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Treasured by Tentacles: A Kraken Monster Romantasy Novella
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 2660 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
About the author
Mel Braxton
16 books84 followersMel doesn't know what to do with reality, so she daydreams of fantastical places. With strong heroines, thrilling plots, and toe-curling romance, she captivates readers with her storytelling. She loves her family, especially Lulu the dog, who mistakenly believes Mel’s job is to be a professional puppy cuddler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 1, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
I thought this novella was a fun little read!
I really liked Marisol! She’s determined to jump into a whirlpool and swim to the Wishing Sun, which grants a wish. I was curious why she was so determined when she knew no one had ever survived. So, that aspect of the story was really interesting!
Neo, a kraken, was quite smitten. He knew Marisol was important to him right off the bat. I loved all the tentacle talk and their unique interactions. There is literally a surprise pocket! I was living for it!
I really enjoyed the actual plot! I loved that Neo didn’t like Marisol’s plan but still found ways to support her. He’s alright in my book! I loved the ending, too! Even though it’s a short read, it keeps you on your toes!
I thought this novella was a fun little read!
I really liked Marisol! She’s determined to jump into a whirlpool and swim to the Wishing Sun, which grants a wish. I was curious why she was so determined when she knew no one had ever survived. So, that aspect of the story was really interesting!
Neo, a kraken, was quite smitten. He knew Marisol was important to him right off the bat. I loved all the tentacle talk and their unique interactions. There is literally a surprise pocket! I was living for it!
I really enjoyed the actual plot! I loved that Neo didn’t like Marisol’s plan but still found ways to support her. He’s alright in my book! I loved the ending, too! Even though it’s a short read, it keeps you on your toes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun, short, spicy good time! Clocking in at under 60 pages, you should definitely expect the romance/spice to be incredibly fast paced. The love story was tender. This is definitely a vibe read for a very specific audience. But if you love a spicy monster romance, and are looking for something short and sweet—this one fits the bill!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🐙Monster romance
💙Kraken x human
🐙Fated mates
💙Found family
🐙He cooks for her
💙Tentacles
🐙"surprise" pocket
💙Dual POV
🐙Standalone
♥️♥️Thank you so much to Mel Braxton for the gifted copy! all opinions are my own♥️♥️
Marisol is racing against time to reach the Wishing Sun portal, which has the power to grant her wish. To get there, she must jump from a cliff and swim into a deadly whirlpool. As Marisol jumps into the vortex, she is rescued by a kraken named Neo.
this was a cute and fun short monster romance🥰 it's a quick read but I loved the entire journey. the story is very cozy, a sweet love story between a human girl and a kraken, with an interesting storyline and good world building. while this is a short read, the relationship between the two characters doesn't move too fast and I actually enjoyed it. I liked that Neo doesn't immediately rush to tell Marisol that she is his fated mate, and he tries to convince her not to risk her life to reach the Wishing Sun...but since Marisol still has to go, Neo helps her in any way to keep his mate safe. all in all this is a great read for such a short story✨ a perfect palate cleanser after reading something dark or emotionally heavy!
💙Kraken x human
🐙Fated mates
💙Found family
🐙He cooks for her
💙Tentacles
🐙"surprise" pocket
💙Dual POV
🐙Standalone
♥️♥️Thank you so much to Mel Braxton for the gifted copy! all opinions are my own♥️♥️
How terrible would it be to find my mate only to lose her moments later?
Marisol is racing against time to reach the Wishing Sun portal, which has the power to grant her wish. To get there, she must jump from a cliff and swim into a deadly whirlpool. As Marisol jumps into the vortex, she is rescued by a kraken named Neo.
"I was going to die. And if being stuck here is the cost of living with my mate, I'll make the most of it."
"You're my greatest wish, Marisol, and I want nothing less than to share a life with you. Our future is my treasure."
this was a cute and fun short monster romance🥰 it's a quick read but I loved the entire journey. the story is very cozy, a sweet love story between a human girl and a kraken, with an interesting storyline and good world building. while this is a short read, the relationship between the two characters doesn't move too fast and I actually enjoyed it. I liked that Neo doesn't immediately rush to tell Marisol that she is his fated mate, and he tries to convince her not to risk her life to reach the Wishing Sun...but since Marisol still has to go, Neo helps her in any way to keep his mate safe. all in all this is a great read for such a short story✨ a perfect palate cleanser after reading something dark or emotionally heavy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An exciting and spicy novella filled with an FMC who’d do anything to get her wish granted and a kraken MMC who rescues her and takes her back to his home.
