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Tenebrae Cove #1
Under the Surface
When Hobart Detective Douglas Sawyer chases someone along Constitution Dock, the last thing he expects to see is the guy change shape and disappear into the freezing cold water. He also doesn’t expect a government suit to intervene on the case and offer him a job in a remote town in the wilds of the Southwest Coast to report on things that may or may not be weird.
As the leader of his consortium, Ciaran Brenner takes protecting his town of Tenebrae Cove, and his family, very seriously. He’s never been bothered by any cop who takes up post in town because none of them stay long enough to find out the truth.
Until Sawyer, that is.
Sawyer has never felt at home anywhere until he arrives in Tenebrae Cove, the creepy little town in Southwest Tasmania. He can’t explain the unnatural pull he feels toward the water, or to the man who seems to despise him. He knows things aren’t as they appear, not when it comes to the water and not when it comes to Ciaran Brenner either.
For reasons he can’t yet explain, he’s dying to get under the surface of both.
As the leader of his consortium, Ciaran Brenner takes protecting his town of Tenebrae Cove, and his family, very seriously. He’s never been bothered by any cop who takes up post in town because none of them stay long enough to find out the truth.
Until Sawyer, that is.
Sawyer has never felt at home anywhere until he arrives in Tenebrae Cove, the creepy little town in Southwest Tasmania. He can’t explain the unnatural pull he feels toward the water, or to the man who seems to despise him. He knows things aren’t as they appear, not when it comes to the water and not when it comes to Ciaran Brenner either.
For reasons he can’t yet explain, he’s dying to get under the surface of both.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2026
About the author
N.R. Walker
116 books5,405 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 4, 2026
I love the Red Dirt Heart series, but this one just didn’t work for me. At all.
My biggest issue was the lack of character depth. We’re told Sawyer has always been an outsider, but I never felt like I actually knew him. No real backstory, no sense of who he was before the story started. Also, Sawyer is his last name, why aren’t we calling him by his first name?
The same goes for Ciaran, who mostly came across as angry and closed-off. Their relationship felt rushed, and they barely spent any time together before bonding, so the emotional connection didn’t feel real at all.
When the shifting does happen, there’s very little explanation of how it works, what their forms really look like, or even how this group came together. Instead of feeling mysterious, it just felt seriously underdeveloped.
The tone was also a bit uneven. There’s a lot of repetitive dialogue and a surprising amount of focus on sex talk with the group, which made it feel like a bunch of frat guys living together.
“Jesus Mildred Christ,” Fray whined. “Did you guys not just fuck for two days straight? Can you give me a break? I’m dying over here.
Was that a shout out to Hudson Mildred Williams??? LOL!
Tropes/themes:
Gay paranormal romance
Shifters (aquatic)
Tentacles
Small mysterious town
Fated mates
Found family
Cliffhanger ending
My biggest issue was the lack of character depth. We’re told Sawyer has always been an outsider, but I never felt like I actually knew him. No real backstory, no sense of who he was before the story started. Also, Sawyer is his last name, why aren’t we calling him by his first name?
The same goes for Ciaran, who mostly came across as angry and closed-off. Their relationship felt rushed, and they barely spent any time together before bonding, so the emotional connection didn’t feel real at all.
When the shifting does happen, there’s very little explanation of how it works, what their forms really look like, or even how this group came together. Instead of feeling mysterious, it just felt seriously underdeveloped.
The tone was also a bit uneven. There’s a lot of repetitive dialogue and a surprising amount of focus on sex talk with the group, which made it feel like a bunch of frat guys living together.
“Jesus Mildred Christ,” Fray whined. “Did you guys not just fuck for two days straight? Can you give me a break? I’m dying over here.
Was that a shout out to Hudson Mildred Williams??? LOL!
Tropes/themes:
Gay paranormal romance
Shifters (aquatic)
Tentacles
Small mysterious town
Fated mates
Found family
Cliffhanger ending
March 13, 2026
~2.5~
The world building was shallow at best (the story is set in Tasmania, but it could be any isolated island, anywhere in the world), but the premise (octopus shifters, sea monsters, ancient gods) was interesting enough.
The "fated mates" thing felt super rushed (more rushed than is the norm in romance). Sawyer and Ciaran hadn't spent any time together, hadn't even had a real conversation, before they bonded; two chapters of sex followed. Tentacles were involved, but don't read this thinking it's kink, because it's not.
Sawyer went from badass cop to cuddly bunny in the blink of an eye, and neither MC had much of a personality. I didn't get Ciaran at all. He was just angry and huffy all the damn time.
The secondary character extravaganza, consisting of Ciaran's "consortium," was in full swing. The supporting cast (future MCs obvs) got more screen time than the main couple.
The first half was pure repetition. Even the second half seemed like filler, mostly a setup for future stories. Nothing really happened in this book, which ended with a plot cliffy.
Tons of typos too. So disappointing to see that from this author.
Despite my lowish rating, I think (I hope) this series has promise. I'm invested enough to read book 2.
The world building was shallow at best (the story is set in Tasmania, but it could be any isolated island, anywhere in the world), but the premise (octopus shifters, sea monsters, ancient gods) was interesting enough.
The "fated mates" thing felt super rushed (more rushed than is the norm in romance). Sawyer and Ciaran hadn't spent any time together, hadn't even had a real conversation, before they bonded; two chapters of sex followed. Tentacles were involved, but don't read this thinking it's kink, because it's not.
Sawyer went from badass cop to cuddly bunny in the blink of an eye, and neither MC had much of a personality. I didn't get Ciaran at all. He was just angry and huffy all the damn time.
The secondary character extravaganza, consisting of Ciaran's "consortium," was in full swing. The supporting cast (future MCs obvs) got more screen time than the main couple.
The first half was pure repetition. Even the second half seemed like filler, mostly a setup for future stories. Nothing really happened in this book, which ended with a plot cliffy.
Tons of typos too. So disappointing to see that from this author.
Despite my lowish rating, I think (I hope) this series has promise. I'm invested enough to read book 2.
April 5, 2026
4 Stars
I feel like I’ve been secretly pining forever for Walker to do another paranormal/fantasy romance series. And the fact that this one is set in a remote cove in southwest Tassie, centring around a consortium of octopus shifters (and their mates), who are facing a looming ancient deep-sea threat… well, I feel like this series was hand-crafted with me in mind (it wasn’t, but I’m definitely the core audience for this book and everything it’s about).
Although completely differing in supernatural beings and mythologies, this series-starter reminded me a lot of Jaclyn Osborn’s Sons of the Fallen series, in that its about a tight-knit group of isolated men with preternatural powers, discovering and claiming their fated mates, all while becoming aware of an impending threat that will surely put all their lives at stake.
Here, there’s unique supernatural lore (OCTOPUS SHIFTERS, people!!!), impenetrable bonds of brotherhood, witty banter and playful character dynamics across a full-cast ensemble, and total insta-love vibes between destined mates, prickly consortium leader Ciaran Brenner and new-to-town resident cop, and very much human but open-minded, Douglas Sawyer.
The world-building is definitely intriguing but quite limited in this first book, and I certainly found myself more interested in some of the secondary characters over the MCs, but I also think that’s a pretty regular reaction for me personally with these kinds of first instalments in planned larger series arcs. When I think of my favourite PNR series in M/M romance, my personal favourite books are NEVER the first books in the series—they’re always just an introductory teaser, setting the scene, building the stakes, and introducing (only some of) the characters at play in a larger story to come.
In that way, I wasn’t expecting to love this series-starter more than I did (I had plenty of fun though), and I can already guarantee I’ll enjoy the sequels even more than this, when Walker dives deeper into this world of deep-sea mythology, as these unique shifter-men brace for danger while finding all-consuming love with their fated mates.
I’m already all in and I can’t wait to read more.
I feel like I’ve been secretly pining forever for Walker to do another paranormal/fantasy romance series. And the fact that this one is set in a remote cove in southwest Tassie, centring around a consortium of octopus shifters (and their mates), who are facing a looming ancient deep-sea threat… well, I feel like this series was hand-crafted with me in mind (it wasn’t, but I’m definitely the core audience for this book and everything it’s about).
Although completely differing in supernatural beings and mythologies, this series-starter reminded me a lot of Jaclyn Osborn’s Sons of the Fallen series, in that its about a tight-knit group of isolated men with preternatural powers, discovering and claiming their fated mates, all while becoming aware of an impending threat that will surely put all their lives at stake.
Here, there’s unique supernatural lore (OCTOPUS SHIFTERS, people!!!), impenetrable bonds of brotherhood, witty banter and playful character dynamics across a full-cast ensemble, and total insta-love vibes between destined mates, prickly consortium leader Ciaran Brenner and new-to-town resident cop, and very much human but open-minded, Douglas Sawyer.
The world-building is definitely intriguing but quite limited in this first book, and I certainly found myself more interested in some of the secondary characters over the MCs, but I also think that’s a pretty regular reaction for me personally with these kinds of first instalments in planned larger series arcs. When I think of my favourite PNR series in M/M romance, my personal favourite books are NEVER the first books in the series—they’re always just an introductory teaser, setting the scene, building the stakes, and introducing (only some of) the characters at play in a larger story to come.
In that way, I wasn’t expecting to love this series-starter more than I did (I had plenty of fun though), and I can already guarantee I’ll enjoy the sequels even more than this, when Walker dives deeper into this world of deep-sea mythology, as these unique shifter-men brace for danger while finding all-consuming love with their fated mates.
I’m already all in and I can’t wait to read more.
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March 4, 2026
RATING 4.5 STARS
Under the Surface is the first book in the Tenebrae Cove series by N.R. Walker. Ms. Walker is one of my favorite authors, a go to for me that I know I’ll get a romance that will leave me with all the swoons I desire! This first book of this series has fantastic world building. As I got to know all the players involved, I began to feel protective of all of them, not just the two main characters. Just a quick note, though, that while the romance between these two MC’s is complete, there is a danger that they all are facing that will carry over into the following books. No hints have been given as to who the next couple is but I have seen that there won’t be much of a wait between books!
Detective Douglas Sawyer is thirty two years old. He is a gay, single man with no immediate family, an introvert by nature. He is working in Hobart but has never felt accepted there, prefers to work alone rather than with a partner. One night while on patrol, he finds a man in distress and when he approaches him, the man shimmers, changes shape somehow and dives into the freezing water. He reports it as he is supposed to and is shocked to find himself offered a new position with a significant raise. To move to a tiny village in the wilds of the Southwest Coast, Tenebrae Cove, and to report back with anything he finds there out of the ordinary.
Ciaran Brenner is the leader of the eight men that refer to themselves as The Consortium. He takes protecting them and their village very seriously. He also runs the antique store. He isn’t worried when he learns they will be getting a replacement police officer because he’s sure he’ll be just like the rest and won’t stay. But as soon as their new resident steps off the boat, he’s transfixed by him. He can’t look away and feels like he needs to be closer to him, which makes him angry. So to Sawyer, he’s convinced that Ciaran can’t stand him when it’s actually exactly the opposite.
Sawyer struggles to figure out just what is going on in this tiny village and why he was sent there. As strange as it is, he feels at home for the first time in his life. He feels like this is where he belongs. He is also trying to figure out why he feels this incredible pull towards Ciaran. Little by little, these two work their way closer to each other, finally giving in to what they can’t control. As they do, that missing piece within themselves clicks into place, something they didn’t even realize they needed.
As you near the end of this book, you will realize that there are many questions that still need answering. There is a danger that is threatening their world. No one really knows when and how it will arrive, only that it will be up to them to deal with it. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series. And who will be featured in the following books. I love them all so much that I know I’ll be thrilled with whoever it is.
“He was his compass, his direction, his purpose.”
Under the Surface is the first book in the Tenebrae Cove series by N.R. Walker. Ms. Walker is one of my favorite authors, a go to for me that I know I’ll get a romance that will leave me with all the swoons I desire! This first book of this series has fantastic world building. As I got to know all the players involved, I began to feel protective of all of them, not just the two main characters. Just a quick note, though, that while the romance between these two MC’s is complete, there is a danger that they all are facing that will carry over into the following books. No hints have been given as to who the next couple is but I have seen that there won’t be much of a wait between books!
Detective Douglas Sawyer is thirty two years old. He is a gay, single man with no immediate family, an introvert by nature. He is working in Hobart but has never felt accepted there, prefers to work alone rather than with a partner. One night while on patrol, he finds a man in distress and when he approaches him, the man shimmers, changes shape somehow and dives into the freezing water. He reports it as he is supposed to and is shocked to find himself offered a new position with a significant raise. To move to a tiny village in the wilds of the Southwest Coast, Tenebrae Cove, and to report back with anything he finds there out of the ordinary.
Ciaran Brenner is the leader of the eight men that refer to themselves as The Consortium. He takes protecting them and their village very seriously. He also runs the antique store. He isn’t worried when he learns they will be getting a replacement police officer because he’s sure he’ll be just like the rest and won’t stay. But as soon as their new resident steps off the boat, he’s transfixed by him. He can’t look away and feels like he needs to be closer to him, which makes him angry. So to Sawyer, he’s convinced that Ciaran can’t stand him when it’s actually exactly the opposite.
Sawyer struggles to figure out just what is going on in this tiny village and why he was sent there. As strange as it is, he feels at home for the first time in his life. He feels like this is where he belongs. He is also trying to figure out why he feels this incredible pull towards Ciaran. Little by little, these two work their way closer to each other, finally giving in to what they can’t control. As they do, that missing piece within themselves clicks into place, something they didn’t even realize they needed.
As you near the end of this book, you will realize that there are many questions that still need answering. There is a danger that is threatening their world. No one really knows when and how it will arrive, only that it will be up to them to deal with it. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series. And who will be featured in the following books. I love them all so much that I know I’ll be thrilled with whoever it is.
“He was his compass, his direction, his purpose.”
March 1, 2026
Every few years, I read a Walker book to see if the cheesy, cringey writing habit has lessened.
It hasn’t.
It hasn’t.
February 28, 2026
This started out great, but fizzled out before the halfway point, when both main characters, but especially Sawyer, had a personality transplant. Sawyer went from an introverted suspicious loner guy to a horny bratty teenager who wanted to be liked by everyone. Ciaran couldn't seem to remember he had a job to do, because apparently something deathly coming your way is not important enough to focus on, and he only tried to do something about it when Sawyer forced him. And yes, I get that they were ruled by their feelings quite intensely, but the way they talk and think shouldn't be completely different because of that.
The vibes were great, with the almost abandoned town, the rough ocean and the ominous threat, but the author could have done so much more with it. I wanted a lot more background info, like where did Ciaran came from exactly? How does the hatching thing work? How did these eight guys meet and form the group? How did Sawyer grow up? The only mention we got is that he didn't have anybody, and he didn't fit in with his colleagues. Etc. And that's not going into the flimsy police setup. There was so much potential wasted. Ciaran hunted antique treasures for his store under water in shipwrecks. Why not have him do it on page and discover cool things? Why not strap an oxygen tank to Sawyer and let them dive together (and do other things, lol)?
I really miss the older Walker books with their complex characters, like the Red dirt heart series, Tallowwood, On Davis row. I'd much rather have one or two books a year with a decent plot and interesting characters, than five books a year with a great blurb, but a mediocre execution. I really hope the next books in this series will be better than this, but it's been quite some time since I've been really wowed by this author.
And know going into this that this story isn't finished. Ciaran and Sawyer are together, but the thing that's hinted at the whole story hasn't even happened yet, and the ending is quite abrupt, which was annoying. If I had known that, I wouldn't have started reading this before the whole series was out.
So, easy read with a nice setting and great vibes for a rainy day, but didn't live up to its potential.
The vibes were great, with the almost abandoned town, the rough ocean and the ominous threat, but the author could have done so much more with it. I wanted a lot more background info, like where did Ciaran came from exactly? How does the hatching thing work? How did these eight guys meet and form the group? How did Sawyer grow up? The only mention we got is that he didn't have anybody, and he didn't fit in with his colleagues. Etc. And that's not going into the flimsy police setup. There was so much potential wasted. Ciaran hunted antique treasures for his store under water in shipwrecks. Why not have him do it on page and discover cool things? Why not strap an oxygen tank to Sawyer and let them dive together (and do other things, lol)?
I really miss the older Walker books with their complex characters, like the Red dirt heart series, Tallowwood, On Davis row. I'd much rather have one or two books a year with a decent plot and interesting characters, than five books a year with a great blurb, but a mediocre execution. I really hope the next books in this series will be better than this, but it's been quite some time since I've been really wowed by this author.
And know going into this that this story isn't finished. Ciaran and Sawyer are together, but the thing that's hinted at the whole story hasn't even happened yet, and the ending is quite abrupt, which was annoying. If I had known that, I wouldn't have started reading this before the whole series was out.
So, easy read with a nice setting and great vibes for a rainy day, but didn't live up to its potential.
April 12, 2026
Otra vez ilusa diciendo que va a ser una historia ligera y que se engancha de mala manera. Ese dicho que habla que el humano tropieza dos veces con la misma piedra, yo creo que ya voy por la decimoquinta mía. No aprendo y voy a seguir así por imbécil.
Necesito la continuación. Necesito información sobre estos señoros en una isla remota y sus movidas porque me recordó tontamente al juego de Call of Chutulu (aunque no tenga absolutamente nada que ver). Asimismo, los personajes no serán lo mejor pero en conjunto han hecho de una historia decente, eso sí este tipo de “seres” siguen sin ser de mis favoritos en el género, me quedo con los demonios-gárgolas.
Necesito la continuación. Necesito información sobre estos señoros en una isla remota y sus movidas porque me recordó tontamente al juego de Call of Chutulu (aunque no tenga absolutamente nada que ver). Asimismo, los personajes no serán lo mejor pero en conjunto han hecho de una historia decente, eso sí este tipo de “seres” siguen sin ser de mis favoritos en el género, me quedo con los demonios-gárgolas.
March 19, 2026
3.5 stars
So, this book could be the poster child for mixed feelings.
I have to start this review with a premise: I read tons of mate/omegaverse/shifter romance, and some of those were really, really, cringe and badly written. That said, it may be the reason for my rating lol.
Honestly, the plot has big holes, it ends on the biggest cliffhanger ever, and the story features a parade of secondary characters who are more present than the main couple. Speaking of which, the relationship is not well developed, the mcs lack personality and a real connection, a real presence even.. we get the spice, but well.. not my kind.
Overall, it’s kind of cringe, and it feels more like an introduction to a new series than a first book.
BUT I liked the story!! The shifter type is interesting, the plot (even if flawed) is engaging, and I’m invested and curious to see what comes next! Sue me!!!
So, this book could be the poster child for mixed feelings.
I have to start this review with a premise: I read tons of mate/omegaverse/shifter romance, and some of those were really, really, cringe and badly written. That said, it may be the reason for my rating lol.
Honestly, the plot has big holes, it ends on the biggest cliffhanger ever, and the story features a parade of secondary characters who are more present than the main couple. Speaking of which, the relationship is not well developed, the mcs lack personality and a real connection, a real presence even.. we get the spice, but well.. not my kind.
Overall, it’s kind of cringe, and it feels more like an introduction to a new series than a first book.
BUT I liked the story!! The shifter type is interesting, the plot (even if flawed) is engaging, and I’m invested and curious to see what comes next! Sue me!!!
March 7, 2026
2.5 rounded down
The concept was interesting here and I enjoyed how things started out, but I wish the author hadn't gone the ~fated mate~ route, as everything devolved into insta-love and OTT declarations. I think it would have been a far more compelling read without the mate bond, which felt like a lazy way to get through the hurdle of the human learning about the supernatural. I also continue to feel like the quality of Walker's writing has really gone downhill, and IDK if that is because she'd churning stuff out faster, or something else...
Anyway, I did actually manage to finish, I didn't hate it, and I'm curious enough about the overarching plot to continue reading, but we'll see how the next book goes...
The concept was interesting here and I enjoyed how things started out, but I wish the author hadn't gone the ~fated mate~ route, as everything devolved into insta-love and OTT declarations. I think it would have been a far more compelling read without the mate bond, which felt like a lazy way to get through the hurdle of the human learning about the supernatural. I also continue to feel like the quality of Walker's writing has really gone downhill, and IDK if that is because she'd churning stuff out faster, or something else...
Anyway, I did actually manage to finish, I didn't hate it, and I'm curious enough about the overarching plot to continue reading, but we'll see how the next book goes...
February 28, 2026
I used to really like N.R. Walker, but unfortunately this was as sappy and uneventful as everything else I’ve read over the past couple of years.
The cover was cool.
The tentacle sex was nothing special. (What a waste!)
And why did they spend a quarter of the book discussing their relationship/sex life with all their friends? Ugh.
The cover was cool.
The tentacle sex was nothing special. (What a waste!)
And why did they spend a quarter of the book discussing their relationship/sex life with all their friends? Ugh.
March 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this, even though I’m left with many questions, and one of the MCs had a personality transplant halfway through. I still had a great time. The vibes were great, I love fated mates. A shocking lack of sex scenes considering. I wish I had waited for more to be out before reading this due to the ending and an overarching plot.
April 6, 2026
Update after finishing a reread in audio:
I raised the rating to 4 stars because the narrator managed to "solve" the issue I had when I read it. I liked it more as an audiobook.
-----------
3.5
It started strong. Great premise, nice mystery, grumpy tentacle guy, cop transferred to his island. Sparks of hate, complicated feelings. It was fun, seeing them fighting these feelings. I had a clear image in my head of how they were but then a thing happened and somehow they changed personalities, the characters transformed in my head as well. I was so confused. I still enjoyed it, but the story became something different than how it started, not as strong.
I loved the mystery threat and I can't wait to find more about the other guys.
I raised the rating to 4 stars because the narrator managed to "solve" the issue I had when I read it. I liked it more as an audiobook.
-----------
3.5
It started strong. Great premise, nice mystery, grumpy tentacle guy, cop transferred to his island. Sparks of hate, complicated feelings. It was fun, seeing them fighting these feelings. I had a clear image in my head of how they were but then a thing happened and somehow they changed personalities, the characters transformed in my head as well. I was so confused. I still enjoyed it, but the story became something different than how it started, not as strong.
I loved the mystery threat and I can't wait to find more about the other guys.
March 8, 2026
Oh man…I have mixed feelings about this one. It took me a while to get through it. Some of my favorite books are by Walker but this isn’t one. I love mate stories but the first half or so annoyed me because I hate pushing away. But now I gotta know what’s next….
And can I just say, if Tobin and Fray end up together, I really hope he’s not doing what it looks like he’s doing 😡
And can I just say, if Tobin and Fray end up together, I really hope he’s not doing what it looks like he’s doing 😡
March 24, 2026
Very fun start to a new series! Includes all the elements that I like a NR Walker read for - interesting characters, interesting setting, fluffy marshmallow feelings and UNBELIEVABLE sexual tension. Tick, tick, tick and tick!
Those are both miner quibbles though, and I very much enjoyed the rest of the book - looking forward to the next one!
Those are both miner quibbles though, and I very much enjoyed the rest of the book - looking forward to the next one!
April 10, 2026
Nope, not for me. Some of NR Walker’s books are my favourites - but this one was a miss.
March 18, 2026
Nope. Shifter tentacle porn is not my thing.
March 6, 2026
This is a paranormal romance, featuring Douglas Sawyer and Ciaran Brenner, and is a standalone book.
Detective Douglas Sawyer sees a man change his appearance and disappear into the water, which leads him to a strange job in the remote town of Tenebrae Cove. There, he feels an unexplained pull toward the sea and Ciaran, the town’s guarded leader,, as he uncovers secrets hiding beneath the surface.
This is a standalone but please tell me it’s going to be turned into a series. It was funny with a great small town / found family vibe and I loved Ciaran and Doug together. The overall mystery was left on a cliffhanger and my mind is racing as to what could happen, I need another book.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM paranormal romance
Small town
Shifter x Human
Mystery
Fated mates
Tattoos
Pull towards each other
Nosey friends
Spicy times
Tentacles kink
DP
Carries him
Found family
HEA hint
Overall mystery continues
Detective Douglas Sawyer sees a man change his appearance and disappear into the water, which leads him to a strange job in the remote town of Tenebrae Cove. There, he feels an unexplained pull toward the sea and Ciaran, the town’s guarded leader,, as he uncovers secrets hiding beneath the surface.
This is a standalone but please tell me it’s going to be turned into a series. It was funny with a great small town / found family vibe and I loved Ciaran and Doug together. The overall mystery was left on a cliffhanger and my mind is racing as to what could happen, I need another book.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM paranormal romance
Small town
Shifter x Human
Mystery
Fated mates
Tattoos
Pull towards each other
Nosey friends
Spicy times
Tentacles kink
DP
Carries him
Found family
HEA hint
Overall mystery continues
March 22, 2026
4.25/5 I’m more used to NR Walker as a contemporary author, so it was fun to go down this paranormal path. I enjoyed the world-building and the slowly unspooling details of the consortium.
I appreciated that along with the fated mate trope and some of the behaviour/side effects that went with it, we had lots of discussions about informed consent and controlling instinctive reactions in order to permit that.
I like both Ciaran and Sawyer, and I enjoyed very much how Sawyer felt like he’d finally found a home. It’s clear how much Ciaran cares for his friends—even when he’s learning to navigate friends + mate. I really like the group (even if I’m frustrated with some of them!) and I’m looking forward to more.
I’m definitely intrigued by the drama that is clearly to come—both in the series plot and in the mates to come. I’ve already made some guesses, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all pans out! I trust we’ll get more Sawyer/Ciaran interactions as the series progresses!
I appreciated that along with the fated mate trope and some of the behaviour/side effects that went with it, we had lots of discussions about informed consent and controlling instinctive reactions in order to permit that.
I like both Ciaran and Sawyer, and I enjoyed very much how Sawyer felt like he’d finally found a home. It’s clear how much Ciaran cares for his friends—even when he’s learning to navigate friends + mate. I really like the group (even if I’m frustrated with some of them!) and I’m looking forward to more.
I’m definitely intrigued by the drama that is clearly to come—both in the series plot and in the mates to come. I’ve already made some guesses, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all pans out! I trust we’ll get more Sawyer/Ciaran interactions as the series progresses!
March 14, 2026
I love NR Walker and could not wait to read this paranormal romance
and it is a great book, I love the characters, love the story and the world building
but there are so many open questions, and it was a bit like stopping in the middle
so hopefully, the next book cones out soon.
4,5 stars for a great read
and it is a great book, I love the characters, love the story and the world building
but there are so many open questions, and it was a bit like stopping in the middle
so hopefully, the next book cones out soon.
4,5 stars for a great read
February 28, 2026
Super good, bit of a cliffhanger
I read this in one sitting and loved it so much! The chemistry between the MCs was palpable, there was some mystery, and the side characters (future main characters?) were all intriguing.
As I got closer and closer to the end, though, I realized that there was no way things would wrap up in this book. The MCs themselves are happily together, but there is some encroaching peril that I’m guessing will be a continuing arc across the series. My best guess is that we will pick right up with a new set of characters dealing with the issue. I hope there’s not too long of a wait because I’m eager to see what happens next!
I read this in one sitting and loved it so much! The chemistry between the MCs was palpable, there was some mystery, and the side characters (future main characters?) were all intriguing.
As I got closer and closer to the end, though, I realized that there was no way things would wrap up in this book. The MCs themselves are happily together, but there is some encroaching peril that I’m guessing will be a continuing arc across the series. My best guess is that we will pick right up with a new set of characters dealing with the issue. I hope there’s not too long of a wait because I’m eager to see what happens next!
April 9, 2026
Readers who enjoyed Cronin's Key and Lacuna will love this story too. There are vibes from both in this brilliant start to a new series.
Epic characters take us on a gripping journey into a new world, with looming, unknown dangers all while falling in love.
Nic gives us such amazing world building and one of my favourite things she gives is relatable side characters. fray is a new favourite!!
The audio by Glen Lloyd is excellent and brings further depth to the characters and dialogue.
Epic characters take us on a gripping journey into a new world, with looming, unknown dangers all while falling in love.
Nic gives us such amazing world building and one of my favourite things she gives is relatable side characters. fray is a new favourite!!
The audio by Glen Lloyd is excellent and brings further depth to the characters and dialogue.
May 12, 2026
Tentacles is usually not something I enjoy, lol. But for me, N.r. Walker manages to make it not only tolerable but actually hot! Having said that, there really isn't a whole lot of it at all, but I feel it's something that might concern and put readers off after reading about an octopus shifter.
I honestly loved this book. All I wanted to do was keep reading, but life wasn't cooperating as per usual. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series. Lucky for me, I don't have long to wait, lol.
I honestly loved this book. All I wanted to do was keep reading, but life wasn't cooperating as per usual. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series. Lucky for me, I don't have long to wait, lol.
April 9, 2026
I was waiting for something to happen.
It's not.
It's just eerie silent, nothing, like, nothing happened.
Because I'm too lazy to write a review, just pretend I said what Dani(ela) said.
Probably 'something' is going to happen in the second book?
2,5*
It's not.
It's just eerie silent, nothing, like, nothing happened.
Because I'm too lazy to write a review, just pretend I said what Dani(ela) said.
Probably 'something' is going to happen in the second book?
2,5*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was lucky to proofread this book. Great premise, excellent world building, sexy AF, tentacles FTW!!
March 1, 2026
I can’t wait for the next book!
April 1, 2026
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Heroes: Douglas Sawyer and Ciaran Brenner
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Heroes: Douglas Sawyer and Ciaran Brenner
April 28, 2026
Ugh…now we wait impatiently for book 2.
March 17, 2026
4 stars rounded down because I hate cliffies 😡
Wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger so I’m annoyed right now !
Wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger so I’m annoyed right now !
March 13, 2026
N.R. Walker has lost her way.
March 2, 2026
The beginning of the story starts of as the beginning of the Men in Black movie, Hobart Detective Douglas Sawyer is chasing a "man" down the dock, when the "man" changes in front of his eyes and escapes. Detective Douglas Sawyer isn't sure what he saw but he is convinced he saw something and sticks to his report despite the ridicule of his colleagues. Then a man from a government agency questions Sawyer and the next thing you know Sawyer is accepting a position at Tenebrae Cove, the remotest outpost along Southwest Coast, reachable only by boat. Tenebrae Cove stated population is around 20 people, but Sawyer encounters only 8. One of them is Ciaran Brenner, an antique shop owner, who takes immediate disliking to Sawyer despite never exchanging any actual words with him.
Well, you see, this is the part where the mystery part of the story comes in, because Ciaran Brenner is none other but a leader of a secret group . The group consists of 8 members and they're all men. There are no women on this island . It's unclear if they're all of gay and/or bisexual persuasion, but it seems like a very exclusive men's club with no women allowed. I mean the greatest threat lurking in the shadows of the story , so take from that what you like.
Naturally, Ciearan views Sawyer, the new cop with a sole task of snooping around and sticking his nose in their lives, as a nuisance at best and a threat at worst. Oh, and apparently, he's also which complicates things for Ciearan a bit :/
Initially, I thought the story was going well, I was enjoying the vibes of a tiny village where all the inhabitants were hiding this big secret from the outside world. I didn't dislike Cieran and Sawyer's characters. Cieran had a bit of a temper and a hard time managing it around Sawyer, while Sawyer was more level headed and generally inquisitive while staying open minded at the same time.
But this all came crashing down half way into the story when Cieran admits to Sawyer they're is all these two can think about. A review mentioned that Sawyer had a complete personality transplant by this point and I couldn't agree more. After this the story was all about Sawyer and Cieran having sex, being unable to stay away from each other and I couldn't have cared less. I thought their was way too intense for my liking, which is sad because logically I could understand why the author made such an effort to make it that way. But I just didn't like how it took over the whole story and became its sole focus to the detriment of everything else.
Because let's be honest while both of these guys were fairly inoffensive characters, the story didn't make me all that invested in their romance, what I cared about was this tiny remote village and its inhabitants as a whole. For a second I even considered DNF-ing this, but after reading more than half of the story it seemed like a waste of all the time I've already invested in this not to complete it.
I do hope that following stories have more compelling main characters than Cieran and Sawyer. At the moment the mystery part of the story, with the great threat to the consortium lurking in the deep, doesn't seem too promising as it seems more as a background noise than an actual plot thread. I am very confused why this threat
I assume once the threat appears it will be easily dealt with by the group and then they will continue living their lives in their tiny little gay village with all of them happily coupled up. At the moment I'm not overly excited about this series but I will tune back in when the second book comes out and hope it is better than the first one.
Themes: dual POV, law enforcement, shifters, fated mates, interspecies, tentacles, remote village
Well, you see, this is the part where the mystery part of the story comes in, because Ciaran Brenner is none other but a leader of a secret group . The group consists of 8 members and they're all men. There are no women on this island . It's unclear if they're all of gay and/or bisexual persuasion, but it seems like a very exclusive men's club with no women allowed. I mean the greatest threat lurking in the shadows of the story , so take from that what you like.
Naturally, Ciearan views Sawyer, the new cop with a sole task of snooping around and sticking his nose in their lives, as a nuisance at best and a threat at worst. Oh, and apparently, he's also which complicates things for Ciearan a bit :/
Initially, I thought the story was going well, I was enjoying the vibes of a tiny village where all the inhabitants were hiding this big secret from the outside world. I didn't dislike Cieran and Sawyer's characters. Cieran had a bit of a temper and a hard time managing it around Sawyer, while Sawyer was more level headed and generally inquisitive while staying open minded at the same time.
But this all came crashing down half way into the story when Cieran admits to Sawyer they're is all these two can think about. A review mentioned that Sawyer had a complete personality transplant by this point and I couldn't agree more. After this the story was all about Sawyer and Cieran having sex, being unable to stay away from each other and I couldn't have cared less. I thought their was way too intense for my liking, which is sad because logically I could understand why the author made such an effort to make it that way. But I just didn't like how it took over the whole story and became its sole focus to the detriment of everything else.
Because let's be honest while both of these guys were fairly inoffensive characters, the story didn't make me all that invested in their romance, what I cared about was this tiny remote village and its inhabitants as a whole. For a second I even considered DNF-ing this, but after reading more than half of the story it seemed like a waste of all the time I've already invested in this not to complete it.
I do hope that following stories have more compelling main characters than Cieran and Sawyer. At the moment the mystery part of the story, with the great threat to the consortium lurking in the deep, doesn't seem too promising as it seems more as a background noise than an actual plot thread. I am very confused why this threat
I assume once the threat appears it will be easily dealt with by the group and then they will continue living their lives in their tiny little gay village with all of them happily coupled up. At the moment I'm not overly excited about this series but I will tune back in when the second book comes out and hope it is better than the first one.
Themes: dual POV, law enforcement, shifters, fated mates, interspecies, tentacles, remote village
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