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Monsters Of Saltford Bay #2
Courted By The Grumpy Dragon: A Cozy Monster Romance
All I want is to save the library. But a greedy heiress and a grumpy dragon lawyer complicate everything. Especially when that dragon lawyer insists I'm his fated mate. Maybe this Halloween, I'm going to do both the tricking and the treating?
Harold Greaves promised ten years of funding to our little town library. I believed him right up until the will was read, and everything went to his scheming niece instead. Now I’ve got a week to prove the new will is a fake… or lose the library forever.
Enter Kraxon grumpy, gorgeous, and a dragon lawyer with something to prove. He’s the executor of Harold’s estate and the only person who seems to believe me. Sort of. When he’s not glaring over his glasses or scorching the room with his mood, he’s helping me dig through decades of dusty archives and dodging questions about why his skin heats up every time we touch.
We’re running out of time, and I’m running out of reasons to pretend I don’t feel the pull between us. But if we can’t expose the forgery before probate closes, the day after Halloween, I risk losing it all.
Including a Happily Ever After I didn't know I wanted up until now.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Emily Antoinette, That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance novella is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
Harold Greaves promised ten years of funding to our little town library. I believed him right up until the will was read, and everything went to his scheming niece instead. Now I’ve got a week to prove the new will is a fake… or lose the library forever.
Enter Kraxon grumpy, gorgeous, and a dragon lawyer with something to prove. He’s the executor of Harold’s estate and the only person who seems to believe me. Sort of. When he’s not glaring over his glasses or scorching the room with his mood, he’s helping me dig through decades of dusty archives and dodging questions about why his skin heats up every time we touch.
We’re running out of time, and I’m running out of reasons to pretend I don’t feel the pull between us. But if we can’t expose the forgery before probate closes, the day after Halloween, I risk losing it all.
Including a Happily Ever After I didn't know I wanted up until now.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Emily Antoinette, That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance novella is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
175 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Mary Auclair
25 books422 followersMary grew up in the quiet peace of a small rural village in the heart of Quebec, Canada.
She spent her childhood chasing butterflies and catching frogs, playing in the mud and generally being as unladylike as she could. Her love of science led her to complete a mechanical engineering degree at the Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, where she met the love of her life.
Years later, as she enjoyed the role of full time mom to her two wonderful children, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.
She now write as much as her busy schedule allows to bring to life her inner world, filled with exotic planets, mysterious creatures and off course, hot, alpha heroes and the women who melt their hearts.
When she's not writing, she can be found in the garden, walking her dogs or playing with fire in her kitchen as a part time hit-or-miss chef.
She spent her childhood chasing butterflies and catching frogs, playing in the mud and generally being as unladylike as she could. Her love of science led her to complete a mechanical engineering degree at the Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, where she met the love of her life.
Years later, as she enjoyed the role of full time mom to her two wonderful children, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.
She now write as much as her busy schedule allows to bring to life her inner world, filled with exotic planets, mysterious creatures and off course, hot, alpha heroes and the women who melt their hearts.
When she's not writing, she can be found in the garden, walking her dogs or playing with fire in her kitchen as a part time hit-or-miss chef.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 28, 2025
It was so cute and adorable that I finished it in one sitting. Ok it's a short read but it is so cozy that will make you swoon. A perfect reading for a fall afternoon bundled with a blanket and warm drink. I loved the feeling of it and I loved all the characters even the side ones. I definitely will try the rest of the series
August 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️ spice
This is Book Two in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. While I have read the first book and totally loved it 😍, I was hot on the heels of wanting to read Book Two. But don’t worry—you don’t need to have read Book One to know what’s going on here. That said... you are missing out if you skip it. Book One is so good! Now, onto my review
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly
The author writes in such a way that reading is super smooth and easy. Once I start reading, I don’t want to pause or take a break. I feel this deep need to just sit down and devour the book—it’s so easy to get lost in and wrapped up in the story.
I was devastated to see that this book was shorter than Book One 😭. Like, why do this to me?! The book could’ve been double the size and I’d have been over the moon. But that being said, I was shocked by how well-paced it was. It didn’t feel rushed, and the events were spaced out well, even with the smaller page count. I was honestly impressed! Still... I’m begging the author: more pages next time. I need them. I need them. Sobs dramatically. 🥹
The story is just amazing. It’s part fantasy, but wrapped in events that could happen in real life, which makes it all the more relatable. Yet, it still completely feeds your fantasy needs. I loved the entire storyline. And ugh... I wanted to slap Delilah. Her character made me so mad! But that just shows how well the story is written—it made me rage outside of the pages. I truly felt for the characters.
I wanted to wrap Nina in a big hug and tell her it’s going to be okay. I loved the details about the library and what it meant to her. When I was younger, I wanted to work in a library too—and I was so sad when that didn’t happen. So now? I’ve basically made my house a library. I totally related to her. She’s both strong and soft—just a fantastic lead.
