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Monsters Of Saltford Bay #5
Decked By The Grumpy Golem: A Cozy Monster Romance
Deck the halls? More like decked by my grumpy golem ex! I’m snowed in for Christmas with the man who broke my heart years ago. What could possibly go right?
I'm a bestselling author dealing with a terminal case of writer’s block. With my editor threatening to drop me and my deadline blown to smithereens, I'm hiding out in Saltford Bay for the holidays, pretending my life isn't falling apart.
The last thing I need is to fall for Gideon Flintman and his six-foot-eight frame of carved granite and brooding silence all over again. You’d think I’d learned my lesson when he disappeared from my life without explanation the morning after prom.
You’d be wrong.
When a blizzard traps us together, the heat between us burns hotter than his golem fire. Every kiss threatens to melt my resolve, and every touch reminds me why I fell so hard the first time.
Now I have to return to my safe, lonely life, or risk everything on the man who taught me that some heartbreaks never heal.
This Christmas, can a grumpy golem and a sunshine mess rewrite the ending?
A cozy, steamy small-town monster romance with a guaranteed HEA. second chance, snowed-in, grumpy × sunshine, one bed, writer heroine, golem hero.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon’s monster romances and Lucy Score’s small-town romances.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance story is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
I'm a bestselling author dealing with a terminal case of writer’s block. With my editor threatening to drop me and my deadline blown to smithereens, I'm hiding out in Saltford Bay for the holidays, pretending my life isn't falling apart.
The last thing I need is to fall for Gideon Flintman and his six-foot-eight frame of carved granite and brooding silence all over again. You’d think I’d learned my lesson when he disappeared from my life without explanation the morning after prom.
You’d be wrong.
When a blizzard traps us together, the heat between us burns hotter than his golem fire. Every kiss threatens to melt my resolve, and every touch reminds me why I fell so hard the first time.
Now I have to return to my safe, lonely life, or risk everything on the man who taught me that some heartbreaks never heal.
This Christmas, can a grumpy golem and a sunshine mess rewrite the ending?
A cozy, steamy small-town monster romance with a guaranteed HEA. second chance, snowed-in, grumpy × sunshine, one bed, writer heroine, golem hero.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon’s monster romances and Lucy Score’s small-town romances.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance story is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
28 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Mary Auclair
25 books423 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars (and if I could give more, I absolutely would)
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
I’ve been lucky enough to read every book in this series, and I devoured each one going full feral waiting for the next. And here we are again… and WOW.
This book starts with an irresistible mystery vibe that hooked me instantly. The whole “why did he leave?” had me ready to hate Gideon, fully prepared to cheer the FMC on with big girl-power energy. But within just a few chapters… I was teary-eyed. The author has such a powerful way of describing emotion and pain that you can’t help but feel your own heart ache and clench as if it’s your hurt on the page.
I was a hot mess of tears and longing. Learning the history between the leads made everything deeper, richer, and so much more emotional.
The story may look simple on the surface, but it’s packed absolutely jam-packed with emotion. It feels like being on a roller coaster you’re terrified will shatter your heart, yet you can’t stop reading. Every page pulls you straight into the moment, into the magic of each word, until escaping isn’t even an option anymore and honestly, you wouldn’t want to escape even if you could.
The whole book is beautiful, and it’s hard to explain just how beautiful. Yes, it’s far too short at around 140–150 pages, but it never feels rushed. Nothing is thrown together. The pacing is perfect, and every word, every exchange, has purpose. The authors weave regret, mistakes, love, and longing into a story that feels soft and powerful at the same time.
When I read something, I want to feel it to step into the FMC’s place, to be swept up. This book did that effortlessly. I cried. I ached. I felt every joy and every heartbreak right down to my core.
The spice is open-door and deliciously hot, but it never overshadows the romance or emotion. It slots perfectly into the story, enhancing the connection rather than overpowering it. It had me panting but still fully invested in the love.
What I Liked:
Extremely likable, relatable, older leads (LOVE that).
Clear, emotional insight into the characters past.
A fantastic, gripping story.
Hot, yummy spice that complements the romance perfectly.
The family elements and interactions with the townsfolk.
Second chance romance done beautifully.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
WHY IS THE BOOK SO SHORT?! Please, I beg, give me a longer novel next time! 😭💛
Would I Recommend This Book?
There is no world or realm where I wouldn’t recommend this book or this series. I would skywrite it. I would throw copies at my friends. I would declare it from a mountaintop.
Would I Reread?
The easiest “yes” of my life.
How I’d Sum It Up:
A short book overflowing with warmth, love, emotion, and perfectly placed heat. It never once overshadows the heart of the story. Another incredible addition to one of my favorite series.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2025...
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
I’ve been lucky enough to read every book in this series, and I devoured each one going full feral waiting for the next. And here we are again… and WOW.
This book starts with an irresistible mystery vibe that hooked me instantly. The whole “why did he leave?” had me ready to hate Gideon, fully prepared to cheer the FMC on with big girl-power energy. But within just a few chapters… I was teary-eyed. The author has such a powerful way of describing emotion and pain that you can’t help but feel your own heart ache and clench as if it’s your hurt on the page.
I was a hot mess of tears and longing. Learning the history between the leads made everything deeper, richer, and so much more emotional.
The story may look simple on the surface, but it’s packed absolutely jam-packed with emotion. It feels like being on a roller coaster you’re terrified will shatter your heart, yet you can’t stop reading. Every page pulls you straight into the moment, into the magic of each word, until escaping isn’t even an option anymore and honestly, you wouldn’t want to escape even if you could.
The whole book is beautiful, and it’s hard to explain just how beautiful. Yes, it’s far too short at around 140–150 pages, but it never feels rushed. Nothing is thrown together. The pacing is perfect, and every word, every exchange, has purpose. The authors weave regret, mistakes, love, and longing into a story that feels soft and powerful at the same time.
When I read something, I want to feel it to step into the FMC’s place, to be swept up. This book did that effortlessly. I cried. I ached. I felt every joy and every heartbreak right down to my core.
The spice is open-door and deliciously hot, but it never overshadows the romance or emotion. It slots perfectly into the story, enhancing the connection rather than overpowering it. It had me panting but still fully invested in the love.
What I Liked:
Extremely likable, relatable, older leads (LOVE that).
Clear, emotional insight into the characters past.
A fantastic, gripping story.
Hot, yummy spice that complements the romance perfectly.
The family elements and interactions with the townsfolk.
Second chance romance done beautifully.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
WHY IS THE BOOK SO SHORT?! Please, I beg, give me a longer novel next time! 😭💛
Would I Recommend This Book?
There is no world or realm where I wouldn’t recommend this book or this series. I would skywrite it. I would throw copies at my friends. I would declare it from a mountaintop.
Would I Reread?
The easiest “yes” of my life.
How I’d Sum It Up:
A short book overflowing with warmth, love, emotion, and perfectly placed heat. It never once overshadows the heart of the story. Another incredible addition to one of my favorite series.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2025...
November 18, 2025
This book was exactly what I needed. I found Mary Auclair’s books a short while ago and blew through every single one of them as if I was paid to read them instead of buying them. This author has an amazing gift for writing feel good stories with just the right amount of spice and love whilst at the same time engaging the reader with very raw and real emotions that we can all so easily relate to.
This story of Gideon and Lucia is a perfect example. A heartbreaking second chance romance with all the right elements but also the adult conversations, the reconnecting and the healing. Gideon, the perfect stoic book boyfriend who is so flawed and made such mistakes when a teenager and Lucia, so vulnerable and sweet while also being a super cool self made woman. Together they just fit and their broken journey only makes the HEA sweeter.
