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Harmony Glen
Hiss and Tell
When calming magic meets single-mom mayhem, storytime turns sizzling.
When my deadbeat ex disappoints my four-year-old again, I lose my mind at library storytime. Apparently, yelling "are you f*cking kidding me?" when daddies don’t show up isn’t considered appropriate language.
Now my son is banned from his favorite place, and I’m desperate enough to fake-date the shy, snake-haired librarian with the gentle smile and the massive forearms.
Sebastian’s hands turn me into liquid heat. His snakes flirt better than most men I’ve dated, but it’s the way he touches me—like I’m already his—that really undoes me.
The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember this is pretend… especially when his healing magic might offer a cure I never dared hope for.
Maybe pretending isn’t enough anymore.
She crashes into my quiet world and suddenly, safe feels overrated. Aspen’s chaos rewrites every rule I’ve lived by. My snakes react to her like she’s the missing piece of my soul, and every instinct screams at me to claim what’s mine.
She doesn’t flinch at my snakes, my magic, or the emotional minefields I keep buried beneath stacks of books. Instead, she sees me. Not the Gorgon. Not the librarian. Me.
Now I’m bringing storybooks to life at her son’s bedtime, fantasizing about healing her in every possible way, and wishing our fake relationship wasn’t so heartbreakingly pretend.
One fake date. One magical cure. Infinite ways to burn.
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Alana Khan, author of Reptile Dysfunction, comes a monster romance filled with bedtime stories, possessive Gorgon magic, and a cinnamon roll hero who’ll do anything for the woman who sees him.
One-click for fake dating turned dangerously real, healing hands and heat, and fantasy-fueled steam hot enough to incinerate your inhibitions.
* * * *
Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did.
But not in Harmony Glen.
After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.”
Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here.
Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.
When my deadbeat ex disappoints my four-year-old again, I lose my mind at library storytime. Apparently, yelling "are you f*cking kidding me?" when daddies don’t show up isn’t considered appropriate language.
Now my son is banned from his favorite place, and I’m desperate enough to fake-date the shy, snake-haired librarian with the gentle smile and the massive forearms.
Sebastian’s hands turn me into liquid heat. His snakes flirt better than most men I’ve dated, but it’s the way he touches me—like I’m already his—that really undoes me.
The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember this is pretend… especially when his healing magic might offer a cure I never dared hope for.
Maybe pretending isn’t enough anymore.
She crashes into my quiet world and suddenly, safe feels overrated. Aspen’s chaos rewrites every rule I’ve lived by. My snakes react to her like she’s the missing piece of my soul, and every instinct screams at me to claim what’s mine.
She doesn’t flinch at my snakes, my magic, or the emotional minefields I keep buried beneath stacks of books. Instead, she sees me. Not the Gorgon. Not the librarian. Me.
Now I’m bringing storybooks to life at her son’s bedtime, fantasizing about healing her in every possible way, and wishing our fake relationship wasn’t so heartbreakingly pretend.
One fake date. One magical cure. Infinite ways to burn.
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Alana Khan, author of Reptile Dysfunction, comes a monster romance filled with bedtime stories, possessive Gorgon magic, and a cinnamon roll hero who’ll do anything for the woman who sees him.
One-click for fake dating turned dangerously real, healing hands and heat, and fantasy-fueled steam hot enough to incinerate your inhibitions.
* * * *
Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did.
But not in Harmony Glen.
After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.”
Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here.
Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
243 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Alana Khan
180 books620 followersSexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this story and getting to know Sebastian, Aspen, and Aspen's four-year-old son Milo. All the characters in this story are so well written and I love all the different character interactions and relationships in this story. Sebastian and his elderly matchmaking neighbors was so cute and I loved his relationship with Milo and the other kids at the library. I am also looking forward to reading about Sebastian's brother Thad in Reptile Dysfunction: Harmony Glen and seeing how him and Sloane get together.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
This was such a fun read.
August 30, 2025
Aspen is a single mother doing everything she can to give her son, Milo, a good life. What she can't abide is to see her son let down by his father. Again.
Story time at the library with Mr. Sabastian is something her son really enjoys, for that matter so does she. The Gorgon is very handsome. Would she date an Other? Oh yes.
When she gets a call during story time and hears yet another excuse from her ex, she can't take her son being let down again and loudly says so. Resulting in a ban from the library.
Banning Aspen and her son was the last thing Sebastian wanted to do but he had no choice. His snakes picked up on the emotions of both of them and all he wanted to do was comfort them.
Thanks to his avoidance of his elderly neighbors, "community involvement", he has a date. Well, fake date. But Milo will get to come back to story time, he gets to examine the feelings he has whenever Aspen is near and his neighbors back off. Win, win.
Soon fake and awkward becomes real and easy. Heated and sexy.
Aspen is holding back a secret. She's afraid of letting Sebastian any closer. They feel the emotion and connection of being there for each other in crucial moments and she can only put him off for so long.
Life is full of the unexpected and I love how these two handled it. It wasn't insta-lust but a building of trust and feelings first and then a relationship.
And it was beautiful. Every woman needs a Sebastian!
