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Tentacles & Trust Issues
One night changed everything. Eight years healed nothing. Fate won’t be denied twice.
Odette
He was mine for a single night, only to vanish for eight long years. I rebuilt myself from the ashes he left behind, clawing my way to success. Now he’s back, standing at the side of my biggest client yet. He thinks fate will hand me over again. He doesn’t realize I’m no longer the naïve, desperate girl he left behind.
Rely
I thought I could have her once and bury the memory forever. Instead, I’ve lived in torment for years, working undercover as a crime lord’s right-hand man by day and dreaming of her by night. I might have been foolish enough to leave her behind before, but not this time. No matter the cost, she will be mine.
Odette
He was mine for a single night, only to vanish for eight long years. I rebuilt myself from the ashes he left behind, clawing my way to success. Now he’s back, standing at the side of my biggest client yet. He thinks fate will hand me over again. He doesn’t realize I’m no longer the naïve, desperate girl he left behind.
Rely
I thought I could have her once and bury the memory forever. Instead, I’ve lived in torment for years, working undercover as a crime lord’s right-hand man by day and dreaming of her by night. I might have been foolish enough to leave her behind before, but not this time. No matter the cost, she will be mine.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Keeton
3 books78 followersMonsters, magic, and mating, oh my!
J. A. Keeton is a monster romance author who revels in all things dark, twisted, and deliciously monstrous. From brooding demon princes to hopelessly devoted orcs, her stories are packed with tropes like enemies to lovers, fated mates, and the ever loveable alpha-holes.
Though her stories have dark elements, J. A. Keeton always guarantees two things: a thorough list of trigger warnings and a hard earned happily ever after.
Her works include: The Spellbroken King, The False Witch, and Tentacles & Trust Issues.
J. A. Keeton is a monster romance author who revels in all things dark, twisted, and deliciously monstrous. From brooding demon princes to hopelessly devoted orcs, her stories are packed with tropes like enemies to lovers, fated mates, and the ever loveable alpha-holes.
Though her stories have dark elements, J. A. Keeton always guarantees two things: a thorough list of trigger warnings and a hard earned happily ever after.
Her works include: The Spellbroken King, The False Witch, and Tentacles & Trust Issues.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 7, 2025
Tentacles & Trust Issues is a quick, engaging read with a premise full of promise: second chances, fated love, and the ache of time lost. However, it ultimately feels too short to fully deliver on its emotional and narrative potential.
I liked what we got - the chemistry between Odette and Rely is compelling, and the setup had plenty of intrigue - but the story often hinted at deeper plotlines and character backstories that never quite materialized. The significant time jump, while intriguing, left me wishing for more insight into what happened during those years and how it truly shaped these characters.
With a bit more length and attention to detail, this could have been a more immersive, emotionally resonant story. As it stands, it’s an enjoyable read, but one that leaves you wanting just a bit more substance and depth.
I liked what we got - the chemistry between Odette and Rely is compelling, and the setup had plenty of intrigue - but the story often hinted at deeper plotlines and character backstories that never quite materialized. The significant time jump, while intriguing, left me wishing for more insight into what happened during those years and how it truly shaped these characters.
With a bit more length and attention to detail, this could have been a more immersive, emotionally resonant story. As it stands, it’s an enjoyable read, but one that leaves you wanting just a bit more substance and depth.
September 28, 2025
This is an ARC review
Expected release date: October 7, 2025
Being a novella, you don't really get much of a chance to actually form any sort of attachment to the characters. I think if the author ever decided to expand this and make a full novel, it would most likely be a 5 star read, and this was good enough to make me interested in their full-length works. It's with the read if you just have an hour to kill but don't want to get sucked into something deeper.
Expected release date: October 7, 2025
Being a novella, you don't really get much of a chance to actually form any sort of attachment to the characters. I think if the author ever decided to expand this and make a full novel, it would most likely be a 5 star read, and this was good enough to make me interested in their full-length works. It's with the read if you just have an hour to kill but don't want to get sucked into something deeper.
