The Taking: A Dark, Spicy Plus-Size Short

by M.Q. Rush

“I won’t love you gently.”

Every hundred years, the sea chooses a bride.

I used to think it was just a story.

Then the tide pulled me under.

Now I’m in the sea demon’s world. Collared, restrained, used.

And when he says I was made for this?

My body agrees.

Author’s This is a high-heat standalone novella that includes rough sexual scenes. Please check the trigger warnings, and if such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Genres: Fiction

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Angela Plumeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger. Loved it.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'“Every hundred years, the sea chooses a bride,” Jen started, dropping her voice dramatically. “Someone to maintain the balance of the tides. The chosen one disappears during the dark of the moon, pulled under the waves to serve as wife to…”
She wiggled her fingers spookily. “The thing beneath the water.”
'When we tell these stories about the sea choosing a bride, some shameful part of me always whispers: Choose me. Take me somewhere no one knows me, where I don’t have to pretend I don’t crave this. Where something ancient and powerful wants me enough to claim me completely.'

I absolutely loved this book. I loved both Elena and Mavros. I liked the way the story was paced, the different emotions Elena goes through. And I loved learning more about Mavros and his emotions. I wish I could have had one chapter from his point of view to really see things from his eyes. This was a short story but felt complete... and yet I want more. I liked that this story had character development for not just the heroine, but for Mavros as well. And as much as I liked the ending, her being human with an infinitely shorter lifespan still weighs on me so heavily. Because I really grew fond of him by the end and want him to find happiness and not get hurt. Definitely my favorite in this series and I'd love a sequel! 5 stars.

[Tysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just proves you should be careful what you wish for....

Port Stillwater has a local legend, the sea brides. Women between the ages of 20 and 30 going missing during the dark of the moon. Elena fits the profile of those single, socially disconnected women, and thinks she wouldn't mind being taken under the waves.

She secretly has dark fantasies about being taken and used, and has read plenty of accounts of the sea bride legend, but she wasn't fully prepared for what would happen when the legends turned out to be true.

This is dark, rough, and very spicy. If you like reading about a fantasy sea creature, who is very well-endowed, and extremely possessive, you'll probably enjoy this. It's a pretty quick read, so perfect for when you want some shorter spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start this review with what I do not like. What I do not like is the thought that Elena will eventually pass and leave Marvos all alone again. I wish there'd be some way for her to gain immortality. Elena is a plus size woman who is walking Alone by the ocean wallowing in soft pity about her ex Liam who ghosted her. She can feel eyes on her but she doesn't see anybody around. Continues walking way past what is safe. She thought she had enough distance between herself and the edge of the water but that wasn't the case the I'd had rolled in and was gradually grabbing her and pulling her out to see. Before she loses Consciousness underwater she sees what can only be a monster or a demon. I must say this book was super super hot. Like I flooded my basement.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “You were made for this, Elena. Made for me.” ★

Review Rating: 3..5 out of 5 stars - According to Port Stillwater folklore, a sea bride will be taken every century by the creature who lurks under the deep waters. Walking along the beach, Elena’s most fervent wishes must have been heard, because the next thing she knows, she is pulled underwater by the tidal waters, captured by the immortal sea demon. Fantasy becomes reality for her, but can she dare ask for more from it? Learning how to live her new role with Mavros happens quickly, and this novella was entertaining to read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena has read all the legends and stories she could find about the women claimed as a Bride of the Sea. Little did she know that her name would be added to that list. Marvos has lived for centuries, ruling the deep, and now he requires a bride. This is a super steamy erotica novella, featuring two fantastic characters. Excellent escape read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela L Bollman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check the trigger warnings, some may not like the forced intimate scenes or the fact she is a captive. Of course when you start feeling bad for the immortal monster, you know you probably like the short dirty story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great short from this author featuring Elena and Mavros. :) A human and a sea demon. Elena felt it was all just a story, until Mavros claims Elena as his bride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this genre, hot and spicy. Great short, bedtime read 😉. Nicely written, steamy storyline. Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.