Favorite quote: "Being truly seen, known, and loved-exactly as we are-is often the deepest healing of all"
Swoon!
This review is my opinion and was not AI generated.
Story time at the library with Mr. Sabastian is something her son really enjoys, for that matter so does she. The Gorgon is very handsome. Would she date an Other? Oh yes.
When she gets a call during story time and hears yet another excuse from her ex, she can't take her son being let down again and loudly says so. Resulting in a ban from the library.
Banning Aspen and her son was the last thing Sebastian wanted to do but he had no choice. His snakes picked up on the emotions of both of them and all he wanted to do was comfort them.
Thanks to his avoidance of his elderly neighbors, "community involvement", he has a date. Well, fake date. But Milo will get to come back to story time, he gets to examine the feelings he has whenever Aspen is near and his neighbors back off. Win, win.
Soon fake and awkward becomes real and easy. Heated and sexy.
Aspen is holding back a secret. She's afraid of letting Sebastian any closer. They feel the emotion and connection of being there for each other in crucial moments and she can only put him off for so long.
Life is full of the unexpected and I love how these two handled it. It wasn't insta-lust but a building of trust and feelings first and then a relationship.
And it was beautiful. Every woman needs a Sebastian!
Favorite quote: "Being truly seen, known, and loved-exactly as we are-is often the deepest healing of all"
Swoon!
This review is my opinion and was not AI generated.
October 20, 2025
I think this romance was written, in part, with the intention of destigmatizing gHSV-2 (genital herpes). Unfortunately, for me, it really missed the mark.
Everything about the way that Aspen engages with her past diagnosis and having “the talk” with her new partner Sebastian felt deeply serophobic, and unfortunately not only in a way that suggests the fictional character struggles with internalized shame & fear of rejection. This felt more broadly bigoted, frankly, and pushed a number of common cultural narratives and stereotypes around the herpes virus and gHSV transmission specifically that are not only medically misinformed but deeply harmful to people who happen to carry this extremely common virus.
I think there are absolutely ways to talk about STIs/ STDs in romance that are timely, meaningful, and appropriate. This wasn’t that. It felt deeply pernicious and regressive at every step of the way.
None of this is particularly surprising to encounter in fiction in today’s age, in which eugenicist and serophobic sentiment is on the rise (along with a lot of medical misinformation, too) but it’s still deeply disappointing. I don’t know if a sensitivity reader was involved here but this book is the poster child for why only using one or a few sensitivity readers just doesn’t cut it when you’re writing about a delicate issue.
This felt like a complete hack job and it soured any of the interesting and fun parts of the story for me. I don’t read romance to read moralizing tales that neatly categorize chronically ill people as either “good and honest” (like Aspen) or “bad and dishonest” (like Aspen’s caricature of an ex-husband). Hell. I don’t want to read any genre that has this kind of black-and-white, faux-cozy, deeply hateful vibe.
Over 1 in 5 adults have HSV2 and over 70% of adults have HSV1. In the vast majority of cases it’s fully asymptomatic—to the point that most people who carry either strain of the virus do not know they are positive. In most people who have been diagnosed symptoms are that of a minor skin disease—no more serious than acne.
For the record? Most patients who have symptomatic gHSV-2 do not need to take suppressive antiviral medication long term. The vast majority of diagnosed patients like Aspen who have had gHSV-2 for four years no longer have regular outbreaks, shed the virus minimally, and only need to take medication for a week or so once or twice a year IF they are prone to getting other illnesses (like colds or the flu etc) that weaken the immune system. There is no way a well-educated and licensed clinician would be encouraging an otherwise healthy patient like Aspen to take daily meds year round as a preventative unless they were immunocompromised and had frequent outbreaks due to other factors.
Writing a book in which a huge plot point is someone agonizing over telling a partner that they have an overstigmatized but minimally harmful and easily managed illness is truly absurd. If it was absurd in a vacuum that would be one thing, also. But given the way this plays into our culture’s view of communicable disease this is also downright hateful.
Also the whole “magical cure for a real-world illness” trope is, as always, gross as heck. Sorry. There’s no way to make a magical miracle cure not rancid. You can have a character hum and haw over whether it’s rude to offer a miracle cure (“I don’t want her to think she needs fixing!”) all you like. But the core message of a miracle cure is that the only happy ending is one where the disease doesn’t exist any more—even if the characters say that they don’t believe that the text itself clearly isn’t in line with the character’s stated beliefs.
I get that HSV is different from a lot of other chronic illnesses or viruses. And maybe this is just how I feel as someone with other chronic health concerns—perhaps people who have gHSV would disagree with me that this is stigmatizing. But as someone with a variety of chronic illnesses this is a trope that I loathe. Yes. I’d take a cure for my migraines and for my autoimmune dysfunction in a heartbeat. But my life can still be full of hope and optimism without a miracle needing to occur.
I hesitated to post a review at all because it’s so clear to me that this was all written with the best of intentions. But impact matters so much more than intent—at some point good intentions just aren’t enough.
