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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
115 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
124 books5,342 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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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.
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 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
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.
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 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
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!
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
N.R. Walker has lost her way.
March 1, 2026
I can’t wait for the next book!
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know what’s fated! Me and loving NR Walker books that what. What is she putting in these things I absolutely love them, am addicted to them am hoarding them like there is no tomorrow cannot do without them.. anyway coming back to this book. I don’t think I’ve read a paranormal romance from Walker so I wasn’t sure what to expect I only knew it was going to be unique, layered and have characters I would love.. you know the trifecta of a good book. This is all that and so much more
Ah Sawyer you big brave beautiful man, good on you for sticking to your guns in that report in Hobart. They suck for not believing you, HO was shady though to be honest I did not clock that at all and I should have with the too good to be true but his true colours showed up soon enough eh. Ciaran, you lost your temper (and maybe your mind) when you clocked Sawyer didn’t ya, hehehe I loved it. You have a secret and it’s not gonna stay secure is it. Don’t worry your boys will talk some sense into ya.
I love both these characters specially with thief little quirks, like how shame free Sawyer is and how shy Ciaran can be - I love their possessiveness and protectiveness and their sweetness and need for their found family.
I loved the unhuh ummm otherworldly chemistry and the “superpowers”
I think I’m doing really well with this coded language to avoid spoilers
I loved the rest of the consortium and Mr Brown - NR Walker always delivers on stellar found family
Here is another thing that is absolutely special- the world building is unique, the lore is superlative and layered and gripping and this is brilliant series starter
It introduces a mysterious overarching plot that isn’t fully revealed yet, it has tonnes of characters that are introduced who I already feel fond of, it doesn’t dilute the romantic plot lines at all and delivers on soulmates connections perfectly and it introduces lore organically, smoothly, easily ally eh while there is still an eerie sense of a life and death catastrophic situation around the corner (well we see it literally play out for Sawyer but I also get the sense there is more coming there?)
I cannot wait for more from this world.
Ah Sawyer you big brave beautiful man, good on you for sticking to your guns in that report in Hobart. They suck for not believing you, HO was shady though to be honest I did not clock that at all and I should have with the too good to be true but his true colours showed up soon enough eh. Ciaran, you lost your temper (and maybe your mind) when you clocked Sawyer didn’t ya, hehehe I loved it. You have a secret and it’s not gonna stay secure is it. Don’t worry your boys will talk some sense into ya.
I love both these characters specially with thief little quirks, like how shame free Sawyer is and how shy Ciaran can be - I love their possessiveness and protectiveness and their sweetness and need for their found family.
I loved the unhuh ummm otherworldly chemistry and the “superpowers”
I think I’m doing really well with this coded language to avoid spoilers
I loved the rest of the consortium and Mr Brown - NR Walker always delivers on stellar found family
Here is another thing that is absolutely special- the world building is unique, the lore is superlative and layered and gripping and this is brilliant series starter
It introduces a mysterious overarching plot that isn’t fully revealed yet, it has tonnes of characters that are introduced who I already feel fond of, it doesn’t dilute the romantic plot lines at all and delivers on soulmates connections perfectly and it introduces lore organically, smoothly, easily ally eh while there is still an eerie sense of a life and death catastrophic situation around the corner (well we see it literally play out for Sawyer but I also get the sense there is more coming there?)
I cannot wait for more from this world.
March 2, 2026
Super strong and steamy fated mates alert! Detective (Douglas Sawyer) and octopus-shifter (Ciaran) defy the odds. I adore fated mates, and these two were so fun, they were SO strongly drawn to each other, and at first it threw one of them off so much he seemed angry all the time. Hilarious!!!
There are eight “cephamorphic” shifters in the consortium that lives in a tiny, isolated oceanside village too. Perfect.
Tentacles.
Need I say more?! Worth it for that.
Ciaran’s reaction to meeting Sawyer (not sure why he is always called by his last name now that he lives here…!?) for the first time? And his resistance to this shocking bond with a human? Chef’s kiss. Their draw is overwhelming, and no cephamorph has ever had a human mate—mates are rare as it is—and they don’t’ know what to expect or how to fill in Sawyer that he…is the mate to something he’s never heard of. That most don’t know exists.
SO much fun!
Sawyer’s accepted a 5 year job overseeing this little town, and his supervisor not so covertly wants him to spy on the residents, because he’s sure there’s something bizarre going on. Sawyer finds a tiny population of men who definitely have secrets, and an old resident in the woods who has an unsettling but kind way about him. There’s a creepy danger coming in from the ocean, and inter-group dynamics that add tension and shenanigans for the secondary characters, but mostly, the focus is on Ciaran deciding whether he/they can trust Sawyer with all that he is, and both of them embracing this unexpected gift from fate to the fullest.
And I do mean fullest. Did I mention the tentacles?
I LOVED reading about octopus shifters!!! Super cool.
The story doesn’t get too far into the series plot arc, and even for a romance, feels a little unfinished, but, man I loved this couple together.
HFN/HEA (just in doubt bc Big Bad is no doubt coming for all of them), human-shifter fated mates pairing. NO OM action or drama, thank you very much. Totally safe for me, and steamy as hell. So glad to see NR back in PNR territory! Recommended.
I own a copy of this book.
There are eight “cephamorphic” shifters in the consortium that lives in a tiny, isolated oceanside village too. Perfect.
Tentacles.
Need I say more?! Worth it for that.
Ciaran’s reaction to meeting Sawyer (not sure why he is always called by his last name now that he lives here…!?) for the first time? And his resistance to this shocking bond with a human? Chef’s kiss. Their draw is overwhelming, and no cephamorph has ever had a human mate—mates are rare as it is—and they don’t’ know what to expect or how to fill in Sawyer that he…is the mate to something he’s never heard of. That most don’t know exists.
SO much fun!
Sawyer’s accepted a 5 year job overseeing this little town, and his supervisor not so covertly wants him to spy on the residents, because he’s sure there’s something bizarre going on. Sawyer finds a tiny population of men who definitely have secrets, and an old resident in the woods who has an unsettling but kind way about him. There’s a creepy danger coming in from the ocean, and inter-group dynamics that add tension and shenanigans for the secondary characters, but mostly, the focus is on Ciaran deciding whether he/they can trust Sawyer with all that he is, and both of them embracing this unexpected gift from fate to the fullest.
And I do mean fullest. Did I mention the tentacles?
I LOVED reading about octopus shifters!!! Super cool.
The story doesn’t get too far into the series plot arc, and even for a romance, feels a little unfinished, but, man I loved this couple together.
HFN/HEA (just in doubt bc Big Bad is no doubt coming for all of them), human-shifter fated mates pairing. NO OM action or drama, thank you very much. Totally safe for me, and steamy as hell. So glad to see NR back in PNR territory! Recommended.
I own a copy of this book.
March 2, 2026
Intriguing story but beware…ends with cliffhangers
This is an interesting twist on shifters and fated mates. We’ve got a cephalopod (generically an octopus shifter) and a human cop in a teeny remote town who turn out to be fated mates. The cop has been offered a job, a promotion, a house and a vehicle along with a promise of full retirement in five years by some suit wearing shadowy government agent. Since Sawyer hates his current job, has no friends or family, and is now the butt of colleagues jokes because of his report of something he witnessed he takes the offer. Turns out there’s way more to this tiny town and he’s pretty sure that government agent knows something about it but wants Sawyer to get to the truth for him. We’ve got a mysterious cat who isn’t what he seems, Sawyer feeling a deadly siren call to the sea, and the pending threat of a kraken like creature coming to attack. And, spoiler alert, none of that is resolved in this book.
I was very much not ready for the book to end. There is also internal strife between the eight men who consider themselves family which is kind of heartbreaking and one of the major cliffhangers, left dangling on a very sour note. There’s a mysterious unknown female guest that you can just feel is going to be bad news. So much is up in the air.
The only thing resolved is Sawyer and Cailan’s romance. And that’s not even HFN because there’s this huge threat hanging over them. If I’d known this was so unresolved I’d have waited until more books in this series were written to start reading.
I’m very much not a cliffhanger fan. But what’s here is an entertaining read and if you don’t mind the cliffhangers I definitely recommend the book.
This is an interesting twist on shifters and fated mates. We’ve got a cephalopod (generically an octopus shifter) and a human cop in a teeny remote town who turn out to be fated mates. The cop has been offered a job, a promotion, a house and a vehicle along with a promise of full retirement in five years by some suit wearing shadowy government agent. Since Sawyer hates his current job, has no friends or family, and is now the butt of colleagues jokes because of his report of something he witnessed he takes the offer. Turns out there’s way more to this tiny town and he’s pretty sure that government agent knows something about it but wants Sawyer to get to the truth for him. We’ve got a mysterious cat who isn’t what he seems, Sawyer feeling a deadly siren call to the sea, and the pending threat of a kraken like creature coming to attack. And, spoiler alert, none of that is resolved in this book.
I was very much not ready for the book to end. There is also internal strife between the eight men who consider themselves family which is kind of heartbreaking and one of the major cliffhangers, left dangling on a very sour note. There’s a mysterious unknown female guest that you can just feel is going to be bad news. So much is up in the air.
The only thing resolved is Sawyer and Cailan’s romance. And that’s not even HFN because there’s this huge threat hanging over them. If I’d known this was so unresolved I’d have waited until more books in this series were written to start reading.
I’m very much not a cliffhanger fan. But what’s here is an entertaining read and if you don’t mind the cliffhangers I definitely recommend the book.
March 2, 2026
If you like mating stuff, this is ok read, though there is not much actually happening here. Have to say I expected a bit more adventure, but no, that promise remained mostly unfullfilled.
1 star for Sawyer, whom I liked despite complete lack of background info on him. There's no personal history, family relationships and influences, like he hadn't exist before the first page of the book.
1 star for Fray and Ciar frindship, I really love when MCs have healthy relationship outside their love story.
And 1 star for Tasmania cold climate rainforest, which I didn't know before. I spent quite a few happy minutes exploring that.
For me, mating bond is still not doing it. I try from time to time because it might be fun if done right despite all my reservations, but no, this one didn't deliver.
I can understand the appeal, that 100 % certainty this is IT for you, that you have that one person destined just for you who will never want anyone else, hurt you or betray you, because they just can't. After all the drama of modern dating and constant overthinking and too many choices but so few of them really fitting... yes, it might be a balm. But.
The real beauty of romance is in free will, in personal choice. In doing something for your beloved because you simply want to, not because you have to or universe treating you like a toddler will kick your ass. In being with someone because it's a pleasure, not a literal physical necessity. And the risk of loss or betrayal is absolutely worth it, because it makes things so much sweeter and more satisfying when it all pans out.
This is just not real romance.
1 star for Sawyer, whom I liked despite complete lack of background info on him. There's no personal history, family relationships and influences, like he hadn't exist before the first page of the book.
1 star for Fray and Ciar frindship, I really love when MCs have healthy relationship outside their love story.
And 1 star for Tasmania cold climate rainforest, which I didn't know before. I spent quite a few happy minutes exploring that.
For me, mating bond is still not doing it. I try from time to time because it might be fun if done right despite all my reservations, but no, this one didn't deliver.
I can understand the appeal, that 100 % certainty this is IT for you, that you have that one person destined just for you who will never want anyone else, hurt you or betray you, because they just can't. After all the drama of modern dating and constant overthinking and too many choices but so few of them really fitting... yes, it might be a balm. But.
The real beauty of romance is in free will, in personal choice. In doing something for your beloved because you simply want to, not because you have to or universe treating you like a toddler will kick your ass. In being with someone because it's a pleasure, not a literal physical necessity. And the risk of loss or betrayal is absolutely worth it, because it makes things so much sweeter and more satisfying when it all pans out.
This is just not real romance.
March 3, 2026
Sawyer, a Hobart detective, chases a suspect who suddenly shapeshifts and disappears into the icy water. Before he can investigate, a government agent shuts down the case and sends him to Tenebrae Cove, a remote Tasmanian town known for strange happenings. There he meets Ciaran Brenner, the guarded leader of the community, and feels an inexplicable pull toward both the water and the man who clearly wants him gone. The longer Sawyer stays, the more he realises the town — and Ciaran — are hiding secrets he’s desperate to uncover.
The paranormal world in this story is wonderfully vivid, with a strong sense of mystery and an ever‑present threat that keeps the tension simmering. I loved how the supernatural elements wrapped naturally around the growing connection between Sawyer and Ciaran — two men who are undeniably drawn to each other but have to learn how to compromise if they want any chance of being together. Their push‑and‑pull dynamic fits perfectly with the eerie atmosphere of Tenebrae Cove. The writing is clear, immersive, and easy to feel, making it simple to slip into both the setting and the characters’ emotions. The town itself is a standout: moody, strange, and full of secrets, supported by a cast of side characters who add depth and charm to the world. A compelling blend of mystery, paranormal intrigue, and slow‑burn connection that left me eager to see where their story goes next. This was an MM story with mature content.
The paranormal world in this story is wonderfully vivid, with a strong sense of mystery and an ever‑present threat that keeps the tension simmering. I loved how the supernatural elements wrapped naturally around the growing connection between Sawyer and Ciaran — two men who are undeniably drawn to each other but have to learn how to compromise if they want any chance of being together. Their push‑and‑pull dynamic fits perfectly with the eerie atmosphere of Tenebrae Cove. The writing is clear, immersive, and easy to feel, making it simple to slip into both the setting and the characters’ emotions. The town itself is a standout: moody, strange, and full of secrets, supported by a cast of side characters who add depth and charm to the world. A compelling blend of mystery, paranormal intrigue, and slow‑burn connection that left me eager to see where their story goes next. This was an MM story with mature content.
March 4, 2026
MM paranormal shifter-human romance set in Australia. A gay male police officer sees something strange, which leads him to be assigned to a remote coastal village. He never really fit in with his coworkers anyway, so he is glad for a change in scenery.
Once there, he and a local are immediately attracted to each other, the local more so than the officer initially. Secrets are revealed. Some tentacle porn. A threat is looming in the deep. One last secret comes out from the cat at the end.
We will have to wait until the next installment to learn what happens after this. I cannot wait.
Typo: "who's" for "whose."
Once there, he and a local are immediately attracted to each other, the local more so than the officer initially. Secrets are revealed. Some tentacle porn. A threat is looming in the deep. One last secret comes out from the cat at the end.
We will have to wait until the next installment to learn what happens after this. I cannot wait.
Typo: "who's" for "whose."
February 28, 2026
I’m angry!! How can you just leave me with an ending like that??
LoL only kidding. I’m hooked, tentacled and all.
Sawyer and Ciaran were awfully sweet. I wished I saw a bit more of them pushing and pulling before they actually got together but I also enjoyed getting to know all the other characters and some amazing world building.
At the end there was a bit too much going on - like really the cat? And Tobin and poor Fray. And no resolution to what’s coming? Yep. This is going to test my patience
Can’t wait for the next book and I know it will be such a looooong wait *cries*
LoL only kidding. I’m hooked, tentacled and all.
Sawyer and Ciaran were awfully sweet. I wished I saw a bit more of them pushing and pulling before they actually got together but I also enjoyed getting to know all the other characters and some amazing world building.
At the end there was a bit too much going on - like really the cat? And Tobin and poor Fray. And no resolution to what’s coming? Yep. This is going to test my patience
Can’t wait for the next book and I know it will be such a looooong wait *cries*
Read
February 28, 2026Readers 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 relateable side characters. fray is a new favourite!!
I am excited for the coming books and the audio release!!
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 relateable side characters. fray is a new favourite!!
I am excited for the coming books and the audio release!!
March 1, 2026
This was so good
Probably the best book I've read this year ( i read a lot of books old lol) I normaly have more spice in my books but this had the perfect amount of story- and some spice to keep me intrigued. Tobin seems like a d**k tbh I hope fray gets his mate next and its not him 🤣 I wanted the tattoo scene so I hope that's in another book. I'm going to really enjoy this series ❤️ I love the obsessive possesive tendancys literally my favourite thing to read.
Probably the best book I've read this year ( i read a lot of books old lol) I normaly have more spice in my books but this had the perfect amount of story- and some spice to keep me intrigued. Tobin seems like a d**k tbh I hope fray gets his mate next and its not him 🤣 I wanted the tattoo scene so I hope that's in another book. I'm going to really enjoy this series ❤️ I love the obsessive possesive tendancys literally my favourite thing to read.
March 4, 2026
Warning: cliffhanger.
If you want a sweet read with an ending, wait until she finishes the series, whenever that might be. Five stars for the plot and narrative, minus one for the ***** interruptus. I've noticed that her norm can be more like months or even years to get around to concluding a series---which means I, with my crap memory, will have to read this again - but not until it's complete.
If you want a sweet read with an ending, wait until she finishes the series, whenever that might be. Five stars for the plot and narrative, minus one for the ***** interruptus. I've noticed that her norm can be more like months or even years to get around to concluding a series---which means I, with my crap memory, will have to read this again - but not until it's complete.
March 4, 2026
Loved This Book and Can't Wait for the Next!
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story. Both MCs were entertaining in their own way, and it was well written.
The book ended in such a way that this is obviously going to be a series, and I can't wait to learn more about the overarching plot as well as see who the next couple will be.
10/10
Would recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story. Both MCs were entertaining in their own way, and it was well written.
The book ended in such a way that this is obviously going to be a series, and I can't wait to learn more about the overarching plot as well as see who the next couple will be.
10/10
Would recommend!
March 7, 2026
Totally absorbing from start to finish, the characters are well written and the story gad everything needed to make a intriguing read. It had mystery, paranormal, friendship, intrigue a truly good read. if you enjoyed Corin series this will be something you will no doubt enjoy as well. I highly recommend.
February 28, 2026
This was SO good!!
A fantastic introduction to what I'm sure will be an exciting story. I'm completely invested already.
I'm really looking forward to the next book. Which one of 'the boys' will be next? Never mind the who - what - where mystery. The anticipation is high!
Strongly recommend!!!
A fantastic introduction to what I'm sure will be an exciting story. I'm completely invested already.
I'm really looking forward to the next book. Which one of 'the boys' will be next? Never mind the who - what - where mystery. The anticipation is high!
Strongly recommend!!!
March 1, 2026
completely different to any NR Walker book
I love the books set in Australia. This book, is different. It has a supernatural / fantasy storyline that has some interesting twists in it.
The last chapter has me going WTF! Nothing to do with the two MCs, just a twist.
I love the books set in Australia. This book, is different. It has a supernatural / fantasy storyline that has some interesting twists in it.
The last chapter has me going WTF! Nothing to do with the two MCs, just a twist.
March 1, 2026
All the tentacles
Loved this one from NR Walker, but I need the next book now! Sawyer and Ciaran are such a great couple and I loved the story. Sawyer accepted everything and jumped in with both feet.
Loved this one from NR Walker, but I need the next book now! Sawyer and Ciaran are such a great couple and I loved the story. Sawyer accepted everything and jumped in with both feet.
March 3, 2026
ahhhhh
Omg! When I saw NR Walker was writing a tentacle romance I was so excited and this did not disappoint! Love Sawyer and Ciaren, love the side characters, love the setting and the myster(ies), can’t wait til the next book!
Omg! When I saw NR Walker was writing a tentacle romance I was so excited and this did not disappoint! Love Sawyer and Ciaren, love the side characters, love the setting and the myster(ies), can’t wait til the next book!
March 4, 2026
3/5. It wasn’t bad, but this definitely needs another book. Like, so much was glossed over that the palpable lack was inescapable. It has potential, but it needs more depth and detail… and for the characters to not turn into puddles of goo where intelligent beings used to stand.
March 4, 2026
This was a fun, quick read with less sex than I anticipated. Love the characters and world building and hints at what’s to come!
Sawyer the human being so down and ready for whatever Ciaran has to offer him (to Ciaran’s amazement and embarrassment) was hilarious and lovely!
Sawyer the human being so down and ready for whatever Ciaran has to offer him (to Ciaran’s amazement and embarrassment) was hilarious and lovely!
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