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The Last Shifters #3
Kept by the Kraken
He’s the last kraken—and he’s living in exile.
For centuries, Bjorn has punished himself for the loss of his people in the Great Shifter Wars. He barely lives, hiding away in his nature preserve and overseeing his watery territory.
But an underwater encounter with a human scientist in his bay reawakens his magic. Bjorn is determined to ignore fate, except the quirky and curious scientist won’t leave him alone. When Penelope shows up at his lighthouse, his Kraken takes matters into his own hands.
Can the bubbly scientist convince the brooding kraken to start over?
Kept by the Kraken is the third book in a paranormal shifter monster romance series, featuring fated mates. This can be read as a standalone. This FM monster romance includes hurtful/comfort, a curvy FMC, and all the tentacles.
Check the author’s note for information about content.
For centuries, Bjorn has punished himself for the loss of his people in the Great Shifter Wars. He barely lives, hiding away in his nature preserve and overseeing his watery territory.
But an underwater encounter with a human scientist in his bay reawakens his magic. Bjorn is determined to ignore fate, except the quirky and curious scientist won’t leave him alone. When Penelope shows up at his lighthouse, his Kraken takes matters into his own hands.
Can the bubbly scientist convince the brooding kraken to start over?
Kept by the Kraken is the third book in a paranormal shifter monster romance series, featuring fated mates. This can be read as a standalone. This FM monster romance includes hurtful/comfort, a curvy FMC, and all the tentacles.
Check the author’s note for information about content.
152 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
59 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Sirena Song
13 books177 followersSirena Song has always been bewitched by love. She reads and writes spicy romance where love wins, in all of its many forms. She writes in various subgenres of romance, including: contemporary, omegaverse, new adult, and fantasy/sci-fi. She started dreaming up worlds as a young girl, telling stories that were fantastical and usually got her in trouble. She's still doing that, only now her stories include heat.
Coffee Lover. Bibliophile. Lover of the ocean, mermaids, and magic.
You can find her at her website: https://www.sirenasong.com/
Coffee Lover. Bibliophile. Lover of the ocean, mermaids, and magic.
You can find her at her website: https://www.sirenasong.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 24, 2025
The MMC being a widow was probably the wrong thing for me to read because this is supposed to be fated mates...and he gets a second mate? Nope, thank you!
March 12, 2025
Genre: Adult Monster Romance
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
The Catalog: FM, fated mates, abduction, kraken MMC x scientist FMC, grief & love after loss, accidental / reluctant bonding, Norse mythology, tentacles, monster 🍆 with knotting & a mating tentacle, tentacle beard, praise, spanking & tentacle bondage, MMC is last of his kind
Spoiler-free Summary:
Penelope has always felt more at home with the ocean than anywhere else, so no wonder her scientific endeavors lead her to marine biology. Freshly divorced and diving for lobsters, Penelope has a rather odd encounter in the deep, leaving her looking for answers regarding a photo her camera captured. Everyone points her toward the reclusive, grumpy, lighthouse keeper for answers, but Bjorn wants nothing to do with her or a second chance at love. Unfortunately for him, the new glowing mate mark on his skin, and his kraken beast, have other plans.
Thoughts:
TLDR; a cozy monster romance between a kindhearted scientist and a cranky kraken, in which the tentacles really hit the spot.
The Last Shifters series is truly so much fun! In this book, we move out of the shifter territory to Claw Bay Harbor, where one lonely, grumpy kraken lives. In Kept by the Kraken, Bjorn, who makes brief cameos in Devoted to the Dragon, is tasked with his biggest nightmare: another chance at love. I loved his character, especially his relationship with his beast, and how he was as a mate.
Penelope, the witty marine biologist, is definitely the perfect match for Bjorn, and I was endless amused by (and also touched by) the ways they healed each other. Additionally, despite some of the heavier topics, such as grief and loss, this story managed to be lighthearted, humorous, and cozy.
This book also has two of my favorite micro-tropes: a FMC who is unabashedly into her monster mate and owns her monster-f*cker desires, AND tentacles that have a mind of their own 🤣
Compared to the other novels in this series, I do feel there was less emotional depth, but I do think that is a symptom of its length more than anything else.
Definitely recommend to monster romance readers!
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
The Catalog: FM, fated mates, abduction, kraken MMC x scientist FMC, grief & love after loss, accidental / reluctant bonding, Norse mythology, tentacles, monster 🍆 with knotting & a mating tentacle, tentacle beard, praise, spanking & tentacle bondage, MMC is last of his kind
Spoiler-free Summary:
Penelope has always felt more at home with the ocean than anywhere else, so no wonder her scientific endeavors lead her to marine biology. Freshly divorced and diving for lobsters, Penelope has a rather odd encounter in the deep, leaving her looking for answers regarding a photo her camera captured. Everyone points her toward the reclusive, grumpy, lighthouse keeper for answers, but Bjorn wants nothing to do with her or a second chance at love. Unfortunately for him, the new glowing mate mark on his skin, and his kraken beast, have other plans.
Thoughts:
TLDR; a cozy monster romance between a kindhearted scientist and a cranky kraken, in which the tentacles really hit the spot.
The Last Shifters series is truly so much fun! In this book, we move out of the shifter territory to Claw Bay Harbor, where one lonely, grumpy kraken lives. In Kept by the Kraken, Bjorn, who makes brief cameos in Devoted to the Dragon, is tasked with his biggest nightmare: another chance at love. I loved his character, especially his relationship with his beast, and how he was as a mate.
Penelope, the witty marine biologist, is definitely the perfect match for Bjorn, and I was endless amused by (and also touched by) the ways they healed each other. Additionally, despite some of the heavier topics, such as grief and loss, this story managed to be lighthearted, humorous, and cozy.
