A climate scientist and the Celtic God of Summer meet at a bar and have a one-night stand.
Sounds like the start of a joke, but for down-on-her-luck Sadie, it's reality.
After being dumped by her situationship and her doctoral program, Sadie finds herself accidentally working for the sexy God of Summer, Oak, to end winter for good by defeating the Holly King. The only problem? Despite her determination to keep their relationship professional, her mythical boss and his roguish charm keep piquing her desire. To make things more complicated, her research proves that winter is necessary to the mortal world. Now, she faces the dilemma of choosing to help her boss or save her world.
As pressure and sexual tensions mount, Sadie must decide how far she’s willing to go to secure her own destiny back on Earth. But the more entangled she becomes in Oak’s search for salvation, the more she’s willing to risk it all to free the soul she can’t help falling for.
How will her research lead to the redemption that Oak so desperately needs? Only fickle Fate has that answer, and it might push Sadie past the point of no return.
Lovers of Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas and Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes will be kept on the edge of their seat with this pacy, steamy, humorous and action packed romantic fantasy.
This was an interesting journey through Celtic mythology and I absolutely loved it! Ended on a cliffhanger that killed me! So ready for the next book already!
ummm excuse me!! that cliffhanger maam!!! 🤬😱 and now I have to wait 😞😞
sadie is so relatable and I love how much of a hot mess she is. the f*ck it attitude when she makes her mind up or makes questionable life decisions.
I actually loved the way she described her grandmother because honestly it reminded me slightly of my own. New all rhw old stories and tales, homeopathic, but swore didn't practice the old religions.... mhm whatever you say grandma. I think grandma knows something.
I need answers and also for oak to get more ferocious. holly needs an 🍑 whooping. but also wouldn't hate a why choose situation either 😅 holly does sound like an a hole though so....
4.5/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️ Dual POVs Ancient lore with present day
**Possible Spoilers**
At first, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started reading this, because I knew little to none about Celtic mythology, but by chapter 3, it starts to pick up, and from there, everything was great. By chapter 3, it introduces our sassy and relatable FMC, Sadie. She’s a climate scientist that’s looking for a job in her field of study but is sadly blacklisted because she got involved with someone that she shouldn’t have. While our MMC, Oak King, is a confident Celtic God of Summer that needs help to end the battles with the Holly King, Celtic God of Winter. But one night changes everything for these two. Sadie gets lured away to Oak’s realm to find a way to end the impossible, endless cycle that the Holly King and Oak King have so Oak can keep Sadie’s world safe from the God of Winter. But soon Oak and Sadie realized they have developed deeper feelings for each other. I absolutely loved this read! The characters and the two worlds that the author has created were easy to picture based on how well she described them throughout her novel. And her cliffhanger she left us destroyed me, but in a good way. Now I can’t wait till the second book.
Prepare to have your world and your expectations completely upended by P.E. Craven's utterly captivating novel, Oak. This book is a masterclass in blending the mythological with the mundane, the fantastical with the deeply relatable, and the result is nothing short of brilliant. From the moment I cracked open this story, I was hooked, and by the final page, I was utterly smitten. Oak deserves every single one of its five stars and then some.
The premise alone is enough to spark immediate intrigue, a climate scientist and a Celtic God of Summer walk into a bar… and have a one-night stand. It’s a deliciously audacious setup that could easily veer into absurdity, but Craven handles it with such skill and charm that it feels not only plausible but entirely organic to the narrative. Our protagonist, Sadie, is a wonderfully drawn character. She’s down on her luck, reeling from personal and professional setbacks, which makes her accidental entanglement with the divine all the more compelling. Her scientific mind is her bedrock, and the juxtaposition of her logical, evidence-based worldview with the sheer, unadulterated magic of Oak is a stroke of genius.
Oak himself is a force of nature, quite literally. He’s the embodiment of summer, exuding a roguish charm and an undeniable sex appeal that is both intoxicating and, for Sadie, incredibly inconvenient. Their dynamic is electric from the start. Sadie’s determination to maintain a professional distance is constantly challenged by Oak’s magnetic presence and the simmering sexual tension that permeates every interaction. Craven masterfully crafts this push and pull, making their growing attraction feel earned and deeply satisfying. You find yourself rooting for Sadie to succumb to the allure, even as you understand her reservations.