You follow the FMC Marisol, who is in a race against the clock to get to the wishing sun portal that will grant her one wish. But as she jumps the cliff and into the whirlpool to get to it, she’s not going to make it and a Kraken named Neo sees her doing this and is able to save her and takes her back to his home. He instantly feels a pull toward her and while he nurses her back to health, he warns of the dangers of getting to that portal and that he’s lost someone to the same mission before. Marisol must decide between this tension she feels for a kraken she just met and if she should trust his warnings or if she should take her chances and try again.
This was a spicy and quick novella to read through featuring an FMC whose motivations aren’t initially clear, but would do anything to get to that portal and get her wish granted. I liked seeing how quickly Neo cared for her and rescued her but also while still warning her, tried to be understanding with the choices she made and her need to try again. Of course there was plenty of tension and spice between them once they let each other in, and also some reveals in the later chapters that had me shocked. If you’re looking for a monster x human romance where he falls first and hard, check this one out! My rating 4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the FMC Marisol, who is in a race against the clock to get to the wishing sun portal that will grant her one wish. But as she jumps the cliff and into the whirlpool to get to it, she’s not going to make it and a Kraken named Neo sees her doing this and is able to save her and takes her back to his home. He instantly feels a pull toward her and while he nurses her back to health, he warns of the dangers of getting to that portal and that he’s lost someone to the same mission before. Marisol must decide between this tension she feels for a kraken she just met and if she should trust his warnings or if she should take her chances and try again.
This was a spicy and quick novella to read through featuring an FMC whose motivations aren’t initially clear, but would do anything to get to that portal and get her wish granted. I liked seeing how quickly Neo cared for her and rescued her but also while still warning her, tried to be understanding with the choices she made and her need to try again. Of course there was plenty of tension and spice between them once they let each other in, and also some reveals in the later chapters that had me shocked. If you’re looking for a monster x human romance where he falls first and hard, check this one out! My rating 4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
September 11, 2026
Short, spicy, and sweet! 🐙🩵
3.75 stars rounded up! 💫
Thank you so much to Behind the Pages PR and the author for the free ARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.
🐙
I haven't read a kraken romance before so this was fun and new for me! It's also more of a novella as it's super short, so it didn't take me a lot of time to read.
I really liked the setting - the underwater town and how the author described the kraken world - and I wish we got more of that! I found it so fascinating. I loved the idea that the MMC (Neo) was a professional cook and if you tell me where I can sign up for a kraken who can cook, I'll do that straight away..😮💨🫣 He was so cute trying to decide what to cook for Marisol so as to impress her. 🥹 Marisol was such a lovely FMC to read from; lots of determination and bravery. Although the rate in which their relationship progressed made it feel insta-lovey and insta-lusty, which I think is partly due to the length of this novella, I found their relationship and their interactions supportive and wholesome respectively. I liked how Neo supported Marisol's decision and how they both came to terms with what's truly important to them. 🩵 Extra points for the pocket! 🤭 Also a round of applause for the tentacle use; if I'm reading a kraken romance, use the tentacles, thank you! 😂
Very quick and easy to read, with a unique underwater world. 🌊 I'd be so down to read more books set in this universe! 🥳🩵
3.75 stars rounded up! 💫
Thank you so much to Behind the Pages PR and the author for the free ARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.
🐙
I haven't read a kraken romance before so this was fun and new for me! It's also more of a novella as it's super short, so it didn't take me a lot of time to read.
I really liked the setting - the underwater town and how the author described the kraken world - and I wish we got more of that! I found it so fascinating. I loved the idea that the MMC (Neo) was a professional cook and if you tell me where I can sign up for a kraken who can cook, I'll do that straight away..😮💨🫣 He was so cute trying to decide what to cook for Marisol so as to impress her. 🥹 Marisol was such a lovely FMC to read from; lots of determination and bravery. Although the rate in which their relationship progressed made it feel insta-lovey and insta-lusty, which I think is partly due to the length of this novella, I found their relationship and their interactions supportive and wholesome respectively. I liked how Neo supported Marisol's decision and how they both came to terms with what's truly important to them. 🩵 Extra points for the pocket! 🤭 Also a round of applause for the tentacle use; if I'm reading a kraken romance, use the tentacles, thank you! 😂
Very quick and easy to read, with a unique underwater world. 🌊 I'd be so down to read more books set in this universe! 🥳🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 Treasured by Tentacles
✍️ Author: Mel Braxton | @melenebraxton
📚 Series: Realm of Mates and Monsters, Book 1
ARC provided by: Behind the Pages | @behindthepagesPA
Rating: 🐙🐙🐙🐙
At just under 50 pages, this was such a fun little HEA palate cleanser! While there was still some tension and danger, it was a much lighter read than I'm used to, which was honestly exactly what I needed.
