is now one of my top reads of all time. This book is a comfort. This book is everything I did not know I needed. It is so sweet, so wholesome, and yet oh so steamy. I love all the side characters and the friendships in this world. This book made me love Jake even more!!! I can’t wait to look back once all books are released and reunite with all the characters of Hallow’s Cove!🥺
I have a feeling I will love this series more the second time around!
If you have not read one of Hallow’s Cove love stories, this is your sign! Pick the book which characters and plot call to you! There is no wrong answer!
Thanks again Emily for writing another plus size MMC. There will never be too much plus size characters in this world. Thank you 🥹
I have many feelings, wholesome and otherwise 😏. Either way we know this is a 5 star for me 😅.
PS. LET BEANS FREE!! I could read 300 more pages of just silly beans content. I need more !!!! 😭🩷
Thank you Hallow's Cove for the ARC!
I have a feeling I will love this series more the second time around!
If you have not read one of Hallow’s Cove love stories, this is your sign! Pick the book which characters and plot call to you! There is no wrong answer!
Thanks again Emily for writing another plus size MMC. There will never be too much plus size characters in this world. Thank you 🥹
I have many feelings, wholesome and otherwise 😏. Either way we know this is a 5 star for me 😅.
PS. LET BEANS FREE!! I could read 300 more pages of just silly beans content. I need more !!!! 😭🩷
Thank you Hallow's Cove for the ARC!
April 9, 2025
I was excited with the premise of this story. It sounded cute and fun and the perfect combination of smut and fantasy and fluff. I ended up leaving the story feeling meh. The characters are cute and interesting, but there is very little making them super unique. The build ip started well, but the it all seemed to crash down like a jenga tower. The one true smut scene was needlessly draw out and graphic beyond necessity (and believe me, I enjoy a good smut scene). It was honestly very boring. Descriptions fell flat, and while I get the "fated mate" idea is supposed to border on obsession, this seemed like a purely and completely physical obsession with no real pull to actually know each other. Overall, great idea, execution was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
I love this book for several reasons.
The representation of two plus sized characters in a romance world of curvy girls with six pack men is so refreshing. Give me a normal looking man please.
The fact that he was a RAAAACCCCCCOOOOON SHIFTER!!!!!!! I LOVED THAT. Going through her trash was so funny!
I loved how they go on unconventional first dates and just the pure acceptance of each other. They'r both quirky characters who mesh well and never change or feel shamed for who they are.
This is a standalone in a series. Several characters from other books ar mentioned and I thankfully did read those so I feel like I got an even more in-depth storyline because of that. Hallow's Cove is a monster town and the monsters aren't the run of the mill regulars we see in paranormal romance.
Beautifully written!
The representation of two plus sized characters in a romance world of curvy girls with six pack men is so refreshing. Give me a normal looking man please.
The fact that he was a RAAAACCCCCCOOOOON SHIFTER!!!!!!! I LOVED THAT. Going through her trash was so funny!
I loved how they go on unconventional first dates and just the pure acceptance of each other. They'r both quirky characters who mesh well and never change or feel shamed for who they are.
This is a standalone in a series. Several characters from other books ar mentioned and I thankfully did read those so I feel like I got an even more in-depth storyline because of that. Hallow's Cove is a monster town and the monsters aren't the run of the mill regulars we see in paranormal romance.
Beautifully written!
August 6, 2025
Meh. I didn't like the heroine at first, who seemed like she moved to this town just to fetishize the inhabitants? And the insistence on calling them "monsters" when the hero is just a bumbling raccoon shifter was weird too. Sure, there are some more monstrous inhabitants, but it's not the whole town. The relationship between "monsters" and the wider human world is still a little murky to me, but I don't want to put that much thought into this series. I'll read the gargoyle book, since that's an author I've read and liked before, but I don't think I'll continue exploring Hallow's Cove, sadly.
March 22, 2025
It’s widely known at this point that I’m a huge fan of Emily’s work. But a novella with a raccoon shifter who’s obsessed with her scent??
I can’t wait for you all to read this cute spicy mate shifter book by Emily.
It’s fun to see a slightly new side to their work but it’s also still very them.
I can’t wait for you all to read this cute spicy mate shifter book by Emily.
It’s fun to see a slightly new side to their work but it’s also still very them.
March 22, 2025
Super cozy! I connected with the FMC because who doesn't suck at choosing the right partners and wanting someone who is meant for you. The 🌶 was 🔥. I especially liked the idea that shifters have 3 different forms and in this case it was almost like he had 3 different consciousness. Definitely a cute, cozy and quick read.
April 7, 2025
What an absolute treat! I had so much fun reading this story! I laughed so much at the quirky and over the top silliness. It was also so sweet and empowering! I loved the self-acceptance and affirming themes. Hayley and Jake were hilarious, so heartwarming and very steamy. They were a perfect match! I felt all warm and fuzzy with this story. I’m loving this series more and more with every book!
May 20, 2025
This was a fun silly romance! I didn’t think Jake was creepy cause I like some stalker vibes but I did think they both acted like 20 year olds haha. I thought this was cute but I didn’t love the date they went on to a marriage therapist and pretended to be a dysfunctional couple?? That just felt offensive to me.
September 25, 2025
This book was so adorable! It really spoke to the weird parts of me in the best day.
Jake & Hayley are both SO incredibly adorably awkward on their own, but when they’re together… I was giggling and kicking my feet!
This is a fast paced, cozy, shifter romance that’s absolutely perfect! The characters, the banter, the setting. I definitely recommend for all the weirdo trash pandas out there!
Jake & Hayley are both SO incredibly adorably awkward on their own, but when they’re together… I was giggling and kicking my feet!
This is a fast paced, cozy, shifter romance that’s absolutely perfect! The characters, the banter, the setting. I definitely recommend for all the weirdo trash pandas out there!
April 22, 2025
Another amazing addition to the Hallows cove series, this cozy and charming story had me swooning and begging for more. And the spicy scenes…… you just need to read it for yourself because ong so good!
July 1, 2025
This was just okay. Raccoon-shifter is a hilarious and creative concept, and I had some good laughs. But I was also creeped out by the MMC at times, and the writing was not up my alley. It's very short and easy to read, so if you're looking for some quick monster romance entertainment this is a good one.
July 10, 2025
My favorite pairing: two freaky losers. Could have honestly leaned into that cringe even more. I think this also had the perfect pacing of light drama for a novella. You can’t really get into anything real deep without it feeling rushed.
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