Oh. And an addendum that I have zero qualms about adding: as someone who has baby-sat and provided nannying for a number of incredibly precocious young children over the years: no four year old talks like Milo does in this book. And children in preschool generally don’t prepare and give detailed presentations to other kids. Not even in Montessori schools. Preschools don’t usually give homework. And everything about that dinosaur project sounds more like something a fourth grader would do, not a four year old. Real bizarre.
Everything about the way that Aspen engages with her past diagnosis and having “the talk” with her new partner Sebastian felt deeply serophobic, and unfortunately not only in a way that suggests the fictional character struggles with internalized shame & fear of rejection. This felt more broadly bigoted, frankly, and pushed a number of common cultural narratives and stereotypes around the herpes virus and gHSV transmission specifically that are not only medically misinformed but deeply harmful to people who happen to carry this extremely common virus.
I think there are absolutely ways to talk about STIs/ STDs in romance that are timely, meaningful, and appropriate. This wasn’t that. It felt deeply pernicious and regressive at every step of the way.
None of this is particularly surprising to encounter in fiction in today’s age, in which eugenicist and serophobic sentiment is on the rise (along with a lot of medical misinformation, too) but it’s still deeply disappointing. I don’t know if a sensitivity reader was involved here but this book is the poster child for why only using one or a few sensitivity readers just doesn’t cut it when you’re writing about a delicate issue.
This felt like a complete hack job and it soured any of the interesting and fun parts of the story for me. I don’t read romance to read moralizing tales that neatly categorize chronically ill people as either “good and honest” (like Aspen) or “bad and dishonest” (like Aspen’s caricature of an ex-husband). Hell. I don’t want to read any genre that has this kind of black-and-white, faux-cozy, deeply hateful vibe.
Over 1 in 5 adults have HSV2 and over 70% of adults have HSV1. In the vast majority of cases it’s fully asymptomatic—to the point that most people who carry either strain of the virus do not know they are positive. In most people who have been diagnosed symptoms are that of a minor skin disease—no more serious than acne.
For the record? Most patients who have symptomatic gHSV-2 do not need to take suppressive antiviral medication long term. The vast majority of diagnosed patients like Aspen who have had gHSV-2 for four years no longer have regular outbreaks, shed the virus minimally, and only need to take medication for a week or so once or twice a year IF they are prone to getting other illnesses (like colds or the flu etc) that weaken the immune system. There is no way a well-educated and licensed clinician would be encouraging an otherwise healthy patient like Aspen to take daily meds year round as a preventative unless they were immunocompromised and had frequent outbreaks due to other factors.
Writing a book in which a huge plot point is someone agonizing over telling a partner that they have an overstigmatized but minimally harmful and easily managed illness is truly absurd. If it was absurd in a vacuum that would be one thing, also. But given the way this plays into our culture’s view of communicable disease this is also downright hateful.
Also the whole “magical cure for a real-world illness” trope is, as always, gross as heck. Sorry. There’s no way to make a magical miracle cure not rancid. You can have a character hum and haw over whether it’s rude to offer a miracle cure (“I don’t want her to think she needs fixing!”) all you like. But the core message of a miracle cure is that the only happy ending is one where the disease doesn’t exist any more—even if the characters say that they don’t believe that the text itself clearly isn’t in line with the character’s stated beliefs.
I get that HSV is different from a lot of other chronic illnesses or viruses. And maybe this is just how I feel as someone with other chronic health concerns—perhaps people who have gHSV would disagree with me that this is stigmatizing. But as someone with a variety of chronic illnesses this is a trope that I loathe. Yes. I’d take a cure for my migraines and for my autoimmune dysfunction in a heartbeat. But my life can still be full of hope and optimism without a miracle needing to occur.
I hesitated to post a review at all because it’s so clear to me that this was all written with the best of intentions. But impact matters so much more than intent—at some point good intentions just aren’t enough.
Oh. And an addendum that I have zero qualms about adding: as someone who has baby-sat and provided nannying for a number of incredibly precocious young children over the years: no four year old talks like Milo does in this book. And children in preschool generally don’t prepare and give detailed presentations to other kids. Not even in Montessori schools. Preschools don’t usually give homework. And everything about that dinosaur project sounds more like something a fourth grader would do, not a four year old. Real bizarre.
December 9, 2025
1 star
ehhhh not my kind of book. I also wasn't into the concept of monsters and humans just intermingled in society. Everytime Sebastian "blushed" I wanted to stab myself in the eye. Or the constant spilling of things ... like why. Also the sudden change on the phone to weird dominant Sebastian who is litterally the most beta male and children's librarian was weird.
The part I couldn't get over? When Aspen WILLINGLY went to his office and left her 4 YEAR OLD SON ALONE and then almost had sex. Like that was a complete turn off and completely weird. Youre that horny in a children's library and leave your son alone ??? Made me think the author must not have kids.
Also her 4 year old son making a whole speech at the end of the book after his "graduation" ... yah umm no 4 year old talks like that.
The 3 neighbors that constantly bothered Sebastian were so unnecessary and it became confusing to me why they were even there. Youre just letting these old ladies know all things about your life ?? Very strange.