The story follows Marisol, who is willing to risk it all after one fateful experience. She's determined to reach the Wishing Sun, even if getting there means putting her life on the line, because technically - it already is. But when her attempt goes awry, Neo comes to her rescue... and quickly realizes Marisol is his mate. 🐙❤️
Suddenly, Marisol has a kraken who cooks for her, protects her, adores her, and is completely certain she belongs with him. And really, there are worse problems to have. 😂
But Marisol hasn't forgotten why she was willing to risk her life in the first place. Her deadline is looming and her feelings for Neo grow. What good is finding love if you aren't around to enjoy it?
And somehow, in fewer than 50 pages, we don't just get an HEA for Marisol and Neo, but the possibility of happier futures for so many others, too.
It's short. It's sweet. There are tentacles. 🐙 What more do you need to know?
✍️ Author: Mel Braxton | @melenebraxton
📚 Series: Realm of Mates and Monsters, Book 1
ARC provided by: Behind the Pages | @behindthepagesPA
Rating: 🐙🐙🐙🐙
At just under 50 pages, this was such a fun little HEA palate cleanser! While there was still some tension and danger, it was a much lighter read than I'm used to, which was honestly exactly what I needed.
The story follows Marisol, who is willing to risk it all after one fateful experience. She's determined to reach the Wishing Sun, even if getting there means putting her life on the line, because technically - it already is. But when her attempt goes awry, Neo comes to her rescue... and quickly realizes Marisol is his mate. 🐙❤️
Suddenly, Marisol has a kraken who cooks for her, protects her, adores her, and is completely certain she belongs with him. And really, there are worse problems to have. 😂
But Marisol hasn't forgotten why she was willing to risk her life in the first place. Her deadline is looming and her feelings for Neo grow. What good is finding love if you aren't around to enjoy it?
And somehow, in fewer than 50 pages, we don't just get an HEA for Marisol and Neo, but the possibility of happier futures for so many others, too.
It's short. It's sweet. There are tentacles. 🐙 What more do you need to know?
Review of advance copy
Rating: 3.5 stars -- This was a quick, light & fun monster romance read! It took me about 15-20 minutes to finish in its entirety, so keep that in mind as it is a novella (roughly 50 pages or so) - not a full novel. That said, Treasured by Tentacles was very lighthearted and wove a bit of mystery surrounding Marisol's hand until closer to the end of the story. This is not a full-blown erotica novella, there were a couple "spicy" scenes but nothing over the top or that drowned out the plot.
Neo's pull to cook enjoyable food and care for Marisol was cute, and I liked that he was respectful and cautious of Marisol's feelings towards him even though it was a very insta-lust driven scenario. There wasn't much background provided on the characters or the plot, so it felt a bit rushed (this is a theme I see in novellas under 100 pages in general) but possibly opened up the world that Braxton created to other stories and expansions - I hope!
I wish we had gotten a little more insight into the Wishing Sun, as well as Neo's underwater world! It was all very intriguing, and I found myself wanting to see more of it. Overall, an enjoyable bite-sized read that I would recommend to other monster lovers! Thank you Behind the Pages PR gifted eARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Neo's pull to cook enjoyable food and care for Marisol was cute, and I liked that he was respectful and cautious of Marisol's feelings towards him even though it was a very insta-lust driven scenario. There wasn't much background provided on the characters or the plot, so it felt a bit rushed (this is a theme I see in novellas under 100 pages in general) but possibly opened up the world that Braxton created to other stories and expansions - I hope!
I wish we had gotten a little more insight into the Wishing Sun, as well as Neo's underwater world! It was all very intriguing, and I found myself wanting to see more of it. Overall, an enjoyable bite-sized read that I would recommend to other monster lovers! Thank you Behind the Pages PR gifted eARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Treasured by Tentacles is a fast-paced love story between Marisol and Neo that grows from an ill-fated attempt to grant Marisol's deepest desire. As Neo rescues Marisol, an unlikely bond forms and suddenly, neither one can imagine life without the other. But will the forces of fate and time and death drive them apart forever?
Mel Braxton has created a world teeming with life and magic and curious creatures of the deep. Treasured by Tentacles is full of found family, fated mates, true love, and tentacles that have magic of their own. This love story, while brief, is a fantastic reminder that true love supersedes any social expectation, and its power extends far beyond any magical bounds. She reminds readers that life's greatest treasure isn't always something big or unreachable—it's simpler and not worth overthinking. It's family and a place to belong. It's a life of peace lived with the one our soul loves.
Treasured by Tentacles is definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for something fun, fresh, and flirty while seeing beyond what's on the outside and appreciating the person underneath. Thank you to Behind the Pages and Mel Braxton for an advance copy to read and review!
Mel Braxton has created a world teeming with life and magic and curious creatures of the deep. Treasured by Tentacles is full of found family, fated mates, true love, and tentacles that have magic of their own. This love story, while brief, is a fantastic reminder that true love supersedes any social expectation, and its power extends far beyond any magical bounds. She reminds readers that life's greatest treasure isn't always something big or unreachable—it's simpler and not worth overthinking. It's family and a place to belong. It's a life of peace lived with the one our soul loves.
Treasured by Tentacles is definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for something fun, fresh, and flirty while seeing beyond what's on the outside and appreciating the person underneath. Thank you to Behind the Pages and Mel Braxton for an advance copy to read and review!
September 11, 2026
Thank you so much to Mel Braxton and Behind the Pages PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
What a beautiful novella! This was such a beautiful story! I devoured this in less than an hour haha to think you can fit such a cute, romantic story in a 60 page novella is just talent!
I was a competitive swimmer for over 14 years! Pretty much half of my life haha and I have always been fascinated with the ocean and mermaid! This book really hit all of that! Marisol’s outlook at the mystical place under the water really hit home for me! This story had depth and meaning! It was an instant love kind of book but it didn’t feel forced at all! Neo was just so poetic! I loved him so much! He had a sensitive side and a primal instinct when it came to Marisol! I enjoyed their chemistry!
For being my second “monster” romance, I was blown away! I love that it didn’t totally focus on the spice, there was an actual story that was very moving and different from things you have read! I loved how short and easy it was to read! I would love to see these characters again maybe! If you want a quick, magical mated romance, this is the book for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a beautiful novella! This was such a beautiful story! I devoured this in less than an hour haha to think you can fit such a cute, romantic story in a 60 page novella is just talent!
I was a competitive swimmer for over 14 years! Pretty much half of my life haha and I have always been fascinated with the ocean and mermaid! This book really hit all of that! Marisol’s outlook at the mystical place under the water really hit home for me! This story had depth and meaning! It was an instant love kind of book but it didn’t feel forced at all! Neo was just so poetic! I loved him so much! He had a sensitive side and a primal instinct when it came to Marisol! I enjoyed their chemistry!
For being my second “monster” romance, I was blown away! I love that it didn’t totally focus on the spice, there was an actual story that was very moving and different from things you have read! I loved how short and easy it was to read! I would love to see these characters again maybe! If you want a quick, magical mated romance, this is the book for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 20, 2026
Super short and sweet, although I think a liiiiiittle more would've been good too
Marisol, a human, is about to throw herself into the whirlpool for a chance at being granted her greatest desire.
Neo, a kraken, sees Marisol in her desperation and saves her from imminent death... only to discover that she is his mate.
Still set on going through the whirlpool to rid her of her mysterious curse, Neo is determined to help her get what she desires most. Even if what he desires most is to see her safe and sound in his nest.
I think the story here was really fun, especially having a lot packed in for such a short novella. BUT I am not sure I vibed with the writing as much, especially when it came to the relationship between Marisol and Neo, I just felt like things felt too... predictable and simple? I don't know, I just didn't find myself really getting attached to them like I would've wanted.
But if you wanna read about the kraken's secret pocket and the way his many tentacles can cradle and pleasure Marisol, then this is your kind of book.
Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages PA for the advance access to this book.
Marisol, a human, is about to throw herself into the whirlpool for a chance at being granted her greatest desire.
Neo, a kraken, sees Marisol in her desperation and saves her from imminent death... only to discover that she is his mate.
Still set on going through the whirlpool to rid her of her mysterious curse, Neo is determined to help her get what she desires most. Even if what he desires most is to see her safe and sound in his nest.
I think the story here was really fun, especially having a lot packed in for such a short novella. BUT I am not sure I vibed with the writing as much, especially when it came to the relationship between Marisol and Neo, I just felt like things felt too... predictable and simple? I don't know, I just didn't find myself really getting attached to them like I would've wanted.
But if you wanna read about the kraken's secret pocket and the way his many tentacles can cradle and pleasure Marisol, then this is your kind of book.
Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages PA for the advance access to this book.
September 12, 2026
This was a short novella and was pretty cute. I totally understand the vibe of novellas can make it difficult for a whole story to really shine through, but I feel like adding a few extra pages would have been helpful here. With under 60 pages, it does give me lots of missing pieces I would have loved to be able to dive just a bit deeper into to actually fully understand the story.
The two main characters were wonderful, and their romance does build nicely. I was a little sad over the missing info on this front as well, because it would have been nice to get more of their love & spicey scenes more depth and understanding as well. From someone who likes monster romances, Kraken is new to me, so maybe because I’m not fully aware of everything, I got confused over a few parts.
