Changelings

by S.E. Wendel

Back to the beginning…
Maeve Brádaigh never meant to come back home to her family’s estate. She thought her ambition and good looks would make a life for herself in the exciting capital of Gleanná, but after years of feeling small, she’s back home, her tail between her legs. At least she has a degree to show for it, as well as a position at the new school for human and otherly children.
Still, coming home opens old wounds—and worse, everyone at home knows just who Maeve used to be, not who she’s trying to become. Almost everyone, that is…
The past leaves scars…
Although it’s been years now, Soren has yet to feel he truly belongs in the peaceful village he and his manticore brothers helped build of humans and otherlies. One by one, his brothers are making lives for themselves, finding mates, looking to the future. Shamed and exiled from their former pride and left with scars on his face, Soren has never thought much about the future. He doesn’t have dreams, he doesn’t long for a mate. That is, until he meets a certain schoolteacher…
Spring always brings fresh blooms…
Soren has no experience with hopes and dreams, let alone romance. Maeve has no idea what to do with a man—er, lion-man so earnest. Neither expected the bond and attraction snapping between them, yet both know this is too special to ignore.
But love isn’t always easy, and the past doesn’t always stay there…

Changelings Volume 2 includes Soren & Maeve's story + a surprise short story!

Fans of Ruby Dixon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and cat jokes will love this cozy, romping monster romance novella! Check sewendelauthor.com for content and trigger warnings. Mature content intended for readers 18+.
This is a novella in the world of the Monstrous World series. Can be read alone but best enjoyed after book 2, Ironling, as well as Changelings Vol 1.
Volume 1 and Volume 2 are separate ebooks but a combined collection within hard copies.

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

S.E. Wendel is a graduate of the MA Creative Writing program at the University of California, Davis. She loves maps, magic, and making epic fantasy worlds with romance thrown in. She has been writing fantasies since before she could even type (thankfully her mother was kind and patient enough to take dictation, but is relieved she can type for herself now)! From her first stories about raccoons hunting treasure on a haunted island to her latest sweeping epics, she loves to write strong heroines and noble heroes.
S.E. is a technical editor by day and in the evening loves to lose herself in her fantasy worlds and the stories of other amazing authors. She is currently working on the second part of the Broken Wings Duet. She loves her domineering orange tabby cat, true crime docs, tiramisu, pink nail polish, and swoony romantasies!

Reviews

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changelings Volume 2 tells the story of Soren + Maeve. (This is the second story in the collection that started with Balar + Imogen)

I adored the tie-in to previous books (and the quick overview to remind you about what happened in earlier books)

Maeve, the FMC, is a former mean girl turned teacher in her small hometown looking for a place to belong. Soren, the MMC, is a manticore looking to keep the status quo and his comfortable schedule. When the two discover that they’re fated mates, they must decide if they want to take the risk of a relationship.

I adore their relationship and how they understand and see each other! Also I love the “what do I do with this unexpected fated mate?” plot line - I just love when two people discover they’re fated and then just don’t know what to do next.

All in all, this was a heartwarming book about finding a place to belong & a great addition to the Monstrous World Series!

The short story included in this is also cute - and I’m hoping for more because it definitely felt like a prequel!

Many thanks to S. E. Wendel for the eARC!

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 5 out of 5]

”I would never stand in your way. But, if you’ll allow it, I would stand beside you.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

What you’ll find in this book:
- Age Gap
- Kissing Lessons
- Rejected Mates to Fated Mates
- Broody Virgin MMC
- Outdoor Shenanigans
- Meddling Siblings & Big Families
- He Walks Her Home
- Flirty Ambitious FMC

There has not been a book written by Sarah that I haven’t absolutely adored and this book was no exception. Despite being shorter in length, this story is still packed full of romance, emotions and continued development of the gorgeous world that has been created within this series. I adore the softness of this story, that is still packed full of passion and all the goodness you expect of a monster romance. This book continues to build on the magical world that Sarah has created, furthering the characters and the various dynamics as well as the many monsters that make up the community. Not without it's trials and tribulations, and in this case meddling families, we get a unique love story of two fated mates who at the beginning are determined not to fall for one another but the universe has other plans.