And Kraxon... whew 😮💨. He had me reaching for ice water and blushing. Butterflies? Oh yes. I loved getting dual POVs. The author writes male characters SO WELL—they make you swoon and giggle and blush. It’s everything.
Now, for the spice:
Since the book is shorter, there’s really just one long spicy scene—but it’s so well done. I felt the secondhand heat. It made me blush, but didn’t overwhelm the book or take away from the story. The attraction and connection are felt, and the story carries you like you’ve grown wings . My only complaint is that the book was so short—but honestly, I can’t hold that against it. It was so well done that it still totally earned 5 stars.
Would I recommend it?
YES YES YES!!! Go get it! Join me in my happy little corner of joy.
Would I read it again?
Totally! I’d reread both books in less than 24 hours. No hesitation.
How would I sum it up?
A book full of feels from start to end. A story of community, love, support, and healing. Like a quick, warm hug with a little heat sprinkled in 💕🔥. A perfect mix of fantasy and relatable moments that’ll keep you hooked!
🌶️🌶️ spice
This is Book Two in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. While I have read the first book and totally loved it 😍, I was hot on the heels of wanting to read Book Two. But don’t worry—you don’t need to have read Book One to know what’s going on here. That said... you are missing out if you skip it. Book One is so good! Now, onto my review
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly
The author writes in such a way that reading is super smooth and easy. Once I start reading, I don’t want to pause or take a break. I feel this deep need to just sit down and devour the book—it’s so easy to get lost in and wrapped up in the story.
I was devastated to see that this book was shorter than Book One 😭. Like, why do this to me?! The book could’ve been double the size and I’d have been over the moon. But that being said, I was shocked by how well-paced it was. It didn’t feel rushed, and the events were spaced out well, even with the smaller page count. I was honestly impressed! Still... I’m begging the author: more pages next time. I need them. I need them. Sobs dramatically. 🥹
The story is just amazing. It’s part fantasy, but wrapped in events that could happen in real life, which makes it all the more relatable. Yet, it still completely feeds your fantasy needs. I loved the entire storyline. And ugh... I wanted to slap Delilah. Her character made me so mad! But that just shows how well the story is written—it made me rage outside of the pages. I truly felt for the characters.
I wanted to wrap Nina in a big hug and tell her it’s going to be okay. I loved the details about the library and what it meant to her. When I was younger, I wanted to work in a library too—and I was so sad when that didn’t happen. So now? I’ve basically made my house a library. I totally related to her. She’s both strong and soft—just a fantastic lead.
And Kraxon... whew 😮💨. He had me reaching for ice water and blushing. Butterflies? Oh yes. I loved getting dual POVs. The author writes male characters SO WELL—they make you swoon and giggle and blush. It’s everything.
Now, for the spice:
Since the book is shorter, there’s really just one long spicy scene—but it’s so well done. I felt the secondhand heat. It made me blush, but didn’t overwhelm the book or take away from the story. The attraction and connection are felt, and the story carries you like you’ve grown wings . My only complaint is that the book was so short—but honestly, I can’t hold that against it. It was so well done that it still totally earned 5 stars.
Would I recommend it?
YES YES YES!!! Go get it! Join me in my happy little corner of joy.
Would I read it again?
Totally! I’d reread both books in less than 24 hours. No hesitation.
How would I sum it up?
A book full of feels from start to end. A story of community, love, support, and healing. Like a quick, warm hug with a little heat sprinkled in 💕🔥. A perfect mix of fantasy and relatable moments that’ll keep you hooked!
October 17, 2025
This was such a fun surprise! This was a great quick read to get into the Halloween spirit — short, but it definitely didn’t lack story or spice. The pacing was perfect for a cozy night in, and I loved how the author managed to pack so much charm, humor, and swoon-worthy moments into such a compact story.
The writing style pulled me in right away — smooth, playful, and full of personality. The grumpy dragon was everything I hoped for (and maybe more 😏), and the romance hit just the right mix of sweet and steamy.
I honestly can’t wait to read more by this author. If you’re looking for a light, spicy, monster romance that still delivers heart and atmosphere, this one’s a perfect pick for spooky season! 🐉💖🎃
The writing style pulled me in right away — smooth, playful, and full of personality. The grumpy dragon was everything I hoped for (and maybe more 😏), and the romance hit just the right mix of sweet and steamy.
I honestly can’t wait to read more by this author. If you’re looking for a light, spicy, monster romance that still delivers heart and atmosphere, this one’s a perfect pick for spooky season! 🐉💖🎃
August 29, 2025
I DEVOURED this book!! This was such a cute, sweet, spicy novella with the dragon MMC of your dreams. The FMC is also the town librarian, and the plot is literally forced proximity with the two of them forced together to save the library. How can you go wrong??? That’s rhetorical. You can’t. I LOVED IT. The book is also set during Halloween. Definitely a super cute read for any time of the year, but would be especially fun to read during spooky season!!
