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New California Monster Romance #3
Candle Love
Moving out is never easy, but throw in two attractive roommates and it’s nearly impossible!
Julie has lived her entire life with her adopted family of Dragoons (human/dragon hybrids), but now it’s finally time to move out of her childhood home. She’s found the perfect room to rent, but it comes with a huge she’ll have to live with two gorgeous roommates, a Dragoon named Chalice with golden, shimmering skin and a Fox Folk (human/fox hybrid) named Trent with five black tails and a passion for good food. Attraction and tension abound as Julie settles into her new home and gets to know her roommates on a deeper level, but her insecurities cause her to overthink and threaten to ruin everything. Hopefully, with the love and support of her best friend, Frankie, and co-workers at Candle Love (the best retail store for personal care and home fragrance!) she’ll reach her happily ever after!
Join Julie as she gets to know her roommates, Chalice and Trent, and navigates the tricky set of emotions they stir up inside her. Will she give in to temptation? Or will she risk losing the new life she built simply because she can’t choose between them?
“Candle Love” is a standalone spicy romance novel with a HEA, sleep apnea representation, Male/Female/Male pairing, and adult 18+ content.
Julie has lived her entire life with her adopted family of Dragoons (human/dragon hybrids), but now it’s finally time to move out of her childhood home. She’s found the perfect room to rent, but it comes with a huge she’ll have to live with two gorgeous roommates, a Dragoon named Chalice with golden, shimmering skin and a Fox Folk (human/fox hybrid) named Trent with five black tails and a passion for good food. Attraction and tension abound as Julie settles into her new home and gets to know her roommates on a deeper level, but her insecurities cause her to overthink and threaten to ruin everything. Hopefully, with the love and support of her best friend, Frankie, and co-workers at Candle Love (the best retail store for personal care and home fragrance!) she’ll reach her happily ever after!
Join Julie as she gets to know her roommates, Chalice and Trent, and navigates the tricky set of emotions they stir up inside her. Will she give in to temptation? Or will she risk losing the new life she built simply because she can’t choose between them?
“Candle Love” is a standalone spicy romance novel with a HEA, sleep apnea representation, Male/Female/Male pairing, and adult 18+ content.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Minty Marie
11 books18 followersMinty Marie can be found mostly at her desk typing on her laptop or staring out the window in thought. She lives in sunny SoCal and while the weather is great, she’s really more of an indoor person. That’s where she writes her spicy books and giggles to herself throughout the entire process.
She also has several cats with varying degrees of color and drama. If you’ve read her books through KU or purchased them, the money she earned probably went towards them in some fashion or other.
Follow her on Insta for updates! @Minty.Marie.Books
She also has several cats with varying degrees of color and drama. If you’ve read her books through KU or purchased them, the money she earned probably went towards them in some fashion or other.
Follow her on Insta for updates! @Minty.Marie.Books
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 12, 2025
I'm conflicted with this one.
I received this from the author through BookSirens.
I enjoyed the overall concept of this world because it was different yet familiar.
Humans and human/creature hybrids living in the world together. A human girl was adopted by a dragon hybrid family and when she became an adult, she moved out onto her own to fend for herself, as those of her adoptive families species normally do.
Being a human, with human emotions, she was hesitant about a large life change like this, especially with her social anxiety and anxiety about using her CPAP machine and being judged for it.
Her new roommates are two dragon/human hybrid twins and a fox/human hybrid. The two guys, are obviously ridiculously attractive because, of course they are.
The story itself follows Julie as she navigates these new experiences living on her own and the feelings she's developing for her two roommates.
Now, the issues. Firstly, lots of grammatical errors, like, a lot.
Then, there were parts of the story that seemed to be glossed over that really should have had more depth to it. Some of the side characters were acting certain ways without enough back story to support how they were acting.
Then there was the accessibility and inclusivity parts of this book. The needing the CPAP machine was given such strong emphasis how stressful it was for Julie but there was never actually a situation described that warranted those emotions. As a CPAP user myself, I totally get the anxiety of someone seeing or being judged for it, but for the purpose of it being in this story specifically, I needed more.
Then there was the art aspect of it. Several times Julie's love for art was mentioned but it was never fleshed out more. It almost seemed extra and not necessary.
I just wish there was more to this story as a whole because the concept is there.
I received this from the author through BookSirens.
I enjoyed the overall concept of this world because it was different yet familiar.
Humans and human/creature hybrids living in the world together. A human girl was adopted by a dragon hybrid family and when she became an adult, she moved out onto her own to fend for herself, as those of her adoptive families species normally do.
Being a human, with human emotions, she was hesitant about a large life change like this, especially with her social anxiety and anxiety about using her CPAP machine and being judged for it.
Her new roommates are two dragon/human hybrid twins and a fox/human hybrid. The two guys, are obviously ridiculously attractive because, of course they are.