Aspen continuously believing Derek too was completely irritating. After his first no show the man would be blocked. take me to court then about seeing your son (who you dont make the effort to see ever)
"Poppa" Sebastian before they got married big yikes.
Aspen randomly being so concerned about herpes?? like what lol. The way the author hinted at this "medical" problem i litterally thought she was gonna have aids. And then it was just herpes ... felt like it was definitely an afterthought and made the book super annoying.
yah the more I think about i think I actually hated this book lol. no idea how it has 4 stars here.
ehhhh not my kind of book. I also wasn't into the concept of monsters and humans just intermingled in society. Everytime Sebastian "blushed" I wanted to stab myself in the eye. Or the constant spilling of things ... like why. Also the sudden change on the phone to weird dominant Sebastian who is litterally the most beta male and children's librarian was weird.
The part I couldn't get over? When Aspen WILLINGLY went to his office and left her 4 YEAR OLD SON ALONE and then almost had sex. Like that was a complete turn off and completely weird. Youre that horny in a children's library and leave your son alone ??? Made me think the author must not have kids.
Also her 4 year old son making a whole speech at the end of the book after his "graduation" ... yah umm no 4 year old talks like that.
The 3 neighbors that constantly bothered Sebastian were so unnecessary and it became confusing to me why they were even there. Youre just letting these old ladies know all things about your life ?? Very strange.
Aspen continuously believing Derek too was completely irritating. After his first no show the man would be blocked. take me to court then about seeing your son (who you dont make the effort to see ever)
"Poppa" Sebastian before they got married big yikes.
Aspen randomly being so concerned about herpes?? like what lol. The way the author hinted at this "medical" problem i litterally thought she was gonna have aids. And then it was just herpes ... felt like it was definitely an afterthought and made the book super annoying.
yah the more I think about i think I actually hated this book lol. no idea how it has 4 stars here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Single mom Aspen snaps from the pressure of 3 jobs, raising 4yr old son Milo alone, enduring a chronic health issue and an ex who keeps breaking promises to their son.
No wonder she dropped the f-bomb during the children's story time at their local library. She's desperate to shorten the 90-day suspension because it's not just banning her, it's banned her son. She's desperate enough to ask librarian, Sebastian (a snake-coiffed Gorgon) for help to find a way so at least Milo can attend again. She's even willing to fake-date the tall, green & handsome Gorgon to give Milo back his happy place. That's a reasonable plan, right?
Gorgon Sebastian is being pestered to death by the Silver Swimmers, his 3 grandmotherly neighbors, to date. They even set up an online dating profile for the quiet librarian, convinced he needs a little nudge out into the dating world. They mean well but there's got to be another way. A sudden profane outburst during story hour by Milo's mom opens a door. If they are fake-dating, his matchmaking grannies will be satisfied and Milo can come back to story time because he's "family" via his fake-girlfriend. Win-win. Right?
Sebastian quickly realizes he's become very fond of Aspen and Milo, especially when Milo's dad repeatedly lets him down. HE can show up for Milo and Aspen. And suddenly their fake-dating becomes something very real and something he wants forever.
Can he make it happen?
No wonder she dropped the f-bomb during the children's story time at their local library. She's desperate to shorten the 90-day suspension because it's not just banning her, it's banned her son. She's desperate enough to ask librarian, Sebastian (a snake-coiffed Gorgon) for help to find a way so at least Milo can attend again. She's even willing to fake-date the tall, green & handsome Gorgon to give Milo back his happy place. That's a reasonable plan, right?
Gorgon Sebastian is being pestered to death by the Silver Swimmers, his 3 grandmotherly neighbors, to date. They even set up an online dating profile for the quiet librarian, convinced he needs a little nudge out into the dating world. They mean well but there's got to be another way. A sudden profane outburst during story hour by Milo's mom opens a door. If they are fake-dating, his matchmaking grannies will be satisfied and Milo can come back to story time because he's "family" via his fake-girlfriend. Win-win. Right?
Sebastian quickly realizes he's become very fond of Aspen and Milo, especially when Milo's dad repeatedly lets him down. HE can show up for Milo and Aspen. And suddenly their fake-dating becomes something very real and something he wants forever.
Can he make it happen?