Maeve and Soren both want different things from life, with Maeve looking to go on to great things and make her mark on the world after to feeling overlooked as part of her large family whereas Soren is happy with his quiet life helping his friends, brothers and acting as a father figure for Kiri. What starts off as a mutually beneficial agreement of a physical nature when it comes to the light that these two are fated mates quickly becomes a deeper more emotional connection. We navigate the emotions that filter through the connection and relationship between Maeve and Soren as they do, reading as they slowly fall harder in love with one another.

Maeve is such a different FMC to the ones I am used to, she genuinely doesn't care if the majority of people don't like her giving off that energy to all that she meets. She is unapologetically herself and goes after what she wants consequences be damned, however, as the story progresses we learn that Maeve is not as impenetrable as what she pretends to be and that underneath there is someone that is self conscious in certain circumstances and care what certain people think. Soren is a wonderful caring individual that would do anything to help those he loves and his community. Initially giving off grumpy vibes, we learn that he is a super softie with another side to him that is possessive, dominant and passionate. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the relationship between these two is that Maeve takes charge, she controls the dynamic a large portion of the time which was refreshing especially in a setting such as this one.

The relationship evolution throughout this book isn’t without its issues but slowly these two realise that to both get what they want they might not need to go their separate ways, and what they actually want might look different to what they initially thought. With self reflection (despite the characters stubbornness) and romance at its very core, this sweet and spicy romance is perfectly refreshing and heart warming. Sarah continues to tug on the strings of the community she has created throughout this book, with characters with know and love making frequent appearances, tying the other books in the series together in a wonderful way. This book was an easy read that packed an emotional punch, with a slow pace you can get lost in. I loved every sine second of this story and already cannot wait for more of Sarah's amazing writing.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.

Author: S.E. Wendel
Series: Monstrous World
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 17th, 2026
Pages: 307

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet and spicy manticore romance. A bit of a mixed bag to me personally. Soren was the sweetest, gentle giant ML, but Maeve annoyed me.. and kind of ruined it imo.


PLOT:

The story follows Maeve, a village girl returning from the big city after her rival burns down her chances at a placement there. She's back working at the village school when she meets Soren, a giant and gentle manticore. Upon seeing her, he loses his mating feather and bolts, and their relationship changes from there.




THOUGHTS:

- maybe I'm at a disadvantage coming into the series in the middle but the language and world building were really confusing to me and phrases felt kind of thrown in there.

- I loved Soren, but it almost felt like he was described as this perfect little angel in such a way that Maeve falls short. He's shy but honest hardworking, self possessed and devoted, only has good qualities and she's.... Not.

- look. I wanted to like Maeve, she's sexually liberated and cool right? A real modern woman. Except she comes across as a whiny, self absorbed, bitchy hussy.

Like I get being sexually open but we basically learn she's slept with like EVERY guy in the town because she could and her friends future husbands. Her behavior also got her in trouble and cost her her education and placement in the city. Awkward. That could be forgivable and explained away but what's worse is her personality and selfishness.

She KNOWS being mates is a huge deal to sorren and it's not a "fling" but she entertains him and even pushes / advances his comfort zone because she wants to, with not thought for how he might feel when she leaves.

- she's so unlikable even her family and extended family think she's an uppity bitch.... And then it's explained away that she "had to be strong". Nah she's just a flirty, vain and selfish girl who ends up loved by an uber-selfless man and changes for the better.

- I felt like there were a bunch of plot points that never get addressed and their meet cute was awkward. Like these two would NEVER have gotten together if not for the meddling or pushing from other parties and I really didn't see the connection between them. He's a lonely monster who never thought he'd have a girl and is enamoured with everything she does and she's just kind of going along with things because he's sweet and hot.

- the smut was pretty good! Though I do wish we got some / more time with sorren's beast form!

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of you might remember that last year I found my perfect birthday gift. This gift purrs and grumbles. This gift may come alone, or it may come in a pack, or should I say, a pride. Those additional gifts are also cute, funny, and fuzzy. They may seem overbearing at times, but trust me, you'll get used to them. Now, what was this gift I keep gushing about? Well, the gift I want comes in the form of a... manticore. Last year, I was dreaming about a manticore named Balar. This year, my heart belongs to the silent one, Soren. Oh, who am I kidding? I would be perfectly content with the entire manticore pride.

Still, there is something about Soren. His seriousness, his shyness, his closed-off persona. And yet, there is so much more that hides under the skin. So much hurt, pain, and a deep sense of unworthiness. So much sadness and sorrow. My heart ached for him from the moment we were first introduced to him. And I knew, I just knew there had to be someone special to bring out the love and the joy hidden beneath all those layers.

At first glance, Maeve may not seem like the obvious choice. We first met her as a spoiled younger sister, self-centered and self-serving. But, just like Soren, there is so much more to Maeve that meets the eye. It took one serious manticore to truly get to know her and see what was hidden beneath. So yes, Maeve may not seem like an obvious choice, but as it turned out, obvious isn't always right.

And Maeve and Soren, they are right for each other. Just like the stories of Sarah's Monstrous World are right for me. They speak to my soul, lift my spirits, and redden my cheeks. Sarah, my monster romance queen, thank you for this gift. You are my heart's cure.

[Bookfairymel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are the Mantii my new favorite monster in this series? They honestly might be! Changlings Vol.1 and 2 have really turned me to the big cat men side of things! They’re slowly beating out the orcs, which I never thought possible. And Soren being the sweet, patient, inexperience and lovable Manti he is, how could you not fall in love. The way he feels like he’s undeserving while putting so much love into his family and the people around him. Shy and willing to help anyone who needs it. I couldn’t get enough and then to see him slowly come out of his shell; being more playful and sure, so delicious. I found myself really connecting with Maeve as well. Being overlooked by family, and wanting to out her best self forward in academia, grasping for the spotlight for even a second. Seeing her come to terms with her past and find her footing, alongside Soren was what endured me to her.

The two of them together were sooo good in spicy scenes. The push and pull for dominance, the teasing from either side and Maeve teaching Soren new things was so delicious. I loved seeing him flustered just as much as Maeve enjoyed doing it to him. And when he would finally snap and take charge, toooo good. But I also loved their sweet moments, cuddling, Soren purring, and waking up together. I couldn’t help but root for them. When they had moments with their families at the end, I had to grab the tissues as well. So sweet, so spicy and so heartwarming, I absolutely loved it!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve returns to her family estate after graduating from university, and prestigious job opportunities are unsurprisingly lacking for an educated woman like herself in the rural area. She decides to bide her time by teaching in the otherly village, only to meet the shy yet imposing Soren on her first day. In an instant Soren’s guilt ridden life is throw off course as he recognizes her as kigara, his fated mate. While neither of them are interested in the pairing, can curiosity bring them together?

What is my reaction to manticores after reading the Changelings stories? SPECTACULAR. GIMME 14 OF ‘EM! Gaaaaaah! I love these beasts. In this volume, readers get the story of Maeve and Soren (plus a bonus story!!), and I loved the way Wendel really leaned into family expectations and dynamics. Both mains come from large families, but from vastly different outlooks. From working against former reputation to her own family to lacking the self-assured nature that comes so easily to his brother, both of these mains give a good portrayal of family expectations. And also that feeling of not HAVING a space in one’s own family! Feeling different than who you grew up with resonates. I also loved the sweetness of this story. There was a preciousness about it, and I can’t really put my finger on why exactly…I just loved it!

Definitely give this a read if you are into cozy romance or monster romance curious!

Format: ebook (provided by the author as an ARC).

[my_throne_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this universe Wendel has created and this story was so damn cute.
Maeve just returned to her small home town after being away to study. She wanted a job somewhere else but a bully got her blacklisted almost everywhere so she has no choice to take the teaching job back home. Soren and his pride have been in town for a couple of years now and he is not looking for a mate as he doesn't trust his inner beast. But when he meets Kiri's new teacher that has changed as he loses his feather which with manticores means they found their mate. They soon realise they both don't want this but they still feel the traction.
I really loved Maeve and how she was as she really stood up for herself and who she was. She took the lead with everything also with her relationship with Soren. He was hesitant after finding out she was his mate but after having a talk with Maeve and seeing they both didn’t want mates they were fine. But manticores have an inner beast and Soren didn't trust his one. Glad to say that their denial didn’t last long as they were attracted to each other quickly after Maeve took the first steps. They did keep it hidden as Maeve had the intention of leaving again and Soren didn't want to ask her to change. But at the end everything worked out and I loved seeing them so happy!
If you are looking for a fantasy world with fated mates and steamy romance this book series is something for you!
Thanks to SE Wendel for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️
*arc review*

SE Wendel is so good at doing her big plot heavy books, but I’m really loving these novellas where there’s a bit more fluff! Changlings Vol 2 shows us the bumpy love story between Soren and Maeve. We’ve met them both before, so it was great to see them together for the first time!

Maeve wishes for more than living back at home and being a teacher for the small otherly school. Soren wishes that the past could stop haunting him even though he seems to have accepted his fate. Maeve is flirty and confident and lets things roll off her back while Soren is shy, a little awkward, and hard on himself. All it takes is one feather dropping for things beyween them to get all shook up. Neither of them want a mate, but fate seems to have different plans. I adored their innocent (and not so innocent 🤭) walks home where they connected and quickly realized their attraction to one another can’t be pushed away. Once the sparks started flying, it was all heat and fluff from then on. I’m so glad that they got their happy ending in the end ❤️ plus I loved seeing the manticore clan again!

the short story at the end was absolutely adorable and brought the biggest smile to my face. the perfect little cherry on top of a great novella. I won’t spoil who the short story stars, but I promise you won’t be disappointed when you find out!

[Sandra Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful I got to ARC read this! It is part of the Monstrous World series. It is a standalone, but is best enjoyed after reading Chagelings Vol. 1, Ironling, and Sweetling. We are re-introduced to FMC Maeve, who has(not pleasantly) returned home after 3 years at university. She’s a teacher at a small school but aspires to do much bigger things. Our MMC, manticore Soren has been in the area for a while with his brothers, who traveled great distances to find their mates. Soren doesn’t want a mate, but.. when he and Maeve cross paths, things become.. complicated. I loved seeing their interactions, seeing how they viewed each other, them ignoring their emotions as long as they could, and their general banter and stubbornness. Their story made me laugh, cry, smile, and everything in between. Certain themes hit very close to home for me, and it made me love it so much more. One having big goals and dreams of travel, one feeling he can’t leave his brothers behind. A favorite quote of mine that stuck with me is “Wherever you go, there you are.” Overall, just an amazing story. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is available now in ebook and in physical form. Get lost in this beautiful little world!!

[Sarah-Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to start by thanking Sarah for an advanced copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own!

This was another cosy monster fantasy romance novella, and it was so much fun to read! This and the first novella are the perfect place to start if you've been wanting to get into monster romance but feel overwhelmed with where to start.

Both Soren and Maeve had their own flaws and issues that needed to be able to work past throughout the story. It was a battle to get them to the point of feeling like they deserve to have someone in their lives, but it felt relatable as those struggles aren't something that you can brush off easily once you find someone. Especially as they both were figuring out what they wanted, and thinking that they had to sacrifice certain parts of life to have them. When in reality, they just needed the permission to do what makes them happy, and to let go.

The spice between them both had me swooning whilst reading it, especially because Maeve was such a good teacher 👀

What you'll find:
🪶 Age Gap
🪶 Kissing Lessons
🪶 Rejected Mates to Fated Mates
🪶 Broody Virgin MMC
🪶 Flirty Ambitious FMC
🪶 Pining/Yearning

Quotes:
🪶 "Enket at inan," he sighed. "What does that mean?" "A plea- for the goddess to take me." "Hmm," she hummed against his lips. "Your goddess will have to wait." For now, this sweet delicious man was Maeve's.
🪶 "You speak of all you don't want. What then do you want Maeve?" "To be happy. To do something worthwhile." He face scrunched with another sob as she said, "To matter."
🪶 "Belonging doesn't always have to be a place chickadee."
🪶 "You don't have to sacrifice for me. For any of us."
🪶 "You can go anywhere in the world, Maeve. I hope you get to see and do everything you want to. But know, you'll still be you in the end."