September 28, 2025
An easy read but because it’s so short you don’t form any connection with the characters and the whole second chance aspect is just lacking.
Thank you for the ARC.
Thank you for the ARC.
September 21, 2025
ARC review (my first 🤗)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️
To be released on 10/07/2025
Tentacles & Trust issues is a super cute fated mates, second chance, paranormal fantasy.
The author did a great job building a small paranormal world without there being any info dumping. The story of Rely and Odette is really sweet. The romance and tension are the main aspects of the story but the second chance trope provides a level of get and character development.
I think the way the author approached the miscarriage was done very well and tastefully.
Although this book is a short, and spicy, it was a sweet HEA for me. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has enjoys monster, fantasy, second chance, romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️
To be released on 10/07/2025
Tentacles & Trust issues is a super cute fated mates, second chance, paranormal fantasy.
The author did a great job building a small paranormal world without there being any info dumping. The story of Rely and Odette is really sweet. The romance and tension are the main aspects of the story but the second chance trope provides a level of get and character development.
I think the way the author approached the miscarriage was done very well and tastefully.
Although this book is a short, and spicy, it was a sweet HEA for me. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has enjoys monster, fantasy, second chance, romance.
September 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW //
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expected 7 Oct 25
Tentacles & Trust Issues by J.A. Keeton is a fun, spicy, and quick Monster Romance that will leave you wanting more of Rely🐙😮💨!!
Rated 5 stars for the descriptions and how J.A. Keeton is able to not drag things out! She makes sure your thirst is quenched but then has you definitely wanting more of Rely and Odette together.
If you’re a lover of Monster spice or you’re new to the genre all together give this book a try! 🌊🐙🌶️🥵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expected 7 Oct 25
Tentacles & Trust Issues by J.A. Keeton is a fun, spicy, and quick Monster Romance that will leave you wanting more of Rely🐙😮💨!!
Rated 5 stars for the descriptions and how J.A. Keeton is able to not drag things out! She makes sure your thirst is quenched but then has you definitely wanting more of Rely and Odette together.
If you’re a lover of Monster spice or you’re new to the genre all together give this book a try! 🌊🐙🌶️🥵
September 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Expected Release; 07/10/2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
This was such a fun and unique read! Tentacles & Trust Issues is a second chance romance with a fated mates twist, and J.A. Keeton’s writing made it easy to fall into the story right away. Even though the book is on the shorter side, it never felt rushed and kept me hooked the whole way through.
One thing that really stood out to me was the miscarriage representation. It was handled with care and authenticity, adding a layer of depth to the story that made the characters feel even more real and relatable.
The romance had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness, and I loved how the second chance dynamic added that extra layer of emotion. The author’s writing style was engaging and flowed so well, it made for a quick, enjoyable read that left me wanting more from this world!
If you’re looking for a quick paranormal romance with tentacles, fate, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up! 🐙🫶🏽
Expected Release; 07/10/2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
This was such a fun and unique read! Tentacles & Trust Issues is a second chance romance with a fated mates twist, and J.A. Keeton’s writing made it easy to fall into the story right away. Even though the book is on the shorter side, it never felt rushed and kept me hooked the whole way through.
One thing that really stood out to me was the miscarriage representation. It was handled with care and authenticity, adding a layer of depth to the story that made the characters feel even more real and relatable.
The romance had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness, and I loved how the second chance dynamic added that extra layer of emotion. The author’s writing style was engaging and flowed so well, it made for a quick, enjoyable read that left me wanting more from this world!
If you’re looking for a quick paranormal romance with tentacles, fate, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up! 🐙🫶🏽
October 7, 2025
Tentacles and Trust Issues is a quick, angsty second-chance romance novella. It's less than 100 pages long, but packs a lot of emotional punch with an eventual HEA.