Want to read
September 10, 2025Harmony Glen Series Many Authors :
Karla Doyle (Author) , Alana Khan (Author) , Andie Fenichel (Author) , Ava Ross (Author) , Evangeline Priest (Author) , Veronika Kane (Author) , Honey Phillips (Author) , Vivienne Hart (Author) , Zoe Ashwood (Author) , AC Ruttan (Author) , Alora Quinn (Author) , Kit Fox (Illustrator)
❌ Hiss and Tell by ALANA KHAN (5 September 2025) -
❌ Big Enough to Bite by ANDIE FENICHEL (8 September 2025) -
❌ Never Been Gargoyled by AVA ROSS (10 September 2025) -
❌ Purring for Her Lion by EVANGELINE PRIEST (13 September 2025) -
❌ Bread with the Orc by VERONIKA KANE (15 September 2025) -
❌ Horned to be Wild by HONEY PHILIPS (17 September 2025) -
❌ Foxer Upper by VIVIENNE HART (19 September 2025) -
❌ Can't Help Growling in Love by ZOE ASHWOOD (22 September 2025) -
❌ Time to Stirrup Love by AC RUTTAN (24 September 2025) -
❌ The Genie's Wish by ALORA QUINN and KIT FOX (26 September 2025) -
❌ Reptile Dysfunction by ALANA KHAN (29 September 2025) -
❌ A Troll in the Hay by KARLA DOYLE (30 September 2025) -
❌ Rock 'n' Troll by KARLA DOYLE (18 May 2026)
❌ Biting Bigfoot by ANDIE FENICHEL (20 May 2026)
❌ Are You Gonna Be My Ghoul? by AC RUTTAN (22 May 2026)
❌ Waiting for a Ghoul Like You by AC RUTTAN (29 May 2026)
❌ Wood You Be Vine? by KARLA DOYLE (1 Jun 2026)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1KY83Q...
Karla Doyle (Author) , Alana Khan (Author) , Andie Fenichel (Author) , Ava Ross (Author) , Evangeline Priest (Author) , Veronika Kane (Author) , Honey Phillips (Author) , Vivienne Hart (Author) , Zoe Ashwood (Author) , AC Ruttan (Author) , Alora Quinn (Author) , Kit Fox (Illustrator)
❌ Hiss and Tell by ALANA KHAN (5 September 2025) -
❌ Big Enough to Bite by ANDIE FENICHEL (8 September 2025) -
❌ Never Been Gargoyled by AVA ROSS (10 September 2025) -
❌ Purring for Her Lion by EVANGELINE PRIEST (13 September 2025) -
❌ Bread with the Orc by VERONIKA KANE (15 September 2025) -
❌ Horned to be Wild by HONEY PHILIPS (17 September 2025) -
❌ Foxer Upper by VIVIENNE HART (19 September 2025) -
❌ Can't Help Growling in Love by ZOE ASHWOOD (22 September 2025) -
❌ Time to Stirrup Love by AC RUTTAN (24 September 2025) -
❌ The Genie's Wish by ALORA QUINN and KIT FOX (26 September 2025) -
❌ Reptile Dysfunction by ALANA KHAN (29 September 2025) -
❌ A Troll in the Hay by KARLA DOYLE (30 September 2025) -
❌ Rock 'n' Troll by KARLA DOYLE (18 May 2026)
❌ Biting Bigfoot by ANDIE FENICHEL (20 May 2026)
❌ Are You Gonna Be My Ghoul? by AC RUTTAN (22 May 2026)
❌ Waiting for a Ghoul Like You by AC RUTTAN (29 May 2026)
❌ Wood You Be Vine? by KARLA DOYLE (1 Jun 2026)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1KY83Q...
September 16, 2025
3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
CW: stalking, parental abandonment (recounted), fire (off-page), self-harm (ritualistic practice), blood
Closed Door Mod: Chapter 16 (some parts), Chapter 25, Chapters 26-27 (some parts), Chapter 29 (some parts)
Pretty cute paranormal romance that you can binge-read in a day (if you really wanted to). It was real easy to get into the story and I enjoyed the character dynamics as well as the portrayal of healthy relationships as Aspen moves on from her deadbeat ex. There weren't as many side characters and most of those side characters, other than a few handful, didn't really much depth or dimension to them. Though, considering how it's a multi-author series, I can see why Khan didn't necessarily want to spend a whole lot of time focusing on side characters as much. Also, while it wasn't a huge issue for me, but I did notice various, albeit minor, editing errors in the book (mainly with lines that have already been stated and wording that confuses whose POV we're supposed to be on).
Nevertheless, I did enjoy this book and I would be willing to check out the other books in the Harmony Glen series as well as Khan's other books.
CW: stalking, parental abandonment (recounted), fire (off-page), self-harm (ritualistic practice), blood
Closed Door Mod: Chapter 16 (some parts), Chapter 25, Chapters 26-27 (some parts), Chapter 29 (some parts)
Pretty cute paranormal romance that you can binge-read in a day (if you really wanted to). It was real easy to get into the story and I enjoyed the character dynamics as well as the portrayal of healthy relationships as Aspen moves on from her deadbeat ex. There weren't as many side characters and most of those side characters, other than a few handful, didn't really much depth or dimension to them. Though, considering how it's a multi-author series, I can see why Khan didn't necessarily want to spend a whole lot of time focusing on side characters as much. Also, while it wasn't a huge issue for me, but I did notice various, albeit minor, editing errors in the book (mainly with lines that have already been stated and wording that confuses whose POV we're supposed to be on).
Nevertheless, I did enjoy this book and I would be willing to check out the other books in the Harmony Glen series as well as Khan's other books.
September 4, 2025
Aww! The author has created a male gorgon, the main male character (MMC), who is absolutely adorable, especially his snakes, which have their own personalities and reflect his emotions. We witness his development from a gorgon who hides his true self and hunches over to make himself appear smaller, into a magnificent and confident being who knows his worth. Our MMC is a great support for our main female character (FMC) and her child.