The book is flawlessly paced and written and simply impossible not to love. The joy I got from reading it is indescribable.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the Saltford Bay series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story of Gideon and Lucia is a perfect example. A heartbreaking second chance romance with all the right elements but also the adult conversations, the reconnecting and the healing. Gideon, the perfect stoic book boyfriend who is so flawed and made such mistakes when a teenager and Lucia, so vulnerable and sweet while also being a super cool self made woman. Together they just fit and their broken journey only makes the HEA sweeter.
The book is flawlessly paced and written and simply impossible not to love. The joy I got from reading it is indescribable.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the Saltford Bay series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2025
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
TROPES
🩶Second Chance
🩶Fated Mates
🩶Small Town
🩶Monster MMC (golem)
🩶Strong FMC
🩶Slight Enemies to Lovers
🩶Holiday Romance
🩶Cozy Romance
--💟💟--
I am once again utterly obsessed. It should be no secret at this point 😂I will read ANYTHING Mary Auclair writes, and in all honesty, I'm kind of disappointed I didn't take my gut instinct and apply for an ARC of her first book in Saltford Bay, but now I know and I'm spreading this message to y'all - READ HER BOOKS!!
DECKED BY THE GRUMPY GOLEM follows disillusioned writer Lucia Reyes, who returns to Saltford Bay under pressure from her publisher to produce a new book. While bonding with her family after ten years apart, she finds herself in contact with her ex, a grumpy mason golum named Gideon Flintsone (I love the apt naming XD), where their relationship is left hanging in the air after so many unresolved issues.
The pacing? Perfect! For a novella, nothing felt rushed, and in fact, the little scenes that Auclair put into her work (can't forget about our lovely dictator orange cat XD) helped build up to the bigger picture and I found myself wishing that the story was longer! Auclair packed second chances, heartbreak, redemption and love being borne again all within a novella-length book and I loved it all!
I loved Lucia. As a writer, I found it so easy to connect with her struggles, her detachment from her family, and overall her inability to trust and heal. Reading her chapters made me feel like I was right beside Lucia, or that Auclair had taken a part of me and written it into Lucia because I was honestly just obsessed with her. I loved her fight and fire, but I also loved that, like with many of Auclair's characters, Lucia allows herself moments of vulnerability, particularly with Gideon. Her characters are always so real and detailed and no matter the trope, they don't act like caricatures of the trope or immature teenagers.
As with many of Auclair's MMCs, I'm equally as in love with Gideon. I was ready to see what his huge mistake was, and ready to side with Lucia, but Gideon quickly won be over because of how heart-achingly REAL his struggles were as well! It wasn't dramatic or unbelievable, but it stemmed deep from the heart and that's what made it more impactful.
Gideon is grumpy, but he's god a heart of gold beneath all that stone. He's patient with Lucia, and what I particularly loved about him was his unwavering support when she confessed her writing issues. I felt like just having him support her and show his faith in her was such a beautiful mention. I wish I'd seen more of Gideon with his mother (I wonder why he calls her by her name...) because I felt like that would have been an interesting route to dive into, particularly since it seems she does tend to pressure him into jobs and volunteer work.
Lucia's family is very protective over her (the twin nieces? They were just adorable 🥰) but I found the conversations with her dad and Gideon to be lacking. For all Gideon's bite, I wish I'd seen him attempt to stand up for himself more, particularly when her father makes choices for Lucia while saying that Gideon also made choices for Lucia. I would have liked for Lucia to speak her own mind, so it felt roundabout that her father was accusing Gideon of something he himself was doing as well.
Of course, I LOVE a protective dad, and I understand the need of having him confront Gideon, but I felt like it would have made more sense to also have Lucia point out the hypocrisy and tell Gideon what her father told him. I would have loved to see more of Gideon and Lucia's father bonding, especially given Gideon's past.
But can we talk about that fireplace scene? The way my room HEATED up just reading Auclair's work was incredible as always 😍As with all her books, the chemistry was hotter than a high school lab and I just loved the parallels! And when Gideon gets on his knees for his 'feast'? 😍😍I was literally just glued to my Kindle - I had no idea when the chapters went by. Auclair has a way of weaving just enough spice so that it doesn't overpower the heart behind the book, rather, they work together to help the characters reach their HEA!