August 27, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TROPES
🐉Grumpy x Sunshine
🐉She Falls First, He Falls Harder
🐉Librarian FMC
🐉Librarian x Lawyer
🐉Small Town Romance
🐉Dragon MMC
--💟💟--
I have nothing but positive things to say about this book!!
Mary Auclair has made a new fan out of me because I absolutely loved this story! We follow Nina, a cheerful librarian, and Kraxon, a grumpy dragon lawyer, as they work to find the real will executed by Harold Greaves, a former contributor to the library that Nina works at, when his will is put into question by his scheming niece Delilah.
Nina is one of the sweetest FMCs I've ever read! At first, I was skeptical of how I would perceive her after she blew up on Kraxon after the will reading, but after her apology I quickly grew fond of her! She was mature and sweet, and seeing her interact with the children, especially Bram, was really heartwarming! She knew how to get Kraxon out of his shell and it led to one of the sweetest, hottest romances I've ever read!
Kraxon, for his part, was grumpy and undeniably attractive! If any of y'all are NARUTO fans, he reminded me so much of my longtime crush on Neji 😭😭(ifkyk). Kraxon was professional to a fault and needed to spread his wings, which is exactly what Nina helped him do! It was adorable to read his interactions with the kids because I could visualize poor Kraxon trying his hardest not to scare them, especially Bram 😂
Auclair did a fantastic job with the legal jargon. She didn't make it too overwhelming, but she wrote it so that it was realistic even in the fantasy setting and everything made sense. The testimony, the dates of the will, and even the court scenes were all written better than any movie script!
I do wish we'd gotten some kind of closure pertaining to the controversy that Kraxon's firm was dealing with. I feel like it built up well and could have tied to Delilah and Marcus, but it fell off toward the end when the reminder of his firm sort-of fizzled into nothing. Of course, it's not an outstanding gripe, just something that I wonder if it could have been explored more.
We had one spicy scene between Kraxon and Nina and it was definitely worth the wait! I was wondering about the sensitivity of Kraxon's wings and Nina gave me the answers I was looking for! Unlike a lot of spicy scenes I've encountered, particularly in the monster genre, Nina and Kraxon approached their lovemaking with gentleness, tentative exploration, and mutual trust! Kraxon (our big boy) was so worried about hurting Nina and it was both frustrating and adorable (like PUT IT IN dude!).
I highly recommend this book and the Saltford Bay series, especially if you love cozy romance and monster romance! Nina, Kraxon, and the townsfolk of Saltford Bay are awaiting you!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
TROPES
🐉Grumpy x Sunshine
🐉She Falls First, He Falls Harder
🐉Librarian FMC
🐉Librarian x Lawyer
🐉Small Town Romance
🐉Dragon MMC
--💟💟--
I have nothing but positive things to say about this book!!
Mary Auclair has made a new fan out of me because I absolutely loved this story! We follow Nina, a cheerful librarian, and Kraxon, a grumpy dragon lawyer, as they work to find the real will executed by Harold Greaves, a former contributor to the library that Nina works at, when his will is put into question by his scheming niece Delilah.
Nina is one of the sweetest FMCs I've ever read! At first, I was skeptical of how I would perceive her after she blew up on Kraxon after the will reading, but after her apology I quickly grew fond of her! She was mature and sweet, and seeing her interact with the children, especially Bram, was really heartwarming! She knew how to get Kraxon out of his shell and it led to one of the sweetest, hottest romances I've ever read!
Kraxon, for his part, was grumpy and undeniably attractive! If any of y'all are NARUTO fans, he reminded me so much of my longtime crush on Neji 😭😭(ifkyk). Kraxon was professional to a fault and needed to spread his wings, which is exactly what Nina helped him do! It was adorable to read his interactions with the kids because I could visualize poor Kraxon trying his hardest not to scare them, especially Bram 😂
Auclair did a fantastic job with the legal jargon. She didn't make it too overwhelming, but she wrote it so that it was realistic even in the fantasy setting and everything made sense. The testimony, the dates of the will, and even the court scenes were all written better than any movie script!
I do wish we'd gotten some kind of closure pertaining to the controversy that Kraxon's firm was dealing with. I feel like it built up well and could have tied to Delilah and Marcus, but it fell off toward the end when the reminder of his firm sort-of fizzled into nothing. Of course, it's not an outstanding gripe, just something that I wonder if it could have been explored more.
We had one spicy scene between Kraxon and Nina and it was definitely worth the wait! I was wondering about the sensitivity of Kraxon's wings and Nina gave me the answers I was looking for! Unlike a lot of spicy scenes I've encountered, particularly in the monster genre, Nina and Kraxon approached their lovemaking with gentleness, tentative exploration, and mutual trust! Kraxon (our big boy) was so worried about hurting Nina and it was both frustrating and adorable (like PUT IT IN dude!).
I highly recommend this book and the Saltford Bay series, especially if you love cozy romance and monster romance! Nina, Kraxon, and the townsfolk of Saltford Bay are awaiting you!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
August 29, 2025
First I want to say thank you to the author, Mary Auclair, and BookSirens for gifting me the eBook as an Advanced Reader Copy.