The story features some twists that add excitement. I appreciate the Silver Swimmers for their matchmaking efforts, as well as the friends and family who willingly support our main characters. It's heartwarming to see how the community has become their family. Our main characters have grown so much throughout the story.
I absolutely love the ending and the few chapters leading up to it. The words in the book convey the contentment, bond, and happiness that our main characters have found.
The story features some twists that add excitement. I appreciate the Silver Swimmers for their matchmaking efforts, as well as the friends and family who willingly support our main characters. It's heartwarming to see how the community has become their family. Our main characters have grown so much throughout the story.
I absolutely love the ending and the few chapters leading up to it. The words in the book convey the contentment, bond, and happiness that our main characters have found.
September 26, 2025
This was cute but too sweet. Like a cake covered in 6 inches of icing too sweet. It was way over done and felt almost fake.
The kid in this is supposed to be 4 but talks like he's her best friend, offered insight and advice. He even gives an unprompted thank you speech to everyone who attended his preschool graduation party..
Almost every single chapter ends in like a moral lesson or summary? Something like "...and she realized the true magic was in the friends and family you make along the way..." type BS. I'm not exaggerating, many, MANY chapters ended in a weird summary of feelings
and thoughts. It was so weird and preachy. It also began to feel really artificial.....almost 🖥️💻🖥️⌨️ written....
Sebastian was a fun MMC. At times he felt like a different and unique character but that sorta fell away as the book progressed. Sadly nothing super special in the end
The kid in this is supposed to be 4 but talks like he's her best friend, offered insight and advice. He even gives an unprompted thank you speech to everyone who attended his preschool graduation party..
Almost every single chapter ends in like a moral lesson or summary? Something like "...and she realized the true magic was in the friends and family you make along the way..." type BS. I'm not exaggerating, many, MANY chapters ended in a weird summary of feelings
and thoughts. It was so weird and preachy. It also began to feel really artificial.....almost 🖥️💻🖥️⌨️ written....
Sebastian was a fun MMC. At times he felt like a different and unique character but that sorta fell away as the book progressed. Sadly nothing super special in the end
August 24, 2025
"Being truly seen, known, and loved— exactly as we are— is often the deepest healing of all."
This is one of the most profound and beautiful things I've read in a long time!
I adored Sébastien and Aspen. Sébastien is a Children's Librarian at the local library. Aspen brings her four year old son, Milo (my favorite character), to storytime and meets the gorgeous Gorgon Librarian. When Aspen's ex blows off Milo AGAIN she loses it slightly and gets banned from the library. Sébastien comes to her with a workaround, fake date him. What follows is a tender, funny, touching journey. I loved it so much. Sébastien is a sweet, gentle male who has a dominant core. Aspen is a single mom trying to hold the world together with duct tape and spit. Wonderful story.
This is one of the most profound and beautiful things I've read in a long time!
I adored Sébastien and Aspen. Sébastien is a Children's Librarian at the local library. Aspen brings her four year old son, Milo (my favorite character), to storytime and meets the gorgeous Gorgon Librarian. When Aspen's ex blows off Milo AGAIN she loses it slightly and gets banned from the library. Sébastien comes to her with a workaround, fake date him. What follows is a tender, funny, touching journey. I loved it so much. Sébastien is a sweet, gentle male who has a dominant core. Aspen is a single mom trying to hold the world together with duct tape and spit. Wonderful story.
October 1, 2025
Don’t let the cute cover fool you—Hiss and Tell was so much more than I expected. At its core, this story is about two people who truly needed each other, and the way books (and libraries!) can be magical.
Sebastian absolutely stole my heart. His love for his job and the kids at the children’s library was so genuine, and the way he stepped in as a father figure for Milo was perfection. Aspen, on the other hand, was a determined single mom juggling three jobs just to survive—and honestly, so relatable (especially the scene where she gets kicked out of the library).
Throw in some fake dating that slowly turns into something real, and you’ve got the recipe for a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and swoony.
Sebastian absolutely stole my heart. His love for his job and the kids at the children’s library was so genuine, and the way he stepped in as a father figure for Milo was perfection. Aspen, on the other hand, was a determined single mom juggling three jobs just to survive—and honestly, so relatable (especially the scene where she gets kicked out of the library).
Throw in some fake dating that slowly turns into something real, and you’ve got the recipe for a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and swoony.
July 23, 2025
Sweet and Sassy!
Hiss and Tell is a standalone book within the Harmony Glen series and full of heartfelt moments and the perfect amount of humor, spice and small town drama. Let’s not forget about the adorable little kid, a stressed out single Mom, a shy and sexy Gorgon librarian and snakes… sassy, sly little snakes… attached to the biggest love muffin ever! You can’t help but fall in love with Sebastian, his magical abilities and his warm heart.
I may have also fallen in love with Harmony Glen and I cannot wait to explore more of this enchanting world… Sebastian has a brother and he sure does seem to have some Reptile Dysfunction and I cannot wait to find out more!!
