What do you think?
Rate this book
Leviathan Fitness #2
Tentacles & Triathlons
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26When a grumpy park ranger meets a charming kraken, love might be worth the swim upstream in this sexy monster romance.
There is only one thing holding back Briarwood Parks Department supervisor Reece Rollins from success in his upcoming triathlon—his subpar swimming skills. At the urging of his sister’s wolven mate, Reece joins Leviathan Fitness to train in the gym’s Olympic-size pool. There he meets Cyrus, a charming kraken with unparalleled skill in the pool, and many, many tentacles that both intimidate and intrigue Reece. When Cyrus offers to coach Reece for his race, he happily accepts the help.
For the past few months, Cyrus has been floating through life without his usual spark. He’s even hit a creative block with his painting and hasn’t been able to produce a new piece of artwork in a while. But the opportunity to train this handsome human grump gives Cyrus something real to smile about.
New and unexpected feelings begin to arise from the depths as Reece and Cyrus start to spend time together in and out of the water. But can both men let down their guards enough to be swept away by love?
There is only one thing holding back Briarwood Parks Department supervisor Reece Rollins from success in his upcoming triathlon—his subpar swimming skills. At the urging of his sister’s wolven mate, Reece joins Leviathan Fitness to train in the gym’s Olympic-size pool. There he meets Cyrus, a charming kraken with unparalleled skill in the pool, and many, many tentacles that both intimidate and intrigue Reece. When Cyrus offers to coach Reece for his race, he happily accepts the help.
For the past few months, Cyrus has been floating through life without his usual spark. He’s even hit a creative block with his painting and hasn’t been able to produce a new piece of artwork in a while. But the opportunity to train this handsome human grump gives Cyrus something real to smile about.
New and unexpected feelings begin to arise from the depths as Reece and Cyrus start to spend time together in and out of the water. But can both men let down their guards enough to be swept away by love?
Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
420 people are currently reading
10160 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Bennett
32 books1,368 followersAshley Bennett is a small-town paranormal and monster romance author from Baltimore, Maryland. She writes stories that are equal parts spice and swoon. When she's not writing, you can find her reading webtoons, playing cozy video games, and taking care of her houseful of rescue animals.
-Website
-Newsletter
-Patreon
-Instagram
-Website
-Newsletter
-Patreon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,371 reviews
March 15, 2023
I know it’s PMS, but these two had me crying. 😭
I didn’t think it was possible that this could get any sweeter since book 1 was so adorable, but this was even more sickeningly sweet. Reece and Cyrus had me in my feelings.
I loved seeing Reece overcoming his prejudices against monsters and working through his own trauma and how Cyrus became such a great friend and support system to him.
I can’t wait to read more in this series and more from Ashley Bennett.
I didn’t think it was possible that this could get any sweeter since book 1 was so adorable, but this was even more sickeningly sweet. Reece and Cyrus had me in my feelings.
I loved seeing Reece overcoming his prejudices against monsters and working through his own trauma and how Cyrus became such a great friend and support system to him.
I can’t wait to read more in this series and more from Ashley Bennett.
July 1, 2024
★3 stars
✎𓂃 “‘I have three hearts.’ And they all beat for you.”
Truly love the titles of the books in this series, tentacles and triathlons…couldn’t be more to the point 🤣
𐂠What to Expect:
🐙 Cyrus, our sweet kraken tentacle daddy/talented artist
🐙 Reece, our ginger human training for a triathlon
🐙 LGBTQIA+ rep
🐙 Dual POVs
🐙 ALL the tentacle playyy
𐂠My Thoughts:
OKAYYYY Imma need all your recs folks. My tentacle smut cherry has been popped and lemme tell you, I have been missing out!!
Like book one, this is by far not the best book ever written, but these characters are so beyond sweet and have so much heart (literally Cyrus has THREE, this kraken has it all I swear) it’s impossible not to love them.
Cyrus, even after immediately discovering the mating bond, gives Reece all the time and support he needs in order for their relationship to grow. His patience, his tender care, how he caters to his every need!! 🤌🏼 He’s so in tune with Reece’s thoughts and emotions, esp. as he can communicate telepathically (and oh does that come in handy when his mouth [which has TWO tongues 👅] is otherwise occupied 😏).
Darling Reecey boy goes through some 👏🏼character development 👏🏼 Due to his childhood trauma, he’s prejudiced towards monsters. Not ideal when his sister (Tegan from book one) is marrying a wolf and he’s now being trained in swimming by a kraken. But his journey to monster acceptance shows real growth, though he could have been heavily influenced by the tentacles 😅
𐂠Would I Recommend?
This series has been so great for keeping me outta the slumps. Short books with short chapters?? Nothing better for the reading challenge! Absolutely recommend for anyone in the mood for a quick one-day, sweet & spicy read. It’s not a “wow” but it’ll keep you entertained!
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
This one is def taking my tentacle smut virginity but hey I’m all for diversity in my adventure into Monster Romance Land™ 🤷🏻♀️🤣🐙
✎𓂃 “‘I have three hearts.’ And they all beat for you.”
Truly love the titles of the books in this series, tentacles and triathlons…couldn’t be more to the point 🤣
𐂠What to Expect:
🐙 Cyrus, our sweet kraken tentacle daddy/talented artist
🐙 Reece, our ginger human training for a triathlon
🐙 LGBTQIA+ rep
🐙 Dual POVs
🐙 ALL the tentacle playyy
𐂠My Thoughts:
OKAYYYY Imma need all your recs folks. My tentacle smut cherry has been popped and lemme tell you, I have been missing out!!
Like book one, this is by far not the best book ever written, but these characters are so beyond sweet and have so much heart (literally Cyrus has THREE, this kraken has it all I swear) it’s impossible not to love them.
Cyrus, even after immediately discovering the mating bond, gives Reece all the time and support he needs in order for their relationship to grow. His patience, his tender care, how he caters to his every need!! 🤌🏼 He’s so in tune with Reece’s thoughts and emotions, esp. as he can communicate telepathically (and oh does that come in handy when his mouth [which has TWO tongues 👅] is otherwise occupied 😏).
✎𓂃“My life is infinitely better with you in it, Reece Rollins.”
Darling Reecey boy goes through some 👏🏼character development 👏🏼 Due to his childhood trauma, he’s prejudiced towards monsters. Not ideal when his sister (Tegan from book one) is marrying a wolf and he’s now being trained in swimming by a kraken. But his journey to monster acceptance shows real growth, though he could have been heavily influenced by the tentacles 😅
✎𓂃“Man or monster, who gives a fuck. Love is love.”
𐂠Would I Recommend?
This series has been so great for keeping me outta the slumps. Short books with short chapters?? Nothing better for the reading challenge! Absolutely recommend for anyone in the mood for a quick one-day, sweet & spicy read. It’s not a “wow” but it’ll keep you entertained!
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
This one is def taking my tentacle smut virginity but hey I’m all for diversity in my adventure into Monster Romance Land™ 🤷🏻♀️🤣🐙
March 7, 2026
UPDATE (02/19/26): I just finished an ARC of the republished trad version, and I'm sorry to say but I didn't like it as much as I hoped. This story went from a 4.5⭐️ rating to 3⭐️.
There are things I liked. The world and characters are more developed, and Reece’s character arc is clearly defined. His struggle isn’t just about his feelings toward monsters anymore; it’s more about self-love and figuring out how to be in a committed relationship. That was there in the indie version too, but it’s more front and center here. There are also a lot of added scenes, which give Reece and Cyrus more time together and more chances to grow their relationship on the page.
I can see what the publisher was trying to do: take a cute, smutty, novella-esque monster romance and expand it into a full-length novel. In theory, that makes sense. But the execution just didn’t work for me.
The story is longer, yes, but a lot of that extra length comes from unnecessary descriptions, repeated inner thoughts, and very step-by-step scene writing. There’s a lot of telling instead of showing, and many moments feel over-explained. Because of that, the pacing really dragged.
At the end of the day, I don’t think this story needed to be expanded this much. What I loved before was how cozy and straight to the point it was, and now it drags. It’s still a cute, comforting monster romance. . . I just prefer the indie version.
---
INDIE REVIEW
4.5⭐️ A toothachingly sweet and insanely sexy MM monster romance
"Man or monster, who gives a fuck. Love is love.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ humans and monsters
✨ MMC #1 is a sweet and tender Kraken who loves to paint
✨ MMC #2 is a man who's scared of monsters and feels a bit lost
✨ swim lessons for a triathlon
✨ forced proximity
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ friends to lovers
✨ flirty banter
✨ dual pov
✨ locker room sex
✨ sexting / video chat
✨ spicy: pleasure dom, praise, degradation, cockwarming, nipple play, tentacles
Summary:
Reece Rollins decided to sign up for a triathlon, but there are two things holding him back: his fear of monsters and his sub-par swimming skills.
After his sister's wolven mate recommends he use the olympic size swimming pool at Leviathan Fitness, Reece runs into Cyrus, who offers to help him. Cryus is a Kraken - one of the oldest and rarest of monsters. With tentacles instead of legs, he's the perfect person to help Reece train for the swim portion of the triathlon. They may come from different worlds, but they make a perfect pair. Can Reece get over his fear of monsters to see that Cyrus is the one for him?
My Thoughts:
No one is more surprised than I am by how much I LOVED this story. Seriously, I went in with zero expectations and was blown away. From the endearing characters to the spice, this definitely ranks at the top of my monster romance reads!
What I liked:
Daddy Kraken Cryus. I would die for this Kraken. He is the most gentle, sweet, loyal monster in all the land and sea. He is everything! And the fact it took him 600 years to find his mate had me crying for this sweet, sweet soul. I'm so glad Reece didn't do anything to hurt his feelings because I wouldn't have put up with that! Cy must be protected at all costs. 💕 Also, I swooned every time he called Reece, Darling.
Redeemed Reece Rollins. I didn't read the first book in the series but it seems like he was sort of a dick and prejudiced against monsters. He still has some of that mentality at the beginning of this story, but Cyrus' kindness wins him over almost instantly. I really enjoyed seeing Reece overcome his fears and learn to be accepting. As he spends more time with Cryus, his hard exterior falls completely falls away, and we get to see a beautiful man who finally feels like he can be himself and free. Reece's character development gave this story a bit more depth and emotion.
This story was the perfect combination of heartwarming and heart-throbbing. One moment, my heart felt like it was going to burst with love with how adorable Reece and Cryus were, and then the next minute, my 🐱 was throbbing. The spice. . . it's HOT. And look, I'm not into tentacles, but I am into Daddy Cryus. 🥵 He may be a sweetheart in the streets, but he is a sexy dom in the sheets! The things this Kraken says had me sweating. 😅
In case you haven't already figured it out, I'm a huge slut for Daddy Cryus. So here are a few lines from Cyrus I just loved (all for different reasons)!
"So obedient. So fucking filthy. Stroke that cock and imagine me bending you over your desk and fucking you." Yes, Daddy Cy.🧎
"I'd wait centuries for him, and I'd give him as long as he needed to work through his feelings."
"I have three hearts." And they all beat for you.
"You can be a dickhead, but your my dickhead. My life is infinitely better with you in it, Reece Rollins."
Overall, this book took me by surprise and has worked its way up to being one of my favs! I was hesitant about reading this for a while because I didn't think I'd be into a Kraken and a human, but now I'm annoyed I waited so long! It's free on KU so just give it a try.
There are things I liked. The world and characters are more developed, and Reece’s character arc is clearly defined. His struggle isn’t just about his feelings toward monsters anymore; it’s more about self-love and figuring out how to be in a committed relationship. That was there in the indie version too, but it’s more front and center here. There are also a lot of added scenes, which give Reece and Cyrus more time together and more chances to grow their relationship on the page.
I can see what the publisher was trying to do: take a cute, smutty, novella-esque monster romance and expand it into a full-length novel. In theory, that makes sense. But the execution just didn’t work for me.
The story is longer, yes, but a lot of that extra length comes from unnecessary descriptions, repeated inner thoughts, and very step-by-step scene writing. There’s a lot of telling instead of showing, and many moments feel over-explained. Because of that, the pacing really dragged.
At the end of the day, I don’t think this story needed to be expanded this much. What I loved before was how cozy and straight to the point it was, and now it drags. It’s still a cute, comforting monster romance. . . I just prefer the indie version.
---
INDIE REVIEW
4.5⭐️ A toothachingly sweet and insanely sexy MM monster romance
"Man or monster, who gives a fuck. Love is love.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ humans and monsters
✨ MMC #1 is a sweet and tender Kraken who loves to paint
✨ MMC #2 is a man who's scared of monsters and feels a bit lost
✨ swim lessons for a triathlon
✨ forced proximity
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ friends to lovers
✨ flirty banter
✨ dual pov
✨ locker room sex
✨ sexting / video chat
✨ spicy: pleasure dom, praise, degradation, cockwarming, nipple play, tentacles
Summary:
Reece Rollins decided to sign up for a triathlon, but there are two things holding him back: his fear of monsters and his sub-par swimming skills.
After his sister's wolven mate recommends he use the olympic size swimming pool at Leviathan Fitness, Reece runs into Cyrus, who offers to help him. Cryus is a Kraken - one of the oldest and rarest of monsters. With tentacles instead of legs, he's the perfect person to help Reece train for the swim portion of the triathlon. They may come from different worlds, but they make a perfect pair. Can Reece get over his fear of monsters to see that Cyrus is the one for him?
My Thoughts:
No one is more surprised than I am by how much I LOVED this story. Seriously, I went in with zero expectations and was blown away. From the endearing characters to the spice, this definitely ranks at the top of my monster romance reads!
What I liked:
Daddy Kraken Cryus. I would die for this Kraken. He is the most gentle, sweet, loyal monster in all the land and sea. He is everything! And the fact it took him 600 years to find his mate had me crying for this sweet, sweet soul. I'm so glad Reece didn't do anything to hurt his feelings because I wouldn't have put up with that! Cy must be protected at all costs. 💕 Also, I swooned every time he called Reece, Darling.
Redeemed Reece Rollins. I didn't read the first book in the series but it seems like he was sort of a dick and prejudiced against monsters. He still has some of that mentality at the beginning of this story, but Cyrus' kindness wins him over almost instantly. I really enjoyed seeing Reece overcome his fears and learn to be accepting. As he spends more time with Cryus, his hard exterior falls completely falls away, and we get to see a beautiful man who finally feels like he can be himself and free. Reece's character development gave this story a bit more depth and emotion.
This story was the perfect combination of heartwarming and heart-throbbing. One moment, my heart felt like it was going to burst with love with how adorable Reece and Cryus were, and then the next minute, my 🐱 was throbbing. The spice. . . it's HOT. And look, I'm not into tentacles, but I am into Daddy Cryus. 🥵 He may be a sweetheart in the streets, but he is a sexy dom in the sheets! The things this Kraken says had me sweating. 😅
In case you haven't already figured it out, I'm a huge slut for Daddy Cryus. So here are a few lines from Cyrus I just loved (all for different reasons)!
"So obedient. So fucking filthy. Stroke that cock and imagine me bending you over your desk and fucking you." Yes, Daddy Cy.🧎
"I'd wait centuries for him, and I'd give him as long as he needed to work through his feelings."
"I have three hearts." And they all beat for you.
"You can be a dickhead, but your my dickhead. My life is infinitely better with you in it, Reece Rollins."
Overall, this book took me by surprise and has worked its way up to being one of my favs! I was hesitant about reading this for a while because I didn't think I'd be into a Kraken and a human, but now I'm annoyed I waited so long! It's free on KU so just give it a try.
November 5, 2022
Always a bit of whiplash going from your average angsty, darker monster romance to a sweet little thing like T&T. This was a cute book with fun plot (minus the making me feel like I should be exercising 🤣).
Would definitely recommend to those who want less toxicity (not that that's a bad thing) from their monster romances. Modern monsters in a modern world. Who wouldn't love some tentacles and dildos and praise kink. Okay, that makes it sound less romantic but it is, I swear.
Would definitely recommend to those who want less toxicity (not that that's a bad thing) from their monster romances. Modern monsters in a modern world. Who wouldn't love some tentacles and dildos and praise kink. Okay, that makes it sound less romantic but it is, I swear.
September 16, 2024
i broke my streak of refusing to read m/m books written by women because someone recommended to continue this series and i really was silly goosing for thinking i would like it. tentacles are a no-go for me so i was already uncomfy and sighing my way through this, but then the relationship also just felt inauthentic?!
the fact that most of the reviewers here are women just shows that this book has a certain target audience 🥴
i might be calling it quits on tentacle porn after this one. i'm tired of this, grandpa
the fact that most of the reviewers here are women just shows that this book has a certain target audience 🥴
i might be calling it quits on tentacle porn after this one. i'm tired of this, grandpa
February 1, 2026
✨💫 Bookish Thoughts:
I seriously love Reece and Cyrus so much! Honestly, I went into this one expecting to hate Reece based on how he acted in the last book. But he totally surprised me. He went from being standoffish and scared to ask for what he wanted… to literally asking Cyrus to just hold him (or do the thing 🤣 iykyk). My heart. 🫶🏾
Cyrus was a total sweetheart too! I adored how kind and patient he was! And I definitely wasn’t expecting him to be that assertive in the bedroom 🔥 🔥 🔥
Read if you love:
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🐙 Tentacle Daddy energy
🔥 Redemption arcs
🏋️♂️ Found family feels
❤️🩹 Healing comfort vibes
🏳️🌈 Queer love
📖 Final Score: 4.5 stars
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I seriously love Reece and Cyrus so much! Honestly, I went into this one expecting to hate Reece based on how he acted in the last book. But he totally surprised me. He went from being standoffish and scared to ask for what he wanted… to literally asking Cyrus to just hold him (or do the thing 🤣 iykyk). My heart. 🫶🏾
Cyrus was a total sweetheart too! I adored how kind and patient he was! And I definitely wasn’t expecting him to be that assertive in the bedroom 🔥 🔥 🔥
Read if you love:
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🐙 Tentacle Daddy energy
🔥 Redemption arcs
🏋️♂️ Found family feels
❤️🩹 Healing comfort vibes
🏳️🌈 Queer love
📖 Final Score: 4.5 stars
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 25, 2024
Muscles & Monsters: ★★★☆☆
Este se puede leer sin haber leído el primero. Aunque los protas del otro aparecen aquí, no es que sean especialmente relevantes. Lo que hay que saber: un hombre lobo y la hermana de Reece, Tegan, están comprometidos. Fin.
La esencia de este libro es igual al anterior: momentos lindos y spicy entre un humano y un monstruo, en una sociedad donde estos últimos por fin han sido integrados. No esperen más.
Reece, el prota humano de este libro, es el hermano de Tegan, la prota humana del libro anterior. Reece le tiene miedo a los monstruos por un acontecimiento de su infancia y esta es la historia de cómo, a pesar de eso, termina siendo el mate de un kraken :D
Una cosa que me quedó clara con este libro: en realidad no me gusta la idea de los tentáculos, jsjsjs.
Esta historia en particular está más elaborada que la anterior, tiene un poco más de trama, aunque ciertamente sigue sin ser importante a favor del desarrollo de la relación de los dos protas, al menos les da un poquito más de profundidad.
La comunicación otra vez estuvo 10/10, me encanta cuando no hay ese tipo de drama entre parejas. Y me parece bonito que sean vocales en todo momento sobre sus sentimientos.
El problema esta vez fue la forma abrupta en la que Reece supera su miedo por los monstruos, algo que lo ha acompañado desde pequeño. Creo que se le olvida muy rápido a favor de empezar a estar horny por Cy y no se supera de una forma creíble, sino por el poder del amor. Lo que efe.
Además, a pesar de que dicen que Cy es amigo intimo de Atlas desde hace mucho tiempo, no se lo nombró ni una sola vez en el libro anterior. Bien, voy a hacer el pacto ficcional y fingir que había razones para que ni siquiera lo nombraran, amén. Tampoco es que sea tan relevante el hecho.
El siguiente libro es de Fallon, que es un grifo que nos acompaña desde la primera entrega y que me parece un poco molesto por su bocota y porque, de alguna manera, siempre se las arregla para entrar cuando los protas están teniendo su momento de intimidad. Pero tengo expectativas buenas.
Este se puede leer sin haber leído el primero. Aunque los protas del otro aparecen aquí, no es que sean especialmente relevantes. Lo que hay que saber: un hombre lobo y la hermana de Reece, Tegan, están comprometidos. Fin.
La esencia de este libro es igual al anterior: momentos lindos y spicy entre un humano y un monstruo, en una sociedad donde estos últimos por fin han sido integrados. No esperen más.
Reece, el prota humano de este libro, es el hermano de Tegan, la prota humana del libro anterior. Reece le tiene miedo a los monstruos por un acontecimiento de su infancia y esta es la historia de cómo, a pesar de eso, termina siendo el mate de un kraken :D
Una cosa que me quedó clara con este libro: en realidad no me gusta la idea de los tentáculos, jsjsjs.
Esta historia en particular está más elaborada que la anterior, tiene un poco más de trama, aunque ciertamente sigue sin ser importante a favor del desarrollo de la relación de los dos protas, al menos les da un poquito más de profundidad.
La comunicación otra vez estuvo 10/10, me encanta cuando no hay ese tipo de drama entre parejas. Y me parece bonito que sean vocales en todo momento sobre sus sentimientos.
El problema esta vez fue la forma abrupta en la que Reece supera su miedo por los monstruos, algo que lo ha acompañado desde pequeño. Creo que se le olvida muy rápido a favor de empezar a estar horny por Cy y no se supera de una forma creíble, sino por el poder del amor. Lo que efe.
Además, a pesar de que dicen que Cy es amigo intimo de Atlas desde hace mucho tiempo, no se lo nombró ni una sola vez en el libro anterior. Bien, voy a hacer el pacto ficcional y fingir que había razones para que ni siquiera lo nombraran, amén. Tampoco es que sea tan relevante el hecho.
El siguiente libro es de Fallon, que es un grifo que nos acompaña desde la primera entrega y que me parece un poco molesto por su bocota y porque, de alguna manera, siempre se las arregla para entrar cuando los protas están teniendo su momento de intimidad. Pero tengo expectativas buenas.
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 11, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ Always say yes to MM monster romances!
And seriously, who would have told me a year ago that I would be this in love with a Monster Romance? It’s one of the best things I’ve read in a while! This is book #2 in the Leviathan Fitness Series, and although I didn’t read the first one, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any important details.
Reece is training for a triathlon and his biggest struggle is the swimming portion. With only three months to go, he gets the opportunity to start training in his future brother-in-law’s gym and its amazing pool. The only problem is that he knows that Cyrus, the kraken he met at his sister’s cook-out, will be there… And he’s kind of mortified by their last interaction. You see, Reece has not really been supportive of monsters integrating society, and after learning that his baby sister was mated to one of them… Well, it went down poorly. But Reece is willing to try and change in order to rebuild his relationship with his sister and to overcome his childhood trauma. It will be especially relevant, since Cyrus met Reece and within the span of one conversation learned that the very human who hates monsters is actually his one and true mate.
I wish this book was longer! It was so good, and the spicy scenes are absolutely god tier!! Pure pra!se k!nk gold! The only complaint I have is that there was some emphasis in the fact that Krakens had a hard time reproducing, and at some point, it was implied that we’d get an explanation further into the story, and yet it never came… and I want to know so bad! Are Cy and Reece going to be able to have little kraken babies!? Because I might genuinely cry…
Anyway. Read this book, omg, read this!!! It’s amazing and the absolute right choice as my first full read of 2023!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ / 5
And seriously, who would have told me a year ago that I would be this in love with a Monster Romance? It’s one of the best things I’ve read in a while! This is book #2 in the Leviathan Fitness Series, and although I didn’t read the first one, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any important details.
Reece is training for a triathlon and his biggest struggle is the swimming portion. With only three months to go, he gets the opportunity to start training in his future brother-in-law’s gym and its amazing pool. The only problem is that he knows that Cyrus, the kraken he met at his sister’s cook-out, will be there… And he’s kind of mortified by their last interaction. You see, Reece has not really been supportive of monsters integrating society, and after learning that his baby sister was mated to one of them… Well, it went down poorly. But Reece is willing to try and change in order to rebuild his relationship with his sister and to overcome his childhood trauma. It will be especially relevant, since Cyrus met Reece and within the span of one conversation learned that the very human who hates monsters is actually his one and true mate.
I wish this book was longer! It was so good, and the spicy scenes are absolutely god tier!! Pure pra!se k!nk gold! The only complaint I have is that there was some emphasis in the fact that Krakens had a hard time reproducing, and at some point, it was implied that we’d get an explanation further into the story, and yet it never came… and I want to know so bad! Are Cy and Reece going to be able to have little kraken babies!? Because I might genuinely cry…
Anyway. Read this book, omg, read this!!! It’s amazing and the absolute right choice as my first full read of 2023!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ / 5
October 18, 2022
If you're looking for a low angst, Hallmark-style monster romance, this is the series for you. Monster romances tend to be dark, angsty, and high smut - and this series is like, what if it's just a normal small town romance and one of the leads is also a monster?
The covers in this series? Stunning. The drawings really bring the characters to life and are a testament to the powers of good marketing.
While sugary sweet, I felt like this book suffered because each of the leads didn't really have a defined personality. Reece has prejudices against monsters because of his past, but literally resolves them within a chapter by internally reflecting on it. He's machismo (apparently, according to Cyrus' impression of him), but I never got that vibe. He's highly sensitive, awkward, shy… just like Cyrus is. They really had very similar personalities and although the mood of the story is low angst, I felt there could have been some differences for a little more plot/spice between them.
CW for abusive parent. I wish we would have gotten a little more around this actually - because in the prologue we see a monster *scare* Reece... but I took it as, the monster was warning him away for his own safety
The covers in this series? Stunning. The drawings really bring the characters to life and are a testament to the powers of good marketing.
While sugary sweet, I felt like this book suffered because each of the leads didn't really have a defined personality. Reece has prejudices against monsters because of his past, but literally resolves them within a chapter by internally reflecting on it. He's machismo (apparently, according to Cyrus' impression of him), but I never got that vibe. He's highly sensitive, awkward, shy… just like Cyrus is. They really had very similar personalities and although the mood of the story is low angst, I felt there could have been some differences for a little more plot/spice between them.
CW for abusive parent. I wish we would have gotten a little more around this actually - because in the prologue we see a monster *scare* Reece... but I took it as, the monster was warning him away for his own safety
November 3, 2022
Tentacles and Triathlons was cute. Mostly boring…but cute. I haven’t read the first book in this series so I wasn’t aware of Reece and his asshole attitude but I did find him a little off putting. His reason for being weary of monsters was shaky at best. I think most of his trauma and weariness came from his father and he was a master at trying to put blame where blame didn’t belong. But whatever. He did turn himself around and for that I’m thankful.
Cyrus was not what I expected at all. He felt docile and sweet to me at first and while he is those things, a more primal and dominant side of him came out in the bedroom and it was hot. I loved that he was able to be exactly what Reece needed but I wasn’t fully sold that Reece was exactly what Cyrus needed, fated mate status or not.
Not much happened in this story which is why I found it boring but the steam in here kept me engaged. It was 🥵🥵. I wish the characters had had more depth. They felt a little too similar at times, as well as surface level. The secondary characters were fun except for the bird. He was annoying AF. Overall, a smutty monster romance that lacked some much needed angst but made up for it with the intimacy.
Cyrus was not what I expected at all. He felt docile and sweet to me at first and while he is those things, a more primal and dominant side of him came out in the bedroom and it was hot. I loved that he was able to be exactly what Reece needed but I wasn’t fully sold that Reece was exactly what Cyrus needed, fated mate status or not.
Not much happened in this story which is why I found it boring but the steam in here kept me engaged. It was 🥵🥵. I wish the characters had had more depth. They felt a little too similar at times, as well as surface level. The secondary characters were fun except for the bird. He was annoying AF. Overall, a smutty monster romance that lacked some much needed angst but made up for it with the intimacy.
July 20, 2023
Ця частина ще миліша за попередню. І гарячіша🤭😅
August 1, 2023
Думаю, це було не так погано, як перша книжка.
Я насправді була впевнена, що тут все буде якось набагато гірше.
Я насправді була впевнена, що тут все буде якось набагато гірше.
September 16, 2022
When I got this arc I SCREAMED!! because I'll be honest when I met Reece I hated him already in book 1 he was a asahole about his sister dating a monster.
And with his book he was still a douche and I wanted to slap him for the way he did stuff when he was around monsters and his little comments when he was around Cyrus. But when you learn more why he was that way I felt bad for him and was so happy he started changing his ways and growing to a good guy. As for CYRUS OMG HE WAS A DOM cinnamon roll the way he act around Reece defending him to his monster friends about why he act that way. He was just everything I want to protect him at all cost I love that about them. They did keep there relationship a secert but let's be honest it wasn't the best kept secert 🤣🤣🤣 I also love how they trained Cyrus was the best coach anyone could ask for. I'm Praise Cyrus forever he is 😭😭😭😭 EVERYTHING
We get our past couples and maybe a new one? I think Fallon might? Found someone? But he's a manwhore/playboy so who knows.
No op drama, no cheating, secondary characters, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away by H
MM
Anal sex
Praise kink
Cockwarming
Light dom/sub undertones
Tiny Degradation
Prejudice against monsters
Mentions of verbal abuse
Hea
Epilogue
And with his book he was still a douche and I wanted to slap him for the way he did stuff when he was around monsters and his little comments when he was around Cyrus. But when you learn more why he was that way I felt bad for him and was so happy he started changing his ways and growing to a good guy. As for CYRUS OMG HE WAS A DOM cinnamon roll the way he act around Reece defending him to his monster friends about why he act that way. He was just everything I want to protect him at all cost I love that about them. They did keep there relationship a secert but let's be honest it wasn't the best kept secert 🤣🤣🤣 I also love how they trained Cyrus was the best coach anyone could ask for. I'm Praise Cyrus forever he is 😭😭😭😭 EVERYTHING
We get our past couples and maybe a new one? I think Fallon might? Found someone? But he's a manwhore/playboy so who knows.
No op drama, no cheating, secondary characters, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away by H
MM
Anal sex
Praise kink
Cockwarming
Light dom/sub undertones
Tiny Degradation
Prejudice against monsters
Mentions of verbal abuse
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
More than anything, I want.. no NEED to see THE painting 🥹 I absolutely LOVE Tenny Daddy Cyrus “I have three hearts.” And they all beat for you. Ohmygosh 🤭
Reeces rude bitch boy behavior at the beginning gave me the ick. I ALMOST started skimming when he was mean to SWEET BABY Cyrus. Im glad I stuck it out tho. Warm Fuzzies 💚
I know you wanna know.....
Yes, he uses multiple tentacles during sexy time, the suckers 🤭 light tendaddy dom vibes, cock warming, breath play, It was hot. I wanted to be called a good boy too. Happy for Reece tho 🙄
Cyrus wishing he were a handsome merman for Reece made my heart freaking bleed. THE.PAINTINGS!!!
Reeces rude bitch boy behavior at the beginning gave me the ick. I ALMOST started skimming when he was mean to SWEET BABY Cyrus. Im glad I stuck it out tho. Warm Fuzzies 💚
I know you wanna know.....
Yes, he uses multiple tentacles during sexy time, the suckers 🤭 light tendaddy dom vibes, cock warming, breath play, It was hot. I wanted to be called a good boy too. Happy for Reece tho 🙄
Cyrus wishing he were a handsome merman for Reece made my heart freaking bleed. THE.PAINTINGS!!!
April 5, 2023
This romance was cute! I would've liked to see them spend more time together before they got to admitting their feelings and having sex, I think I personally would've enjoyed this even more that way. But there were still a lot of really cute moments that made me smile. When they were about to kiss for the first time, I was absolutely chanting in my head, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" And, no spoilers, but if you've read the book already, my favorite scene was when they were trying to get Reece into his wetsuit in the changing stall. It was just so silly and couple-y, and they were laughing, and I was laughing.
The characters were all nice, good people. Reece was prejudiced against monsters at first, but he changed pretty quickly when he realized he had been a jerk.
And it was so fun having a character who was a kraken! He wasn't kraken-sized and did have some humanoid qualities, but he wasn't a shifter, he always had tentacles and looked pretty sea creature-like. (Like he looks on the cover.)
This is not really a negative about the book, but I just gotta say, Reece was training for and then doing a triathlon, and honestly, the whole thing just sounded miserable? I don't think I'm projecting, I used to be athletic, I understand enjoying physical activity and pushing yourself. It's just, it didn't sound like Reece had any fun at all. I guess he was proud of himself when he was done? But I don't know, I didn't even get that vibe. Ok, maybe this is sort of a complaint, because the author didn't make me understand why the character was doing this, why it meant anything to him, if it made him feel good in any way, etc. But that's not a big deal.
Anyway, overall, this was a really sweet romance about sweet characters!
*Each book in this series focuses on a different couple, but I did not read the first book, and I had no trouble understanding everything. Maybe there were things I missed and didn't even realize, but I think they can be read out of order.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes quick reads, adorable m/m romance, characters who are all very sweet, and non-human love interests.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
The characters were all nice, good people. Reece was prejudiced against monsters at first, but he changed pretty quickly when he realized he had been a jerk.
And it was so fun having a character who was a kraken! He wasn't kraken-sized and did have some humanoid qualities, but he wasn't a shifter, he always had tentacles and looked pretty sea creature-like. (Like he looks on the cover.)
This is not really a negative about the book, but I just gotta say, Reece was training for and then doing a triathlon, and honestly, the whole thing just sounded miserable? I don't think I'm projecting, I used to be athletic, I understand enjoying physical activity and pushing yourself. It's just, it didn't sound like Reece had any fun at all. I guess he was proud of himself when he was done? But I don't know, I didn't even get that vibe. Ok, maybe this is sort of a complaint, because the author didn't make me understand why the character was doing this, why it meant anything to him, if it made him feel good in any way, etc. But that's not a big deal.
Anyway, overall, this was a really sweet romance about sweet characters!
*Each book in this series focuses on a different couple, but I did not read the first book, and I had no trouble understanding everything. Maybe there were things I missed and didn't even realize, but I think they can be read out of order.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes quick reads, adorable m/m romance, characters who are all very sweet, and non-human love interests.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 4, 2023
4.5 ⭐
I love all these characters so much
I love all these characters so much
Did not finish
November 25, 2023DNF at 11%.
The human main character is a horn dog and ignorant bigot.
The kraken hero deserves better.
1. I was already concerned about the human when he started talking bad about all monsters because one warned him off as a child. By the way, the monster scared him but didn't otherwise harm him. And he decides all monsters are crap.
2. And then, he sprouts a chubby cause his subordinate is "so hot".
3. He talks about his sister's vagina with his mom. Ew. Gross.
4. And then, I decided to stop reading with this interaction.
5. And then finally, I go to the ebook to copy the quotes and find the author's note which said she had sensitivity readers. Really!? I cannot tell.
"In the original version of Muscles & Monsters, Reece Rollins was the police chief of Briar Glenn. That has since been changed. He is now a supervisor at the parks department. A special thank you to Tre, Kaylah, Caitlin, Sabrina, and Luna for sensitivity reading and providing feedback. This story was improved because of you."
How bad must it have been before the sensitivity reading!?
The human main character is a horn dog and ignorant bigot.
The kraken hero deserves better.
1. I was already concerned about the human when he started talking bad about all monsters because one warned him off as a child. By the way, the monster scared him but didn't otherwise harm him. And he decides all monsters are crap.
2. And then, he sprouts a chubby cause his subordinate is "so hot".
My eyes focused on the round globes of his ass in his tight athletic shorts as he trotted off toward the tennis courts to do his usual cooldown routine. Javier Jimenez was the most attractive guy in Briar Glenn and he just so happened to be my subordinate at the parks department. More recently, he’d become one of my closest friends. To my dismay, that put him strictly off limits.
I turned away from the tennis court and Jimenez, casually adjusting my cock. I needed to get laid. Bad. As I palmed myself in public—because I had no fucking self-control...
3. He talks about his sister's vagina with his mom. Ew. Gross.
4. And then, I decided to stop reading with this interaction.
If you don’t mind me asking, uh—” He lowered his voice and whispered, “What are you?”
“Oh, I’m an artist. Oil paintings mostly but—” He cut me off and stepped closer.
“No, I meant what kind of monster are you? I’ve never seen another monster like you before. And ya know, your accent. You’re obviously from another country.”
5. And then finally, I go to the ebook to copy the quotes and find the author's note which said she had sensitivity readers. Really!? I cannot tell.
"In the original version of Muscles & Monsters, Reece Rollins was the police chief of Briar Glenn. That has since been changed. He is now a supervisor at the parks department. A special thank you to Tre, Kaylah, Caitlin, Sabrina, and Luna for sensitivity reading and providing feedback. This story was improved because of you."
How bad must it have been before the sensitivity reading!?
January 7, 2024
So cute ❤️🔥
July 24, 2023
я відкинула всі свої упередження і можу впевнено сказати, що мені сподобалося.
вони дуууже милі та комфортні. Ріс з дитинства має травму та боїться монстрів, але життєві обставини складаються так, що вони стають частиною його життя. було приємно бачити, як він долає свої страхи, ділиться думками з Сайрусом. а Сайрус такий солоденький кракен, от чесно, він булочка з корицею (хоча про його статеве життя вже не скажеш нічого милого). і мені на початку було його навіть шкода, що він так довго (довбаних 600 років!!!) був самотнім. і от вони ідеально зійшлися, доповнюючи одне одного. поважаючи та роблячи краще. справді було приємно читати про них, це для мене новий досвід і я не шкодую про це, хоча спочатку боялася. їхні любовні справи були дуже гарячими, але що ж, це чудово. і ця книжка мені пішла навіть легше, чим перша з серії. якщо тоді я більше була зациклена на наявності вовка у сексуальному зв'язку з людиною, то тут взагалі вже не думала про це. Сайрус – монстр, але він наділений багатьма людськими якостями, що робить його чудовим. 👉🏻👈🏻
4/5
вони дуууже милі та комфортні. Ріс з дитинства має травму та боїться монстрів, але життєві обставини складаються так, що вони стають частиною його життя. було приємно бачити, як він долає свої страхи, ділиться думками з Сайрусом. а Сайрус такий солоденький кракен, от чесно, він булочка з корицею (хоча про його статеве життя вже не скажеш нічого милого). і мені на початку було його навіть шкода, що він так довго (довбаних 600 років!!!) був самотнім. і от вони ідеально зійшлися, доповнюючи одне одного. поважаючи та роблячи краще. справді було приємно читати про них, це для мене новий досвід і я не шкодую про це, хоча спочатку боялася. їхні любовні справи були дуже гарячими, але що ж, це чудово. і ця книжка мені пішла навіть легше, чим перша з серії. якщо тоді я більше була зациклена на наявності вовка у сексуальному зв'язку з людиною, то тут взагалі вже не думала про це. Сайрус – монстр, але він наділений багатьма людськими якостями, що робить його чудовим. 👉🏻👈🏻
4/5
March 3, 2026
NetGalley
rtc
rtc
July 20, 2023
5⭐️
Треба було поставити першій частині 4 зірочки, а цій - 5. Мені дуже сподобалось. Милі, турботливі, сповнені тактильності, поваги і пристрасті стосунки. Мені сподобалось, як відкривався Ріс, і як Сайрус дбав про свою пару.
Це просто дуже відрізняється від всього, що я читала раніше. І я просто в захваті🔥
Я з великим задоволенням прочитаю наступну книжку💕
Треба було поставити першій частині 4 зірочки, а цій - 5. Мені дуже сподобалось. Милі, турботливі, сповнені тактильності, поваги і пристрасті стосунки. Мені сподобалось, як відкривався Ріс, і як Сайрус дбав про свою пару.
Це просто дуже відрізняється від всього, що я читала раніше. І я просто в захваті🔥
Я з великим задоволенням прочитаю наступну книжку💕
October 29, 2022
So, tentacles ……… I get it now. 👀 (this may be a 4-star read, but the fan art I’ve been seeing gets 10 STARS)
July 30, 2023
Нє, ну а на що сподівався? Так, мені знову не сподобалося. Хоча, якщо порівняти з першою книжкою, то ця може трооооошечки і краще, але не більше. Тут були присутні якісь милі романтичні моменти, але знову герої помішані на сексі, ну йомайо🙂
October 4, 2022
This was so cute🥹. Cyrus was everything, I loved how patient and passionate he was with Reece. This is a mm monster romance.
Reece is training for a triathlon and in book one (muscles and monsters) you really see his resistance and distaste for monsters. In this book you find out why and how he really works to change his preconceived ideas about monsters.
I read this in one day it was that good, the spicy scenes were immaculate.
I can not wait to read book 3 😍🥰
Reece is training for a triathlon and in book one (muscles and monsters) you really see his resistance and distaste for monsters. In this book you find out why and how he really works to change his preconceived ideas about monsters.
I read this in one day it was that good, the spicy scenes were immaculate.
I can not wait to read book 3 😍🥰
January 5, 2023
3.75/5
mega slodkie, podobalo mi sie nawet bardziej niz 1 czesc, i also might be obsessed with tentacles in romance books
mega slodkie, podobalo mi sie nawet bardziej niz 1 czesc, i also might be obsessed with tentacles in romance books
April 6, 2023
IT’S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND SO COZY AND CUTE EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS OK BYE 🦑💙
August 3, 2023
мені сподобалось, ця книжка явно краща за 1ч.
вони такі сонечка🥺
вони такі сонечка🥺
April 21, 2024
Хто б міг подумати, що це буде така мила та спекотна історія 💘
Для мене ця частина навіть краще за попередню))
Для мене ця частина навіть краще за попередню))
December 10, 2023
OMGMGMFKFJFNF ADORABLE.
the sweetest monster romance EVERRRR.
I don’t know how to explain but the characters were so well written and in a way… realistically aware??? It’s like… the usual oblivious nature that most characters have wasn’t a thing here. They reacted like normal people do and noticed things any normal person would.
🚨🚨MINOR SPOILERS🚨🚨
Like when Cy notices that Reese might be having feelings for him. Or when Cy doesn’t actually act like a bumbling idiot when Reese denies having feelings for him even though Cy is actually hurting inside. It always feels odd to me when characters wear their heart on their sleeve when I know it doesn’t actually work like that irl.
The book didn’t play it up like others do and it was so REFRESHING!!!
No unnecessary angst and supremely likeable characters too!!! The book did a great job getting me so attached to them within 200 pages. I love cyrus so much💙💙💙💙 my little blue kraken. Even though the fact that you just have your dick around your arm IS kinda weird. I’m with Reese on that. He really did speak my thoughts when that was his first reaction😭
the sweetest monster romance EVERRRR.
I don’t know how to explain but the characters were so well written and in a way… realistically aware??? It’s like… the usual oblivious nature that most characters have wasn’t a thing here. They reacted like normal people do and noticed things any normal person would.
🚨🚨MINOR SPOILERS🚨🚨
Like when Cy notices that Reese might be having feelings for him. Or when Cy doesn’t actually act like a bumbling idiot when Reese denies having feelings for him even though Cy is actually hurting inside. It always feels odd to me when characters wear their heart on their sleeve when I know it doesn’t actually work like that irl.
The book didn’t play it up like others do and it was so REFRESHING!!!
No unnecessary angst and supremely likeable characters too!!! The book did a great job getting me so attached to them within 200 pages. I love cyrus so much💙💙💙💙 my little blue kraken. Even though the fact that you just have your dick around your arm IS kinda weird. I’m with Reese on that. He really did speak my thoughts when that was his first reaction😭
January 4, 2023
This was the fluffiest, cutest, most cavity-inducing M/M monster romance I've ever read and I loved every page of it.
Cyrus (kraken) is so sweet; he's the most precious creature to ever exist but can be domineering when need be. Did I mention he has a British accent? Reece (human) is burly and gruff on the outside, but we quickly learn that he's a big softie, a pillow princess and proud. Their relationship development was lovely and I adored seeing the two of them overcome their insecurities. I even teared up a couple times while reading this.
And the smut?! There's TENTACLES, praise kink, degradation, breath play, toys, and a mild dom/sub dynamic. Needless to say, this was H O T.
I'm usually a "I need angst or else I'll riot" but this low angst story was absolute perfection. My first 5 star read of the year! <3
Cyrus (kraken) is so sweet; he's the most precious creature to ever exist but can be domineering when need be. Did I mention he has a British accent? Reece (human) is burly and gruff on the outside, but we quickly learn that he's a big softie, a pillow princess and proud. Their relationship development was lovely and I adored seeing the two of them overcome their insecurities. I even teared up a couple times while reading this.
And the smut?! There's TENTACLES, praise kink, degradation, breath play, toys, and a mild dom/sub dynamic. Needless to say, this was H O T.
I'm usually a "I need angst or else I'll riot" but this low angst story was absolute perfection. My first 5 star read of the year! <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,371 reviews