But Oak is far more than just a steamy romance. Beneath the surface of divine flirtation and forbidden desire lies a complex and thought-provoking conflict. Sadie’s scientific research reveals a crucial truth: winter is not an enemy to be vanquished, but a necessary component of the natural world. This revelation creates a profound dilemma for Sadie, forcing her to choose between helping the mythical being she’s falling for and potentially endangering the very planet she’s dedicated her life to studying. This ethical tightrope walk is where the novel truly shines, elevating it beyond a simple paranormal romance. Craven skillfully explores themes of balance in nature, the consequences of unchecked desire, and the ultimate responsibility we have to our world.
The pacing of Oak is impeccable. The plot twists and turns with delightful unpredictability, keeping you on the edge of your seat. As the stakes rise and Oak’s "search for salvation" becomes more urgent, the pressure on Sadie intensifies. Her journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is about saving destinies, both mortal and immortal. The author weaves in elements of fate and destiny in a way that feels both epic and personal, questioning how much control we truly have over our lives and the choices we make.
What truly sets Oak apart is Craven’s exquisite prose. The writing is evocative and lush, painting vivid imagery of both the harshness of winter and the vibrant heat of summer. The dialogue crackles with wit and chemistry, and the emotional depth of the characters is palpable. You feel Sadie’s frustration, her longing, and her growing affection. You sense Oak’s power, his underlying vulnerability, and his undeniable pull.
Oak is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a story about finding love in the most unexpected places, about the courage to question what you believe, and about the powerful forces that govern our world, both seen and unseen. P.E. Craven has delivered a truly exceptional read that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. If you're looking for a romance that is as intelligent as it is passionate, and a story that will sweep you away on a tide of magic and desire, then look no further than Oak. This is a must-read!
Spellbinding fusion of Celtic mythology, modern science, and swoon-worthy romance that had me hooked.
When climate scientist Sadie has a one-night stand with a mysterious stranger, she never expects to wake up entangled in a mythical war between seasons. But that stranger turns out to be Oak, the Celtic God of Summer, and now she’s his reluctant ally in a mission to end winter forever by defeating the Holly King. Trouble is, Sadie’s research says winter is vital. As tensions rise and loyalties blur, Sadie must choose between saving the world she knows and protecting the god who just might hold her heart.
The story cleverly blends ancient lore with the present-day need for STEM, showing that even in magical realms, evolution, and intellect matter. The Celtic characters represented were familiar, and I enjoyed the artistic change to their story. It’s a fresh, intelligent twist that makes the world feel both fantastical and grounded.
Sadie is the kind of protagonist you instantly root for - a relatable, chaotic, and smart scientist trying to redeem herself academically and professionally. She’s messy in the best way, blurting out thoughts at the worst times, stumbling into unexpected situations, and somehow making it hilariously endearing. Her dynamic with Oak is the perfect opposites-attract setup. He’s confident, looked up to, knows exactly where he belongs, and desperately desires Sadie. He’s a hunky god vying for her attention – and who could resist that?! In moments of weakness, the two have explosive, spicy chemistry, proving Oak knows exactly what he’s doing.
In the search to prevent winter, we catch glimpses into Oak’s world – mythical creatures, magic, deadly trials, and other Celtic gods. Danger lurks just outside of windows and whispers in the dark. Sadie’s confidence to push through the unexpected terror is an adrenaline rush, that weaves a brilliant contrast to the slow burn, workplace romance.
And that ending? Absolutely gut-punching. It leaves you reeling, desperate, and clawing for book two. Oak is an unforgettable ride through myth, science, and desire, and I cannot wait to see where this wild, magical journey goes next.
This book was short yet packed FULL of info, world building, romance, spice, and new friends.
🌳 Celtic Mythology 🌳 Workplace Romance... of sorts? 🌳 ADHD coded fmc in STEM 🌳 Steamy Tension-filled Romantasy 🌳 First in a series
Our FMC is a quirky environmentalist who is down on her luck when our God King MMC turns her whole world upside down. As the story progresses she learns so much about herself, bravery, sacrifice, and falling in love.
The formatting of this book was so fun. I really enjoyed the dual pov chapters and the addition of a couple celtic stories as the fmc reads about that specific story.
I didn't breeze through this short ( >250 page) book as quick as I expected but I'm not sure if that's because I haven't had as much time to read lately or if I had to read this writing style a little slower than usual. I can never binge a fantasy book as quickly as I can a contemporary.