Hiss and Tell is a standalone book within the Harmony Glen series and full of heartfelt moments and the perfect amount of humor, spice and small town drama. Let’s not forget about the adorable little kid, a stressed out single Mom, a shy and sexy Gorgon librarian and snakes… sassy, sly little snakes… attached to the biggest love muffin ever! You can’t help but fall in love with Sebastian, his magical abilities and his warm heart.
I may have also fallen in love with Harmony Glen and I cannot wait to explore more of this enchanting world… Sebastian has a brother and he sure does seem to have some Reptile Dysfunction and I cannot wait to find out more!!
September 5, 2025
Alana has done it again!!! The thing I love about this author is she is so versatile and any story this lady decides to tackle she knocks it out of the park and writes a story that makes you laugh, then cry, then it pulls on every single emotion that you have. I loved every single moment of this journey with this couple. I just finished this story and I feel like starting it all over again. It was sooo good and it keeps you hooked as you read just waiting to see what is going to happen with this couple. Aspen is a single mom who is working three different jobs one of which is her own business that she is trying to get started. She is doing everything she can to hold everything in her life together and everything about her life revolves around her son Milo. Who is the biggest sweetheart that just pulls on your heartstrings. The thing that keeps her and her son going is the story time at the library with Sebastian who is a gorgon and he spins magic with each and every story for these kids to make them feel special and involved. There is something about Sebastian that draws Alana to him, and the chemistry that pulls these two together is so much fun to read. The way these two connect and make a family that is their own with his brother and his neighbours and towns people coming all together is so much fun to read. I loved how these two come together and connect and reading how Sebastians snakes that are such a big part of him add so much dynamics to the story in how they react to his emotions and to Aspen as they get to know one another and grow closer and closer. I highly recommend this story you will not be disappointed and I cannot wait to see what more comes from this new series. This is a must read!!!
August 31, 2025
What an exceptional read. All of the characters are unique and play an integral role in this story that captures your heart.
Sebastian, a Gorgon, is the epitome of what every male should aspire to be. It's an inspiration for any child to witness and to be around.
The way the community comes together to help Sebastian, especially the swimmers 🤣.Their influence, advice, and mothering are absolutely hysterical. The hardest part, though, is the struggle that Aspen endures while trying to balance a normal life for her and her son.
As always, Alana delivered a beautiful, passionate, emotional story that we can all empathize with.
Sebastian, a Gorgon, is the epitome of what every male should aspire to be. It's an inspiration for any child to witness and to be around.
The way the community comes together to help Sebastian, especially the swimmers 🤣.Their influence, advice, and mothering are absolutely hysterical. The hardest part, though, is the struggle that Aspen endures while trying to balance a normal life for her and her son.
As always, Alana delivered a beautiful, passionate, emotional story that we can all empathize with.
September 12, 2025
Harmony Glen is the best place to be accepted if you are a monster. We meet Sebastian, a gorgon, the town librarian with a gentle soul, magic and snakes for hair. And Aspen who works multiple jobs to provide what she can for her son Milo. All while dealing with a health issue.Her ex is a waste of time and keeps letting Milo down. It seems Aspen and Sebastian fake dating will solve a few problems. Or they hope. And I must not forget Sebastian's Grandmotherly neighbors that insist he needs to date.
Alana has written us an amazing tale in the Harmony Glen series. While reading I smiled, teared up, wanted to shake sense into the deadbeat dad, and enjoyed the slow burn romance.
Alana has written us an amazing tale in the Harmony Glen series. While reading I smiled, teared up, wanted to shake sense into the deadbeat dad, and enjoyed the slow burn romance.
September 5, 2025
This was honestly a joy to read. Sebastian, the warm and caring librarian; Aspen the slightly overwhelmed but strong and competent single mom; and Milo the smart and sensitive little boy...all are endearing characters with great development and storyline that make you want to root for them.
The lessons are written in with care and don't overtake the story (themes of inclusion and kindness), and the overall result is just a fun, sweet (with some spicy!) read.
I received a free advanced copy to read, and am leaving an honest review.
The lessons are written in with care and don't overtake the story (themes of inclusion and kindness), and the overall result is just a fun, sweet (with some spicy!) read.
I received a free advanced copy to read, and am leaving an honest review.
September 5, 2025
This is the first book of this multi-author series that I've read and it sure started off wonderfully. Aspen and her son, Milo, are definitely in need of Sebastian's gentle care. I love his snakes - so sassy! The emotions and connection between Aspen and Sebastian were fab and I was glued to my reader with the humour, twists and spice. The fake-to-real trope was so well done and I love that, with the help of his elderly match-making neighbours, Sebastian got his HEA. All great fun and I'm definitely looking forward to diving into more Harmony Glen stories :D
September 7, 2025
What a sweet story! While looking at the imperfect details of single parenting, part time work and hiding parts of your inner self, Aspen and Sebastian find their way together. Sebastian as a gorgon and a children’s story time librarian with magical abilities bringing stories to life made me smile. Aspens struggles made her more real and reminded me that sometimes we do the best that we can for those that we love. Together they made a wonderful pair with love support and understanding for all those around them.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
November 29, 2025
Aspen and Sebastian was everything a good feel, HEA, sweet love story should be!!