However! Just because this wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be absolutely perfect for you. If you’re lookin for a book and this seems perfect until you see my review, IGNORE ME and READ THE BOOK!! ✨
Thank you so much to Mel and the Behind the Pages team for accepting me as an ARC Reader! ♥️
The two main characters were wonderful, and their romance does build nicely. I was a little sad over the missing info on this front as well, because it would have been nice to get more of their love & spicey scenes more depth and understanding as well. From someone who likes monster romances, Kraken is new to me, so maybe because I’m not fully aware of everything, I got confused over a few parts.
However! Just because this wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be absolutely perfect for you. If you’re lookin for a book and this seems perfect until you see my review, IGNORE ME and READ THE BOOK!! ✨
Thank you so much to Mel and the Behind the Pages team for accepting me as an ARC Reader! ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️Treasured By Tentacles by Mel Braxton✨️
Thank you @melenebraxton & @behindthepagespa for the ARC.
Release Date - 1st October 2026.
Blurb:
Marisol needs her heart’s desire, and she’ll jump into a whirlpool to prove it. When bad luck strikes, Neo saves her life. Soon, Marisol finds herself treasured by tentacles. Neo is the perfect chef, companion, and lover. But time is ticking. Marisol still needs her heart’s desire, and neither can ignore the secrets that bind them.
......
A very quick, easy read that I absolutely flew through!
A kraken MMC with multiple tentacles to worship you? Sign me up.
Neo is such a sweet, protective MMC and he cooks for her! Honestly, what more could you want?
This is definitely a spicy read, with lots of 🔥🔥🔥 and a fun, unique monster-romance premise.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
🏷 Bookstagram • Treasured By Tentacles • Mel Braxton • Kraken MMC • Secret Pocket • Found Family • Novella
Thank you @melenebraxton & @behindthepagespa for the ARC.
Release Date - 1st October 2026.
Blurb:
Marisol needs her heart’s desire, and she’ll jump into a whirlpool to prove it. When bad luck strikes, Neo saves her life. Soon, Marisol finds herself treasured by tentacles. Neo is the perfect chef, companion, and lover. But time is ticking. Marisol still needs her heart’s desire, and neither can ignore the secrets that bind them.
......
A very quick, easy read that I absolutely flew through!
A kraken MMC with multiple tentacles to worship you? Sign me up.
Neo is such a sweet, protective MMC and he cooks for her! Honestly, what more could you want?
This is definitely a spicy read, with lots of 🔥🔥🔥 and a fun, unique monster-romance premise.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
🏷 Bookstagram • Treasured By Tentacles • Mel Braxton • Kraken MMC • Secret Pocket • Found Family • Novella
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marisol needs her heart’s desire, and she’ll jump into a whirlpool to prove it. When bad luck strikes, Neo saves her life. Soon, Marisol finds herself treasured by tentacles. Neo is the perfect chef, companion, and lover. But time is ticking. Marisol still needs her heart’s desire, and neither can ignore the secrets that bind them.
Okay I binged this wonderful story in a single sitting! It grabbed me right away and held my attention throughout. The beautiful descriptions and a profound sense of wonder from Marisol really sparked my imagination. I felt like I was experiencing a new world alongside her and could clearly envision the majesty of what it must be like to live under the sea.
Of course, I'm a huge chicken and won't leave the beach (the ocean is scary okay), but this book allowed me to go there in the safety of my thoughts and the comfort of my bed!
Okay I binged this wonderful story in a single sitting! It grabbed me right away and held my attention throughout. The beautiful descriptions and a profound sense of wonder from Marisol really sparked my imagination. I felt like I was experiencing a new world alongside her and could clearly envision the majesty of what it must be like to live under the sea.
Of course, I'm a huge chicken and won't leave the beach (the ocean is scary okay), but this book allowed me to go there in the safety of my thoughts and the comfort of my bed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes/notables: monster romance, mate bond, found family, kraken/human, insta-love, standalone novella, dual-POV
Review:
Thank you to Behind the Pages for an ARC copy of this book, it was a surprisingly sweet read! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this as it was my first 'monster romance' but it was a cute story. Neo was a very attentive and thoughtful MMC who rescues, and then cares for his newly found mate, Marisol. I enjoyed that this was shorter, but it almost felt like their story could have been fleshed out a little more, as they were both pretty interesting characters. The ending felt pretty rushed and convenient but at least it was a HEA? The world building was interesting and I enjoyed imagining Neo's home! The airlock transition between spaces was a neat concept. Overall, this was a fun little read but missed the mark a bit for me.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes/notables: monster romance, mate bond, found family, kraken/human, insta-love, standalone novella, dual-POV
Review:
Thank you to Behind the Pages for an ARC copy of this book, it was a surprisingly sweet read! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this as it was my first 'monster romance' but it was a cute story. Neo was a very attentive and thoughtful MMC who rescues, and then cares for his newly found mate, Marisol. I enjoyed that this was shorter, but it almost felt like their story could have been fleshed out a little more, as they were both pretty interesting characters. The ending felt pretty rushed and convenient but at least it was a HEA? The world building was interesting and I enjoyed imagining Neo's home! The airlock transition between spaces was a neat concept. Overall, this was a fun little read but missed the mark a bit for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of Treasured By Tentacles by Mel Braxton and read this story before publishing date, and thus cannot account for any possible changes made after receiving this copy.
This novella was very short, only 55 pages, and was a quick, complete read.
I do frequently enjoy a kraken or mosnter romance and love a fated mate trope, which drew me to this story initially. While it delivers on the tropes and kraken goods, I do feel like the story would have been much better if fleshed out and given more time to develop.
The idea of a kraken meeting his human fated mate when she undergoes an incredibly dangerous trial to save her own life is a really interesting concept, but the story didn't give us, or the main characters, any time to fall in love and to feel the stakes.
Great ideas, but the execution was a bit rushed and just okay.
This novella was very short, only 55 pages, and was a quick, complete read.
I do frequently enjoy a kraken or mosnter romance and love a fated mate trope, which drew me to this story initially. While it delivers on the tropes and kraken goods, I do feel like the story would have been much better if fleshed out and given more time to develop.
The idea of a kraken meeting his human fated mate when she undergoes an incredibly dangerous trial to save her own life is a really interesting concept, but the story didn't give us, or the main characters, any time to fall in love and to feel the stakes.
Great ideas, but the execution was a bit rushed and just okay.
September 2, 2026
I was really looking forward to this book so I’m very sad to say that I didn’t particularly like it. It has the beginnings of something that could be really could but it needs a lot more substance. This book is extremely short and it really showed in the story. Nothing really happened and what did happen wasn’t earned or explained. Everything revolves around a holiday¿ called Equilux but we never find out what Equilux is. We have no backstory on the Wishing Sun or how anyone learns of it or how people know where it is. Any conflict/struggle in this book is solved faster than it appears. Overall, this felt like a really good story board but is missing the everything else needed to make it a good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read this book. This book had sooooo much more potential and could have been longer! We have Neo and Marisol’s dynamic as a quick fated made and yummy good time, but, both characters had interesting backstories I wanted to indulge more in. Also, with the gate, I felt we could have gotten more lore as to how it was created, why was it created (seriously could have made some good stuff with that alone just off its history alone). And even with the brother being brought out, he sounded so interesting, and the taste of the backstory we got on him oooooo it could have been soooooo good! Nice palette cleanser between reads, but, I honestly wished there was more…
September 15, 2026
Hi everyone!
Today, I’m sharing what is literally the shortest adult book—a novella—I’ve ever read. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a shorter adult book, aside from poetry collections, of course.
The protagonists are Marisol and Neo, who truly have very different ways of thinking and acting. Despite this, Neo stands by Marisol, even when she decides to do something truly wild.
The plot is compelling and suspenseful; overall, it’s a story you can devour in one sitting. This is aided by both the book’s brevity and the author’s writing style, which is warm, tender, romantic, delightful, and thoroughly enjoyable.
A huge thank you to the author and the PA @behindthepagespa for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Today, I’m sharing what is literally the shortest adult book—a novella—I’ve ever read. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a shorter adult book, aside from poetry collections, of course.
The protagonists are Marisol and Neo, who truly have very different ways of thinking and acting. Despite this, Neo stands by Marisol, even when she decides to do something truly wild.
The plot is compelling and suspenseful; overall, it’s a story you can devour in one sitting. This is aided by both the book’s brevity and the author’s writing style, which is warm, tender, romantic, delightful, and thoroughly enjoyable.
A huge thank you to the author and the PA @behindthepagespa for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This short story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, sweet and steamy, hurt/comfort, fantasy romance between Marisol, the female human fisher person lead desperately searching for a cure for her ills, and Neo, the male kraken chef lead who rescues her from drowning when a rock falls on her head. I enjoyed Marisol’s perseverance and dedication. I enjoyed Neo’s gentle pursuit and commitment, as well as his joy in cooking for her. I enjoyed the developing relationship and the steamy intimate moments. I enjoyed the clever ending and the hope for the future.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is hands down the sweetest monster romance novella! Written in dual 1st-person POV, getting to experience both Neo and Marisol's perspectives made their story feel so intimate and complete despite the shorter length.
Neo may look like a big, intimidating monster on the outside, but the way he treats Marisol is incredibly tender and gentle; he is so delicate with her, it completely melted my heart. Their short story was an absolute pleasure to read, packed with emotion and undeniable chemistry.
If you love sweet, fated-mates monster romances with heart, you definitely need to pick this up! I am officially a fan and will 100% be reading more of Mel Braxton's work.
Neo may look like a big, intimidating monster on the outside, but the way he treats Marisol is incredibly tender and gentle; he is so delicate with her, it completely melted my heart. Their short story was an absolute pleasure to read, packed with emotion and undeniable chemistry.
If you love sweet, fated-mates monster romances with heart, you definitely need to pick this up! I am officially a fan and will 100% be reading more of Mel Braxton's work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK first off - cover LOVE!! That's what first caught my eye for sure. I love this art style!
Treasured by Tentacles is a quick novella, with an introduction into a world with humans and other creatures - this one obviously from the cover, a kraken.
It's fast paced and I feel like this definitely serves as a solid introduction to the overall world, and it's one that I think I'm really going to enjoy! The chemistry between the two MC was very well written for a short story. And the ending definitely leaves it super open for a lot of new stories with new characters. I can't wait to see what'll be next.
I received an arc from the author; my thoughts are my own.
Treasured by Tentacles is a quick novella, with an introduction into a world with humans and other creatures - this one obviously from the cover, a kraken.
It's fast paced and I feel like this definitely serves as a solid introduction to the overall world, and it's one that I think I'm really going to enjoy! The chemistry between the two MC was very well written for a short story. And the ending definitely leaves it super open for a lot of new stories with new characters. I can't wait to see what'll be next.
I received an arc from the author; my thoughts are my own.
September 19, 2026
4.5
This was a delightful, bite-sized snack! I like that it wasn’t an erotica with the smut overpowering the plot. Even with only roughly 50 pages, I felt like I got to know Marisol and Neo well enough to like them and root for them in the end.
The Wishing Sun is such an intriguing concept to me, and I would actually love to read more about this world. It would be cool to see a prequel or a follow up story with Echo, Neo’s brother. I also would love to see Marisol and Neo’s story expanded. The author did a great job building a world and characters that have so much room to continue growing.
Thank you to Behind The Pages and Mel Braxton for the free early ebook!
This was a delightful, bite-sized snack! I like that it wasn’t an erotica with the smut overpowering the plot. Even with only roughly 50 pages, I felt like I got to know Marisol and Neo well enough to like them and root for them in the end.
The Wishing Sun is such an intriguing concept to me, and I would actually love to read more about this world. It would be cool to see a prequel or a follow up story with Echo, Neo’s brother. I also would love to see Marisol and Neo’s story expanded. The author did a great job building a world and characters that have so much room to continue growing.
Thank you to Behind The Pages and Mel Braxton for the free early ebook!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Short and tender love story. Despite its short length, this story had emotional healing in the form of corrective experience of being tended to and cherished, as opposed to being bullied by other male characters. The world had interesting aspects- krakens interacting with humans in human towns, and wish that had been more space in the story to explore this idea. The part that I wasn’t particularly fond was the wishing vortex and what it did. Could have been better developed. But the corrective healing experience given to Marisol by Neo, the kraken made it sweet and worth the quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review✨4.25⭐️
This is a super cute, sweet, and short story. The FMC is on a deadline to complete a dangerous quest to get her hearts desires. The MMC is called to a spot as he watches a tragic fate and meets his fated mate. As he helps her recover they realize they are still racing against the clock. This is a cozy monster romance. It’s not extremely spicy but there is a little spice. The plot of the story is well thought out and connects beautifully throughout.
Thank you so much to Mel for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own 💜💜
This is a super cute, sweet, and short story. The FMC is on a deadline to complete a dangerous quest to get her hearts desires. The MMC is called to a spot as he watches a tragic fate and meets his fated mate. As he helps her recover they realize they are still racing against the clock. This is a cozy monster romance. It’s not extremely spicy but there is a little spice. The plot of the story is well thought out and connects beautifully throughout.
Thank you so much to Mel for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own 💜💜
September 10, 2026
Neo and Marisol.
This is a kraken x human, she has a secret, fated mates, insta-love, forced proximity, he falls first and hard, monster romance.
This was a quick, fun, and surprisingly sweet read. With it being a short book it is very fast paced and it gives exactly what it promises. I haven’t read too many monster romances but this book was more on the heartwarming side and just all and all a really nice quick read. This book is perfect as a palate cleanser with its easy storyline and HEA. I would definitely recommend this books if you are a fan of the genre.
This is a kraken x human, she has a secret, fated mates, insta-love, forced proximity, he falls first and hard, monster romance.
This was a quick, fun, and surprisingly sweet read. With it being a short book it is very fast paced and it gives exactly what it promises. I haven’t read too many monster romances but this book was more on the heartwarming side and just all and all a really nice quick read. This book is perfect as a palate cleanser with its easy storyline and HEA. I would definitely recommend this books if you are a fan of the genre.
September 13, 2026
Thank you so much to Behind the Pages PA and the author for the eARC!
This is a short, spicy novella that will leave you wanting more. More from this world and more from the characters! This is a Kraken Monster romantasy that I just couldn’t put down.
We meet Marisol standing on a cliff, debating if she should jump into the water to get to the Wishing Sun so she can have her wish granted. We don’t know yet what her wish is, but we find out later. She’s so determined to survive the jump and get her wish that she doesn’t even notice a Kraken nearby in the water watching her. Marisol is also very independent and only relies on herself to support herself.
The Kraken is Neo, who has his own reasons why he’s near the Wishing Sun. He realizes right away who Marisol is to him, but he keeps that information hidden from her. He’s very attentive, charming and wants Marisol to feel comfortable in his house. He’s caring and just so lovable that you’ll have a very hard time not to fall for him. He also fully supports Marisol’s decision to try to get to the Wishing Sun, that he doesn’t stop her.
I really liked reading this short and spicy novella! It is a sweet love story between a Kraken and a human, and the ending was just perfect for the entire story. I really hope we get another, and longer, story with the two of them because I NEED to know what happens next to these two.
This is a short, spicy novella that will leave you wanting more. More from this world and more from the characters! This is a Kraken Monster romantasy that I just couldn’t put down.
We meet Marisol standing on a cliff, debating if she should jump into the water to get to the Wishing Sun so she can have her wish granted. We don’t know yet what her wish is, but we find out later. She’s so determined to survive the jump and get her wish that she doesn’t even notice a Kraken nearby in the water watching her. Marisol is also very independent and only relies on herself to support herself.
The Kraken is Neo, who has his own reasons why he’s near the Wishing Sun. He realizes right away who Marisol is to him, but he keeps that information hidden from her. He’s very attentive, charming and wants Marisol to feel comfortable in his house. He’s caring and just so lovable that you’ll have a very hard time not to fall for him. He also fully supports Marisol’s decision to try to get to the Wishing Sun, that he doesn’t stop her.
I really liked reading this short and spicy novella! It is a sweet love story between a Kraken and a human, and the ending was just perfect for the entire story. I really hope we get another, and longer, story with the two of them because I NEED to know what happens next to these two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got it as a freebie from BookFunnel.
The story was sweet, but it would be better if it was a little longer. A lot of things we were told happened, but it would be great to see them. The reason for Marisol going to the Wishing Sun would be more impactful if we got a scene showing what happened to her, not three lines of dialogue telling us.
Neo was a sweetheart. So careful not to scare his human mate away.
I liked the ending. Will Echo get his own novella?
The story was sweet, but it would be better if it was a little longer. A lot of things we were told happened, but it would be great to see them. The reason for Marisol going to the Wishing Sun would be more impactful if we got a scene showing what happened to her, not three lines of dialogue telling us.
Neo was a sweetheart. So careful not to scare his human mate away.
I liked the ending. Will Echo get his own novella?
September 7, 2026
Thank you to Behind the Pages for allowing me to read this novella as an ARC. This title releases 10/1/26.
This read was 3 stars for me. I want to clarify that a 3 star rating FOR ME, is neutral. I did not dislike it, but I did not love, love, love it either.
This is a sweet and spicy novella about found family and learning that sometimes what you were looking for comes from unexpected places.
Congrats to the author on her newest book!
This read was 3 stars for me. I want to clarify that a 3 star rating FOR ME, is neutral. I did not dislike it, but I did not love, love, love it either.
This is a sweet and spicy novella about found family and learning that sometimes what you were looking for comes from unexpected places.
Congrats to the author on her newest book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spicy & quick read! This was 58 pages and the perfect monster 🐙 x human light read. It is a great book to pick up as a break between longer books. Even though it was fast paced, I felt like the story was written very well! It explained everything in a short amount of time and there were a couple of twists. I do wish it maybe would have been a tiny bit longer to get me more submerged in the story, but I still think it is a great read!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy
Fun little novella.
This was my first monster romance and wasn't sure what to expect.
The relationship was sweet although very insta love/lust which I guess to be expected in a book that is less than 100 pages. Neo, a kraken, was so caring and careful not to scare Marisol, a human, away.
Wish there was more information on the world, holiday, and the events thst happened to Marisol before het predicament.
Thank you Behind the Pages for the eARC.
This was my first monster romance and wasn't sure what to expect.
The relationship was sweet although very insta love/lust which I guess to be expected in a book that is less than 100 pages. Neo, a kraken, was so caring and careful not to scare Marisol, a human, away.
Wish there was more information on the world, holiday, and the events thst happened to Marisol before het predicament.
Thank you Behind the Pages for the eARC.
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