The story itself follows Julie as she navigates these new experiences living on her own and the feelings she's developing for her two roommates.
Now, the issues. Firstly, lots of grammatical errors, like, a lot.
Then, there were parts of the story that seemed to be glossed over that really should have had more depth to it. Some of the side characters were acting certain ways without enough back story to support how they were acting.
Then there was the accessibility and inclusivity parts of this book. The needing the CPAP machine was given such strong emphasis how stressful it was for Julie but there was never actually a situation described that warranted those emotions. As a CPAP user myself, I totally get the anxiety of someone seeing or being judged for it, but for the purpose of it being in this story specifically, I needed more.
Then there was the art aspect of it. Several times Julie's love for art was mentioned but it was never fleshed out more. It almost seemed extra and not necessary.
I just wish there was more to this story as a whole because the concept is there.
December 3, 2025
Oh My Word! This book is amazing! I love it so much. Between the drama, the blooming romance and very steamy scenes! I couldn't put this book down! I highly recommend this. It's a great standalone book to the series, but also I would recommend reading the series to get all the feels. The world building is amazing. And let's not forget to mention the loveable main characters! Julie is an introvert for sure, yet has some close friends and apparently a good eye for well… potential eye candy! Chalice is your ride-or-die without fail, and he's packing something fierce! Trent is your loveable mystery man who will romance your mind and body giving the chance!
I guarantee you will love this book as much as I did if you're looking for some open-door spicy scenes, MFM, loyal best friends, and a HEA. This is your book!
I guarantee you will love this book as much as I did if you're looking for some open-door spicy scenes, MFM, loyal best friends, and a HEA. This is your book!
December 1, 2025
This seemed like an interesting concept, with everyone being different species, that I accepted a copy to see for myself.
I really enjoyed this book! For some reason, it took me days to start reading it, but I don't know what my problem was, to be honest with you. I wish that I had started sooner, and later, and that I was still reading it! I can always just read it again. If it was a paper copy, I would have already worn out a few pages already, I'm sure…
I was shocked to see a main character with sleep apnea! I have a mild case of it myself, and this makes me feel a little better about the device that I have to use. I love that Trent and Chalice had no problem or judgements about Julie needing to use a CPAP to sleep. It was just another thing to love about her. And the fact that they had no issues with the other being involved, was just… SWOON! Frankie kept telling her to go for it, so I was so happy when she did.
I will be on the lookout for the next book!
I really enjoyed this book! For some reason, it took me days to start reading it, but I don't know what my problem was, to be honest with you. I wish that I had started sooner, and later, and that I was still reading it! I can always just read it again. If it was a paper copy, I would have already worn out a few pages already, I'm sure…
I was shocked to see a main character with sleep apnea! I have a mild case of it myself, and this makes me feel a little better about the device that I have to use. I love that Trent and Chalice had no problem or judgements about Julie needing to use a CPAP to sleep. It was just another thing to love about her. And the fact that they had no issues with the other being involved, was just… SWOON! Frankie kept telling her to go for it, so I was so happy when she did.
I will be on the lookout for the next book!
December 7, 2025
This is book three of the New California Monster Romance series. This was a great Saturday afternoon read. Really enjoying this author's works and happily adding her books to my library.
In this tale we have Julie, who has moved out on her own, though finds herself flatting with two guys - Charlie, a Dragoon and Trent, a Fox with 5 tails. Enjoyed these characters as they dealt with growing feelings and issue that they had to overcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this tale we have Julie, who has moved out on her own, though finds herself flatting with two guys - Charlie, a Dragoon and Trent, a Fox with 5 tails. Enjoyed these characters as they dealt with growing feelings and issue that they had to overcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. This is one of those reads that make you smile throughout. It is low on angst and focuses on the relationships and makes them the heart of the story.
Julie makes me laugh with her inner monologue. I love the way she keeps thinking of Chalice and Trent. They make me laugh with their antics, fumbling and how they always seem to find the way to be (partially) naked.
This is a great all round read that is funny, awkward, romantics and spicy. 5 stars!
Julie makes me laugh with her inner monologue. I love the way she keeps thinking of Chalice and Trent. They make me laugh with their antics, fumbling and how they always seem to find the way to be (partially) naked.
This is a great all round read that is funny, awkward, romantics and spicy. 5 stars!
November 16, 2025
I am a sucker for monster romance and this one was a great read 2 monsters and her spice was amazing thank you.
November 22, 2025
3.5
This is the third book in the 'New California Monster Romance' series and is written in first person. I really enjoyed the exploration of sexuality throughout this story as well as the displays of courage, understanding and acceptance though there were a few errors that were quite jarring.