This was my second book by Mary Auclair, and it is the second book that I am giving 5 stars!! I would absolutely give this book 6 stars if I could. I devoured this book like pumpkin cheesecake! It's a novella, so easy to read in one day, but I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. I am obsessed with Mary Auclair's writing and her spicy scenes! This is an author who knows how to write small town cozy Monster Romance stories with grumpy x sunshine, fated mates, and delicious spice that makes me giddy.
This story follows our FMC, Nina, a very sweet librarian in a small town during October (yes we have ALL of the fall vibes) and her good friend/mentor, Harold, - benefactor to the library, passes away. Nina goes to the Will reading, which is read by our MMC, Krazon, a grumpy dragon attorney. The reading does not go well and we have conflicting documentation that could cause the money for the library to go elsewhere. Krazon works closely with Nina to investigate the documents to determine Harold's last wishes.
We have insta-love and fated mates between Krazon and Nina that works very well! I am not usually a fan of insta-love but I loved it in this book! I did not know that I needed Dragon spice in my life and now I need ALL the dragon spice. His cinnamon pheromones that release only for his fated mate, his golden scales, his fate bonded wings having a mind of their own wanting to constantly wrap up Nina in protection, his dragon fire heating up every time he looks at her....Ummm yes, I ate it all up and want more! I think Dragons just became my favorite Monsters for Monster Romance. I absolutely adored Nina and Krazon and plan to convince everyone I know to read this.
This was my second book by Mary Auclair, and it is the second book that I am giving 5 stars!! I would absolutely give this book 6 stars if I could. I devoured this book like pumpkin cheesecake! It's a novella, so easy to read in one day, but I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. I am obsessed with Mary Auclair's writing and her spicy scenes! This is an author who knows how to write small town cozy Monster Romance stories with grumpy x sunshine, fated mates, and delicious spice that makes me giddy.
This story follows our FMC, Nina, a very sweet librarian in a small town during October (yes we have ALL of the fall vibes) and her good friend/mentor, Harold, - benefactor to the library, passes away. Nina goes to the Will reading, which is read by our MMC, Krazon, a grumpy dragon attorney. The reading does not go well and we have conflicting documentation that could cause the money for the library to go elsewhere. Krazon works closely with Nina to investigate the documents to determine Harold's last wishes.
We have insta-love and fated mates between Krazon and Nina that works very well! I am not usually a fan of insta-love but I loved it in this book! I did not know that I needed Dragon spice in my life and now I need ALL the dragon spice. His cinnamon pheromones that release only for his fated mate, his golden scales, his fate bonded wings having a mind of their own wanting to constantly wrap up Nina in protection, his dragon fire heating up every time he looks at her....Ummm yes, I ate it all up and want more! I think Dragons just became my favorite Monsters for Monster Romance. I absolutely adored Nina and Krazon and plan to convince everyone I know to read this.
August 31, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to the author and Booksirens for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so fun! Honestly I usually don’t even like cozy books period, but this was actually great, there was an actual plot and it was a joy reading it the entire time.
This book follows Nina and Kraxon, they are brought together under not the best of circumstances. Nina runs the town library in Saltwater Bay and her mentor and father figure and major benefactor of the library, Harold just passed away. As she is working through grief she also finds herself in a rather dramatic situation at the will reading and Kraxon, the grumpy dragon attorney is the executor of the will. Harold’s only living heir claims now that he changed the will a week before he died and everyone can smell the deceit a mile away! So not Kraxon and Nina have been thrust together in this high stakes situation that could cause the town library to close its doors forever because they both were under the understanding that major endowment would be left to the library to help support this amazing town (oh and the town has all these cool mythical creatures as well, pixies, trolls, gnomes!)
It was fun to follow along Kraxon and Nina’s journey as they try to solve the mystery and prove the new will to be a faked and how they banter and find love within each other by the end through everything.
Kraxon is honestly a real gem of a MMC! Definitely broody and grumpy but his walls came down pretty fast for Nina and it was the sweetest thing with a dash of some spice!
What a cozy, fun read. And did I mention he’s a dragon, yes but seriously, dragon romance is something I had not read before but I am officially here for it. lol 😂
This book was so fun! Honestly I usually don’t even like cozy books period, but this was actually great, there was an actual plot and it was a joy reading it the entire time.
This book follows Nina and Kraxon, they are brought together under not the best of circumstances. Nina runs the town library in Saltwater Bay and her mentor and father figure and major benefactor of the library, Harold just passed away. As she is working through grief she also finds herself in a rather dramatic situation at the will reading and Kraxon, the grumpy dragon attorney is the executor of the will. Harold’s only living heir claims now that he changed the will a week before he died and everyone can smell the deceit a mile away! So not Kraxon and Nina have been thrust together in this high stakes situation that could cause the town library to close its doors forever because they both were under the understanding that major endowment would be left to the library to help support this amazing town (oh and the town has all these cool mythical creatures as well, pixies, trolls, gnomes!)