Aspen does everything for the benefit of her son Milo, while dealing with her own issues (deadbeat BD as well as other things that are revealed later on).
Sebastian, the quiet, awkward gorgon he is showed just how reliable and caring he is towards not only Aspen but Milo as well. He gave the wholesome dad energy!
There romance seemed genuine and I loved how it progressed. The plot line was nice and entertaining.
Aspen does everything for the benefit of her son Milo, while dealing with her own issues (deadbeat BD as well as other things that are revealed later on).
Sebastian, the quiet, awkward gorgon he is showed just how reliable and caring he is towards not only Aspen but Milo as well. He gave the wholesome dad energy!
There romance seemed genuine and I loved how it progressed. The plot line was nice and entertaining.
September 5, 2025
Part of the Harmony Glen, a story I should not have started at bedtime as I was not putting the book down until I was finished. Aspen and her son Milo and snake-haired librarian Sebastian's well written story with an excellent storyline, great characters and a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the town come together for Sebastian and them get their happy ending. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
I'm sorry, but how was this so cute and sweet and gnnnnn... I didn't know I had a thing for gorgons until this book, okay. I loved the little snakes on Sebastian's head; they are like the best wingman ever. The plot was fun, nothing new on this front. I like the second part of the book with the magic.
Pick it up:
- Monster Romance
- Shy librarian (and he's the shy one) x Human chaos
- Magic
- Finding love after divorce
- Cute snake hair
Pick it up:
- Monster Romance
- Shy librarian (and he's the shy one) x Human chaos
- Magic
- Finding love after divorce
- Cute snake hair
August 25, 2025
Enchanting tale of a lonely Gorgon librarian, an overworked mother and her four year old dinosaur loving son. Add in three matchmaking adopted grandmother neighbors, an unreliable ex-husband, a fake date and a medical condition; sprinkle with humor, magic and love and the story will keep the reader engrossed from start to finish.
September 4, 2025
Aspen, Milo and Sebastian
I love this author, She writes such amazing stories and this One is trully magical. Sebastien is such a great gorgon, he loved kids and wants to help families that need it and Aspen and Milo really needs some help. I loved how Sebastien was super good to Milo and helped him when his father couldn't. Amazing story.
I love this author, She writes such amazing stories and this One is trully magical. Sebastien is such a great gorgon, he loved kids and wants to help families that need it and Aspen and Milo really needs some help. I loved how Sebastien was super good to Milo and helped him when his father couldn't. Amazing story.
September 5, 2025
This was absolutely adorable! I loved it so very much! Alana just has an amazing was with words and writing! You feel the emotions from her character's in every book she writes! This one is no exception! I could feel the pain the fmc was going through with her ex when it came to her son. I love that the mmc stepped up and did an amazing job in that aspect!
September 5, 2025
Alana Khan's Hiss and Tell is a sweet monster romance, a part of the Harmony Glen series. Single mom Aspen is trying to raise her 4 year old son as best she can as her ex isn't very reliable. Local Gordon children's librarian Sebastian is lonely and admires the dedicated single mom. Together they make a cute couple who provide exactly what a growing boy needs. Loved the story.
September 10, 2025
Oh so perfect!
This book has me crying, drooling, and hanging on its every word! It was so perfect! I loved it! The snakes, the library, the kido, the Silver Swimmers, the dinosaurs! It had everything so perfect! It broke my heart in place and made it beat so fast in others! The romance and the spice were amazing! Such a great book!
This book has me crying, drooling, and hanging on its every word! It was so perfect! I loved it! The snakes, the library, the kido, the Silver Swimmers, the dinosaurs! It had everything so perfect! It broke my heart in place and made it beat so fast in others! The romance and the spice were amazing! Such a great book!
September 10, 2025
Sorry not sorry but there is nothing more bullshit than a redemption arc for Derek. The guy was a deadbeat flake of a father for 4 years of his kids life, who gave Aspen an STD that was incurable, and yet somehow we're supposed to clap that he started going to therapy and give him a second chance to be a good person? Fuck that
September 15, 2025
Snakes Alive!
What a sweet story. Also interesting because of all the mythical characters I've read about, never one involved a gorgon. I enjoyed the way the characters developed as their confidence and self awareness grew. All because of the trust they developed with each other on their way to a HEA.
What a sweet story. Also interesting because of all the mythical characters I've read about, never one involved a gorgon. I enjoyed the way the characters developed as their confidence and self awareness grew. All because of the trust they developed with each other on their way to a HEA.
September 21, 2025
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story, it's very cute and cozy. It was hard to believe the 4-year-old. I was dating a guy, and his 4-year-old was smart, but she was talking like this kid, obviously not everyone is the same. It just made it very unrealistic. If he were 7-9 years old, I could understand. I can't wait to read more by this author!
I really enjoyed this story, it's very cute and cozy. It was hard to believe the 4-year-old. I was dating a guy, and his 4-year-old was smart, but she was talking like this kid, obviously not everyone is the same. It just made it very unrealistic. If he were 7-9 years old, I could understand. I can't wait to read more by this author!
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