This is the third book in the 'New California Monster Romance' series and is written in first person. I really enjoyed the exploration of sexuality throughout this story as well as the displays of courage, understanding and acceptance though there were a few errors that were quite jarring.
November 21, 2025
This story was so good!!! There were times I belly laughed, other times I held my breath, and of course other times I got hot and bothered. Julie, Chalice, Trent, Misty, Frankie, and the candle love crew made this story dynamic and definitely worth reading!!!!!
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 1, 2025
This story was amazing. It’s a cute, spicy fantasy romance, with humor. Which I love in books because it helps draw you into the world while reading. This one will have you laughing out loud at moments when you least expect it bc one of the mmcs does something unbelievable.
December 1, 2025
Overall this was a fun book. I enjoyed it and had fun following along with the characters.
December 5, 2025
OMG this one had so much tension between Julie and her two new roommates that I had to constantly fan myself! I really enjoyed Julie's character she was not only relatable but also invoked feelings of wanting to wrap her up in my arms.
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 18, 2025
Love how much Minty Marie was able to get the word ‘sandwiched’ in the story without it feeling over the top. I’ve never thought of sandwich as a sexy word, but I’m here for it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. FMC feels relatable, young and at a new growth opportunity. The story is single POV of the FMC, but I really wish there were glimpses (or chapters!) from the MMC POVs.
Candle Love is an interesting and fun roommate MFM story that continues to build on the world of New California started in the first two books of the series. Though I believe it enriches the overall story universe, Candle Love can be read as a complete standalone. There are quick glimpses of prior introduced characters, but no backstory is necessary to enjoy this book. I very much enjoyed this story and I believe it is the best of the series so far. I’m looking forward to the next installment of New California.
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other users may find relevant: California, cutesy, fantasy, fmc-julie, interseries, interspecies, lgbtq, mental health, mmc-chalice, mmc-trent, multiple partners, roommates, virgin, why choose
Fiction, fantasty, romance, funny, inspiring, lighthearted, fast paced
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: yes
Loveable characters: yes
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. FMC feels relatable, young and at a new growth opportunity. The story is single POV of the FMC, but I really wish there were glimpses (or chapters!) from the MMC POVs.
Candle Love is an interesting and fun roommate MFM story that continues to build on the world of New California started in the first two books of the series. Though I believe it enriches the overall story universe, Candle Love can be read as a complete standalone. There are quick glimpses of prior introduced characters, but no backstory is necessary to enjoy this book. I very much enjoyed this story and I believe it is the best of the series so far. I’m looking forward to the next installment of New California.
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other users may find relevant: California, cutesy, fantasy, fmc-julie, interseries, interspecies, lgbtq, mental health, mmc-chalice, mmc-trent, multiple partners, roommates, virgin, why choose
Fiction, fantasty, romance, funny, inspiring, lighthearted, fast paced
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: yes
Loveable characters: yes
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
December 8, 2025
CANDLE LOVE is the third book in the New California Monster Romance series, and I'm guessing I should have read the previous books first. You can read this as a standalone, and I have no idea which characters were in previous books, but that's just my feeling.
In this one, Julie is the adopted human in a Dragoon family, about to spread her own wings, as she moves into shared housing. Chalice and Trent already live there, and both are smitten with socially awkward Julie from the very beginning.
Although described as spicy, I would go more for cosy, although shenanigans do happen, just so you know. It was also good to see sleep apnea represented, and the easy acceptance of it, which I know isn't always the case. 3.5 rounded up.
Overall, this was a quick, light-hearted, cosy read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 5, 2025
In this one, Julie is the adopted human in a Dragoon family, about to spread her own wings, as she moves into shared housing. Chalice and Trent already live there, and both are smitten with socially awkward Julie from the very beginning.
Although described as spicy, I would go more for cosy, although shenanigans do happen, just so you know. It was also good to see sleep apnea represented, and the easy acceptance of it, which I know isn't always the case. 3.5 rounded up.
Overall, this was a quick, light-hearted, cosy read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 5, 2025
December 26, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoy the worldbuilding and unique creatures in this series but sometimes it didn't feel complete while at other times the descriptions were overdone. The main characters, especially the new hot roommates, were described in great detail physically but little attention was paid to emotional or intellectual differences between races besides the broadest brushstrokes. The obsession with her CPAP machine and fear of letting her new roommates know about it initially is way overdone. I appreciate that the author was trying to normalize CPAPs by having the roommates accept her wearing it but it almost backfires because the initial fears were so strong.
There were some fun parts and steamy parts to the story and overall I enjoyed it, just wish it was a little better balanced at times. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoy the worldbuilding and unique creatures in this series but sometimes it didn't feel complete while at other times the descriptions were overdone. The main characters, especially the new hot roommates, were described in great detail physically but little attention was paid to emotional or intellectual differences between races besides the broadest brushstrokes. The obsession with her CPAP machine and fear of letting her new roommates know about it initially is way overdone. I appreciate that the author was trying to normalize CPAPs by having the roommates accept her wearing it but it almost backfires because the initial fears were so strong.