It was fun to follow along Kraxon and Nina’s journey as they try to solve the mystery and prove the new will to be a faked and how they banter and find love within each other by the end through everything.
Kraxon is honestly a real gem of a MMC! Definitely broody and grumpy but his walls came down pretty fast for Nina and it was the sweetest thing with a dash of some spice!
What a cozy, fun read. And did I mention he’s a dragon, yes but seriously, dragon romance is something I had not read before but I am officially here for it. lol 😂
August 30, 2025
Absolutely loved this cosy and sweet monster romance!
Nina is the bubbly head librarian, and Kraxon is a lawyer, executing a will set to provide the public library with 10 years of funding.
I adored Kraxon's character, he's definitely made it onto the book boyfriend list! The mating bond sounded so cute, I love the dragon name for it - and that the pheromone scent was season-appropriate, really added the cosy autumnal vibes. The small town support system was strong, our background characters were rich and full of personality (little Bram is a cutie pie).
Spice-wise, there is one full scene I think, with mentions of attraction throughout. It was written beautifully, and felt like it fit well with the relationship they had.
The drama plot was engaging and had me invested in it - very satisfying ending to that.
On the mates/romance side, I loved how caring Klaxon was, and how they became attuned to each other in small ways. I really enjoyed the ending, it was so sweet, and I hope to see glimpses of them in future books.
I really recommend this as we get into autumn - it's halloween themed, so would be a fab read as the night get colder and you want a cosy, cute and steamy story to sink into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nina is the bubbly head librarian, and Kraxon is a lawyer, executing a will set to provide the public library with 10 years of funding.
I adored Kraxon's character, he's definitely made it onto the book boyfriend list! The mating bond sounded so cute, I love the dragon name for it - and that the pheromone scent was season-appropriate, really added the cosy autumnal vibes. The small town support system was strong, our background characters were rich and full of personality (little Bram is a cutie pie).
Spice-wise, there is one full scene I think, with mentions of attraction throughout. It was written beautifully, and felt like it fit well with the relationship they had.
The drama plot was engaging and had me invested in it - very satisfying ending to that.
On the mates/romance side, I loved how caring Klaxon was, and how they became attuned to each other in small ways. I really enjoyed the ending, it was so sweet, and I hope to see glimpses of them in future books.
I really recommend this as we get into autumn - it's halloween themed, so would be a fab read as the night get colder and you want a cosy, cute and steamy story to sink into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I have loved libraries my entire life and if I could be a librarian and make a living, I would in a heartbeat. So when I see a paranormal/fantasy romance that centers on a librarian on a mission to save her beloved library wild horses couldn't have kept me away! I hadn't read the first book in this series but the blurb said it could be read as a standalone and I found this to be very true. I'm more likely to now go back and read Book 1 though because of how much I loved this story.
The author does an outstanding job of making the main characters loveable, believable, and despite the fact that this is a pretty short book it's easy to become deeply invested in Nina and Kraxon's love story. It's equally impressive how quickly I loathed our "villain" Delilah. Nina and Kraxon are on the same side, on a mission to save Nina's beloved library in this tiny but wonderful small town. You can easily go through this book in an afternoon but expect a little bit of a book hangover so have something equally cozy on deck! 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author does an outstanding job of making the main characters loveable, believable, and despite the fact that this is a pretty short book it's easy to become deeply invested in Nina and Kraxon's love story. It's equally impressive how quickly I loathed our "villain" Delilah. Nina and Kraxon are on the same side, on a mission to save Nina's beloved library in this tiny but wonderful small town. You can easily go through this book in an afternoon but expect a little bit of a book hangover so have something equally cozy on deck! 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this cozy, small-town monster romance! 🧡📚 The story had me hooked from the start— Our sweet FMC, Nina, is trying to save the library while navigating a fated-mate connection with a grumpy, broody dragon lawyer AND planning Halloween events? Yes, please! I loved the tension and banter between the Nina and her golden dragon, Kraxon! Their romance had just the right amount of spice, and I loved the playful spin on monster biology and anatomy—it's always fun to see writers put their own unique twist on magical creatures.
Saltford Bay is such a charming setting, full of nosy neighbors, quirky townsfolk (both human and Other), and just the right Halloween vibes. The pacing was a little on the fast side (this is novella after all), keeping me invested in both the mystery of the forged will and the growing romance. If you love low-angst, funny, steamy monster romances with hearts of gold, this novella is an absolute treat—and yes, I finished it with a big smile and a warm, happy ending!
Saltford Bay is such a charming setting, full of nosy neighbors, quirky townsfolk (both human and Other), and just the right Halloween vibes. The pacing was a little on the fast side (this is novella after all), keeping me invested in both the mystery of the forged will and the growing romance. If you love low-angst, funny, steamy monster romances with hearts of gold, this novella is an absolute treat—and yes, I finished it with a big smile and a warm, happy ending!
September 10, 2025
This was a bit shorter than the first book, but it was a fun Halloween time story between Nina, a sweet librarian and Klaxon, a grumpy, up-tight dragon attorney. I’m used to dragons in stories being shapeshifters who go from human looking to a full-on dragon, but this dragon had horns, scales, wings and fire, but in a manly, human form. All the better to entice Nina, the librarian who was supposed to be in the will of her friend and mentor, Harold Greaves. Harold promised ten years of funding for the library, which desperately needed those funds and which Nina was counting on. At the reading of the will, his money-grubbing niece presented a new will which left everything to her. Of course, both Kraxon and Nina were sure it was a fake, but they only had a short time to prove it. This lead to them working together, and of course, their attraction grew. I thought the story was sweet, with some spice, and a happily ever after was the icing on the cake. I look forward to reading more in this series, these stories are a lot of fun.
August 27, 2025
"A Stunning Monster Romance series"
This is a really fun story to read. The characters have fantastic and unique personalities.
Nina is the librarian at the Saltford Bay public library. She just lost her good friend Harold. Who was her mentor, and benefactor to the library. He was a very wealthy man. So he told her he was leaving the library a huge Endowment.
Then at the reading of the will something strange happens.
Kraxon is a sexy dragon man he is also Harold's lawyer. He is in Saltford to read the will. Only Harold's niece claims she has a new will. Leaving her everything and the library nothing! Nina knows this is wrong so she asks Kraxon to help her prove this new will is a fake! As he was good friends with Harold he agrees to help. During his investigation he is very attracted to Nina. Meanwhile Nina is very attracted and drawn to Kraxon.
As they set out to prove the new will is a forgery. Will fate prove they belong together?
This is a really fun story to read. The characters have fantastic and unique personalities.
Nina is the librarian at the Saltford Bay public library. She just lost her good friend Harold. Who was her mentor, and benefactor to the library. He was a very wealthy man. So he told her he was leaving the library a huge Endowment.
Then at the reading of the will something strange happens.
Kraxon is a sexy dragon man he is also Harold's lawyer. He is in Saltford to read the will. Only Harold's niece claims she has a new will. Leaving her everything and the library nothing! Nina knows this is wrong so she asks Kraxon to help her prove this new will is a fake! As he was good friends with Harold he agrees to help. During his investigation he is very attracted to Nina. Meanwhile Nina is very attracted and drawn to Kraxon.
As they set out to prove the new will is a forgery. Will fate prove they belong together?
August 26, 2025
Uptight dragon lawyer, Kraxon, is not looking for a mate and actively avoids trying to connect with librarian, Nina, when he realizes she is the one but fate will not be denied.
Mary does a great job of writing this story. The plot revolves around a greedy relative forging a will that would see the library Nina works at shut down and Kraxon, as executor to the real will, working to prove its validity while trying to resist the mate pull. The characters are multi-dimensional and the plot kept me interested enough to read it all in one sitting.
Although this is the second in a series there is no need to have read the first one. It could easily be a standalone novel.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mary does a great job of writing this story. The plot revolves around a greedy relative forging a will that would see the library Nina works at shut down and Kraxon, as executor to the real will, working to prove its validity while trying to resist the mate pull. The characters are multi-dimensional and the plot kept me interested enough to read it all in one sitting.
Although this is the second in a series there is no need to have read the first one. It could easily be a standalone novel.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
This was a fun, quirky little read with just the right mix of cozy vibes, magical shenanigans, and a touch of steam. The premise—a determined librarian trying to save her beloved library with the unexpected help of a grumpy dragon lawyer—is as charming as it sounds.
The small-town setting is delightful, the banter is snappy, and the chemistry between the main characters is definitely there (even if things move a bit quickly at times). I appreciated the Halloween backdrop and the light mystery thread, which kept things moving without ever getting too heavy.
If you're into grumpy/sunshine pairings, dragons in glasses, and small-town romance with a paranormal twist, this one's worth picking up. Cozy, spicy, and just a little bit ridiculous in the best way.
The small-town setting is delightful, the banter is snappy, and the chemistry between the main characters is definitely there (even if things move a bit quickly at times). I appreciated the Halloween backdrop and the light mystery thread, which kept things moving without ever getting too heavy.
If you're into grumpy/sunshine pairings, dragons in glasses, and small-town romance with a paranormal twist, this one's worth picking up. Cozy, spicy, and just a little bit ridiculous in the best way.
September 1, 2025
I loved this story. It was an explosive, romantic, high-heat and a bit of angst, all mixed into one. I loved how passionate Nina is in her beliefs and self worth. No one was going to ruin her plans and if she wanted something, she wasn't shy about it. Kraxon is a honor-bound dragon who is tasked with juggling the passing of a friend, the duties of his job, and a surprising spark of attraction to this small town librarian. The two characters are so loveable and this story will have you glued to the pages. I highly recommend this of you are loving for a semi-qu8ck read, amazing characters, race-against-time, found mates.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2025
Sweet and exciting novella
This is a short and sweet little novella. Nina is the librarian in a small town library whose benefactor has passed away. She is expecting an endowment from a will that will help repair and fund the library for the next decade. Kraxon is a dragon and an attorney and the executor of said benefactor's estate. When it is time for the will reading, a family member shows up with a copy of a new will that leaves the entire estate to her and axes the library funding. The rest of the book follows Nina and Kraxon working to investigate and prove that the new will is fraudulent while also navigating their attraction to one another. This novella is great if fated mates, grumpy-sunshine, or small town vibes are your jam.
This is a short and sweet little novella. Nina is the librarian in a small town library whose benefactor has passed away. She is expecting an endowment from a will that will help repair and fund the library for the next decade. Kraxon is a dragon and an attorney and the executor of said benefactor's estate. When it is time for the will reading, a family member shows up with a copy of a new will that leaves the entire estate to her and axes the library funding. The rest of the book follows Nina and Kraxon working to investigate and prove that the new will is fraudulent while also navigating their attraction to one another. This novella is great if fated mates, grumpy-sunshine, or small town vibes are your jam.
August 30, 2025
Loved this story. Quite a low angst, easy read, with a great storyline for our main characters Nina and Kraxon to be able to flirt, hurt and ultimately fall in love.
As an avid book lover, the fact that Nina is a librarian and the fate of the library is at risk, well I was all in from the start.
I loved the storytimes at the library, it helped with the integration of the small town community vibes to the story and Kraxon's participation in these was hilarious.
I thought the descriptive writing was excellent. I really felt Kraxon's heart heating for his mate and the flow of the story was spot on.
As an avid book lover, the fact that Nina is a librarian and the fate of the library is at risk, well I was all in from the start.
I loved the storytimes at the library, it helped with the integration of the small town community vibes to the story and Kraxon's participation in these was hilarious.
I thought the descriptive writing was excellent. I really felt Kraxon's heart heating for his mate and the flow of the story was spot on.
September 2, 2025
Cute and cozy read with a grumpy dragon and a sunshine librarian. I enjoyed the build up between Nina and Kraxon in the beginning of the story. Pretty easily could guess what would happen between them and it was right to the point which was perfect for this story. Delilah was an easy character to hate which made the story of figuring out the estate even better when they went to the court hearing. I hope she goes to jail for 1000 years. I would have liked another scene with Nina and Kraxon alone but not a deal breaker. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for Saltwater Bay.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2025
Nina and Kraxon
Nina is the local town librarian. When her mentor and friend passes, an endowment was to be left for the library. Yet, when his neice produces another will, the clock is ticking to find the truth behind the newest will.
Kraxon is a lawyer and the executor to thecwillmof his old friend and mentor. During the readiing of the will, a niece produces a new will. He investigates the new wiil and finds love in the local librarian, Nina. She is his Heart's Fire. His fated mate.
Sweet, fated mates, steamy, drama, mystery, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nina is the local town librarian. When her mentor and friend passes, an endowment was to be left for the library. Yet, when his neice produces another will, the clock is ticking to find the truth behind the newest will.
Kraxon is a lawyer and the executor to thecwillmof his old friend and mentor. During the readiing of the will, a niece produces a new will. He investigates the new wiil and finds love in the local librarian, Nina. She is his Heart's Fire. His fated mate.
Sweet, fated mates, steamy, drama, mystery, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
I received this ARC copy through BookSirens on Goodreads. The cover caught my eye initially and then the summary did too. It's the exact type of story that I absolutely love! Dragons (and other Others), fated mates, steam, a bit of mystery, my favorite time of year, and a happily ever after. I loved the main characters and the side characters were so great too. Kraxon was so hunky and Nina was sweet. Little Bram might have been my favorite. So cute! I'll definitely be checking out this author again, especially books in this same series!
August 28, 2025
“Courted by the Grumpy Dragon” by Mary Auclair
-This charming paranormal romance blends small-town warmth with dragon magic. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Nina, a sweet librarian, teams up with grumpy dragon lawyer Kraxon to uncover the truth behind a forged will. Their fated-mates bond grows tenderly as they navigate children, community, and unexpected passion. Heartfelt, quirky, and fun—a delightful quick read! Little Bram is especially cute.
I love the idea of cinnamon pheromones and being called "My Heart's Fire."
-This charming paranormal romance blends small-town warmth with dragon magic. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Nina, a sweet librarian, teams up with grumpy dragon lawyer Kraxon to uncover the truth behind a forged will. Their fated-mates bond grows tenderly as they navigate children, community, and unexpected passion. Heartfelt, quirky, and fun—a delightful quick read! Little Bram is especially cute.
I love the idea of cinnamon pheromones and being called "My Heart's Fire."
August 30, 2025
Courted by the Grumpy Dragon is the second contemporary romance taking place in the magical Saltford Bay where head librarian Nina Farrington and grumpy dragon lawyer Kraxon Ashbane are brought together when a little problem with a benefactors will that promised funds to the Saltford bay library… doesn’t.
Nicely written, with well crafted characters, humor, romance, spice, intrigue and drama,
I enjoyed this engaging story that was a captivating and perfectly enchanting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nicely written, with well crafted characters, humor, romance, spice, intrigue and drama,
I enjoyed this engaging story that was a captivating and perfectly enchanting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2025
This is a cute little mystery with fall vibes, a dragon but one who walks and talks like a human. And he flies. He's an attorney and wears a suit so that's different than my normal dragon fantasy books. There's a little mystery at play, a cute local library human, trolls, and pixies. The characters are cute. It's fast paced bc of the length of the book and there's not a lot of getting to know you time for the characters. It's got a spicy scene and a little humor.
I received the eARC of this book for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to BookSirens and the author.
I received the eARC of this book for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to BookSirens and the author.
September 6, 2025
*ARC Review*
MMC - “I like to be in control at all times because I am big strong smart dragon, with slight anger issues.”
FMC- “He’s kind of hot, why does he keep running away when sparks.”
Honestly, neither of them are that shallow, it’s kind of just the vibe.
Two people get really connected when a lying woman and bureaucratic bullshit gets in the way of what they know is supposed to happen. Will they win, will they get laid, read and find out. I think you’ll enjoy it. I know I did.
MMC - “I like to be in control at all times because I am big strong smart dragon, with slight anger issues.”
FMC- “He’s kind of hot, why does he keep running away when sparks.”
Honestly, neither of them are that shallow, it’s kind of just the vibe.
Two people get really connected when a lying woman and bureaucratic bullshit gets in the way of what they know is supposed to happen. Will they win, will they get laid, read and find out. I think you’ll enjoy it. I know I did.
September 14, 2025
A great little novella by Mary Auclair. I happened to read this at the perfect time as fall is just starting! It made me want to curl up with the next book she writes, with the windows open and a pumpkin spice latte. Kraxon and Nina were so adorable and the fact that his pheromones smelled like cinnamon was hilarious. If that was me, I would have wanted to lick him too! Mary writes amazing monster books you want to binge.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
ARC review- A cosy book about a sweet librarian, a possibly forged Will, and a handsome, grumpy dragon Lawyer. Such a fun, easy, and cosy read.
Our FMC, Nina, is a sweet and passionate librarian. It was so lovely to read about her and how she runs the library.
Our MMC, Kraxon, was a grumpy, yet passionate and charming dragon Lawyer. I loved the way he was described.
Grumpy x Sunshine
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Librarian FMC
Librarian x Lawyer
Small Town Romance
Dragon MMC
Sensitive wings (IYKYK)
Spice 1-2 chilli pepper
Definitely worth reading if you enjoy cosy romance and cosy monster romance.
Our FMC, Nina, is a sweet and passionate librarian. It was so lovely to read about her and how she runs the library.
Our MMC, Kraxon, was a grumpy, yet passionate and charming dragon Lawyer. I loved the way he was described.
Grumpy x Sunshine
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Librarian FMC
Librarian x Lawyer
Small Town Romance
Dragon MMC
Sensitive wings (IYKYK)
Spice 1-2 chilli pepper
Definitely worth reading if you enjoy cosy romance and cosy monster romance.
December 18, 2025
This was cute. I wish it would have had more elaboration on how they're mates and maybe introduced his family a bit. The drama with the will was kind of silly. Background noise really. It was short and sweet. Overall enjoyable quick read. Just missing....a little something I can't put my finger on.
Favorite lines:
I feel like a mouse arguing with a lion.
I am not a victim of my impulses.
Very creepy, very demure."
"I prefer clarity and direction in all things."
he's looking at me, like I'm something precious and dangerous all at once.
Favorite lines:
I feel like a mouse arguing with a lion.
I am not a victim of my impulses.
Very creepy, very demure."
"I prefer clarity and direction in all things."
he's looking at me, like I'm something precious and dangerous all at once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
Nina and Kraxon
This is a very good, well told, monster/Dragon and Human romance. There are some grammar errors but they do not affect the flow of the story. Nina is a small town librarian who has lost a good friend. She has to go to the reading of the will, expecting a sizable investment to the library. Kraxon is a dragon lawyer and responsible for the reading. There are complications and another will is brought forth denying any money going to the library. Read how Kraxon and his mate, Nina solve the mystery of the second will.
This is a very good, well told, monster/Dragon and Human romance. There are some grammar errors but they do not affect the flow of the story. Nina is a small town librarian who has lost a good friend. She has to go to the reading of the will, expecting a sizable investment to the library. Kraxon is a dragon lawyer and responsible for the reading. There are complications and another will is brought forth denying any money going to the library. Read how Kraxon and his mate, Nina solve the mystery of the second will.
August 21, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read of this author and I’m very impressed. It’s a perfect quick read filled with lots of small town charm and quirky characters, set in a town with different kinds of monsters. I loved how unique and thought out all the characters were. I loved how the main characters came together for an important cause and ended up being fated mates. Nothing better than a little monster romance. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun read.
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