This book also has two of my favorite micro-tropes: a FMC who is unabashedly into her monster mate and owns her monster-f*cker desires, AND tentacles that have a mind of their own 🤣
Compared to the other novels in this series, I do feel there was less emotional depth, but I do think that is a symptom of its length more than anything else.
Definitely recommend to monster romance readers!
March 28, 2025
Low drama, high heat, good read.
April 21, 2025
Tentacles, oh my 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/4
This little novella had a lot more depth than I was expecting, but it think was overall a bit ambitios. We ended with a few hastily drawn conclusions and some very convenient conflict resolution.
However, the premise was interesting and the spicy was 🔥🔥🔥 wishing it was a bit more descriptive 🤷🏻♀️
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/4
This little novella had a lot more depth than I was expecting, but it think was overall a bit ambitios. We ended with a few hastily drawn conclusions and some very convenient conflict resolution.
However, the premise was interesting and the spicy was 🔥🔥🔥 wishing it was a bit more descriptive 🤷🏻♀️
March 19, 2025
Thank you for the gifted ARC!
This book has such a cool concept. Marine biologist meets lonely kraken shifter.
Unfortunately, I was not on board with our male lead Bjorn. Not only do we get a massive info dump in his very first chapter about where he comes from and what happened to him, he also . That is so not okay.
By then, the man gave off bad vibes he did not manage to redeem for me.
Randomly decided on a nickname for her to the point where he just called her that in his POV chapters, hardly using her real name anymore. It was so out of the blue, it made me feel like it was a plot-error where Penelope used to be called by that name and was overlooked during editing. It really pulled me out of the story.
Also, it's such a small thing to be annoyed about but Vikings never called themselves Vikings. That's the name later historians would have decided for them. They were the Danes, to name one tribe.
This book has such a cool concept. Marine biologist meets lonely kraken shifter.
Unfortunately, I was not on board with our male lead Bjorn. Not only do we get a massive info dump in his very first chapter about where he comes from and what happened to him, he also . That is so not okay.
By then, the man gave off bad vibes he did not manage to redeem for me.
Randomly decided on a nickname for her to the point where he just called her that in his POV chapters, hardly using her real name anymore. It was so out of the blue, it made me feel like it was a plot-error where Penelope used to be called by that name and was overlooked during editing. It really pulled me out of the story.
Also, it's such a small thing to be annoyed about but Vikings never called themselves Vikings. That's the name later historians would have decided for them. They were the Danes, to name one tribe.
March 11, 2025
Bjorn deserved his happy ending. He needed Penelope to find him and show him that it's okay to move forward with life and find love again. We met him at the end of the first book and he was just so miserable and lonely.
Omg let me tell you Sirena Song has a way of making you feel for her characters! When Bjorn realizes his Kraken has found their fated mate he is not happy about it, and that whole scene is so heartbreaking.
Penelope is just coming into her own as a person and finding her footing after a bad marriage and divorce. She is finally comfortable in her skin and a fan, like many of us of reading smutty books! She is head strong, brave and a little snarky which I loved! Anyone willing to go toe to toe with a kraken is okay in my book 😅
This book was full of care and understanding. Both Bjorn and Penelope have pasts they need to work through, but with each other they are able to face what hurts them most.
I also 100% looked up a kraken just so I could make sure I was reading this book right because the spice is top notch! 🌶️🤭
Spicy little novella 😏
Thank you Sirena Song for the ARC! I truly enjoyed every one of the books in this series 💜
Omg let me tell you Sirena Song has a way of making you feel for her characters! When Bjorn realizes his Kraken has found their fated mate he is not happy about it, and that whole scene is so heartbreaking.
Penelope is just coming into her own as a person and finding her footing after a bad marriage and divorce. She is finally comfortable in her skin and a fan, like many of us of reading smutty books! She is head strong, brave and a little snarky which I loved! Anyone willing to go toe to toe with a kraken is okay in my book 😅
This book was full of care and understanding. Both Bjorn and Penelope have pasts they need to work through, but with each other they are able to face what hurts them most.
I also 100% looked up a kraken just so I could make sure I was reading this book right because the spice is top notch! 🌶️🤭
Spicy little novella 😏
Thank you Sirena Song for the ARC! I truly enjoyed every one of the books in this series 💜
March 15, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
🌶️: 4/5
RELEASE DATE: 26/03/25
When your childhood dream is to be a mermaid 🥲
Bjorn caught my interest from the first time he was introduced. The heartbreak and the tragic story.
BUT I DID NOT EXPECT TO BE THIS WRECK🥲🥲
AND PENELOPE 🥲🥲
Sometimes the more colourful that person is the insecure they are AND THAT'S HER 🥲
BUT THE WAY BJORN JUST NON STOP REMINDING HER JUST AAKKHHH 🤌🤌😍😍
AND YESS I AGREE WITH THE KRAKEN THAT THE PESKY EX NEEDS TO BE ... 💀
This book is alot more on the hurt and comfort zone and less Gorey and less Action than the last 2.
But overall still such a good book!
AND ALSOOOO
IT VIBRATES .... I AM SHOCK 🙃💀
Talk about multi purpose 🤣
IYKYK 👀👀
I've learned ALOT from this book and i'm happy with my newest interest 🤣
This book is HOT and that's all i'm saying 🥵
Book Contains:
- Hurt and Comfort
- Mention of Spouse and Childs Death
- Mention of Abuse
- Curvy FMC
- Bonding
- Bondage
- DP
- Tentacle Fun
- Spanking
🍑 HAPPY READING YALL!!!! 🍑
🌶️: 4/5
RELEASE DATE: 26/03/25
When your childhood dream is to be a mermaid 🥲
Bjorn caught my interest from the first time he was introduced. The heartbreak and the tragic story.
