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Pearls Beneath the Ice
Some hearts need winter to learn how to melt.
Former Olympic skater Ruby Callahan retreats to a lakeside cabin to escape the spotlight and the noise in her own head. All she wants is silence, solitude, and the cold comfort of a frozen lake.
But the ice isn’t empty. Beneath it waits Eira, a siren bound to the water she guards, her song full of longing and light. When she saves Ruby from drowning, curiosity turns to connection, and then to something far deeper.
As the snow falls and the ice begins to thaw, Ruby and Eira find warmth in shared stillness, in touch, in breath, in trust. Their love hums like a heartbeat under water—a song of surrender, rebirth, and choosing feeling over fear.
A standalone cozy monster romance filled with sensual discovery, lyrical intimacy, and the quiet kind of love that melts more than just ice.
Perfect for readers of cozy spice, sapphic longing, and winter magic.
Former Olympic skater Ruby Callahan retreats to a lakeside cabin to escape the spotlight and the noise in her own head. All she wants is silence, solitude, and the cold comfort of a frozen lake.
But the ice isn’t empty. Beneath it waits Eira, a siren bound to the water she guards, her song full of longing and light. When she saves Ruby from drowning, curiosity turns to connection, and then to something far deeper.
As the snow falls and the ice begins to thaw, Ruby and Eira find warmth in shared stillness, in touch, in breath, in trust. Their love hums like a heartbeat under water—a song of surrender, rebirth, and choosing feeling over fear.
A standalone cozy monster romance filled with sensual discovery, lyrical intimacy, and the quiet kind of love that melts more than just ice.
Perfect for readers of cozy spice, sapphic longing, and winter magic.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
7 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 21, 2025
***ARC Review***
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Sofia Rose for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
This is an endearing love story that teaches us two people can love each other not matter how different they are. Love always wins. Such a beautifully written love story.
This was my first monster romance and I’m in love now. I can’t wait to read more monsters romance books by Sofia Rose.
This book release date is December 4th
A huge thanks to Sofia Rose for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is official.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Sofia Rose for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
This is an endearing love story that teaches us two people can love each other not matter how different they are. Love always wins. Such a beautifully written love story.
This was my first monster romance and I’m in love now. I can’t wait to read more monsters romance books by Sofia Rose.
This book release date is December 4th
A huge thanks to Sofia Rose for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is official.
December 4, 2025
This story was short and sweet, but not entirely my thing where the chemistry between the two main characters was concerned. I would have loved to see more worldbuilding surrounding the lore of the lake and its protector. I did enjoy the prose in general and will be looking up other works from the author.
December 13, 2025
A quick read with cozy vibes that was just okay for me. I found myself not feeling the connection between Ruby and Eira and wanting more of an explanation of why it was the bond between Eira and Ruby that stopped/healed the thaw. I feel like it things were expanded upon I would’ve enjoyed the story more because I was really intrigued when I read the blurb.
January 24, 2026
⁀➷ 1.75 ★ ´ˎ˗
all i wanted was a romantic sapphic novella featuring a human and a mermaid. instead i got shallow writing for ‘aesthetic’ purposes and freaky sex with no true meaningful connection built between the main characters. 😭
all i wanted was a romantic sapphic novella featuring a human and a mermaid. instead i got shallow writing for ‘aesthetic’ purposes and freaky sex with no true meaningful connection built between the main characters. 😭
December 15, 2025
This was a lovely and quick read. No need to put it down or wait to continue. Just snuggle in & enjoy start to finish. Written so you clearly see & feel it all unfold in your mind's imagination.
November 22, 2025
I’ll start off with the things I liked about the book. I loved the vibes of it, the aesthetic was very cool. It was a mix of winter siren, frozen lakes and cabins in the snow. There was glowing pearls, ice skating, a mystical grotto and a beautiful winter siren with iridescent skin and beautiful scales. That part I loved, the vibes were both cozy and mystical, I think the idea of a wintery siren is also very cool. The parts about Ruby’s injury and her recovery from it were also well done. Her trying to push through the fear and trauma and reclaim her love of skating was really inspirational but also real; like no matter how hard she tried to ignore it she would have to face it at some point.