The spice was fun! Just a couple scenes was perfect for this size of book. And it's also nice that one happened toward the beginning so we didn't have to wait too long for it to heat up, then cool down, then heat back up again lol. That last scene was 🥵 though!
Overall a fun read with a cliffhanger to keep you hooked for book 2 in the hopefully near future 😊
⭐️ 3.5 stars rounded up and 🌶️ 3.5/5 for spice as well!
I really enjoy this author’s writing style! It has an easy flow, a mix of humor and heart, and characters that feel real. Oak and Sadie were definitely the highlight for me. Their banter felt natural, their chemistry pulled me in, and there were little moments between them that made me smile. They also are very likable characters individually. P.E. Craven is top 3 in my book for best spicy writing.
The themes of fate, cycles, and choice were beautifully woven in, and I lovedddd some of the passages that played with those ideas. Most of my highlighted lines were in these parts.
That said, this did have a biiit of first book syndrome. You can tell there’s so much more to the world and the characters than we’ve gotten so far, and while some scenes really landed, others felt like they were setting things up rather than fully paying off. The pacing could feel uneven because of that, but even so, I really enjoyed it. The characters and writing kept me engaged, and I’m excited to see how the series grows from here!
When I first picked this up, I wasn’t sure if it would be my thing—but by chapter two, I was completely hooked, and it only got better from there. Oak was my first dive into this type of fantasy, and I quickly fell in love with both the world and the characters.
The author’s vivid descriptions brought the different beings and settings to life so clearly that I could picture them in my mind as if I were right there. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal—in the best way. It’s going to stick with me until book two arrives!
If you’re on the fence about trying this story, I highly recommend giving it a chance. Oak will sweep you into its world and leave you falling in love before you know it.
After being dumped by her situationship and her doctoral program, Sadie finds herself accidentally working for the sexy God of Summer, Oak, to end winter for good by defeating the Holly King. This was a compelling twist and retelling of Oak and Holly King. I absolutely loved it. It was a different feel for a read, and it was so nice reading a different style romance than my normal. I was hooked int the book around chapter 5. The banter between Oak and Sadie was perfect. The mixing of mythology and climate science was the most interesting and P.E. Craven did a great job combining these two. There is some spice in the this book, but it is mostly plot. There are dual POV which I love in books, and the mixing of ancient lore with modern day was perfection.
What happens when a mortal gets sucked into the world of the God Kings responsible for the seasons on earth?
Oak is the tale of Sadie, an aspiring PhD. student and climate scientist, who enters a deal with the God King of Summer. Whisked away to the Otherworld, she is tasked with finding a way to stop the cyclical battle between Oak and Holly, the God King of Winter.
As Sadie uncovers the secrets of the strange, new world she has been thrust into, she begins to realize that her task may be impossible. Complicating matters even more are her growing feelings for Oak.
Will Sadie be able to break the cycle and save Oak? Or will millennia of battles continue with the changing seasons?
Sadie is chosen by fate to help the Summer God King Oak win the next battle against the Winter God King Holly; but somewhere along the way it becomes muddled. Both Oak and Sadie fall for each other without realizing it. I love how the book is steeped in Celtic lore and Mythology and definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review
This book was just the easy, fun book I needed! Some of the lines in this book had me absolutely cackling and grinning ear to ear, it has just enough intrigue and mystery that I’m beyond curious. The cliffhanger was undeniably cruel in the best way😩🙂↕️
Very steamy. Very fun. Great start to a new romantasy trilogy. Sadie and Oak were wonderful protagonists. The plot about Oak and Holly is intriguing and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes in the next book!
Wow. What a great retelling of the Oak and the Holly King! I loved the sassy female main character, Sadie. Even as a mortal who was tricked into Oak’s realm she was still fierce and held her own. The writing was great and held my interest and I loved the dialogue and storyline. This is a shorter book and you will fly right through it! Also, that ending had me screaming for book 2 already! I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy romance, banter, and Celtic mythology.
This book combines modern-day with the realm of the Gods and Celtic mythology. Sadie is a bit down on her luck and just feeling stuck, then a one-night stand changes everything. I liked the combination of science, mythology, and fantasy. It was an interesting read and left me curious to see what happens in book 2.
🍏Celtic mythology 🍏Gods & Fate 🍏Trapped in a battle 🍏Loss of hope 🍏STEM rep 🍏Tension & Spicy Romance