[Anastasia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ moderate spice

- LOVE
- LOVE SO MUCH
- WHAT LOVEABLE LOVEABLE DUMMIES
- HES feral for her????
- she’s such a baddie??????
- THEY ARE PRECIOUS
- unconventional FMC
- self sacrificing MMC
- beaaauuutttiiifffuullll setting in a cozy village of lovely monsters
- lots of pining
- one way bond
- GORG prose
- excellent pacing
- JUST SO DAMN COZY

OOOOOO EEMMM GGEEE
Omg omg omg I LOVE THESE TWO. Love this BOOK. LOVE THIS AUTHOR. SE Wendel can do absolutely no wrong. This book is another testament to her incredible prose and beautiful ability to give us unconventionally loveable characters doing beautiful things together. That he’s half cat is absolutely lovellllyyy. He’s feral, he’s pining, he sunbathes and likes his mane touched. I cannot get enough of Soren.
MAEVE THO. OMG MAEVE. Maeve is a little bit of the mean girl with a hidden heart of gold that needs a man to support her, not change her, and encourage her soft side. She’s glorious. Always thinking what we are, but with the courage to say what we’re thinking aloud. I love her and the family dynamics soooooo much ♥️♥️

You could absolutely read this on its own, but it really shines as an inbetween book with Ironling and Sweetling. I adore it!!!!!

[Tairen Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changelings Volume 2 by S. E. Wendel is one of the coziest monster romances ever written.

This magical little book has everything including a shy but absolutely swoon-worthy Manticore with a heart of gold.

I loved the cozy vibes of this book - it’s like reading the ultimate fairytale with a decent heaping of spice. Everything S. E. Wendel writes is always magical and captures your attention upon the first chapter making every book an obsession until you’ve reached the final page.

Maeve and Soren’s story was everything I wanted - they are perfect for each other and the way both characters and their relationship grew throughout the story was just perfect.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting a cozy monster romance full of spice, swoonworthy Manticores, a well written plot, & all the fairytale vibes.

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the e•ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶

This is vol. 2 of Changelings and it was SO GOOD! I didn't know how much I needed Soren and Maeve, but I really enjoyed their story, it was very sweet. I am always a sucker for a less experienced, but no less enthusiastic, MMC, and Soren did not disappoint.

I loved all the cameos from past Monstrous World characters and hints for the future. I especially loved the little short story after the epilogue 😭💜

☆light dom/sub
☆sort of rejected mates
☆teacher x handyman
☆Manticore x Human
☆knotting
☆virgin MMC, experienced FMC

[Mrs. Pendragon Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
I adore how cozy this novella is. Maeve and Soren's story was a fun one to follow, probably my favorite out of the two volumes. The unexpected ghosting after finding out they are fated mates had me chuckling. She's more experienced, and he’s just a sweetheart (he can do no wrong). I love their relationship; their inner thoughts and worries are adorable, and I was glad there weren't many miscommunications; these two just needed to get to know each other better and let things flow naturally.
I truly adore them!

Thank you, S.E. Wendel, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Gwyneth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful, or should that be Mistressful!

I love it when the FMC is a strong, determined woman, distinct from the wishywashy individuals who usually fill these slots. Even though Both characters showed considerable growth through the course of the Story, I very much enjoyed the almost role reversal. Now I'm on tenterhooks awaiting the next story. I can always depend on this author for an entertaining few hours of reading.

[DemetraP · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was away at college and returned home after graduating. He was scarred and exiled from his pride. So he and his brothers traveled 2 years until they made a new home. He saw her and one of his feathers fell out which meant she was his fated mate.

He was so surprised and nervous he flew away immediately.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this Monstrous World short story was fine. I liked the MCs but their meet cute was weird and too many plot points remained unresolved. Maybe there will be more clarification in the second novella?

[Drey Blackbeak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dudo entre 4 y 4.5, porque Maeve y Soren han sido muy buenos, PERO LA HISTORIA EXTRA??? Soy más migajera que una paloma, porque esa pareja se ha llevado toda mi atención. 10/10

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this entire monster world S.E has created. I eat every book up.
Soren and Orek have been the best MMC so far. But please. PLEASE give us a Kiri all grown up book.

[looselipslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

SE Wendel books never fail to leave me with a big smile on my face. Thank you so much for the arc!