But other than that, I didn’t really enjoy it. I found myself feeling lost and confused most of the time. I felt like this was a case of style over substance. It was heavy on flowery prose to the point where it became overbearing. I think the romance came out of left field, without any build up or actually communication between Ruby and Eira. I think it’s implied that they’re mates, and that’s why they’re so comfortable with each other but they barely spoke about anything? They just jumped right in and took major relationship steps. I also think the balance aspect of their relationship retaining to the lore of the lake and Eira being guardian was not well explained either. I just felt like it was all over the place and I couldn’t get into it unfortunately. There are plenty of books by this author I really love, but this just didn’t cut it for me.
But other than that, I didn’t really enjoy it. I found myself feeling lost and confused most of the time. I felt like this was a case of style over substance. It was heavy on flowery prose to the point where it became overbearing. I think the romance came out of left field, without any build up or actually communication between Ruby and Eira. I think it’s implied that they’re mates, and that’s why they’re so comfortable with each other but they barely spoke about anything? They just jumped right in and took major relationship steps. I also think the balance aspect of their relationship retaining to the lore of the lake and Eira being guardian was not well explained either. I just felt like it was all over the place and I couldn’t get into it unfortunately. There are plenty of books by this author I really love, but this just didn’t cut it for me.
December 7, 2025
I like the plot of this, the healing, and how depending on people isn't a weakness, strength shows in different ways.
My problem was that to me this was very confusing. I'm a bit of a “thick” reader, so I know I could have missed something or didn't fully understand something, but I reread things multiple times and then just got annoyed when I was still confused. Very much a me problem, but it dampened my desire to read this.
I also didn't like how Insta-love this was, which is surprising for me! I love Insta love, but literally one moment Ruby’s drowning, and then the next she's kissing Eira. I would have loved a bit more conversation between the two, at least like “Hey, I feel a weird connection to you. Why?”, or a bit more freaked out since she had literally almost drowned. Yes, there was a mini freak when she first noticed Eira, but she calmed down and opened up way too fast in my opinion. Also, another jump was confusing. One moment Eira and Ruby are lying down after the aftercare then Ruby suddenly goes to the surface and is freaking out a bit. Like did Ruby ask to go back or did Eira suddenly say Like welp it's time for you to go? It was just very sudden.
Again I loved the plot, but the way it was written confused me if that makes sense. I will reread it another time, because I was so excited to read this and wanted to love it! Hopefully, that will help me and I can change my rating, but as of right now I've said it a lot, I'm confused.
My problem was that to me this was very confusing. I'm a bit of a “thick” reader, so I know I could have missed something or didn't fully understand something, but I reread things multiple times and then just got annoyed when I was still confused. Very much a me problem, but it dampened my desire to read this.
I also didn't like how Insta-love this was, which is surprising for me! I love Insta love, but literally one moment Ruby’s drowning, and then the next she's kissing Eira. I would have loved a bit more conversation between the two, at least like “Hey, I feel a weird connection to you. Why?”, or a bit more freaked out since she had literally almost drowned. Yes, there was a mini freak when she first noticed Eira, but she calmed down and opened up way too fast in my opinion. Also, another jump was confusing. One moment Eira and Ruby are lying down after the aftercare then Ruby suddenly goes to the surface and is freaking out a bit. Like did Ruby ask to go back or did Eira suddenly say Like welp it's time for you to go? It was just very sudden.
Again I loved the plot, but the way it was written confused me if that makes sense. I will reread it another time, because I was so excited to read this and wanted to love it! Hopefully, that will help me and I can change my rating, but as of right now I've said it a lot, I'm confused.
December 3, 2025
2.5/5 stars
1/5 spice
❄️siren x human
❄️cozy vibes
❄️sapphic romance
❄️forced proximity
Overall, Pearls Beneath the Ice is a cute book. It’s short and sweet, and it’s great if you’re looking for a low-angst read. It’s a dual-POV, so we get both Ruby’s and Eira’s perspective.
Ruby’s been through a life-changing ordeal, and it was good to see her begin to heal from that. Eira’s had only herself for company for years, so I enjoyed getting to see her loneliness dissipate. I was very intrigued by the wintery siren aspect, and I wish we could have gotten more details on that.
Other than those aspects, though, I feel like we didn’t really get to know either of the only two characters in this story. We also didn’t get to witness them getting to know one another. I’m pretty okay with insta-love and love fated mates, but I still think they should learn things about the other. I’m not a super huge fan of the writing, to be honest. It was a bit too forcefully flowery, and it felt like the style of the writing was the main show of the book instead of the characters.
It’s a cute book, but I think it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
1/5 spice
❄️siren x human
❄️cozy vibes
❄️sapphic romance
❄️forced proximity
Overall, Pearls Beneath the Ice is a cute book. It’s short and sweet, and it’s great if you’re looking for a low-angst read. It’s a dual-POV, so we get both Ruby’s and Eira’s perspective.
Ruby’s been through a life-changing ordeal, and it was good to see her begin to heal from that. Eira’s had only herself for company for years, so I enjoyed getting to see her loneliness dissipate. I was very intrigued by the wintery siren aspect, and I wish we could have gotten more details on that.
Other than those aspects, though, I feel like we didn’t really get to know either of the only two characters in this story. We also didn’t get to witness them getting to know one another. I’m pretty okay with insta-love and love fated mates, but I still think they should learn things about the other. I’m not a super huge fan of the writing, to be honest. It was a bit too forcefully flowery, and it felt like the style of the writing was the main show of the book instead of the characters.
It’s a cute book, but I think it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
November 21, 2025
Great, short, sweet and cozy sapphic monster romance between a human and a siren.
I really enjoyed this book. The story of Ruby and Eira was beautiful and I liked how Eira helped Ruby to heal and get her spark back. You could really feel Ruby’s hesitation at first, both with skating and Eira, and like she said, her trust was splintered. I liked how she was able to overcome her fears with Eira’s help.
I highly recommend checking this book out!
“The doctors fixed the bone. But the trust? That's still splintered.”
“Who is she? Why does her warmth feel like a melody I've been waiting to hear?”
“Warmth from above, thaw the frozen deep... let the light awaken what sleeps."
“Strength isn't solitude. It's choosing to let the warmth in.”
“This is madness, too fast, too deep. What if it's not real, just some hallucination from the cold? Or worse, real and binding me forever?”
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The story of Ruby and Eira was beautiful and I liked how Eira helped Ruby to heal and get her spark back. You could really feel Ruby’s hesitation at first, both with skating and Eira, and like she said, her trust was splintered. I liked how she was able to overcome her fears with Eira’s help.
I highly recommend checking this book out!
“The doctors fixed the bone. But the trust? That's still splintered.”
“Who is she? Why does her warmth feel like a melody I've been waiting to hear?”
“Warmth from above, thaw the frozen deep... let the light awaken what sleeps."
“Strength isn't solitude. It's choosing to let the warmth in.”
“This is madness, too fast, too deep. What if it's not real, just some hallucination from the cold? Or worse, real and binding me forever?”
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
December 12, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️
“Strength isn't solitude… It's choosing to let the warmth in.” AHHHH 😭
This was a cute and cozy short read. It was magical and I found it hopeful in a way, with Eira and Ruby having this understanding and comfort with each other after being alone for so long 😭🥹 they were just cute
I do think it did have the potential to be a full book or at least have had couple more chapters. I truly loved the concept (and omg the pearls??? yesss) and I thought the writing was beautiful, but at times it seemed like there was too much that I would be left confused. Like there was a lot of information but also not? I guess the only way I could explain it as, is that it felt like there were gaps in the story, gaps that I kinda had to assume what was going on. I would have liked to known more about Eira and her sisters, a little bit more about Ruby too.
Regardless, I still enjoyed it and thought Ruby and Eira were sweet!
More of my favorite quotes (they’re just soooo 🥹):
“But you... your touch, your hum... it steadies me.”
❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Our fates entwine now, chosen and unbreakable."
“Strength isn't solitude… It's choosing to let the warmth in.” AHHHH 😭
This was a cute and cozy short read. It was magical and I found it hopeful in a way, with Eira and Ruby having this understanding and comfort with each other after being alone for so long 😭🥹 they were just cute
I do think it did have the potential to be a full book or at least have had couple more chapters. I truly loved the concept (and omg the pearls??? yesss) and I thought the writing was beautiful, but at times it seemed like there was too much that I would be left confused. Like there was a lot of information but also not? I guess the only way I could explain it as, is that it felt like there were gaps in the story, gaps that I kinda had to assume what was going on. I would have liked to known more about Eira and her sisters, a little bit more about Ruby too.
Regardless, I still enjoyed it and thought Ruby and Eira were sweet!
More of my favorite quotes (they’re just soooo 🥹):
“But you... your touch, your hum... it steadies me.”
❄️❄️❄️❄️
"Our fates entwine now, chosen and unbreakable."
December 3, 2025
4/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️1/4 - slightly more than medium spice, multiple explicit scenes
The real star of this show was the writing. From the first chapter, I was entrenched in the wintery stillness. The solitude and loneliness of the characters, each of them experiencing it from different points of view and different locations (literally the lake and the surface).
Ruby’s fierce independence and fear of relying on others was an entity of its own. It was beautiful to see her renew her connection with skating and also become what Eira needed.
Eira’s character was fascinating in so many ways. Her singing/humming, her body, the pearls… honestly, the pearls were a whole other thing that were very new to me, but I found it to be exciting.
This was such a different book with gorgeous language. It has all the winter vibes you could possibly want!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases December 4th!
🌶️🌶️1/4 - slightly more than medium spice, multiple explicit scenes
The real star of this show was the writing. From the first chapter, I was entrenched in the wintery stillness. The solitude and loneliness of the characters, each of them experiencing it from different points of view and different locations (literally the lake and the surface).
Ruby’s fierce independence and fear of relying on others was an entity of its own. It was beautiful to see her renew her connection with skating and also become what Eira needed.
Eira’s character was fascinating in so many ways. Her singing/humming, her body, the pearls… honestly, the pearls were a whole other thing that were very new to me, but I found it to be exciting.
This was such a different book with gorgeous language. It has all the winter vibes you could possibly want!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases December 4th!
December 18, 2025
“The world ends at the edge of a lake big enough to swallow secrets.”
I have such mixed feelings about this book which made rating really tricky, so bear with me.
I absolutely loved the concept. I wish it was longer so that we could get to know Ruby a bit better before everything happens. I really do believe this could’ve been a firm favourite if things were fleshed out a bit more. That being said it is a sweet, short read if you’re looking for books to help you hit your reading goals.
However, there was a little chunk in the middle that just felt really repetitive. Like several chapters of crying and being aroused and not much else. I think maybe if it was longer and I’d gotten to know the characters better that would’ve been okay- but as it was I found it really difficult to stay engaged with it.
I’ve decided to rate this a 3 because my opinions are so mixed that I think a middle rating is the fairest. I read an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily✨
I have such mixed feelings about this book which made rating really tricky, so bear with me.
I absolutely loved the concept. I wish it was longer so that we could get to know Ruby a bit better before everything happens. I really do believe this could’ve been a firm favourite if things were fleshed out a bit more. That being said it is a sweet, short read if you’re looking for books to help you hit your reading goals.
However, there was a little chunk in the middle that just felt really repetitive. Like several chapters of crying and being aroused and not much else. I think maybe if it was longer and I’d gotten to know the characters better that would’ve been okay- but as it was I found it really difficult to stay engaged with it.
I’ve decided to rate this a 3 because my opinions are so mixed that I think a middle rating is the fairest. I read an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily✨
November 21, 2025
⭐️ 3.75 - this was such a cute wintery novella!! I've never read anything dealing with mermaids/sirens in a winter setting and it was such an interesting concept! At its core, this story is about healing through grief, loneliness, and finding where you belong. One of our FMC's, Ruby has rented an isolated lakeside cabin to escape the pressures of her old career. After a career ending ankle injury, she wants quiet...or so she thinks. Enter Eira, the lakes guardian who has been watching over its frozen waters for centuries and is used to being alone. But in a chance meeting, sparks fly and they can't resist the pull. This was short, spicy and full of heart and healing. I do wish it was a little longer, I would have loved to see more into their backgrounds, but it was still a fun holiday book! We need more winter mermaids!!!
November 24, 2025
This is a wintery sapphic mermaid romance standalone novella.
FMC Ruby was an Olympic skater until a tragic injury altered her course. She escapes to a remote lakeside cabin in Alaska to heal and recuperate. When she slips through the ice, mermaid FMC Eira is there to rescue her body and of course her heart.
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was very sweet, with some creative anatomy and steamy moments. I liked both characters a lot, and the tone was warm and comforting even in the snowy landscape. But the prose was a little too flowery for me at times, and while I appreciated the attempt at a magical feel, it was a bit much for my personal tastes.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read with cozy winter vibes and charming sapphic MCs.
Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.
FMC Ruby was an Olympic skater until a tragic injury altered her course. She escapes to a remote lakeside cabin in Alaska to heal and recuperate. When she slips through the ice, mermaid FMC Eira is there to rescue her body and of course her heart.
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was very sweet, with some creative anatomy and steamy moments. I liked both characters a lot, and the tone was warm and comforting even in the snowy landscape. But the prose was a little too flowery for me at times, and while I appreciated the attempt at a magical feel, it was a bit much for my personal tastes.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read with cozy winter vibes and charming sapphic MCs.
Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.
December 4, 2025
Short, Sweet, & Sensual ❄️
Pearls Beneath the Ice by Sofia Rose!
This book was a perfect addition to my winter reading this year! It's stunning atmosphere was the perfect escape and as someone who LOVES winter & all things cold, it was so neat to have the parallels of the bitter cold outside versus the cozy grotto down below to remind me of my winters at home & my own warm living room.
Adding in the couple, Ruby & Eira, and their undeniable attraction to each other, I couldn't get enough. They were paired together in such a wonderful way and the connection was (literally) magical, not to mention the spice. 🤯 I had been searching for an sapphic read with ovipositor play and let me say, this one DID NOT disappoint!
Though it was short, Pearls Beneath the Ice delivers escape, heat, and heart. If you love sirens, oviposition, and a touch of lyrical magic, this is such a capturing little read. 🤍
ARC Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this title, and this is my honest review.
Pearls Beneath the Ice by Sofia Rose!
This book was a perfect addition to my winter reading this year! It's stunning atmosphere was the perfect escape and as someone who LOVES winter & all things cold, it was so neat to have the parallels of the bitter cold outside versus the cozy grotto down below to remind me of my winters at home & my own warm living room.
Adding in the couple, Ruby & Eira, and their undeniable attraction to each other, I couldn't get enough. They were paired together in such a wonderful way and the connection was (literally) magical, not to mention the spice. 🤯 I had been searching for an sapphic read with ovipositor play and let me say, this one DID NOT disappoint!
Though it was short, Pearls Beneath the Ice delivers escape, heat, and heart. If you love sirens, oviposition, and a touch of lyrical magic, this is such a capturing little read. 🤍
ARC Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this title, and this is my honest review.
December 5, 2025
🧜🏻♀️ Pearls Beneath the Ice by Sofia Rose, ARC Review 🧜🏻♀️
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Thank you so much @ and @ for the ARC copy of this book!! Be sure to get your copy today!! ☺️
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“Strength isn’t solitude. It’s choosing to let the warmth in.” 🩵
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Pearls Beneath the Ice is a lovely story about finding yourself when you thought you couldn’t. It’s also about how it’s ok to rely on someone and ask for help when needed. This was a cozy read, perfect for a cold winter evening!! ❄️
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After her Olympic dreams came crashing down after a figure skating accident, Ruby decided to move to a secluded cabin in the woods of Alaska - hoping to rediscover her confidence without other people’s expectations. One day, she takes her skates out onto the frozen lake for a spin. Little does she know, another accident is in her future - - an accident that may actually have been destiny. ⛸️
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My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
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Thank you so much @ and @ for the ARC copy of this book!! Be sure to get your copy today!! ☺️
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“Strength isn’t solitude. It’s choosing to let the warmth in.” 🩵
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Pearls Beneath the Ice is a lovely story about finding yourself when you thought you couldn’t. It’s also about how it’s ok to rely on someone and ask for help when needed. This was a cozy read, perfect for a cold winter evening!! ❄️
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After her Olympic dreams came crashing down after a figure skating accident, Ruby decided to move to a secluded cabin in the woods of Alaska - hoping to rediscover her confidence without other people’s expectations. One day, she takes her skates out onto the frozen lake for a spin. Little does she know, another accident is in her future - - an accident that may actually have been destiny. ⛸️
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My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
January 28, 2026
I really loved the idea behind this story and the sapphic representation it offered. There was something very sweet about Ruby and Eira, especially the way they took the time to listen to one another and show care in quiet moments. The world itself was intriguing, and I found myself wanting to know more about the lake, its protectors, and Ruby’s skating background.
That said, the short length made the story feel a bit rushed at times. Their connection seemed to move quickly from saving a life straight into love, and I wish there had been more development to fully understand why their bond formed so deeply. Even with that, I still enjoyed this novella and appreciated its charm. It left me wanting more, because the story and characters felt like they had so much more to give.
I’m excited with Sofia has next to offer ♡
That said, the short length made the story feel a bit rushed at times. Their connection seemed to move quickly from saving a life straight into love, and I wish there had been more development to fully understand why their bond formed so deeply. Even with that, I still enjoyed this novella and appreciated its charm. It left me wanting more, because the story and characters felt like they had so much more to give.
I’m excited with Sofia has next to offer ♡
December 3, 2025
* I got an eARC from the author in exchange for this review *
I've been in a reading slump for a while and went out on a limb to read a genre I typically don't reach for, and I can say that I'm not disappointed whatsoever.
The book may only be a little under 100 pages, but I feel like I got to know the main characters well as if they were my best friends. Ruby and Eira are just such a cozy and sweet couple.
And the imagery was so gorgeous. I definitely felt like I knew what the grotto looked and felt like even if the plot wasn't focused on it.
The message of resilience and realizing that seeking help is not yourself giving in was so beautifully represented.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a warm and cozy quick read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I've been in a reading slump for a while and went out on a limb to read a genre I typically don't reach for, and I can say that I'm not disappointed whatsoever.
The book may only be a little under 100 pages, but I feel like I got to know the main characters well as if they were my best friends. Ruby and Eira are just such a cozy and sweet couple.
And the imagery was so gorgeous. I definitely felt like I knew what the grotto looked and felt like even if the plot wasn't focused on it.
The message of resilience and realizing that seeking help is not yourself giving in was so beautifully represented.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a warm and cozy quick read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
🧜♀️ ARC Review ⛸️
This was such a fun read!
This story is about healing through loneliness, grief and finding where (and with whom you) belong to.
For a book that's under 100 pages we get a pretty good feel of our FMCs. I appreciated both of their inner conflict with completely accepting the mate bond,it felt pretty realistic. Still I caught myself wishing it was just a little bit longer so we could get to know even more of their background.
Pearls beneath the Ice is a warm hug of a novella and if you have a free afternoon and want to get ready for the holiday spirit, don't miss reading this story!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy!
CW: grief, sensual oviposition, praise, body worship, temperature play, power excange (minimal)
This was such a fun read!
This story is about healing through loneliness, grief and finding where (and with whom you) belong to.
For a book that's under 100 pages we get a pretty good feel of our FMCs. I appreciated both of their inner conflict with completely accepting the mate bond,it felt pretty realistic. Still I caught myself wishing it was just a little bit longer so we could get to know even more of their background.
Pearls beneath the Ice is a warm hug of a novella and if you have a free afternoon and want to get ready for the holiday spirit, don't miss reading this story!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy!
CW: grief, sensual oviposition, praise, body worship, temperature play, power excange (minimal)
December 4, 2025
I found this to be a beautiful novella between a lonely mermaid and a broken woman. Being a novella, it moved fast and I wished it could have been a longer story so it could’ve developed a little more. I would’ve loved to learn more about Eira’s mermaid lore and more about Ruby’s past. What we learned about mermaid lore was quite fascinating though. The sex and bonding between the two was unlike anything I’ve ever read. I’ll never think of pearls the same way. I love the cover of this book too. It’s beautiful. I recommend this story and look forward to reading more monster romance from Sofia Rose. Winter magic indeed!
November 21, 2025
This monster romance story beautifully unfolds the enchanting relationship between Eira and Ruby, showcasing the tender moments that define their unique bond. Ruby, a shattered human, navigates her emotions with a blend of curiosity and bravery, while Eira, the gentle mermaid, embodies the grace and mystery of the ocean. Their love story transcends the physical and cultural boundaries of their vastly different worlds, illustrating that true connection can flourish in the most unexpected of places.
November 30, 2025
This novella is a sweet story between a mermaid and an Olympic skater who are both looking for connection and healing in their own way, having felt the need to be alone.
Ruby has lost it all, a broken ankle taking away dreams of Olympic medals. Eira is a mermaid guardian who is the last of her sisters, fighting loneliness and trying to protect the lake that is her home.
When their paths cross, can they help heal each other and maybe help save the lake as well.
Thank you to the author for the eArc
Ruby has lost it all, a broken ankle taking away dreams of Olympic medals. Eira is a mermaid guardian who is the last of her sisters, fighting loneliness and trying to protect the lake that is her home.
When their paths cross, can they help heal each other and maybe help save the lake as well.
Thank you to the author for the eArc
December 3, 2025
A great short story to accompany this winter season.
I really enjoyed this book. Most striking to me after reading it is the shear beauty that Sofia was able to convey, from the frozen surface of a lake near an abandoned cabin to a shimmering grotto. The raw emotion that both Ruby and Eira feel as they both deal with past trauma comes through strongly. While there certainly was spice, I don’t feel like that was the focus here and I think the book is better off for it.
I highly recommend reading Pearls Beneath the Ice, especially during the winter months!
I really enjoyed this book. Most striking to me after reading it is the shear beauty that Sofia was able to convey, from the frozen surface of a lake near an abandoned cabin to a shimmering grotto. The raw emotion that both Ruby and Eira feel as they both deal with past trauma comes through strongly. While there certainly was spice, I don’t feel like that was the focus here and I think the book is better off for it.
I highly recommend reading Pearls Beneath the Ice, especially during the winter months!
December 6, 2025
Def cozy feel good vibes! It was very atmospheric and a great idea for a book, I was immediately drawn in. I liked how distinct the voices of the characters were. The chemistry wasn’t all there for me as someone who usually is drawn to slow-burn drawn out stories, but the way they view one another from their perspectives is beautiful. I loved the way the fit what each other was looking for and needing after being in their respective ruts. A solid quick read for winter if you’re into cozy, steamy, sapphic romance
December 24, 2025
I really loved the writing for this book! It was short and sweet so love that too.
I didn't like two things (and that's why I was leaning lower in my rating)
- There was basically no plot. Like, no plot in the way that the pearls might just be the only interesting thing to happen in this whole book. Yeah, the romance was cute and interesting, but how many times am I gonna listen about THE SAME DAMN FALL.
- The ending? So she lives now permanently in the cabin and goes in the deep at night... Yeah, this is one of those ships that I give them like a few months and then bye bye.
That being said... I haven't read a lot of mermaid books, so this was a breath of fresh air for me.
I didn't like two things (and that's why I was leaning lower in my rating)
- There was basically no plot. Like, no plot in the way that the pearls might just be the only interesting thing to happen in this whole book. Yeah, the romance was cute and interesting, but how many times am I gonna listen about THE SAME DAMN FALL.
- The ending? So she lives now permanently in the cabin and goes in the deep at night... Yeah, this is one of those ships that I give them like a few months and then bye bye.
That being said... I haven't read a lot of mermaid books, so this was a breath of fresh air for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Pearls Beneath The Ice is a slow and quiet story about grief, loneliness and finding happiness after your world changes out of nowhere.
Ruby & Eira romance was like a sunrise in winter, tentative, silent and hopeful, with the warmth slowly working through the chill of the night before.
My only complaint with this novella is that it wasn’t longer.
I honestly am happy to see Sofia grow and change as an author and am so excited to see how her writing evolves in the future!
Ruby & Eira romance was like a sunrise in winter, tentative, silent and hopeful, with the warmth slowly working through the chill of the night before.
My only complaint with this novella is that it wasn’t longer.
I honestly am happy to see Sofia grow and change as an author and am so excited to see how her writing evolves in the future!
December 5, 2025
I couldn't get enough of the cozy, winter atmosphere in Pearls Beneath The Ice. It takes place in Alaska, but I couldn't help imaging Lake Baikal when the lake was described. Our heroines, Ruby & Eira have an undeniable attraction (dare I say...magical 😉) and sparks fly between them. I loved seeing how through each other, they found themselves again. The piece of the puzzle which was missing.
And the spice? All I have to say is...you'll never look at pearls the same again 🤣
And the spice? All I have to say is...you'll never look at pearls the same again 🤣
December 5, 2025
Frozen Healing
This story is different than anything I have ever read. It is written in a way that is almost like a free verse poem at times. The relationship between the MCs feels soft and warm despite taking place in the cold. There is a bit of spice involving some mysterious pearls that are never really explained however it is mostly plot. The imagery is really this story’s strong suit. I could really see the characters and the grotto. A quick read that will leave you feeling content.
This story is different than anything I have ever read. It is written in a way that is almost like a free verse poem at times. The relationship between the MCs feels soft and warm despite taking place in the cold. There is a bit of spice involving some mysterious pearls that are never really explained however it is mostly plot. The imagery is really this story’s strong suit. I could really see the characters and the grotto. A quick read that will leave you feeling content.
January 21, 2026
Gleeful Goblin Review: This is a very quick read making it perfect for a winter afternoon. I'll say that to me at least this doesn't read the same way as a lot of novels or novellas; it feels more like long form sapphic poetry if that makes sense. The focus of the storyline is about healing, acceptance, and found family but in an almost metaphorical and ethereal way. I definitely enjoyed it but be aware this won't have a typical story structure. The ambiance though, is immaculate.
November 30, 2025
The writing style of this book was beautiful. It felt very poetic and many magical symbolics that weaved together very nicely. I love the loneliness understanding between Ruby and Eira and how they have helped healed each other. I did get confused with some of the scenes but this was a well written novella.
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