Overall, as with all of Auclair's books, this is a must read! The miscommunication/drawn out miscommunication threw me off a little, but the characters made it make sense, and I loved it! I'm so excited for the next book in the series!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
TROPES
🩶Second Chance
🩶Fated Mates
🩶Small Town
🩶Monster MMC (golem)
🩶Strong FMC
🩶Slight Enemies to Lovers
🩶Holiday Romance
🩶Cozy Romance
--💟💟--
I am once again utterly obsessed. It should be no secret at this point 😂I will read ANYTHING Mary Auclair writes, and in all honesty, I'm kind of disappointed I didn't take my gut instinct and apply for an ARC of her first book in Saltford Bay, but now I know and I'm spreading this message to y'all - READ HER BOOKS!!
DECKED BY THE GRUMPY GOLEM follows disillusioned writer Lucia Reyes, who returns to Saltford Bay under pressure from her publisher to produce a new book. While bonding with her family after ten years apart, she finds herself in contact with her ex, a grumpy mason golum named Gideon Flintsone (I love the apt naming XD), where their relationship is left hanging in the air after so many unresolved issues.
The pacing? Perfect! For a novella, nothing felt rushed, and in fact, the little scenes that Auclair put into her work (can't forget about our lovely dictator orange cat XD) helped build up to the bigger picture and I found myself wishing that the story was longer! Auclair packed second chances, heartbreak, redemption and love being borne again all within a novella-length book and I loved it all!
I loved Lucia. As a writer, I found it so easy to connect with her struggles, her detachment from her family, and overall her inability to trust and heal. Reading her chapters made me feel like I was right beside Lucia, or that Auclair had taken a part of me and written it into Lucia because I was honestly just obsessed with her. I loved her fight and fire, but I also loved that, like with many of Auclair's characters, Lucia allows herself moments of vulnerability, particularly with Gideon. Her characters are always so real and detailed and no matter the trope, they don't act like caricatures of the trope or immature teenagers.
As with many of Auclair's MMCs, I'm equally as in love with Gideon. I was ready to see what his huge mistake was, and ready to side with Lucia, but Gideon quickly won be over because of how heart-achingly REAL his struggles were as well! It wasn't dramatic or unbelievable, but it stemmed deep from the heart and that's what made it more impactful.
Gideon is grumpy, but he's god a heart of gold beneath all that stone. He's patient with Lucia, and what I particularly loved about him was his unwavering support when she confessed her writing issues. I felt like just having him support her and show his faith in her was such a beautiful mention. I wish I'd seen more of Gideon with his mother (I wonder why he calls her by her name...) because I felt like that would have been an interesting route to dive into, particularly since it seems she does tend to pressure him into jobs and volunteer work.
Lucia's family is very protective over her (the twin nieces? They were just adorable 🥰) but I found the conversations with her dad and Gideon to be lacking. For all Gideon's bite, I wish I'd seen him attempt to stand up for himself more, particularly when her father makes choices for Lucia while saying that Gideon also made choices for Lucia. I would have liked for Lucia to speak her own mind, so it felt roundabout that her father was accusing Gideon of something he himself was doing as well.
Of course, I LOVE a protective dad, and I understand the need of having him confront Gideon, but I felt like it would have made more sense to also have Lucia point out the hypocrisy and tell Gideon what her father told him. I would have loved to see more of Gideon and Lucia's father bonding, especially given Gideon's past.
But can we talk about that fireplace scene? The way my room HEATED up just reading Auclair's work was incredible as always 😍As with all her books, the chemistry was hotter than a high school lab and I just loved the parallels! And when Gideon gets on his knees for his 'feast'? 😍😍I was literally just glued to my Kindle - I had no idea when the chapters went by. Auclair has a way of weaving just enough spice so that it doesn't overpower the heart behind the book, rather, they work together to help the characters reach their HEA!
Overall, as with all of Auclair's books, this is a must read! The miscommunication/drawn out miscommunication threw me off a little, but the characters made it make sense, and I loved it! I'm so excited for the next book in the series!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
November 17, 2025
*ARC Review*
Madame Auclair has done it again, and I didn’t even have to wait too long this time.
This one is a second chance romance, after avoiding home for ages, in a fit of desperation Lucia runs home for Christmas, and in true small town fashion runs into the man who ghosted her, except he’s not the one running away this time.
As soon as I saw it was available, I requested, downloaded and read it all in a span of a few hours. These books are short, really short, and I appreciate the authors ability to write these little cozy stories, without them feeling rushed, or unfinished.
This is one of those books that you read when you’re having a bad day, and its really a tie between Stoneface and Grumpy Elf man at this point.
Madame Auclair has done it again, and I didn’t even have to wait too long this time.
This one is a second chance romance, after avoiding home for ages, in a fit of desperation Lucia runs home for Christmas, and in true small town fashion runs into the man who ghosted her, except he’s not the one running away this time.
As soon as I saw it was available, I requested, downloaded and read it all in a span of a few hours. These books are short, really short, and I appreciate the authors ability to write these little cozy stories, without them feeling rushed, or unfinished.
This is one of those books that you read when you’re having a bad day, and its really a tie between Stoneface and Grumpy Elf man at this point.
November 28, 2025
This was a fun monster romance featuring a Golem (Gideon) and a human (Lucia). With well defined characters and setting details, this book pulls you onto the lingering drama between the main characters. The plot was realistic and relateable with its focus on the ultimate happiness of the one person who means the most to you. Here, there are things like assumptions, miscommunication, and fear that get in the way of either being truly happy. Reading it, I enjoyed joining as they discovered what they could do (if they chooose) to find the happiness denied years before. Then they're left with only one issue...
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
November 18, 2025
This book won't be up there in my favorites list from Mary Auclair but it was still a very good read. It was a quintessential Christmas book with snow storms, second chances, and hot chocolate. I wanted the book to be longer and maybe go more in depth with their shared past (I didn't much like his reason for leaving), but it still had a perfect happily ever after. In the end you can't go wrong with a Monsters of Saltford Bay book.
Tropes:
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Second Chance Romance
*Fated Mates
*HEA
*Hallmark Christmas setting
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tropes:
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Second Chance Romance
*Fated Mates
*HEA
*Hallmark Christmas setting
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2025
Thank you BookSprout and Mary Auclair for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this so much!
This was the sweetest second chance romance I've read in ages. It was so cozy and cute.
There was so much tension and emotion. You spend the whole time on the edge of your seat waiting for these two lovely idiots to kiss and make up already.
The vibe of "I'm leaving for your own good" hit deep, and at the same time being free to travel and fulfill your dreams is hollow without the one you love there beside you.
This is one you will want to read all at once, because it's impossible to put down.
I loved this so much!
This was the sweetest second chance romance I've read in ages. It was so cozy and cute.
There was so much tension and emotion. You spend the whole time on the edge of your seat waiting for these two lovely idiots to kiss and make up already.
The vibe of "I'm leaving for your own good" hit deep, and at the same time being free to travel and fulfill your dreams is hollow without the one you love there beside you.
This is one you will want to read all at once, because it's impossible to put down.
November 19, 2025
Another great book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. Second-chance romances can really go two ways with me - either “you broke up for a reason; don’t go back” or “there was a communication issue; worth trying again”. I hate when an author tries to make the first be the second. This is a second chance romance where the people involved had good intentions but could have communicated more about things. It’s never a good idea to make a decision for someone else, even if you think you are being noble. Gideon the golem was young and dumb. And Lucia had to learn some things too along the way. It was a great story that, of course, has a happily ever after that will make you smile!
December 20, 2025
Arc Review - This is another standalone novel that is an interconnected part of Monsters of Saltford Bay series. They are so quick, cosy, slightly spicy easy reads.
Second Chance
Fated Mates
Small Town
Monster MMC (golem)
Writer FMC
Holiday Romance
Cosy Romance
Spice is 1 chilli pepper - open door but brief
Our FMC Lucia is a human romance writer who is stuck in the midst of writer's block. I really enjoyed the full circle she makes, and I adored her family.
Our MMC Gideon is a grumpy Golem that has such a sweet, gentle side. I appreciated his growth into having better communication and standing up for what he wants, ie Lucia.
Overall, another very sweet, cosy monster romance.
Second Chance
Fated Mates
Small Town
Monster MMC (golem)
Writer FMC
Holiday Romance
Cosy Romance
Spice is 1 chilli pepper - open door but brief
Our FMC Lucia is a human romance writer who is stuck in the midst of writer's block. I really enjoyed the full circle she makes, and I adored her family.
Our MMC Gideon is a grumpy Golem that has such a sweet, gentle side. I appreciated his growth into having better communication and standing up for what he wants, ie Lucia.
Overall, another very sweet, cosy monster romance.
December 3, 2025
Another 3.5 ⭐️
I read my first book by this author in October 2025 & wrote in the review that I would read more by them.
Believe I ran as soon as this was available😂
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another quick read (which I am all for!), there’s open door spice, I would have appreciated more as it seemed to move too quickly for me, like the resolution came too soon. Monster Romance has very quickly become a ‘happy place’ for me & I’ll grab one when I’m down so this is a great way to get into the festive season!
I read my first book by this author in October 2025 & wrote in the review that I would read more by them.
Believe I ran as soon as this was available😂
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another quick read (which I am all for!), there’s open door spice, I would have appreciated more as it seemed to move too quickly for me, like the resolution came too soon. Monster Romance has very quickly become a ‘happy place’ for me & I’ll grab one when I’m down so this is a great way to get into the festive season!
December 12, 2025
“Decked by the Grumpy Golem” by Mary Auclair
-A deeply emotional second-chance romance where Gideon and Lucia’s shared past hits hard from the start. Their reunion blends heartbreak, longing, and slow healing with pitch-perfect intensity. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I find the story well-paced and rich with feeling, the town and family moments add warmth to the ache. Tender, spicy, and irresistibly heartfelt—an unforgettable return to Saltford Bay. I enjoyed this read.
-A deeply emotional second-chance romance where Gideon and Lucia’s shared past hits hard from the start. Their reunion blends heartbreak, longing, and slow healing with pitch-perfect intensity. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I find the story well-paced and rich with feeling, the town and family moments add warmth to the ache. Tender, spicy, and irresistibly heartfelt—an unforgettable return to Saltford Bay. I enjoyed this read.
November 30, 2025
Mary Auclair has yet to disappoint me with the stories from her Monsters of Sanford Bay series!! If you’re looking for something short and (heart-meltingly) sweet, check out this holiday novella!! Don’t worry though, there’s still some spice.. 😉
Check out if you love these tropes:
❤️ Fated Mates
💚 2nd Chance Romance
❤️ Snowed In/Forced Proximity
💚 Small town holiday romance
❤️ adorable rescue kittens!! 🥹
Check out if you love these tropes:
❤️ Fated Mates
💚 2nd Chance Romance
❤️ Snowed In/Forced Proximity
💚 Small town holiday romance
❤️ adorable rescue kittens!! 🥹
December 13, 2025
"A Fantastic Monster Romance story"
The story is funny, quirky, steamy and so much fun to read. You will love the characters personalities.
Lucia is a young writer. Only lately she has writers block. It is so bad Lucia may lose her career. She is so stressed she returns home to her parents. There she gets memories of her high school sweetheart Gideon. Gideon is a sexy Golem who broke her heart! Is fate leading Lucia back home to give her ,and Gideon a second chance?
The story is funny, quirky, steamy and so much fun to read. You will love the characters personalities.
Lucia is a young writer. Only lately she has writers block. It is so bad Lucia may lose her career. She is so stressed she returns home to her parents. There she gets memories of her high school sweetheart Gideon. Gideon is a sexy Golem who broke her heart! Is fate leading Lucia back home to give her ,and Gideon a second chance?
November 21, 2025
Second Chance Fated Mates Christmas Story
This is an easy read, low angst story about two characters finding each other again after 10 years apart. The story flows well and touches on themes of communication and redemption. It is a nice, quick, fun read!! Love the chemistry between Lucia and Gideon!!
This is an easy read, low angst story about two characters finding each other again after 10 years apart. The story flows well and touches on themes of communication and redemption. It is a nice, quick, fun read!! Love the chemistry between Lucia and Gideon!!
November 24, 2025
This is a story that many can relate to except for the Golem part.
It is sad as it is joyful with all the happiness we all deserve.
Plus a nice reminder that family has your back through heartache.
Super quick read, brings you to tears at times.
*I received this ARC Kindle from BookSirens. Thank You!
It is sad as it is joyful with all the happiness we all deserve.
Plus a nice reminder that family has your back through heartache.
Super quick read, brings you to tears at times.
*I received this ARC Kindle from BookSirens. Thank You!
November 25, 2025
I couldn't wait to read this book! I love the way Mary writes those spicy and heartfelt monster romance books and this one did not disappoint. This second chance romance was perfect! Gideon was so lovable! The way he loved Lucia melted my heart! Perfect book for that perfect winter day! Can't wait for the next one!
November 28, 2025
Saltford Bay back at it again. I will never skip one of these books. This was such a cute redemption story. It’s also so sweet to watch to adults come back together again after being together young. Gideon and Lucia had such great chemistry. A feel good spicy story.
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 28, 2025
The Noble Mistake
I knew I was going to like this book when the MMC was named Gideon. I’ve always loved the name because it sounds so strong and steadfast. This Gideon was a Golem who thought he was doing the noble thing by ghosting the love of his life, Lucia, so she could chase her dreams. Ugh, so much wasted time and two wounded hearts. Good book.
I knew I was going to like this book when the MMC was named Gideon. I’ve always loved the name because it sounds so strong and steadfast. This Gideon was a Golem who thought he was doing the noble thing by ghosting the love of his life, Lucia, so she could chase her dreams. Ugh, so much wasted time and two wounded hearts. Good book.
November 28, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a romantic story where destined mates finally get together. Gideon had let Lucia go so she could have her dream. However honest communication would have prevented ten years of hurt. I'm glad Gideon fixed his mistake and Lucia forgave him. They had never stopped loving each other.
November 29, 2025
I love the second chance trope - it just gives me all the feels. And I really thought that Lucia had it right... why wouldn't she be peeved that Gideon ghosted her? Why wouldn't she want nothing more to do with him? Why wouldn't she want to feel that she is first in someone's life? And then comes the reveal.
December 7, 2025
I really want to move to Saltford Bay, it sounds so amazing! Great small-town festive vibes for this one. The pining was so fun to read, and how the meddling townspeople interpreted it and forced them to confront each other. I think the lovers to strangers to lovers was was well done and added to the tension well.
3.75
3.75
November 17, 2025
A feisty heroine, a strong but vulnerable golem and an adorable ginger kitten - what more could you ask for in a Christmas novella.
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.
December 2, 2025
Lucia and Gideon. I adored this book. I couldn’t put it down. I just kept on going back to it, to see what was gonna happen. I’m so happy I got to read this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
OMG this one is so sweet it will make your teeth ache and will fill your heart to bursting. I loved every single word!
November 27, 2025
Great story
Only thing I wish is that it was longer. Loved this story.i wanted more . Well on to the next.
Only thing I wish is that it was longer. Loved this story.i wanted more . Well on to the next.
January 2, 2026
Didn't like the vibe as much. The female main character came across a bit cold and stuck up to me.
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