BUT I DID NOT EXPECT TO BE THIS WRECK🥲🥲
AND PENELOPE 🥲🥲
Sometimes the more colourful that person is the insecure they are AND THAT'S HER 🥲
BUT THE WAY BJORN JUST NON STOP REMINDING HER JUST AAKKHHH 🤌🤌😍😍
AND YESS I AGREE WITH THE KRAKEN THAT THE PESKY EX NEEDS TO BE ... 💀
This book is alot more on the hurt and comfort zone and less Gorey and less Action than the last 2.
But overall still such a good book!
AND ALSOOOO
IT VIBRATES .... I AM SHOCK 🙃💀
Talk about multi purpose 🤣
IYKYK 👀👀
I've learned ALOT from this book and i'm happy with my newest interest 🤣
This book is HOT and that's all i'm saying 🥵
Book Contains:
- Hurt and Comfort
- Mention of Spouse and Childs Death
- Mention of Abuse
- Curvy FMC
- Bonding
- Bondage
- DP
- Tentacle Fun
- Spanking
🍑 HAPPY READING YALL!!!! 🍑
March 21, 2025
Such a cute book. I love the healing process shared between the characters. And Viking being a sweet caring person but also keeping to the warrior alive was a great balance. I enjoyed this read and look for more books from the author.
October 20, 2025
It was a decent quick read. 3 stars for me is an average rating - meaning the average person is likely to enjoy it. The FMC unnerved me a little at some point when she first met the MMC, but she grows on you.
Honestly, Bjorn was my favorite part of the book. The tragedy of his past was really heart wrenching for me on a deep and profound level. He was really fighting the bond fated between them, but you find yourself wanting him to be happy and accept this second chance at love. I enjoyed the lore and the biological compatibility that comes with accepting the mating bond (immortal-ish monster/human pairings always stress me out when I think about the longevity of the relationship in terms of mortality, so this book tackling that gave me sooooooo much peace).
The drama that does arrive is fairly good. Part of me wishes it could have been dragged on more BUT I had to remember this was a quick read, so keeping it short and to the point makes sense. Still, for a short book, I think it was done well with what we're given.
The spice was average as well. Nothing too wild but not vanilla either. This might be a decent read for someone just getting started into the monster romance genre.
Honestly, Bjorn was my favorite part of the book. The tragedy of his past was really heart wrenching for me on a deep and profound level. He was really fighting the bond fated between them, but you find yourself wanting him to be happy and accept this second chance at love. I enjoyed the lore and the biological compatibility that comes with accepting the mating bond (immortal-ish monster/human pairings always stress me out when I think about the longevity of the relationship in terms of mortality, so this book tackling that gave me sooooooo much peace).
The drama that does arrive is fairly good. Part of me wishes it could have been dragged on more BUT I had to remember this was a quick read, so keeping it short and to the point makes sense. Still, for a short book, I think it was done well with what we're given.
The spice was average as well. Nothing too wild but not vanilla either. This might be a decent read for someone just getting started into the monster romance genre.
June 3, 2025
Nope. Not even the promise of tentacles could make me finish.
April 27, 2025
3.4
solid, likeable characters, but nothing too exciting, but can't expect that from such a short story.
I felt conflicting emotions about him being a widow, but then they arr mates, it just felt a little off balance
solid, likeable characters, but nothing too exciting, but can't expect that from such a short story.
I felt conflicting emotions about him being a widow, but then they arr mates, it just felt a little off balance
April 28, 2025
4/⭐️ 4/🌶️ Great monster romance moment! Definitely recommend!
March 29, 2025
My goodness, what a great story to end this series. I've been waiting for Bjorn's book since he was first introduced in Devoted to the Dragon. I instantly wanted to know more and Sirena did not disappoint! I loved Penelope and Bjorn together. Even though they were both trying to cope with their pasts, they found hope and were able to heal in each other. The connection between them was instant, even though Bjorn tried to fight it. My heart broke for him on losing his family and people and I could relate to Penelope on not feeling truly wanted or worthy by someone you love. And the spice was extra HOT!! 🥵 Overall, this was a short but super sweet and spicy book. I absolutely loved this series, and a little sad to see it end but can't wait to see what Sirena has in store for us next!!
*I received this book as an ARC and I'm leaving my honest and voluntary review*
*I received this book as an ARC and I'm leaving my honest and voluntary review*
July 28, 2025
I received an early copy of this book and Sirena gave us exactly what she said she would. That being said, I didn't love Bjorn and felt that it was too rushed from him being devastated from the loss of his family/kin to then to accepting of a new mate. I felt like for the length of the book, he either had to be already mostly ready to move on or it needed to be a longer book for him to develop more.
April 6, 2025
I wanted to love this but could not get into it. Everything feels so surface level and the romance and smut was not hot to me.
- First off, Bjorn being a widower was not a good choice IMO. It basically says fated mates are temporary and cheapens the whole thing. He had a whole ass wife and child and he meets Penelope and is instantly healed and in love / mated again? Nah.
- the whole flower thing made me roll my eyes. Years and years of self doubt, punishing himself and pulling away and boom, he saw her with some flowers and decides, "yeah I'm over my old mate, let's do this". And his whole mental health struggle and feelings of guilt disappear. Eh.
- Next Penelope annoyed me. She has literally NO personality aside from being super horny all the time and plus sized. That's it. Like literally she finds out he's a SEA MONSTER who bound her to him for life after like 3 hours of knowing him and she's not even upset or scared or anything? Just takes a walk and decides it's cool??? She just seems so aimless and bland.
- the whole "curvy plus sized mc who has an abusive ex who made them hate their appearance and the male lead makes her feel sexy again so that when the ex reappears she knows her worth" thing is SO played out IMO. Like seriously we kept hearing about how thick and gorgeous she was from Bjorn... Can I get something else? Like of she's got such a sharp mind, her smile is beautiful, she makes a silly cry face etc. It just felt like overcompensating and trying to ram the point of "she's thick but still sexy" home when we got that the first 20 times.
- Bjorn calling her "wildcat" and "violet" made me roll my eyes. First off wildcat? Why not something sea or ocean related. Next, this guy just takes one aspect of her appearance and makes it her nickname to the point he barely even uses her real name. I did not enjoy that.
- I needed more romance. These two had nothing in common aside from her working with the sea. They don't click in any way and it seemed mostly physical.
- The smut was just ok. It wasn't the worst ever or anything, but I just expected more. There's a lot of "stuffing, he plays with her clit and she comes" over and over and it just got really old.
- I didn't care for the ending. They're moving to a lighthouse he's going to fix up... And then what? She's gonna write a book and they'll be ok? With no money or prospects? It would be one thing if he had a treasure trove or if they went back to the sea but this just seemed odd to me. Also in the beginning where he stumbled out of the ocean and ends up in a bathroom? Is that his house? Does he pay taxes? He doesn't remember human stuff but knows how to open a can? That needed some work.
- First off, Bjorn being a widower was not a good choice IMO. It basically says fated mates are temporary and cheapens the whole thing. He had a whole ass wife and child and he meets Penelope and is instantly healed and in love / mated again? Nah.
- the whole flower thing made me roll my eyes. Years and years of self doubt, punishing himself and pulling away and boom, he saw her with some flowers and decides, "yeah I'm over my old mate, let's do this". And his whole mental health struggle and feelings of guilt disappear. Eh.
- Next Penelope annoyed me. She has literally NO personality aside from being super horny all the time and plus sized. That's it. Like literally she finds out he's a SEA MONSTER who bound her to him for life after like 3 hours of knowing him and she's not even upset or scared or anything? Just takes a walk and decides it's cool??? She just seems so aimless and bland.
- the whole "curvy plus sized mc who has an abusive ex who made them hate their appearance and the male lead makes her feel sexy again so that when the ex reappears she knows her worth" thing is SO played out IMO. Like seriously we kept hearing about how thick and gorgeous she was from Bjorn... Can I get something else? Like of she's got such a sharp mind, her smile is beautiful, she makes a silly cry face etc. It just felt like overcompensating and trying to ram the point of "she's thick but still sexy" home when we got that the first 20 times.
- Bjorn calling her "wildcat" and "violet" made me roll my eyes. First off wildcat? Why not something sea or ocean related. Next, this guy just takes one aspect of her appearance and makes it her nickname to the point he barely even uses her real name. I did not enjoy that.
- I needed more romance. These two had nothing in common aside from her working with the sea. They don't click in any way and it seemed mostly physical.
- The smut was just ok. It wasn't the worst ever or anything, but I just expected more. There's a lot of "stuffing, he plays with her clit and she comes" over and over and it just got really old.
- I didn't care for the ending. They're moving to a lighthouse he's going to fix up... And then what? She's gonna write a book and they'll be ok? With no money or prospects? It would be one thing if he had a treasure trove or if they went back to the sea but this just seemed odd to me. Also in the beginning where he stumbled out of the ocean and ends up in a bathroom? Is that his house? Does he pay taxes? He doesn't remember human stuff but knows how to open a can? That needed some work.
March 23, 2025
Sirena Song has once again delivered a story full of heart, magic, and this time—TENTACLES.
Bjorn, the MMC, is the perfect broody, self-exiled kraken, burdened by the guilt of a past where he believes he failed the ones he was meant to keep safe. Penelope, the FMC, is his complete opposite—a curious scientist who refuses to let him push her away. Their chemistry crackles from the start, and their fated mates connection is written so beautifully that it feels deeply earned for both of them.
One of the things I loved most about Penelope is how her past didn’t break her. She is overflowing with an unyielding fascination and a relentless need to ask ALL the questions—constantly, and without hesitation. It’s one of the many things that make her the perfect match for Bjorn’s wounded soul, but just as importantly, he is the perfect match for her, never making her feel like she has to be anything other than herself. And it was BEAUTIFUL!!
Meanwhile, I felt like the story’s antagonist was a necessary obstacle to the overall plot, creating tension that made Penelope and Bjorn’s journey all the more compelling. Without this conflict, their story could have felt too easy—but instead, it was woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and keeping the stakes high.
The world-building in this series continues to amaze me. Sirena Song masterfully weaves in Bjorn’s history, and these details not only enrich his character but also add incredible depth to the world, making it feel vast, lived-in, and full of legend. What really makes this series shine is how easy it is to visualize these characters and escape into their world.
And the romance? Utterly swoon-worthy. Bjorn’s gruff exterior hides so much longing, and watching him fall for Penelope—while she stubbornly refuses to let him hide from life—was everything I wanted. The hurt/comfort element is done beautifully, making every emotional moment hit that much harder. Oh, and the spice? SPICING. SO GOOD!
If you love fated mates, unique shifter lore, and a romance that balances deep emotion with playful fun—and plenty of TENTACLE-FILLED heat—you need this book in your life.
Thank you, Sirena Song, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Bjorn, the MMC, is the perfect broody, self-exiled kraken, burdened by the guilt of a past where he believes he failed the ones he was meant to keep safe. Penelope, the FMC, is his complete opposite—a curious scientist who refuses to let him push her away. Their chemistry crackles from the start, and their fated mates connection is written so beautifully that it feels deeply earned for both of them.
One of the things I loved most about Penelope is how her past didn’t break her. She is overflowing with an unyielding fascination and a relentless need to ask ALL the questions—constantly, and without hesitation. It’s one of the many things that make her the perfect match for Bjorn’s wounded soul, but just as importantly, he is the perfect match for her, never making her feel like she has to be anything other than herself. And it was BEAUTIFUL!!
Meanwhile, I felt like the story’s antagonist was a necessary obstacle to the overall plot, creating tension that made Penelope and Bjorn’s journey all the more compelling. Without this conflict, their story could have felt too easy—but instead, it was woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and keeping the stakes high.
The world-building in this series continues to amaze me. Sirena Song masterfully weaves in Bjorn’s history, and these details not only enrich his character but also add incredible depth to the world, making it feel vast, lived-in, and full of legend. What really makes this series shine is how easy it is to visualize these characters and escape into their world.
And the romance? Utterly swoon-worthy. Bjorn’s gruff exterior hides so much longing, and watching him fall for Penelope—while she stubbornly refuses to let him hide from life—was everything I wanted. The hurt/comfort element is done beautifully, making every emotional moment hit that much harder. Oh, and the spice? SPICING. SO GOOD!
If you love fated mates, unique shifter lore, and a romance that balances deep emotion with playful fun—and plenty of TENTACLE-FILLED heat—you need this book in your life.
Thank you, Sirena Song, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 15, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - near drowning, verbal abuse (ex-husband), attempted sexual assault and physical assault (ex husband, on page), grief over the death of a spouse and child (death recounted), shitty parents incl instances of past sexism, fatphobia/body shaming and kink shaming (ex-husband), cheating ex husband (recounted), kidnapping, captivity, alcohol consumption, vomit, suicidal thoughts (brief), smoking (cigarettes, sc), divorce, going no contact with parents
CW - bondage, spanking, claiming / branding, DP, accidental bonding, OM drama, hand necklace, unprotected sex
Tropes - paranormal, accidental bonding, fated mates, grumpy x sunshine, hurt x comfort
This was such a fun read! Kept by the Kraken is different from the previous two books in the series as we get a new setting and a human FMC. Whilst the previous books have higher stakes, this was more lighthearted but still managed to explore the characters in a good amount of depth given this is a novella.
I thought the novella was a perfect length, it’s fast burn with some bumps in the road and lots of tentacle fun 😉🦑
I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series so far and would recommend them all
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - near drowning, verbal abuse (ex-husband), attempted sexual assault and physical assault (ex husband, on page), grief over the death of a spouse and child (death recounted), shitty parents incl instances of past sexism, fatphobia/body shaming and kink shaming (ex-husband), cheating ex husband (recounted), kidnapping, captivity, alcohol consumption, vomit, suicidal thoughts (brief), smoking (cigarettes, sc), divorce, going no contact with parents
CW - bondage, spanking, claiming / branding, DP, accidental bonding, OM drama, hand necklace, unprotected sex
Tropes - paranormal, accidental bonding, fated mates, grumpy x sunshine, hurt x comfort
This was such a fun read! Kept by the Kraken is different from the previous two books in the series as we get a new setting and a human FMC. Whilst the previous books have higher stakes, this was more lighthearted but still managed to explore the characters in a good amount of depth given this is a novella.
I thought the novella was a perfect length, it’s fast burn with some bumps in the road and lots of tentacle fun 😉🦑
I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series so far and would recommend them all
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
March 12, 2025
The Last Shifter series quickly made its way to one of my all time favorites! Sirena just has a way with creating these magical worlds you want to be a part of and can't help but be entranced by her stories. Kept by the Kraken was no different and I loved how we see two broken individuals find each other and heal as they discover they're fated mates.
Bjorn, our Kraken shifter MMC, is grumpy and has understandable past trauma when it comes to interacting with others. I LOVED when his kraken came out (and would have loved even more of him), especially with how Penelope (our human marine biologist FMC) interacts and accepts him. Penelope is moving on from an abusive relationship and I loved seeing our main characters find love and second chances in each other.
Yes, there is more spice than plot, but I was actually okay with it in this book (I mean he's a Kraken...I'll take all the spice!!). While I would beg on my hands and knees for like 100+ more pages of their story because I could not get enough - I understand this is meant to be a novella so I do rate those differently. I would give this one 4.5 stars since there was a bit more room for some emotional and relationship development in my opinion (but that could also be personal preference).
I give this entire series a highly recommend - and while you could definitely read this one as a standalone, you should read them all and you just might fall in love too!
I received an eARC of this book, but the review is entirely my own.
Bjorn, our Kraken shifter MMC, is grumpy and has understandable past trauma when it comes to interacting with others. I LOVED when his kraken came out (and would have loved even more of him), especially with how Penelope (our human marine biologist FMC) interacts and accepts him. Penelope is moving on from an abusive relationship and I loved seeing our main characters find love and second chances in each other.
Yes, there is more spice than plot, but I was actually okay with it in this book (I mean he's a Kraken...I'll take all the spice!!). While I would beg on my hands and knees for like 100+ more pages of their story because I could not get enough - I understand this is meant to be a novella so I do rate those differently. I would give this one 4.5 stars since there was a bit more room for some emotional and relationship development in my opinion (but that could also be personal preference).
I give this entire series a highly recommend - and while you could definitely read this one as a standalone, you should read them all and you just might fall in love too!
I received an eARC of this book, but the review is entirely my own.
March 21, 2025
What a beautiful story.
I loved Penelope and Bjorn's story so much. Penelope is the perfect person to drag Bjorn out of his funk.
Penelope is beautiful, intelligent, a marine biologist (how cool), kind, quirky, curious, but also harbers a lot of self-worth issues (no thanks to her ex and family). Bjorn, we met him in Devoted to The Dragon, and I'm so glad he got his happy ever after. You could tell that he was so unhappy and was just surviving and not truly living his best kraken life. Bjorn is big, beautiful, a literal kraken warrior, and someone who has gone through so much heartbreak.
The plot was amazing. Penelope and her curious mind wants to know what she found on her underwater dive. She is directed towards the lighthouse keeper Bjorn and what a journey they take together. Bjorn struggles to let Penelope in when he realises this beautiful human is his mate. Penelope learns that she is worthy of love and affection, that she can make her own choices in life, and that she will have someone by her side who will support her in every way. They are perfect for each other, but Penelope and Bjorn have a few obstacles to overcome.
This is such a great read, and I highly recommend reading this series to anyone.
Thank you so much, Sirena and your beautiful team, for the opportunity to read this story. I am extremely blessed 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🐙 dual pov
🐙 curvy fmc
🐙 grumpy/ Sunshine
🐙 fated mates
🐙 accidental bonding
🐙 shifter
I loved Penelope and Bjorn's story so much. Penelope is the perfect person to drag Bjorn out of his funk.
Penelope is beautiful, intelligent, a marine biologist (how cool), kind, quirky, curious, but also harbers a lot of self-worth issues (no thanks to her ex and family). Bjorn, we met him in Devoted to The Dragon, and I'm so glad he got his happy ever after. You could tell that he was so unhappy and was just surviving and not truly living his best kraken life. Bjorn is big, beautiful, a literal kraken warrior, and someone who has gone through so much heartbreak.
The plot was amazing. Penelope and her curious mind wants to know what she found on her underwater dive. She is directed towards the lighthouse keeper Bjorn and what a journey they take together. Bjorn struggles to let Penelope in when he realises this beautiful human is his mate. Penelope learns that she is worthy of love and affection, that she can make her own choices in life, and that she will have someone by her side who will support her in every way. They are perfect for each other, but Penelope and Bjorn have a few obstacles to overcome.
This is such a great read, and I highly recommend reading this series to anyone.
Thank you so much, Sirena and your beautiful team, for the opportunity to read this story. I am extremely blessed 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🐙 dual pov
🐙 curvy fmc
🐙 grumpy/ Sunshine
🐙 fated mates
🐙 accidental bonding
🐙 shifter
March 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Tentacles, Trauma, and a Love Story for the Ages!"
If you told me I'd be crying over a broody, self-loathing kraken and a sunshiney scientist, I would've laughed in your face. But here we are—I'm emotionally wrecked, and I regret nothing!
Bjorn, our last-of-his-kind, moody sea monster, has been marinating in centuries of guilt (and saltwater) over the loss of his people. Enter Penelope, a human scientist with enough curiosity to put a cat in danger and enough charm to make a grumpy kraken question his whole lonely existence. Their meet-cute? Oh, just a casual underwater encounter that sparks his long-dormant magic—no big deal.
Penelope isn’t about to let this brooding sea beast wallow forever, and when she shows up at his lighthouse, all bets are off. Watching these two push past their pain—Bjorn’s self-imposed exile, Penelope’s relentless need for answers—was nothing short of magical. Their chemistry? Electric. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget the tentacle involvement (don’t be shy, you know you’re curious).
This book is everything: heartache, humor, high-stakes romance, and a kraken who just needed someone to remind him he’s still worthy of love. If you love grumpy-sunshine tropes, redemption arcs, and a touch of deep-sea danger, grab this book immediately. You won’t regret it!
If you told me I'd be crying over a broody, self-loathing kraken and a sunshiney scientist, I would've laughed in your face. But here we are—I'm emotionally wrecked, and I regret nothing!
Bjorn, our last-of-his-kind, moody sea monster, has been marinating in centuries of guilt (and saltwater) over the loss of his people. Enter Penelope, a human scientist with enough curiosity to put a cat in danger and enough charm to make a grumpy kraken question his whole lonely existence. Their meet-cute? Oh, just a casual underwater encounter that sparks his long-dormant magic—no big deal.
Penelope isn’t about to let this brooding sea beast wallow forever, and when she shows up at his lighthouse, all bets are off. Watching these two push past their pain—Bjorn’s self-imposed exile, Penelope’s relentless need for answers—was nothing short of magical. Their chemistry? Electric. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget the tentacle involvement (don’t be shy, you know you’re curious).
This book is everything: heartache, humor, high-stakes romance, and a kraken who just needed someone to remind him he’s still worthy of love. If you love grumpy-sunshine tropes, redemption arcs, and a touch of deep-sea danger, grab this book immediately. You won’t regret it!
March 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
Release Date March 26th
I LOVE tentacles.
Kept by the Kraken has all of the raw, primal energy of the mythical beasts of the oceans deep. I love my monster romance with a giant side of fated mates, instant devotion, feral inner beasts, and ladies who have been told their kink is too much (but is just right for her monster man). Mmmm Sirena Song DELIVERS!
Kept by the Kraken is a terrific monster romance that dives head first into the passion and longing and I had a REALLY hard time putting it down. There is instant attraction and curiosity that really propels the characters into taking the ‘dive’ into each other. The lust is also off the charts terrific!
I would love to mention that I absolutely ADORE the cover art for this series and this one in particular really takes the cake of beautiful artwork! @kotikomori
🐚Kept by the Kraken is available for pre-order and releases March 26th
🌊Kept by the Kraken is the third book in a paranormal shifter monster romance series, featuring fated mates. This can be read as a standalone. This f/m romance includes hurtful/comfort, a curvy FMC, and all the tentacles.
🌊Check the author’s note for information about content.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
Release Date March 26th
I LOVE tentacles.
Kept by the Kraken has all of the raw, primal energy of the mythical beasts of the oceans deep. I love my monster romance with a giant side of fated mates, instant devotion, feral inner beasts, and ladies who have been told their kink is too much (but is just right for her monster man). Mmmm Sirena Song DELIVERS!
Kept by the Kraken is a terrific monster romance that dives head first into the passion and longing and I had a REALLY hard time putting it down. There is instant attraction and curiosity that really propels the characters into taking the ‘dive’ into each other. The lust is also off the charts terrific!
I would love to mention that I absolutely ADORE the cover art for this series and this one in particular really takes the cake of beautiful artwork! @kotikomori
🐚Kept by the Kraken is available for pre-order and releases March 26th
🌊Kept by the Kraken is the third book in a paranormal shifter monster romance series, featuring fated mates. This can be read as a standalone. This f/m romance includes hurtful/comfort, a curvy FMC, and all the tentacles.
🌊Check the author’s note for information about content.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
March 26, 2025
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to think when I began. I'm a huge fan of shifters (wolf, bear, etc) and I was intrigued when I heard that the H was a kraken shifter.
Our story begins with Penelope, a marine biologist, gathering samples for a project she is working on. Suddenly she is met with a creature with tentacles. Of course anyone in that situation would be completely freaked out about a possible demise, but our girl is actually excited about the situation (as would I because, well, shifter 😏).
After she recovers from the encounter, she is adamant to find out what happened and what did she actually see. She is then led to a widowed recluse with a secret named Bjorn (who, if you've been keeping up, we met in the first installment of the Last Shifters series). He has been through the wringer in his lifetime and we find out that Penelope, a recent divorcee with a scumbag ex husband, is his second chance mate (which I love for them because who doesn't deserve an HEA?). Can he trust her to keep his secret and keep a tragic history from repeating itself?
The spice is spectacular and their love story is beautiful.
After having read this, I'm team kraken. Definitely recommend this read to anyone who is into shifters and monster romance.
Our story begins with Penelope, a marine biologist, gathering samples for a project she is working on. Suddenly she is met with a creature with tentacles. Of course anyone in that situation would be completely freaked out about a possible demise, but our girl is actually excited about the situation (as would I because, well, shifter 😏).
After she recovers from the encounter, she is adamant to find out what happened and what did she actually see. She is then led to a widowed recluse with a secret named Bjorn (who, if you've been keeping up, we met in the first installment of the Last Shifters series). He has been through the wringer in his lifetime and we find out that Penelope, a recent divorcee with a scumbag ex husband, is his second chance mate (which I love for them because who doesn't deserve an HEA?). Can he trust her to keep his secret and keep a tragic history from repeating itself?
The spice is spectacular and their love story is beautiful.
After having read this, I'm team kraken. Definitely recommend this read to anyone who is into shifters and monster romance.
April 29, 2025
A LOT BOOK FOR A NOVELLA!
I liked the book, but… The story premise was great and very detailed. Now Miss Song did place a warning of the subjects she covers in this book. The ones I was uncomfortable with I swiftly skim and move on. I enjoy the sex scenes but sometimes there are too many sex scenes that I start skipping those pages. Especially when the story is very interesting which this one is. I was glad that Penelope and Bjorn found one another.
Miss Song is very skilled in putting emotions into words. I'm glad whenever a curvy woman is the character. It is nice in the ‘mates’ books because the male character accepts a female as she is. I just wish it was true in real life.
I am amazed that Miss Song was able to get so much information into the book and keep it a novella. I appreciate the cover art so thank you to the illustrator Koti Komori. I will admit the cover said “hello” to me I always love a gorgeous man then I read the description of the book and decided to read it.
I liked the book, but… The story premise was great and very detailed. Now Miss Song did place a warning of the subjects she covers in this book. The ones I was uncomfortable with I swiftly skim and move on. I enjoy the sex scenes but sometimes there are too many sex scenes that I start skipping those pages. Especially when the story is very interesting which this one is. I was glad that Penelope and Bjorn found one another.
Miss Song is very skilled in putting emotions into words. I'm glad whenever a curvy woman is the character. It is nice in the ‘mates’ books because the male character accepts a female as she is. I just wish it was true in real life.
I am amazed that Miss Song was able to get so much information into the book and keep it a novella. I appreciate the cover art so thank you to the illustrator Koti Komori. I will admit the cover said “hello” to me I always love a gorgeous man then I read the description of the book and decided to read it.
March 31, 2025
I loved the grumpy/sunshine banter between Bjorn and Penelope! The story is a great concept of a marine biologist and a kraken shifter but there were a couple of things that pulled me away from the story about halfway through. Overall, I liked it but didn't love it.
Bjorn randomly changed his pet name for Penelope, he first calls her Violet (I'm assuming because of her eyes) but then later changes it to Wildcat (where that one comes from is lost to me). But the weird part for me was that he doesn't use her first pet name after starting the second one.
Predictability doesn't typically bother me when it comes to the possible future events or conflicts however, there are usually only parts of the story that actually were predictable, not the timeline, setting, and outcome.
Bjorn randomly changed his pet name for Penelope, he first calls her Violet (I'm assuming because of her eyes) but then later changes it to Wildcat (where that one comes from is lost to me). But the weird part for me was that he doesn't use her first pet name after starting the second one.
Predictability doesn't typically bother me when it comes to the possible future events or conflicts however, there are usually only parts of the story that actually were predictable, not the timeline, setting, and outcome.
April 4, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
Tropes:
🪸Curvy FMC
🪸Accidental Bonding
🪸Fated Mates
🪸Hurt/Comfort
🪸Grumpy/Sunshine
First book I have read from Sirena Song and WOW. I am happy I came across this author on Instagram and found this book! This is not the typical fated mates trope. I do believe that fate can provide you with another mate after losing your first. BJorn deserves his second chance at a happy life as well as Penelope. They make a great couple and balance each other out. Sure, at first you definitely want to beat Bjorn up but he needed the moment to grieve and process that he is given another chance. Once he is locked in with Penelope no one can take her away from him! Penelope brought out the softness and kindness Bjorn has while Bjorn brought out the confidence and made Penelope love herself after the hardships she's had in her life.
I enjoyed this book a lot and it is a cozy and quick read with amazing SPICE-like damn Bjorn can seriously get it 🤭. Sirena Song you got a fan now I have homework to do and read the rest of the series!
Tropes:
🪸Curvy FMC
🪸Accidental Bonding
🪸Fated Mates
🪸Hurt/Comfort
🪸Grumpy/Sunshine
First book I have read from Sirena Song and WOW. I am happy I came across this author on Instagram and found this book! This is not the typical fated mates trope. I do believe that fate can provide you with another mate after losing your first. BJorn deserves his second chance at a happy life as well as Penelope. They make a great couple and balance each other out. Sure, at first you definitely want to beat Bjorn up but he needed the moment to grieve and process that he is given another chance. Once he is locked in with Penelope no one can take her away from him! Penelope brought out the softness and kindness Bjorn has while Bjorn brought out the confidence and made Penelope love herself after the hardships she's had in her life.
I enjoyed this book a lot and it is a cozy and quick read with amazing SPICE-like damn Bjorn can seriously get it 🤭. Sirena Song you got a fan now I have homework to do and read the rest of the series!
March 28, 2025
Kept by the Kraken is the next book in the Last Shifters Series by Sirena Song. This is a standalone so you do not need to read the other books before this one.
Bjorn is a kraken that has watched his wife, child, and the rest of the krakens die. That has left a scar that has caused him to stay away from the other shifters and humans. One day when he is in his shifted form he finds Penelope, his fated mate. Penelope has always been drawn to the ocean and is researching lobsters. She recently divorced from her husband and is looking to start over again.
Can Bjorn overcome his past to embrace his future? Can Penelope find her own worth after her gaslighting ex? Would Penelope be willing to give up a “normal” life and live with her kraken instead?
This was another good story in this series. I hope we get to hear more from this world. Go read this book now.
Bjorn is a kraken that has watched his wife, child, and the rest of the krakens die. That has left a scar that has caused him to stay away from the other shifters and humans. One day when he is in his shifted form he finds Penelope, his fated mate. Penelope has always been drawn to the ocean and is researching lobsters. She recently divorced from her husband and is looking to start over again.
Can Bjorn overcome his past to embrace his future? Can Penelope find her own worth after her gaslighting ex? Would Penelope be willing to give up a “normal” life and live with her kraken instead?
This was another good story in this series. I hope we get to hear more from this world. Go read this book now.
March 9, 2025
I read this ARC so fast…. I knew Bjorn would be my favorite. His and Penelope’s story is everything I wanted and more for the end of the series. I wish the story had been a little longer, but the instant attraction and bond forced the relationship to accelerate instead of make this a long, slow burn. I feel like he needed the boost to accept his new mate. His story is a sad one, that’s a constant trauma for him. Penelope doesn’t give up on him, even though he kept pushing her away. She’s persists. He finally gives in and accepts her, and makes her feel like she could truly be herself, kinks and all. The spice is spicy hot! Tentacles, my oh my…. The abusive ex-husband almost ruins it all, but luckily Bjorn fixes him. They get their happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
This was such a fun and perfectly spicy monster novella and I gobbled it up!!
This story starts when Penelope, a marine biologist, takes a picture of something she shouldn't have. Wanting to learn more about the creature in the image she seeks out the lighthouse keeper, Bjorn, who is said to be a hermit but knows everything about the area. Little does she know, Bjorn's kraken is the creature she has captured and wants to learn about.
If you love a short and spicy monster Romance with mates then definitely give this novella a try!
🐙 Monster Romance Novella
🐙 Kraken/Human
🐙 Marine Biologist FMC
🐙 He's the Lighthouse Keeper
🐙 Kidnapping
🐙 Mates
🐙 His Tentacles Vibrates 🫠
🐙 Knotting
🐙 Touch her & 💀
🐙 He braids her hair
This was such a fun and perfectly spicy monster novella and I gobbled it up!!
This story starts when Penelope, a marine biologist, takes a picture of something she shouldn't have. Wanting to learn more about the creature in the image she seeks out the lighthouse keeper, Bjorn, who is said to be a hermit but knows everything about the area. Little does she know, Bjorn's kraken is the creature she has captured and wants to learn about.
If you love a short and spicy monster Romance with mates then definitely give this novella a try!
🐙 Monster Romance Novella
🐙 Kraken/Human
🐙 Marine Biologist FMC
🐙 He's the Lighthouse Keeper
🐙 Kidnapping
🐙 Mates
🐙 His Tentacles Vibrates 🫠
🐙 Knotting
🐙 Touch her & 💀
🐙 He braids her hair
March 31, 2025
Book three in the Last Shifters series came across different to the other two.
We have Penelope and Bjorn, both coming from hurt from past relationships. While the relationships differ from lost love compared to broken love, both weren't quite ready for each other but that didn't stop the insta-connection of mates.
There is some hi-jinx from Bjorn "kidnapping" Penelope, some hesitancy in creating a bond and moving forward but overall it was a nice easy read. It didn't have the action or high stakes compared to the other two books but it certainly had all the spice, tentacles included.
We have Penelope and Bjorn, both coming from hurt from past relationships. While the relationships differ from lost love compared to broken love, both weren't quite ready for each other but that didn't stop the insta-connection of mates.
There is some hi-jinx from Bjorn "kidnapping" Penelope, some hesitancy in creating a bond and moving forward but overall it was a nice easy read. It didn't have the action or high stakes compared to the other two books but it certainly had all the spice, tentacles included.
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