Odette, a human, and Rely, a kraken shifter, meet each other at a bad time in their lives. Odette has just gotten out of a bad relationship and Rely is not at a place in his life where he can even think about relationships. As soon as they lay eyes on each other they know they're fated mates, but after a steamy encounter Rely disappears into the night.
It takes 8 years for them to meet again. Rely is finally at a point where he can work for a relationship, but Odette is naturally resistant. She carries a lot more baggage from their first encounter than Rely does.
Make sure to read trigger warnings beforehand, because there's a couple events in the story that I know might be very triggering for some readers.
Thank you J.A. Keeton for the opportunity to advance read!
Odette, a human, and Rely, a kraken shifter, meet each other at a bad time in their lives. Odette has just gotten out of a bad relationship and Rely is not at a place in his life where he can even think about relationships. As soon as they lay eyes on each other they know they're fated mates, but after a steamy encounter Rely disappears into the night.
It takes 8 years for them to meet again. Rely is finally at a point where he can work for a relationship, but Odette is naturally resistant. She carries a lot more baggage from their first encounter than Rely does.
Make sure to read trigger warnings beforehand, because there's a couple events in the story that I know might be very triggering for some readers.
Thank you J.A. Keeton for the opportunity to advance read!
December 18, 2025
If you want great tentacle representation then this story is for you.
The MMC has two penises, which I hope is part of being a Kraken. We will now read more Kraken stories to find out.
The story first starts out with the FMC being in college and finding her mate after a bad break-up. Lucky her!
Then the story jumps forward in time when everyone is older and working their respective jobs.
The Kraken in the story is much older so this is an age difference story. This is also a second chance story. There is also miscarriage representation.
The FMC does not like the MMC (Kraken), but eventually allows him back in her life.
There is obviously some drama that happens, but you’ll have to read it to find out what the drama is and why the FMC’s mate left her.
There is some angst in the story because it is a second chance romance. It’s also a novella which means things are kind of rushed. Like, the whole mobster and the MMC’s job would have been a nice to explore more.
The MMC has two penises, which I hope is part of being a Kraken. We will now read more Kraken stories to find out.
The story first starts out with the FMC being in college and finding her mate after a bad break-up. Lucky her!
Then the story jumps forward in time when everyone is older and working their respective jobs.
The Kraken in the story is much older so this is an age difference story. This is also a second chance story. There is also miscarriage representation.
The FMC does not like the MMC (Kraken), but eventually allows him back in her life.
There is obviously some drama that happens, but you’ll have to read it to find out what the drama is and why the FMC’s mate left her.
There is some angst in the story because it is a second chance romance. It’s also a novella which means things are kind of rushed. Like, the whole mobster and the MMC’s job would have been a nice to explore more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
4.5⭐
I completely agree with the sentiment that this was not long enough, but I mean it in the best way. Fated mates are my favorite trope and I love when it's presented in a way that isn't what usually hits my radar. Second chance romance doesn't come across my TBR often but when it does it always lands just right. I love the determination Odette has to make her dreams come true despite having something she wanted more than anything ripped away from her. I love how Rely was immediately there and unwilling to go away again. I wish it were longer so we could have had more groveling, more longing, more apologies but that's not always needed and I did enjoy this story very, very much. It made my heart beat fast, it made me tear up, and it was hot. I love tentacles so fkn much 😭😍🥵
I completely agree with the sentiment that this was not long enough, but I mean it in the best way. Fated mates are my favorite trope and I love when it's presented in a way that isn't what usually hits my radar. Second chance romance doesn't come across my TBR often but when it does it always lands just right. I love the determination Odette has to make her dreams come true despite having something she wanted more than anything ripped away from her. I love how Rely was immediately there and unwilling to go away again. I wish it were longer so we could have had more groveling, more longing, more apologies but that's not always needed and I did enjoy this story very, very much. It made my heart beat fast, it made me tear up, and it was hot. I love tentacles so fkn much 😭😍🥵
October 5, 2025
Thank you J.A. Keeton for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was not quite what I thought it was going to be.
There was very little worldbuilding, so it took me a little bit to figure out what was going on. I wasn't expecting a huge time skip either.
The pacing was good, and there was a decent amount of action. Not much in the way of cozy moments, because there is so much constant never ending tension and grief.
TW: There is a miscarriage in this novella, and it was unexpected and a major plot point that was discussed repeatedly. I wouldn't have picked it up if I had known that. The original TW in the book did not say anything about child loss, but the author did add it after I asked.
This was not quite what I thought it was going to be.
There was very little worldbuilding, so it took me a little bit to figure out what was going on. I wasn't expecting a huge time skip either.
The pacing was good, and there was a decent amount of action. Not much in the way of cozy moments, because there is so much constant never ending tension and grief.
TW: There is a miscarriage in this novella, and it was unexpected and a major plot point that was discussed repeatedly. I wouldn't have picked it up if I had known that. The original TW in the book did not say anything about child loss, but the author did add it after I asked.
October 6, 2025
A fated encounter. A terrible loss. Eight years alone. A second chance at love.
This story packs a lot in 71 pages, and for the most part, it does it pretty well. Do I wish it were longer, yes, because there is definitely material here for a full novel (and more groveling 😋). Where this came up short for me was the ending. The resolution hinges on something unexpected…the hand of fate at just the right time, and that made the HEA feel unearned. Still, Odette and Rely’s story has chemistry and drama. Fans of instalove and quick reads will certainly enjoy it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
This story packs a lot in 71 pages, and for the most part, it does it pretty well. Do I wish it were longer, yes, because there is definitely material here for a full novel (and more groveling 😋). Where this came up short for me was the ending. The resolution hinges on something unexpected…the hand of fate at just the right time, and that made the HEA feel unearned. Still, Odette and Rely’s story has chemistry and drama. Fans of instalove and quick reads will certainly enjoy it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
October 9, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the type of book where I will say I need more. This was not enough! I needed more from Rely and Odette. For what we got, I loved it. This has everything that I want. Tentacles? Check. Fated mates? Check. Second chance? Check. Yearning? Check. A little groveling? Check. Special peen? Double-check 👀. I would love it if we got another story about Odette and Rely.
I honestly love the new Odette we see eight years later. She’s a boss b and deserves the spoils of her labor. It was interesting to see what Rely became eight years later as well. A little surprising, but it fits.
This was my first novella I read by the author, and I really loved it. Just wish we got a little bit more ❤️
This is the type of book where I will say I need more. This was not enough! I needed more from Rely and Odette. For what we got, I loved it. This has everything that I want. Tentacles? Check. Fated mates? Check. Second chance? Check. Yearning? Check. A little groveling? Check. Special peen? Double-check 👀. I would love it if we got another story about Odette and Rely.
I honestly love the new Odette we see eight years later. She’s a boss b and deserves the spoils of her labor. It was interesting to see what Rely became eight years later as well. A little surprising, but it fits.
This was my first novella I read by the author, and I really loved it. Just wish we got a little bit more ❤️
October 16, 2025
This novella is only... *checks notes* 80 pages, but is packed with intense emotions and some surprisingly good characterization, despite its size. Honestly, I didn't even realize it was a novella until it ended, because the story is fast-paced but never gets ahead of itself or jumps the shark. This author took tentacles and trauma and tied it all together with a bow. I really enjoyed the two MCs, as well as the paranormal elements of their world. Second chances are really growing on me. Add in some tentacles and twin 🍆🍆, and I might let a trench coat-wearing stranger lead me into a dark alley, too.
October 17, 2025
A quick, spicy read with heart! I loved the fated connection between Odette and Rely; their chemistry and second-chance story pulled me in right away. The worldbuilding is smooth and intriguing without being overwhelming, and the emotional beats hit just enough to make me care.
That said, I did wish it were longer!! There’s so much potential here that could’ve been explored more deeply. Still, it’s a sweet, paranormal bite that’s perfect when you want something short, steamy, and full of feels. 🐙💫
That said, I did wish it were longer!! There’s so much potential here that could’ve been explored more deeply. Still, it’s a sweet, paranormal bite that’s perfect when you want something short, steamy, and full of feels. 🐙💫
October 14, 2025
This novella is everything I need in a fated mates monster/human romance. My only complaint is that I wish there was more. I love when an FMC suffers and just goes through it all but builds her own strength to end up being an ass kicking boss. And an MMC who is forced my circumstance and duty to betray his heart?!?! Sign. Me. Up. And please, give me more.
Fated mates
Kraken shifter/human
Two 🍆🍆 + 🦑
High angst
Fated mates
Kraken shifter/human
Two 🍆🍆 + 🦑
High angst
November 19, 2025
Pretty good read
All in all this was a good quick read. I do wish it was longer there is for sure some parts that I would have liked having elaborated on. Of course this was originally a short story in an anthology, so I am just glad it got published on it's own. I really am not a fan of Gemma. Her reaction is kinda messed up considering everything.
I did get into this story and I did enjoy it. I did also cry during it.
All in all this was a good quick read. I do wish it was longer there is for sure some parts that I would have liked having elaborated on. Of course this was originally a short story in an anthology, so I am just glad it got published on it's own. I really am not a fan of Gemma. Her reaction is kinda messed up considering everything.
I did get into this story and I did enjoy it. I did also cry during it.
September 22, 2025
**ARC Copy**
Nothing against this book or the author, I just wasn't vibing with it. It was well written, especially for a novella. It felt a lot like one of C. M. Nacosta (a human girl living in a town predominantly filled with otherworldly beings) but instead of a small town, put it in a college town. It didn't make me feel strongly one way or another other than pissed off at the best friend.
Nothing against this book or the author, I just wasn't vibing with it. It was well written, especially for a novella. It felt a lot like one of C. M. Nacosta (a human girl living in a town predominantly filled with otherworldly beings) but instead of a small town, put it in a college town. It didn't make me feel strongly one way or another other than pissed off at the best friend.
October 1, 2025
ARC Review:
A second-chance romance wrapped in kraken arms and quiet longing. This short read doesn’t rush—it glides, giving just enough depth to make the fated reunion feel earned. The emotional beats land, the pacing holds, and while I wished for a peek into the night before their forever, the ending still satisfies. A gentle, monster-kissed beginning to spooky season.
A second-chance romance wrapped in kraken arms and quiet longing. This short read doesn’t rush—it glides, giving just enough depth to make the fated reunion feel earned. The emotional beats land, the pacing holds, and while I wished for a peek into the night before their forever, the ending still satisfies. A gentle, monster-kissed beginning to spooky season.
September 22, 2025
I need more!!
Kept me guessing!
Wonderfully well written!
The romance and possessiveness was top tier!
The spice was on point!
The plot magical!
Monsters yes please!
I received this as an arc and are giving no spoilers.
Kept me guessing!
Wonderfully well written!
The romance and possessiveness was top tier!
The spice was on point!
The plot magical!
Monsters yes please!
I received this as an arc and are giving no spoilers.
October 9, 2025
This is a spicy novella..However it felt a bit incomplete. I was hoping for more, I wanted to feel some type of connection with the characters...I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
A brilliantly written short spicy story.
Odette and Rely is a brilliant set of characters.
I only wish there was more
Odette and Rely is a brilliant set of characters.
I only wish there was more
October 7, 2025
This was a really quick read and it fell sorta short for me. It needed more, I need more of our characters, i needed more plot.
It’s got promise, if only it were longer.
It’s got promise, if only it were longer.
October 6, 2025
This is so beautifully written. The authors style is so easy to read, but at the same time, full of beautiful speeches that tug at the heart. Very quick read, which I'm glad as I picked it up at bedtime and couldn't put it down. So much story, in such a little package, I'm still sitting here going wow that was good. I want more, but at the same time, I'm satisfied, and it feels complete. And she doesn't instantly forgive him!!! Yay for small victories.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews