Beware of Hodags: A Fated Mates Cryptid Monster Romance

by Amanda Milo

On the run from a cryptid hunter, I stumble into the friendly town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where I’m offered a job at a cranberry farm. How wholesome, right?

Little do I know that the town is home to one of the most infamous creatures in the Northwoods.

I meet my fated mate and it’s all the instalove sparkly hearts I could ask for.

But my job isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Because cranberry farms have bogs. And bogs are filled with creatures I’d rather not meet.

Too bad. Because one of the monsters takes me captive—

And my love story?

It’s in danger of becoming a nightmare.

This story is available in a Spicy version and Discreet edition. This is the Spicy version.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Monsters, Romance, Shapeshifters

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

Reviews

[Elizabeth Barrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very light read full of humour. A standalone which was great. A relatively happy ending. Two shapeshifters at odds with each other and one who has found her mate. Lots of fun

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a truly unique read which had me cringing and laughing in equal measures. Great read!

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to evade a cryptid hunter, shifter Rachel moves hundreds of miles to a small Wisconsin town. Not only does she find a delightful cabin and a new job at a cranberry bog, but her fated mate! Rachel is thrilled, but this new relationship causes waves in the small town as her mate's family has terrible bad blood with the family of her new boss. As the tension between the two factions erupts, Rachel has to think fast if she's going to save her happily ever after.

To be honest, I love Milo's work, especially due to her characterization. She always writes believable and enjoyable characters with plenty of humanity (regardless on whether they actually are human). And this book doesn't disappoint. Beware of Hodags is a delightful shifter romance with a wonderful small town midwestern feel that I just devoured.

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

[Nicole Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a friend from Wisconsin and she would talk about the Hodag festival she would go to every year and now it all makes sense! I loved all the culture and lore brought into the story and the very sweet ending. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it!

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this one! Beware of Hodags is a quirky, small-town shifter romance with just enough chaos, cryptids, and cranberry bogs to keep you turning pages. It leans cozy and lighthearted, with a fated mates storyline that kicks off fast, but that’s part of the charm.

I loved the setting. The nods to real Northern Wisconsin and local folklore gave the whole story a grounded, small-town authenticity… with just enough supernatural shenanigans to keep it interesting. Bonus points for the a lot of the dialogue, it made me laugh out loud at some points.

Rachel is on the run from a cryptid hunter, only to land herself a job in a town that’s harboring a few secrets of its own, including a bog full of creatures she’d really prefer to avoid. I liked her no-nonsense approach to weirdness, and while the instalove with her mate happened a little bit too quickly for my taste, their dynamic still managed to be sweet and sincere.

The writing is light, often humorous, and filled with that signature Amanda Milo warmth. The tone doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you're looking for a fated mates romance that’s more “cup of cocoa with cryptids” than high-stakes drama, this will absolutely hit the spot.

Would I have liked a bit more development between the leads? Sure. But it was such a fun, offbeat ride that I didn't mind too much. Cozy, funny, and just the right kind of strange, this book is like a vanilla cupcake with a surprise filling.

4 stars. Perfect for a quick, feel-good escape with a cryptid twist.

Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

A vanilla cupcake

I’ll be honest—this latest Amanda Milo book just... didn’t hit for me. Giving it two stars feels almost criminal… I've never done that to one of hers before but, well, here we are. Despite the cozy setting, the book was oddly chaotic, and even worse—somehow boring.

Don't get me wrong, It had all the right ingredients, and truly, there was such promise!! The heroine has distinctive visible birthmarks, there's a a mysterious shapeshift situation, and a cryptozoologist stalker who forced her to leave her last town! Add in rumors of weird local cryptids and blood feuds in this :new: town?!!That’s a SOLID setup.

But everything for me just... fizzled. The insta love in the first few chapters felt rushed and too accepted. The tension, the mystery, the intrigue—it all got dialed down to a quiet hum. We flitted about focusing on squeaky cheese and mustard pretzels Instead of leaning into the weird and wonderful. We spent a whole chapter at a lumberjack festival learning how the MMC keeps his beard clean for a contest. I wanted to say it was funny... Instead It felt forced.

The second half? Admittedly better paced. A bit of action, a genuinely sweet ending. But I still finished the book feeling like I’d gone to my favorite bakery and walked out with a vanilla cupcake (and not a great one). Overall I found this book to be a little bland, a little safe—forgettable.

Here’s hoping the next one brings back the flavor. 💜

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys. GUYS. I knew exactly what sort of helpers cranberry bogs use before I started reading and I must say I'm impressed with Rachel's fortitude when it came to her coworkers. I also have some passing knowledge with the LoTR series, so I just have to say that Rachel could have been saved a lot of grief if she'd ever read the books OR watched the movies. But she hadn't on either count and here we are.

So. Rachel has upended her life to avoid the self-proclaimed cryptid hunter in her home town. Rhinelander has always been a place her family says to avoid, so OF COURSE she heads straight there. This wasn't a bad plan, mind you, because she found her special someone, but, you know, she also got sort of kidnapped, so there were a few bumps in the road to her HEA.

On top of that, she also picked up a job at a cranberry bog. Which is a BIG no from me. And that was before her boss turned a little weird at her newfound relationship.

The instalove hits hard, the critters are creepy, and the puppies are ALL SORTS OF CUTE. There's a little danger, a male who's all about his special someone, and a lady who found her place in this out of the way town. (She also helped her sister find her place, so that's cool, even if HER special someone was maybe a little questionable.) Good stuff all around!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt as much like a love letter to Rhinelander, northern Wisconsin, and the UP as it did a fated mates tale, but being from Wisconsin I'm not going to knock off stars for that! I did enjoy all of the dialog Easter eggs... "or no?" had me laughing and reading out loud to my husband.
I did knock one off because I wanted to get to know basically all the characters better. I feel like a lot of character development was sort of hand-waved away because, you know, "shifters just know". I don't feel like I know much about Shepherd except he has a beard (LOTS of talk about facial hair), he's tidy, and protective. I'm not sure if we were supposed to be surprised by Rachel's reveal at the end but there were a lot of clues so I don't think readers will be surprised.

I did enjoy the plot, and what I was able to glean of the characters. I just wish I had gotten to know them better.

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

[Susan Ackaouy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Darn Cute!

When I saw this book was set in Rhinelander, I was stoked! This author never disappoints me and I was excited to read about this local. I’ve only ever been there for skiing so I’ve missed out on all the local lore. I’m so wanting to get up there as soon as possible and check out all the sights.
The book itself feels like a cozy fall day. So much rich detail of the local and traditions will make you want to head to Wisconsin immediately! I loved all the characters; even remarkably, the “villains”. I believed in the romance which seems to be lacking in a lot of books lately. The fmc and mmc are great together. You will not be disappointed!
Perhaps there should be a trigger warning for those readers who are arachnophobia’s.🕷️
(It is a large part of the plot) I found it to be entertaining and actually informative.
The fmc is a bit mysterious and you’ll be waiting for her secret to be revealed.
This is a great read and is well written. If you’re not familiar with this author be sure to check out her other book. She’s a stellar writer. If you’re on the fence about hodags , don’t be discouraged. She managed to make me all in for this romance. I was cheering right off the bat.
Happy reading 🌹📚

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: As someone who reads a lot of monster/paranormal romance I am always thrilled when I see uncommon monsters/cryptids. So, when I saw a regional US based cryptid I'd only heard of vaguely AND it's from an author whose work I love I knew I had to snag it! On the flip side I already know about what companions to expect in cranberry bogs, so I was thankfully prepared for the spider buds within. If you're not a fan of **anything** with 8 leggies then here's your warning! The overall feel of the setting is so cozy and quaint and the characters are so fun and interesting it'll make you think about going Hodag hunting up in Wisconsin.

This is an absolute perfect fall read and I breezed through it in an afternoon with no regrets. 5/5 Stars

[DeAnn Gurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how she does it…

I love all the variety of the romance genre, I really do. Aliens, were’s, monsters… all are welcome. HOWEVER only Amanda could make this read appeal to me when I am have a few phobias that are almost tailor made for this book, did I freaking love this book? YES. Was the SPICY, spicy enough and “different” enough to make me thirsty for lemonade, why yes, thank you for asking. Read it, you’ll laugh, get host under the collar and state as usual with a Milo book…. WHERE did she get this idea? And damn aren’t I glad she does. PS if this is your first time with this author, jump in get first and start with the alien series and then pets. Your welcome in advance.

[Kaitlynn Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

It was a bit of a slow start, and even though I read the spoiler summary at the beginning, I was still pleasantly surprised by how the story unfolded. There was a little bit of spice, but besides the random flirting it wasn’t a prominent focal point for the story. I will find more of Amanda’s books to read.

Honestly my favorite part of the book wasn’t even the story, even though I enjoyed it. Amanda has almost a whole chapter worth of gratitudes and places and people that inspired her. I could feel her joy and excitement. It was wonderful, and more people need to do that.

[Taramisu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
I definitely recommend not reading too much about this book before going into it. (Don't read my highlights before reading the book.)

It was a fun little read - nothing too deep or emotional. You have instalust with, of course, a perfect man of epic proportions. There's a lopsided love triangle. Oh, and questionable decision making from the FMC.

And since this is AM, there has to be some gratuitous Christianity. I will concede that it was used to comic advantage toward the end. She does have a flair for understated as well as witty humor.

[Jack-Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars.

The whole “mates” plot was fine (just ignore the green hair and body fluids, I know you won't care).

But just WHAT was that spider delulu sideline? The story was hinting something about it, but it just...suddenly throws in this half-baked spider shifter kidnapping thing that goes nowhere. It was weird and felt undeveloped.

Just seriously ...

[Caitlin Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a quirky book!

I saw that it was a book about a hodag and knew I had to read it.

The only downside was I think the whole mate trope was brought on so quickly and seriously. I like when they feel something but they're not quite sure so theres those moments in between that make the characters think, is this it or isn't it.

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

[Lollybobbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic monster romance with a great plot. Super cute and got fabulous action. Characters have a great progression. Great story, that i did not see coming. CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING. Don’t want to spoil it but there is something in there that might not be for everyone.

Personally i loved it, even though that part gave me the ick. Lol. It felt super, super cute and very small town romance.

I received this arc for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

So different yet loved it and have a growing collection of this authors books. Was fascinating to find there is an actual place... you'll find out more after reading the book. :D The characters - Rachel and Shepard were lovely. Really enjoyed their story and the adventure shared as this pair build their relationship.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Whaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick little shifter romance. Easy to like the characters. That being said, could have used more in-depth plot and character development. Would have been nice if the MMC and FMC had taken a bit longer to either discover each other or that they were mates. In the end though, it was just what I needed.

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

[Davette Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmygoodness!

How very GLORIOUS! It's a good thing I had already fed my family before I found Ms Milo's newest creation. Because they would have starved! Seriously! I read it straight through and I'm shortly going back for seconds! I love Love LOVE! Amanda's writing! Her whit and creativity never cease to amaze. All the stars!

[Lenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute suspense

I really liked this. There were layers of suspense and mystery. Even though some plot points could be guessed, some surprised me. The whole time I just wanted to yell at the characters to stop keeping secrets, but then the book would be a lot shorter and a lot less fun. I would recommend this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

will never think of mustard pretzels the same way again lol

I loved this book but I love all of Amanda Milo’s books. I love that her books most always have laugh out loud moments and Beware of Hodags has more than most lol. I felt a kinship with the FMC being clumsy and not being able to wear white *sigh*. I feel a drawing need to visit Rhinelander now.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so unique but so good. I love Rachel, Shepard, Mirk and Adrian. Nothing was what I expected, but I loved every single second of the book. The twist with Rachel and what she is and how she takes a different approach when she finds out what Mirk is so he gets his own HEA. It’s just such a fun read.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

That was so fun!! Beware of Hodags is a funny, sweet read with some edge-of-your-seat moments. I loved the small-town setting, the lore, and all the cryptids. Rachel and Shepard's insta love had all the good feels I needed and I would 100% recommend this book. Amanda Milo always amazes me with her original ideas and fantastic writing that become my favorite stories.

[Jessica Gorgen · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked it

I liked this book. 3.5 stars for rating, 2.5 for spice. The town rivalry here was a bit dark, as were some of the town shifters’ quirks. But it was definitely an interesting premise. And a lot of the escalation could have been avoided by just a few things being shared, so some sighs of exasperation for the characters’ choices there.

[Mel Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real AM Masterpiece

Amanda Milo has this way of drawing you and making the words disappear into a movie. It's a rare thing but she does it every time. I will never not one click her books no matter what it's about. I don't even need to read the about section to know I'll enjoy it. In fact I one clicked this one without reading the summary lol

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cryptid

I love cryptid stories. I really enjoyed Rachel's journey and learning about hodags. I would love more cryptid tales. A totally different cryptid that I had not read about before.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her work!

Amanda Milo NEVER disappoints with her stories. Love the humor in this one. The couples are loving and dynamic to read. Very action packed and a touch mysterious. She is one of my very favorite writers

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would be a good Fall-themed monster romance to get into since Summer is basically over now.

The shoehorning of religion in a PNR book is a... choice. It's jarring and ruins the suspense and tension for me.

[DemetraP · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hodag hero has spikes down there. He has green chest hair too. He takes her on dates. He is happy to have found his mate.

I did not like the spider part of the plot.

[Wendy Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad you’re back!

I need more Hobb and Gryfala stories. Please? 🙏 Read everything and I need more. Thanks! This book was great 👍🏻