There were some fun parts and steamy parts to the story and overall I enjoyed it, just wish it was a little better balanced at times. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2026
"A Fantastic Monster Paranormal Romance"
The story is funny, and super sexy. The characters are unique with awesome personalities.
Julie is a human that was adopted by Dragoon's who are dragon shifter like people. Her best friend Frankie is also a Dragoon . When a Dragoon child reaches adulthood they are sent out on their own. This is how Julie ends up with three new roommates. Tow Dragoon brother Charlice and sister Misty. Plus a Fox Folk Trent. Fox folk are a mix of human and the mystical fox with more than one tail.
Right from the beginning Julie is attracted to both sexy Charlice and steamy hot Trent! She kept telling herself that neither men could be interested in her! Only she doesn't realize how fate works!
You will love this funny,quirky, exciting,and steamy hot story! This is a massive Five Star Plus story.
The story is funny, and super sexy. The characters are unique with awesome personalities.
Julie is a human that was adopted by Dragoon's who are dragon shifter like people. Her best friend Frankie is also a Dragoon . When a Dragoon child reaches adulthood they are sent out on their own. This is how Julie ends up with three new roommates. Tow Dragoon brother Charlice and sister Misty. Plus a Fox Folk Trent. Fox folk are a mix of human and the mystical fox with more than one tail.
Right from the beginning Julie is attracted to both sexy Charlice and steamy hot Trent! She kept telling herself that neither men could be interested in her! Only she doesn't realize how fate works!
You will love this funny,quirky, exciting,and steamy hot story! This is a massive Five Star Plus story.
November 27, 2025
“Candle Love” by Minty Marie
-A lively, character-driven monster romance that blends humor, heat, and heartfelt moments with surprising ease. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Julie’s single-POV journey explores growth, acceptance, and delightfully chaotic chemistry with two unforgettable roommates. The mix of fantasy, spice, and genuine emotional beats makes this installment the most engaging of the series so far.
Fun, fast-paced, and full of charm—an irresistible addition to New California’s monster-filled world.
-A lively, character-driven monster romance that blends humor, heat, and heartfelt moments with surprising ease. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Julie’s single-POV journey explores growth, acceptance, and delightfully chaotic chemistry with two unforgettable roommates. The mix of fantasy, spice, and genuine emotional beats makes this installment the most engaging of the series so far.
Fun, fast-paced, and full of charm—an irresistible addition to New California’s monster-filled world.
December 1, 2025
2/5 🌶
MFM
Cute story. Instant attraction. Mild spice. Left room for a second story following Julie's best friend Frankie.
Trent sounds like a total fox 😉 and Chalice is golden perfection!
There are some unanswered questions, like the male character mentioned and Julie questions how they know her. But was this guy significant somehow? Was it necessary to make it seem like he is, but then never hear about him again.
After finishing this @rc read i am hoping for some serious editing before the book releases, but be prepared for tons of grammatical errors if it isn't.
MFM
Cute story. Instant attraction. Mild spice. Left room for a second story following Julie's best friend Frankie.
Trent sounds like a total fox 😉 and Chalice is golden perfection!
There are some unanswered questions, like the male character mentioned and Julie questions how they know her. But was this guy significant somehow? Was it necessary to make it seem like he is, but then never hear about him again.
After finishing this @rc read i am hoping for some serious editing before the book releases, but be prepared for tons of grammatical errors if it isn't.
December 6, 2025
Julie gets to know her roommates, Chalice and Trent while navigating the tricky set of emotions they stir inside her.
The plot was well written, simplistic and straightforward. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was well written, simplistic and straightforward. World building was well developed and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 3.5
🌶️ 🌶️ 1.5
Very cosy romance read 🧤
Who wouldn’t want to be lusted over by their two hot new roommates 🤷🏼♀️ if only all share homes came with two creatures that were as hospitable as our tall drink of water Chalice, aptly named and our tall King Trent 😉
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌶️ 🌶️ 1.5
Very cosy romance read 🧤
Who wouldn’t want to be lusted over by their two hot new roommates 🤷🏼♀️ if only all share homes came with two creatures that were as hospitable as our tall drink of water Chalice, aptly named and our tall King Trent 😉
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2025
Good story but a little slower than some others I’ve read by this author.
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 12, 2025
This is a fun why choose short story. It has not commonly seen dynamics, such as the MFC having sleep apnea and the MMCs not making a big deal about it. It is definitely a romantasy with a bit of spice.
The plot is funny and entertaining and as part of the New California series the world building is fantastic.
The plot is funny and entertaining and as part of the New California series the world building is fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews