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Tentacle Trapped
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
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May 28, 2026
This is an ARC read
This is a smutty monster romance with tentacle representation. Make sure you know what that means before reading. Also, make sure to check the TW as there is lots of kidnapping in this story.
This is part of a shared world, but could totally be read as a standalone with very minimal spoiling.
We love a book with good tentacle representation and this book has tentacles 🤭like, all the tentacles.
Now, we were okay with this because we love a good tentacle representation. However, if you are a reader ( they do exist) who fancies a special 🍆 you will not find one here. No bioluminescence, no suction cup tip, no extra base tentacle. Just a thick boy with lots of tentacles🤭
We love a guardian story and we love the lore of the guardians. It’s what drew us in to the series. To this day this is still the only series we’ve read about Guardians.
For Octo we learned that he had to fight his older siblings and win to be able to guard the land. Which helps us learn that Octo has deep loneliness that comes from being raised to be enemies with your siblings. It makes sense after learning this why he and Naomi, despite being different species, understand each other so well.
However, we do have questions about Octo being a guardian. Is it enough that he outfought his siblings to guard the land? Like, could they refight him for it?! This would be another piece of the lore to learn about.
We actually meet more Guardians in this story and we learn that there is even an army 😱 I hope we get more of this in the next book because how are you gonna drop all that and leave us hanging
I did want more of the underwater world. Not so much the shipwreck Naomi calls home because she needs to do some redecorating ASAP, and stop throwing her 💩out the window🫠
In this underwater world we find out that merfolk are real and that they have a complicated existence like the Fae. There is even a Mer-City and they trade with land-dwellers. I would’ve loved to stay here a bit longer and I hoping this will come back in the next book because it seems so fun and full of drama
Similar to the first book there are only a few locations Naomi, the FMC, finds herself in. I really wanted to spend more time in the kelp forest. I liked the part where she meets a seal, but it was too brief. I think I could’ve seen some of her love of the underwater world come through if we had spent some time there.
Naomi started out as a very independent and feisty character that I would have loved to see that same spirit in her exploration and interaction with the sea life. I think it would’ve also helped it feel more real that she was falling for Octo and being the mate of an underwater guardian. I guess I wanted to be shown her falling for the underwater world and Octo. There wasn’t much yearning or longing from either character in this story. Though, I still love both characters because they are just perfect for each other.
I also wanted more girl time with Naomi and Xaiolpa because I wanted to see Xaiolpa move from being a care taker of Naomi to a real friend. I think there was possibility there especially with the discussion of Human behavior 😉( Naomi shared human sexual practices with Xaiolpa 🤭 after she caught them doing oral) for us to see them becoming friends
This is a kidnapping heavy story and I did not realize that until now 😅Someone gets kidnapped by the humans. Oh no! This is kind of a fun part because this is where we learn of the army and meet other guardians. This part of the story is a battle scene, so it does get a little bloody, but it was done well and the rescue scene along with it are very fast paced and intense.
The battle/kidnapping scene does a great job of showing us that humans are the biggest threat to anything deemed mythical or fantastical. It’s also a pivotal moment for Naomi because she realizes how much she’s changed and learns how cruel humanity really is.
Don’t worry, it is a HEA story and everyone is returned to where they’re supposed to be. It’s just the human world that remains unknown in this ending.
There is also a pregnancy in this story and a hatchling…baby? This is an egg birthing story, which we rather enjoyed. I am a little glad we were not shown the egg birth portion 😅
I am very interested to see what book three will be because we were introduced to a lot of new guardians and the merfolk. Will it be another underwater theme story?! Are we going back on land? Will they fight Fae and humans?!
If you’re looking for that tentacle story with a sweet and lonely MMC who takes what is fated to him ( it’s really sweet. It’s a scent match, so he couldn’t just leave her) and lots of tentacle filled spice. Then this is the story for you
This is a smutty monster romance with tentacle representation. Make sure you know what that means before reading. Also, make sure to check the TW as there is lots of kidnapping in this story.
This is part of a shared world, but could totally be read as a standalone with very minimal spoiling.
We love a book with good tentacle representation and this book has tentacles 🤭like, all the tentacles.
Now, we were okay with this because we love a good tentacle representation. However, if you are a reader ( they do exist) who fancies a special 🍆 you will not find one here. No bioluminescence, no suction cup tip, no extra base tentacle. Just a thick boy with lots of tentacles🤭
We love a guardian story and we love the lore of the guardians. It’s what drew us in to the series. To this day this is still the only series we’ve read about Guardians.
For Octo we learned that he had to fight his older siblings and win to be able to guard the land. Which helps us learn that Octo has deep loneliness that comes from being raised to be enemies with your siblings. It makes sense after learning this why he and Naomi, despite being different species, understand each other so well.
However, we do have questions about Octo being a guardian. Is it enough that he outfought his siblings to guard the land? Like, could they refight him for it?! This would be another piece of the lore to learn about.
We actually meet more Guardians in this story and we learn that there is even an army 😱 I hope we get more of this in the next book because how are you gonna drop all that and leave us hanging
I did want more of the underwater world. Not so much the shipwreck Naomi calls home because she needs to do some redecorating ASAP, and stop throwing her 💩out the window🫠
In this underwater world we find out that merfolk are real and that they have a complicated existence like the Fae. There is even a Mer-City and they trade with land-dwellers. I would’ve loved to stay here a bit longer and I hoping this will come back in the next book because it seems so fun and full of drama
Similar to the first book there are only a few locations Naomi, the FMC, finds herself in. I really wanted to spend more time in the kelp forest. I liked the part where she meets a seal, but it was too brief. I think I could’ve seen some of her love of the underwater world come through if we had spent some time there.
Naomi started out as a very independent and feisty character that I would have loved to see that same spirit in her exploration and interaction with the sea life. I think it would’ve also helped it feel more real that she was falling for Octo and being the mate of an underwater guardian. I guess I wanted to be shown her falling for the underwater world and Octo. There wasn’t much yearning or longing from either character in this story. Though, I still love both characters because they are just perfect for each other.
I also wanted more girl time with Naomi and Xaiolpa because I wanted to see Xaiolpa move from being a care taker of Naomi to a real friend. I think there was possibility there especially with the discussion of Human behavior 😉( Naomi shared human sexual practices with Xaiolpa 🤭 after she caught them doing oral) for us to see them becoming friends
This is a kidnapping heavy story and I did not realize that until now 😅Someone gets kidnapped by the humans. Oh no! This is kind of a fun part because this is where we learn of the army and meet other guardians. This part of the story is a battle scene, so it does get a little bloody, but it was done well and the rescue scene along with it are very fast paced and intense.
The battle/kidnapping scene does a great job of showing us that humans are the biggest threat to anything deemed mythical or fantastical. It’s also a pivotal moment for Naomi because she realizes how much she’s changed and learns how cruel humanity really is.
Don’t worry, it is a HEA story and everyone is returned to where they’re supposed to be. It’s just the human world that remains unknown in this ending.
There is also a pregnancy in this story and a hatchling…baby? This is an egg birthing story, which we rather enjoyed. I am a little glad we were not shown the egg birth portion 😅
I am very interested to see what book three will be because we were introduced to a lot of new guardians and the merfolk. Will it be another underwater theme story?! Are we going back on land? Will they fight Fae and humans?!
If you’re looking for that tentacle story with a sweet and lonely MMC who takes what is fated to him ( it’s really sweet. It’s a scent match, so he couldn’t just leave her) and lots of tentacle filled spice. Then this is the story for you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
I'd like to start by thanking the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to read. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own!
It is important that you look at the cover- yes look at that handsome male on the front and note that he has tentacles. If you don't like tentacles then this book will not be for you. If you also don't like kidnapping, this book will not be for you. If you are a fellow chaos gremlin, then welcome the water is cold and we're ready to bang.
Let me start by saying this book kicks off with a bang, like we get into things pretty quickly and at first that threw me off a little bit but then I was like 'hell yes get me in' because it added to the tension and the pull between the two main characters. Which is pretty palpable given that Octo kidnaps Naomi and gives her the mate bite against her will, there may be something about cages and complete dislike of him on her behalf... BUT once you get past that awkward beginning this story is just so cute.
Naomi took to life in the sea so easily and was in love with the animals and creatures within the ocean and I think that added to the story nicely and the way she was viewing the world with awe had me excited and longing to explore and see what she was seeing. She found an amazing friend with Xaiolpa and the development of their friendship was so important to both of the females in the end I think.
The battle that occurs within the story was fast paced and didn't drag which was perfect for a monster romance! It also showed how humans are so quick to destroy and try to capture that which we don't understand rather than letting it live freely and not disrupting the order. It also showed how quick humans can be to turn on other humans when they sense a threat to their work or any kind of stand against them.
The spice between them was so freaking good and I loved how willing they were to learn about one another's bodies and get down (also sharing that knowledge with others, because sharing is caring people!). Now please note that Octo does have tentacles but his peen is not particularly special because there's no suction cup tip or anything, just this male and his tentacles and cock pocket kept peen.
I am so interested in the guardians and how they defend their land and the magic that pulls them to the defense of their borders. It was so nice to know what Octo had to do to obtain his land, and to understand the struggles of being brought up with siblings who you couldn't get close to as you'll have to fight them for your right to protect one day. We also got to meet other guardians who I fell in love with and am so intrigued by them and who they are and how they came to be these protectors.
This book is part of a shared world, I did not read the first book though and went straight into this one without feeling like I missed anything. I will however be picking up the first book because I'm so interested in the concept of Guardians and Elven and the world overall! We got to see the mer-city and where the land-dwellers live and it was noted that there are more humans like Naomi in the world, so I cannot wait to hopefully explore these lands and see more humans further on, and maybe see them get to know one another.
Overall I had a blast with this book and enjoyed getting to meet the guardians and see the relationship between Naomi and Octo, I just wish we'd had a little bit more personality and feistiness throughout and that maybe the danger of the humans had been explored further and the friendship even more fleshed out!
What to Expect:
🐙 Kidnapping/Cultural Misunderstandings
🐙 Mating Bites
🐙 Tentacle Usage
🐙 Egg Laying/Pregnancy
🐙 Female Friendship
🐙 Found Family
🐙 Feisty FMC
🐙 Fated Mates
Quotes:
🐙 Females long for their mate to scent them, claim them with their mating bite, then steal them away. Instead she screams and rages at me. I don't understand. She should be honored that I've claimed her as my mate, but instead she's angry at me. She even called me an octopus! How dare she insult me!
🐙 I don't understand what's going on. I cannot seriously be getting turned on by an octopus guy. This must be Stockholm Syndrome. That's the only reasonable explanation for it.
🐙 My fierce, beautiful mate; I was so afraid that she would get hurt., but she saved me. I'm in awe of her.
🐙"But, Naomi, that's what it is to be brave. You fight even though you're afraid."
🐙 "You were always meant for me, my mate."
🐙 "For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong...like I have my own family now...with you."
🐙 Naomi is my perfect mate. Yes, she's feisty, and fights me on nearly everything, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She's the greatest gift I have ever been given.
It is important that you look at the cover- yes look at that handsome male on the front and note that he has tentacles. If you don't like tentacles then this book will not be for you. If you also don't like kidnapping, this book will not be for you. If you are a fellow chaos gremlin, then welcome the water is cold and we're ready to bang.
Let me start by saying this book kicks off with a bang, like we get into things pretty quickly and at first that threw me off a little bit but then I was like 'hell yes get me in' because it added to the tension and the pull between the two main characters. Which is pretty palpable given that Octo kidnaps Naomi and gives her the mate bite against her will, there may be something about cages and complete dislike of him on her behalf... BUT once you get past that awkward beginning this story is just so cute.
Naomi took to life in the sea so easily and was in love with the animals and creatures within the ocean and I think that added to the story nicely and the way she was viewing the world with awe had me excited and longing to explore and see what she was seeing. She found an amazing friend with Xaiolpa and the development of their friendship was so important to both of the females in the end I think.
The battle that occurs within the story was fast paced and didn't drag which was perfect for a monster romance! It also showed how humans are so quick to destroy and try to capture that which we don't understand rather than letting it live freely and not disrupting the order. It also showed how quick humans can be to turn on other humans when they sense a threat to their work or any kind of stand against them.
The spice between them was so freaking good and I loved how willing they were to learn about one another's bodies and get down (also sharing that knowledge with others, because sharing is caring people!). Now please note that Octo does have tentacles but his peen is not particularly special because there's no suction cup tip or anything, just this male and his tentacles and cock pocket kept peen.
I am so interested in the guardians and how they defend their land and the magic that pulls them to the defense of their borders. It was so nice to know what Octo had to do to obtain his land, and to understand the struggles of being brought up with siblings who you couldn't get close to as you'll have to fight them for your right to protect one day. We also got to meet other guardians who I fell in love with and am so intrigued by them and who they are and how they came to be these protectors.
This book is part of a shared world, I did not read the first book though and went straight into this one without feeling like I missed anything. I will however be picking up the first book because I'm so interested in the concept of Guardians and Elven and the world overall! We got to see the mer-city and where the land-dwellers live and it was noted that there are more humans like Naomi in the world, so I cannot wait to hopefully explore these lands and see more humans further on, and maybe see them get to know one another.
Overall I had a blast with this book and enjoyed getting to meet the guardians and see the relationship between Naomi and Octo, I just wish we'd had a little bit more personality and feistiness throughout and that maybe the danger of the humans had been explored further and the friendship even more fleshed out!
What to Expect:
🐙 Kidnapping/Cultural Misunderstandings
🐙 Mating Bites
🐙 Tentacle Usage
🐙 Egg Laying/Pregnancy
🐙 Female Friendship
🐙 Found Family
🐙 Feisty FMC
🐙 Fated Mates
Quotes:
🐙 Females long for their mate to scent them, claim them with their mating bite, then steal them away. Instead she screams and rages at me. I don't understand. She should be honored that I've claimed her as my mate, but instead she's angry at me. She even called me an octopus! How dare she insult me!
🐙 I don't understand what's going on. I cannot seriously be getting turned on by an octopus guy. This must be Stockholm Syndrome. That's the only reasonable explanation for it.
🐙 My fierce, beautiful mate; I was so afraid that she would get hurt., but she saved me. I'm in awe of her.
🐙"But, Naomi, that's what it is to be brave. You fight even though you're afraid."
🐙 "You were always meant for me, my mate."
🐙 "For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong...like I have my own family now...with you."
🐙 Naomi is my perfect mate. Yes, she's feisty, and fights me on nearly everything, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She's the greatest gift I have ever been given.
June 5, 2026
Tentacle Trapped
By: Lyra Lorne
Genre: Fantasy, Monster Romance
Format: eARC
3.5/5 🌶️
Tentacle Trapped is the second book in an interconnected series following the Guardians of different realms, although each book can definitely be read as standalone without much issue. This book follows a human named Naomi and Octhogh'xu (aka Octo), a Sea Guardian.
Octo scents Naomi when she takes a relaxing dip into the water while relaxing at the beach before her best friend’s wedding, and he immediately knows she is his mate. Octo kidnaps Naomi, she fights back and bites Octo, because of his culture he takes that as she is a willing participant/suitable mate and he mating bites her in return which physiologically changes her so she can breathe under water. Obviously our girl doesn’t like this, he places her in a cage “for her safety”. Later Naomi meets Octo’s friends and immediately gains a new girl bestie, he realizes he didn’t go about things the way he should have (communication and consent my dude!), there’s some sexy times, she realizes they love each other and she is meant to be in the sea. Without giving too much detail to spoiler anything, someone else is kidnapped, there’s a battle, and we also learn there’s other Guardians, armies, fae, and merfolk in this world.
I will say, this story is heavier on the kidnapping so if that is a trigger to you, maybe avoid. It was an enjoyable read once you get past the initial kidnapping of the FMC/communication (cultural misunderstanding?) in the beginning. I honestly didn’t love that and feel like we could have expanded on her exploring and growing to love the sea life and Octo more. I also would have been more ticked at Octo if I hadn’t gotten his perspective on things, so I’m grateful that this is a dual POV book. The second kidnapping and battle scene I feel was pivotal for the FMC to grow as a character and simultaneously realize how some humans kind of really suck. Naomi was a great strong, feisty character and with both this book and Mushy Stuff I love the female characters. They’re quite funny and relatable. I also love the found family dynamic and strong female relationships…always love gals supporting gals. I also enjoyed learning a little more about the Guardians and this world; I’m really excited to see where the next book takes us.
Tropes, Content Warning, etc
🐙 Dual POV
🐙Tentacles, many tentacles
🐙 Fated Mates
🐙 Found Family
🐙 Feisty FMC
🐙 Strong Female Friendships
🐙 Pregnancy and Egg Laying
🐙 Cultural Misunderstanding and Kidnapping
🐙 Caging of the FMC
🐙 Explicit Spice including DP and Oral
🐙 Pocket peen
🐙 HEA
Thank you so much to the author for the advanced copy of your book in return for an honest review.
By: Lyra Lorne
Genre: Fantasy, Monster Romance
Format: eARC
3.5/5 🌶️
Tentacle Trapped is the second book in an interconnected series following the Guardians of different realms, although each book can definitely be read as standalone without much issue. This book follows a human named Naomi and Octhogh'xu (aka Octo), a Sea Guardian.
Octo scents Naomi when she takes a relaxing dip into the water while relaxing at the beach before her best friend’s wedding, and he immediately knows she is his mate. Octo kidnaps Naomi, she fights back and bites Octo, because of his culture he takes that as she is a willing participant/suitable mate and he mating bites her in return which physiologically changes her so she can breathe under water. Obviously our girl doesn’t like this, he places her in a cage “for her safety”. Later Naomi meets Octo’s friends and immediately gains a new girl bestie, he realizes he didn’t go about things the way he should have (communication and consent my dude!), there’s some sexy times, she realizes they love each other and she is meant to be in the sea. Without giving too much detail to spoiler anything, someone else is kidnapped, there’s a battle, and we also learn there’s other Guardians, armies, fae, and merfolk in this world.
I will say, this story is heavier on the kidnapping so if that is a trigger to you, maybe avoid. It was an enjoyable read once you get past the initial kidnapping of the FMC/communication (cultural misunderstanding?) in the beginning. I honestly didn’t love that and feel like we could have expanded on her exploring and growing to love the sea life and Octo more. I also would have been more ticked at Octo if I hadn’t gotten his perspective on things, so I’m grateful that this is a dual POV book. The second kidnapping and battle scene I feel was pivotal for the FMC to grow as a character and simultaneously realize how some humans kind of really suck. Naomi was a great strong, feisty character and with both this book and Mushy Stuff I love the female characters. They’re quite funny and relatable. I also love the found family dynamic and strong female relationships…always love gals supporting gals. I also enjoyed learning a little more about the Guardians and this world; I’m really excited to see where the next book takes us.
Tropes, Content Warning, etc
🐙 Dual POV
🐙Tentacles, many tentacles
🐙 Fated Mates
🐙 Found Family
🐙 Feisty FMC
🐙 Strong Female Friendships
🐙 Pregnancy and Egg Laying
🐙 Cultural Misunderstanding and Kidnapping
🐙 Caging of the FMC
🐙 Explicit Spice including DP and Oral
🐙 Pocket peen
🐙 HEA
Thank you so much to the author for the advanced copy of your book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📝 ARC Review: When she bites him in self-defense and he takes it to mean she’s eager to mate… monster/human misunderstandings at their finest!
So this is my first time reading this indie author and I haven’t read book 1 in this series yet, but I totally plan to! This story, although book 2 in a series, was perfect as a standalone, but my interest is piqued by these underwater characters and so I will definitely read more of the series!
Overall I loved this story because it was such a sweet mushy romance, even though it definitely didn’t start off that way! Despite some emotional themes (humans being crappy to monsters because they have to try and capture and experiment on anything “different” 🙄) , it really had an overall good lighthearted vibe!
My only complaints would be how quickly she changed from fighting him at every turn and trying to escape, to suddenly wanting and needing him. It was a very rapid turnaround and hard to process at first. And also the fact that they never discussed pregnancy before getting carried away. I guess it’s good that they both wanted to be parents. But I wasn’t thrilled with how fast that all happened. - That being said, those are my personal feelings and really don’t reflect on poor writing, but just my own taste. I thought the story was written well and it’ll definitely be one that sticks with me for a while! (Also, hard to pronounce names… but I loved the authors note at the beginning, which discusses why she chose those names and gives a pronunciation guide!)
Genre: Monster Romance
Series: Guardian Mates, Book 2.
POV: First Person; Dual
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️����️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
Release Date: June 5, 2026
Vibes: Cute and sweet, with a lot of spice and a bit of action packed drama!
Tropes 👇
- Abduction
- Home sweet home in a sunken ship
- Curvy feisty FMC
- One eyed,Cinnamon Roll Monster MMC
- Mating Bites
- Tentacle play
- Pregnancy/egg laying
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Friendships/found family
CW’s 👇
- Imprisonment in a cage
- Violent battle resulting in deaths
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
So this is my first time reading this indie author and I haven’t read book 1 in this series yet, but I totally plan to! This story, although book 2 in a series, was perfect as a standalone, but my interest is piqued by these underwater characters and so I will definitely read more of the series!
Overall I loved this story because it was such a sweet mushy romance, even though it definitely didn’t start off that way! Despite some emotional themes (humans being crappy to monsters because they have to try and capture and experiment on anything “different” 🙄) , it really had an overall good lighthearted vibe!
My only complaints would be how quickly she changed from fighting him at every turn and trying to escape, to suddenly wanting and needing him. It was a very rapid turnaround and hard to process at first. And also the fact that they never discussed pregnancy before getting carried away. I guess it’s good that they both wanted to be parents. But I wasn’t thrilled with how fast that all happened. - That being said, those are my personal feelings and really don’t reflect on poor writing, but just my own taste. I thought the story was written well and it’ll definitely be one that sticks with me for a while! (Also, hard to pronounce names… but I loved the authors note at the beginning, which discusses why she chose those names and gives a pronunciation guide!)
Genre: Monster Romance
Series: Guardian Mates, Book 2.
POV: First Person; Dual
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️����️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
Release Date: June 5, 2026
Vibes: Cute and sweet, with a lot of spice and a bit of action packed drama!
Tropes 👇
- Abduction
- Home sweet home in a sunken ship
- Curvy feisty FMC
- One eyed,Cinnamon Roll Monster MMC
- Mating Bites
- Tentacle play
- Pregnancy/egg laying
- Cultural misunderstandings
- Friendships/found family
CW’s 👇
- Imprisonment in a cage
- Violent battle resulting in deaths
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second of a series of connected standalones, but you should be able to understand everything just fine without reading Mushy Stuff first (but it was really good, so maybe read it anyway? It might add to the Guardian lore too).
Octo is a guardian of the sea, a thick tentacled hunk of a gilled male living a super lonely life who wants a mate. What’s a guy to do when he scents her, she’s human, and she’s wading in the cove near his territory?
CW - there is much kidnapping. In this instance, it’s presented as a cultural difference and handled so sensitively.
Naomi is just as lonely as Octo. She’s in town for her only friend’s resort wedding and facing a future alone. These two are perfect for each other. Best of all, she fights back!
I loved Naomi’s feistiness. She doesn’t accept her fate as the mate of an undersea creature or her biological transformation. Her understanding is gradual and hard earned. My only quibble is that THIS is the only venue where she seems to show the same spirit. There’s not a lot of interest, excitement or bravery from her when it comes to non-mate things in her new world.
We learn a lot about this world over the course of the story, and I really loved the underwater mer-people city. I hope we see more!
There’s some human bad guys because of course there are. There are battles and some blood, but it’s not graphic.
You know what is graphic that we LOVE? The tentacle spice. Those appendages get some use and we are here for it.
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy!
Octo is a guardian of the sea, a thick tentacled hunk of a gilled male living a super lonely life who wants a mate. What’s a guy to do when he scents her, she’s human, and she’s wading in the cove near his territory?
CW - there is much kidnapping. In this instance, it’s presented as a cultural difference and handled so sensitively.
Naomi is just as lonely as Octo. She’s in town for her only friend’s resort wedding and facing a future alone. These two are perfect for each other. Best of all, she fights back!
I loved Naomi’s feistiness. She doesn’t accept her fate as the mate of an undersea creature or her biological transformation. Her understanding is gradual and hard earned. My only quibble is that THIS is the only venue where she seems to show the same spirit. There’s not a lot of interest, excitement or bravery from her when it comes to non-mate things in her new world.
We learn a lot about this world over the course of the story, and I really loved the underwater mer-people city. I hope we see more!
There’s some human bad guys because of course there are. There are battles and some blood, but it’s not graphic.
You know what is graphic that we LOVE? The tentacle spice. Those appendages get some use and we are here for it.
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy!
June 5, 2026
Tentacle trapped by Lyra Lorne book 2 in Guardian Mates series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
Who doesn't love a little adult'napping in their monster romance. Well, I do and Ms Lorne delivers. Lol! Tentacles and a forced mating leads to a rather interesting beginning to a sweet fated mate romance. But human proximity intensifies with government officials popping up and soon the underwater life is threatened by it all. But old and new friendships band together and save the day, but the battle carries on. I loved the found family, not dismissing the issues in courting. Adjusting to new life and culture, finding a middle ground turned this into a pageturning smutty delight.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity. Fated mates. Species transformation/adaptation. Found family. Pregnancy. Oviparous.
Quotes:
It’s sort of alarming being cuddled by my k!dnapper, but it’s also really comfortable. It’s so much more comfortable than I have been all day. I easily close my eyes and drift off to sleep.
“My family life was horrible when I was a kid. Cindy has been my family for so long. I was afraid of what would happen when she got married and started her own family. But now I’m not afraid. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong… like I have my own family now… with you.” I squeeze her tighter as she says that. “You are everything to me, Naomi.”
They’re so pure that the gods of the sea turn them into the ocean itself. It is said that if you bring your mate here while they have young inside them, and the bones glow, then the gods will bless your young with strength and a good heart.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
Who doesn't love a little adult'napping in their monster romance. Well, I do and Ms Lorne delivers. Lol! Tentacles and a forced mating leads to a rather interesting beginning to a sweet fated mate romance. But human proximity intensifies with government officials popping up and soon the underwater life is threatened by it all. But old and new friendships band together and save the day, but the battle carries on. I loved the found family, not dismissing the issues in courting. Adjusting to new life and culture, finding a middle ground turned this into a pageturning smutty delight.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity. Fated mates. Species transformation/adaptation. Found family. Pregnancy. Oviparous.
Quotes:
It’s sort of alarming being cuddled by my k!dnapper, but it’s also really comfortable. It’s so much more comfortable than I have been all day. I easily close my eyes and drift off to sleep.
“My family life was horrible when I was a kid. Cindy has been my family for so long. I was afraid of what would happen when she got married and started her own family. But now I’m not afraid. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong… like I have my own family now… with you.” I squeeze her tighter as she says that. “You are everything to me, Naomi.”
They’re so pure that the gods of the sea turn them into the ocean itself. It is said that if you bring your mate here while they have young inside them, and the bones glow, then the gods will bless your young with strength and a good heart.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Naomi is definitely not happy being abducted off the beach by Octhogh'xu (Octo); humans and Guardians have very different ways of finding mates. Even though their relationship begins with abduction and cages, he quickly begins to show he is more than his monsterous exterior.
Naomi's anger at being abducted is understandable. She is resilient and intelligent; I appreciated the way she came to terms with the direction her life has taken and chose to embrace it. Octo may be adorably clueless about human mating, but it is incredibly sweet how eager he is to care for her and to make her happy. I loved watching the bond develop between Octo and Naomi through actions and understanding.
Tentacle Trapped is a fun, immersive escape that really embraces the differences in the "monster" of the monster romance. He's undeniably not human, but he is still completely lovable and endearing. Readers who loved Mushy Stuff and the Guardian Mates world will love diving into this story, but it can also be read as a standalone. Be prepared to be charmed by a tentacle monster and his friends.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naomi's anger at being abducted is understandable. She is resilient and intelligent; I appreciated the way she came to terms with the direction her life has taken and chose to embrace it. Octo may be adorably clueless about human mating, but it is incredibly sweet how eager he is to care for her and to make her happy. I loved watching the bond develop between Octo and Naomi through actions and understanding.
Tentacle Trapped is a fun, immersive escape that really embraces the differences in the "monster" of the monster romance. He's undeniably not human, but he is still completely lovable and endearing. Readers who loved Mushy Stuff and the Guardian Mates world will love diving into this story, but it can also be read as a standalone. Be prepared to be charmed by a tentacle monster and his friends.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can certainly say, I am hooked! The way the author describes the underwater world is so fascinating.
Octhogh’xu is a fierce guardian warrior. And what do warriors tend to do when they find their mate? They take them. 💀I love that. What I love even more is that Naomi did not willingly go nor surrender, and that is always fun when the ladies put up a fight. 🤣
This book kept me hooked! I might have been a little stressed out, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I’m a big fan of tentacle creatures, and this one definitely hit the spot. Octhogh’xu is a rugged warrior with a hot, strong presence. He’s protective, stubborn, and strong, and he looks intimidating, but he has a soft spot for those he cares about. Naomi is smart, strong, resilient, and stubborn too. She doesn’t back down easily and isn’t afraid to tell Octo off. When her loved ones are in danger, she’s quick to come up with clever ways to help.
I’m a big fan of them together! Naomi and Octo have such a great chemistry, and it’s always exciting to watch them interact. Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t want to see a gentle and soft lady with fierce male. We want a badass who will fight in the trenches.😮💨
This is a book about tentacle creatures so let’s not forget the tentacle fun they have! I know Naomi was very satisfied. 😜🤭Tentacle smut is always a plus in my book.
I would check the T/C warnings. It contains pregnancy and a battle between humans and monsters.
*I received this as an arc and I am voluntarily leave a review.*
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can certainly say, I am hooked! The way the author describes the underwater world is so fascinating.
Octhogh’xu is a fierce guardian warrior. And what do warriors tend to do when they find their mate? They take them. 💀I love that. What I love even more is that Naomi did not willingly go nor surrender, and that is always fun when the ladies put up a fight. 🤣
This book kept me hooked! I might have been a little stressed out, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I’m a big fan of tentacle creatures, and this one definitely hit the spot. Octhogh’xu is a rugged warrior with a hot, strong presence. He’s protective, stubborn, and strong, and he looks intimidating, but he has a soft spot for those he cares about. Naomi is smart, strong, resilient, and stubborn too. She doesn’t back down easily and isn’t afraid to tell Octo off. When her loved ones are in danger, she’s quick to come up with clever ways to help.
I’m a big fan of them together! Naomi and Octo have such a great chemistry, and it’s always exciting to watch them interact. Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t want to see a gentle and soft lady with fierce male. We want a badass who will fight in the trenches.😮💨
This is a book about tentacle creatures so let’s not forget the tentacle fun they have! I know Naomi was very satisfied. 😜🤭Tentacle smut is always a plus in my book.
I would check the T/C warnings. It contains pregnancy and a battle between humans and monsters.
*I received this as an arc and I am voluntarily leave a review.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to return to this world!
These guardians fall fast and hard for their mates and it’s sooo incredible to read!
I immediately adored the FMC Naomi, she’s fierce and feisty.. and boy does she give this MMC a run for his money.
The MMC Octo, is a tall drink of guardian tentacle daddy.. he’s a loyal warrior and devoted to his mate.
These characters were so entertaining to read…
their slight language/cultural differences had me cracking up.
But one thing that they didn’t have a problem with is their attraction to one another… their bond as mates was intense and there’s no denying it.
This book was HAWT… like lawd have mercy what those tentacles can do!
But it was also sweet…all the little gestures Octo does to help his mate feel like she’s not missing out on any of her human traditions… while living in his world.
I can’t forget to mention a pretty amazing friends group that I hope we get to read more about!
And the ending… oh my heart…tiny tentacles and all!
These guardians fall fast and hard for their mates and it’s sooo incredible to read!
I immediately adored the FMC Naomi, she’s fierce and feisty.. and boy does she give this MMC a run for his money.
The MMC Octo, is a tall drink of guardian tentacle daddy.. he’s a loyal warrior and devoted to his mate.
These characters were so entertaining to read…
their slight language/cultural differences had me cracking up.
But one thing that they didn’t have a problem with is their attraction to one another… their bond as mates was intense and there’s no denying it.
This book was HAWT… like lawd have mercy what those tentacles can do!
But it was also sweet…all the little gestures Octo does to help his mate feel like she’s not missing out on any of her human traditions… while living in his world.
I can’t forget to mention a pretty amazing friends group that I hope we get to read more about!
And the ending… oh my heart…tiny tentacles and all!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought Book One (Mushy Stuff) was adorable, so was happy to sign up for an ARC of Book Two.
Though they’re both books involving Guardians, I think they’re certainly standalones!
Octo, our MMC, is super sweet and doting, but kidnappy and also a bit clueless. Naomi’s a bit feisty at first, but a complete softy soon enough. It kind of gives Beauty and The Beast at first!
Their story arc and their major points of conflict are fairly well fleshed out, if not a bit brief - a teeny bit rushed feeling at times. But I suspect that’s so there’s room for plenty of spice, and sweetness, and for the HEA that extends into the epilogue.
All in all, it’s a sweet book about a couple of loners finding family and happiness under the sea in an enchanted land. I felt that the characters spoke and thought in kind of a stilted way (plenty of details, but not super smoothly connected or fleshed out) which I suspect is why it seemed kind of a hasty vibe.
I’m glad to have read it! Great early summer book!
Though they’re both books involving Guardians, I think they’re certainly standalones!
Octo, our MMC, is super sweet and doting, but kidnappy and also a bit clueless. Naomi’s a bit feisty at first, but a complete softy soon enough. It kind of gives Beauty and The Beast at first!
Their story arc and their major points of conflict are fairly well fleshed out, if not a bit brief - a teeny bit rushed feeling at times. But I suspect that’s so there’s room for plenty of spice, and sweetness, and for the HEA that extends into the epilogue.
All in all, it’s a sweet book about a couple of loners finding family and happiness under the sea in an enchanted land. I felt that the characters spoke and thought in kind of a stilted way (plenty of details, but not super smoothly connected or fleshed out) which I suspect is why it seemed kind of a hasty vibe.
I’m glad to have read it! Great early summer book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
While at her friend's destination wedding Naomi stumbles upon an adorable private alcove.
Falls asleep and wakes with a large THICC purple tentacle wrapped around her leg - but this aunt no octopus, this is a muscular hunk of a monstrous man (of course)! He bites her (changing her body to allow her to survive in his environment) & kidnaps her.
“This has not gone as I expected.” LOL duh you're keeping her in a motha effin cage my guy.
BUT he brought her a crab…and insists the cage is to keep her safe.
I know you're thinking - where are her friends Bean?
Don't worry, they're looking for her - he's just not telling her that.
HE HAS A COCK POCKET & NAOMI IS DICKMATIZED fo sho.
I do not want to spoil anything - so do yourself a favor and add to TBR immediately!
This is part of a shared world, but could totally be read as a standalone.
CW - there is a lot of kidnapping. BUT it is presented as a cultural difference and handled very sensitively.
Thank you as always Lyra for trusting me to honestly review your stories. I cannot wait for more :)
Falls asleep and wakes with a large THICC purple tentacle wrapped around her leg - but this aunt no octopus, this is a muscular hunk of a monstrous man (of course)! He bites her (changing her body to allow her to survive in his environment) & kidnaps her.
“This has not gone as I expected.” LOL duh you're keeping her in a motha effin cage my guy.
BUT he brought her a crab…and insists the cage is to keep her safe.
I know you're thinking - where are her friends Bean?
Don't worry, they're looking for her - he's just not telling her that.
HE HAS A COCK POCKET & NAOMI IS DICKMATIZED fo sho.
I do not want to spoil anything - so do yourself a favor and add to TBR immediately!
This is part of a shared world, but could totally be read as a standalone.
CW - there is a lot of kidnapping. BUT it is presented as a cultural difference and handled very sensitively.
Thank you as always Lyra for trusting me to honestly review your stories. I cannot wait for more :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
So let me start with what I liked. I liked the universe, and the guardians dynamic from the first book. The underwater world was really love and fun to experience. I liked Cindy and Naomi’s relationship; that Cindy just accepted what Naomi had become and still wanted to make it work with her friend. But that’s pretty much where it ended for me. I really wanted to love this since I liked Book 1 a lot but it wasn’t for me. Naomi accepted her fate really fast for me. She didn’t try to fight that much and didn’t even try and escape. She almost got Stockholm syndrome and then just accepted it all.
I thought the plot and the government element wasn’t explained super well. I was curious about the facility on the beach and the underwater city, which we didn’t get to see much of either. I wanted more but there was a little bit of drama and then just domestic life for the most part. I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe it just wasn’t for me but others might enjoy it!
I thought the plot and the government element wasn’t explained super well. I was curious about the facility on the beach and the underwater city, which we didn’t get to see much of either. I wanted more but there was a little bit of drama and then just domestic life for the most part. I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe it just wasn’t for me but others might enjoy it!
May 3, 2026
For everyone who ever dreamed of being a mermaid, this one completely pulled me in. Octo made his choice without much of a plan after that. 😅 I spent the beginning of the book wondering how he was possibly going to fix the situation he created, especially with Naomi making absolutely nothing easy for him. Honestly, I loved her for that.
I’m such a sucker for fated mates, and Naomi made him work for every little bit of her trust. I loved that she didn’t just fold instantly. Their chemistry, the underwater wonder, and all the little magical moments made this ridiculously fun to read. Also, the fact that Octo basically operates on “if I licked it, it’s mine” logic had me laughing more than once 😂
I finished it in one sitting because there was no way I was putting it down.
Please check trigger warnings before reading. Your mental health matters. 💜
I’m such a sucker for fated mates, and Naomi made him work for every little bit of her trust. I loved that she didn’t just fold instantly. Their chemistry, the underwater wonder, and all the little magical moments made this ridiculously fun to read. Also, the fact that Octo basically operates on “if I licked it, it’s mine” logic had me laughing more than once 😂
I finished it in one sitting because there was no way I was putting it down.
Please check trigger warnings before reading. Your mental health matters. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Naomi just wanted to have a beach vacation to celebrate her best friend’s wedding. Getting Octo-napped and transformed into a sea creature? Not on her agenda.
The cultural misunderstandings start pretty intense in the beginning of the book. Octo (don’t ask me to spell out his full name please 😂) recognizes her as his mate pretty immediately, but that sure doesn’t mean he has any idea what to do with her.
Once they finally get past the awkward first days with the help of some of Octo’s friends their connection takes off. And um it’s hot. I can never say no to a good time with tentacles. Naomi is a lucky lady.
Loved the chemistry between the two characters and really appreciated the strong female friendships. Definitely recommend Tentacle Trapped for a low-angst and spicy summer vibes read!
The cultural misunderstandings start pretty intense in the beginning of the book. Octo (don’t ask me to spell out his full name please 😂) recognizes her as his mate pretty immediately, but that sure doesn’t mean he has any idea what to do with her.
Once they finally get past the awkward first days with the help of some of Octo’s friends their connection takes off. And um it’s hot. I can never say no to a good time with tentacles. Naomi is a lucky lady.
Loved the chemistry between the two characters and really appreciated the strong female friendships. Definitely recommend Tentacle Trapped for a low-angst and spicy summer vibes read!
June 5, 2026
~3.5 stars rounded up~
I thought the second installment of this series was cute overall! I didn't quite like it as much as Mushy Stuff (and you don't have to have read that one to know what's going on in this one)
I typically don't mind kidnapping in my romance books but this one is very kidnap-y so be prepared to be possibly be pretty put off right off the bat.
Once I got past the way our characters got together, they were very sweet together and I honestly really loved all the side characters we met the most.
There was a lot of lore and talk of other guardian species, how the guardians are raised, etc that never really gets explained but could've been really interesting to dive into. We were introduced to a couple side characters that could potentially be our next couple for the following books in the series so perhaps those details will be expanded on more in those.
I thought the second installment of this series was cute overall! I didn't quite like it as much as Mushy Stuff (and you don't have to have read that one to know what's going on in this one)
I typically don't mind kidnapping in my romance books but this one is very kidnap-y so be prepared to be possibly be pretty put off right off the bat.
Once I got past the way our characters got together, they were very sweet together and I honestly really loved all the side characters we met the most.
There was a lot of lore and talk of other guardian species, how the guardians are raised, etc that never really gets explained but could've been really interesting to dive into. We were introduced to a couple side characters that could potentially be our next couple for the following books in the series so perhaps those details will be expanded on more in those.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Book: Tentacle Trapped by Lyra Lorne
I had such a great time reading this one! An interesting world with funny characters. It started off strong, which immediately had me hooked. And I absolutely enjoyed the pacing and storyline!
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦.”
This is a book for those that wouldn't mind being kidnapped by a handsome sea creature. You might find a very dedicated mate! I love how possessive yet sweet Octo was. And I adored the friendships and fun connections in this book. I had a good laugh at some of the funny banter as well!
"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨…𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸…𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
I want to thank the author for sending me an eARC to read and review 🖤
Book: Tentacle Trapped by Lyra Lorne
I had such a great time reading this one! An interesting world with funny characters. It started off strong, which immediately had me hooked. And I absolutely enjoyed the pacing and storyline!
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦.”
This is a book for those that wouldn't mind being kidnapped by a handsome sea creature. You might find a very dedicated mate! I love how possessive yet sweet Octo was. And I adored the friendships and fun connections in this book. I had a good laugh at some of the funny banter as well!
"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨…𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸…𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
I want to thank the author for sending me an eARC to read and review 🖤
June 5, 2026
🐙🐠🌊🦀🧜♀️ We’re back into the magical world of The Guardians, with book two, Tentacle Trapped by @lyralorne
This is a sweet and spicy monster romance with a human and a… what do we call him? Well she calls him ‘Octopus’ 😜. Octhogh'xu is just your typical big burly dude protecting his territory while hoping to find the love of his life. But when this tentacled man - who has no reason to really know anything about the human world, like relationships - scents his mate, he knows she’s human and that’s a bit out of the norm for a Guardian’s mate, but there’s no denying it. So when he snatches Naomi from the beach before her bestie’s wedding, he throws quite a wrench in her life and brings home a very angry new mate.
We go underwater for this story and go through Naomi and Octo’s growing pains of their new relationship and the bond that begins to form. All while Octo and other water Guardians scramble together to protect their home against imposing humans.
This was a sweet story and I enjoyed learning more about these characters and the world of the Guardians that Lyra has created. If you like sweet, spicy, banter and some good monster romance, pick up this book and the series. Solid 4 stars!
This is a sweet and spicy monster romance with a human and a… what do we call him? Well she calls him ‘Octopus’ 😜. Octhogh'xu is just your typical big burly dude protecting his territory while hoping to find the love of his life. But when this tentacled man - who has no reason to really know anything about the human world, like relationships - scents his mate, he knows she’s human and that’s a bit out of the norm for a Guardian’s mate, but there’s no denying it. So when he snatches Naomi from the beach before her bestie’s wedding, he throws quite a wrench in her life and brings home a very angry new mate.
We go underwater for this story and go through Naomi and Octo’s growing pains of their new relationship and the bond that begins to form. All while Octo and other water Guardians scramble together to protect their home against imposing humans.
This was a sweet story and I enjoyed learning more about these characters and the world of the Guardians that Lyra has created. If you like sweet, spicy, banter and some good monster romance, pick up this book and the series. Solid 4 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing book by Lyra. This time we have TENTACLES!! Hell Yes!!!
Naomi and Octo didn't have the best start to their relationship but the fondness grew and so did the attraction.
Who can resist eight tentacles and a monster c**k I certainly wouldn't.
Octo was so kind and caring to Naomi to make her more comfortable in his world as it was all new to her, he just wanted to make her happy.
I loved that she made a new life for herself with her mate and new friends but still managed to keep a small piece of her old life too.
And a baby octopus OH MY GOD!! 🐙
Loved it. Love this series. Can't wait to see whats next
Naomi and Octo didn't have the best start to their relationship but the fondness grew and so did the attraction.
Who can resist eight tentacles and a monster c**k I certainly wouldn't.
Octo was so kind and caring to Naomi to make her more comfortable in his world as it was all new to her, he just wanted to make her happy.
I loved that she made a new life for herself with her mate and new friends but still managed to keep a small piece of her old life too.
And a baby octopus OH MY GOD!! 🐙
Loved it. Love this series. Can't wait to see whats next
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
3.75-4 ⭐️
3 🌶
I read this ARC during MerMay, and it was great! This one is the perfect length and it's spicy 🤭 it's got action, romance, great friends, and a cool underwater world that I am very interested in learning more about!
I love that the FMC, Naomi, really comes into herself after she transforms. She's a fighter, and she also is a problem solver. Octo, the MMC, was very sweet, and I'm glad that he learned his lesson relatively early on!
☆fated mates
☆tentacle play
☆human x Guardian (octopus man)
☆forced proximity
☆kidnapping
☆pregnancy
3.75-4 ⭐️
3 🌶
I read this ARC during MerMay, and it was great! This one is the perfect length and it's spicy 🤭 it's got action, romance, great friends, and a cool underwater world that I am very interested in learning more about!
I love that the FMC, Naomi, really comes into herself after she transforms. She's a fighter, and she also is a problem solver. Octo, the MMC, was very sweet, and I'm glad that he learned his lesson relatively early on!
☆fated mates
☆tentacle play
☆human x Guardian (octopus man)
☆forced proximity
☆kidnapping
☆pregnancy
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven’t really dived into monster romances. So when the authors PA reached out, asking if I’d like to ARC read this book - I figured why not? I felt like the story wasn’t super intricate, as a newbie I’m not sure what level of details I should be expecting from all the plot lines. Things move pretty quick between the main characters. At times it feels TOO quick especially with how “accepting” everyone becomes about this whole situation 😅 then again, this is a monster romance. I must say my favorite character is Cindy for sure, she went above and beyond to keep their friendship afloat despite the circumstances.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review
I fell in love with these characters. I mean, when you meet Naomi, you feel really sad for her because her life is falling apart, and she is really scared about her future.
I love Octo, too. Their first meeting is unique, but you can’t anticipate how you’ll react when you meet your fated mates. That's what happened here.
For the rest of the books, I love their dynamic, how he helps her understand his world, and the beauty of the ocean and their enemies
I love that this is underwater.
If you’re into fated mates, underwater worlds, and tentacles, I love them and recommend this series. Go for it!
I fell in love with these characters. I mean, when you meet Naomi, you feel really sad for her because her life is falling apart, and she is really scared about her future.
I love Octo, too. Their first meeting is unique, but you can’t anticipate how you’ll react when you meet your fated mates. That's what happened here.
For the rest of the books, I love their dynamic, how he helps her understand his world, and the beauty of the ocean and their enemies
I love that this is underwater.
If you’re into fated mates, underwater worlds, and tentacles, I love them and recommend this series. Go for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I binge read the hell out of this.
100/10 would recommend!
This was fast paced, fun, exciting and it just checked all the boxes for me!
My plan was to read a chapter or two and go on about my day but that didn't happen.
Once I started I didn't want to stop.
Naomi and Octo was the best together, well once Naomi got over the whole turning into one of him and living under the water but still. I absolutely loved them together and watching their relationship bloom!
I can't tell you how much I loved these two!
100/10 would recommend!
This was fast paced, fun, exciting and it just checked all the boxes for me!
My plan was to read a chapter or two and go on about my day but that didn't happen.
Once I started I didn't want to stop.
Naomi and Octo was the best together, well once Naomi got over the whole turning into one of him and living under the water but still. I absolutely loved them together and watching their relationship bloom!
I can't tell you how much I loved these two!
May 27, 2026
This was a nice short steamy read. Love a good monster romance to cleanse the palette and have some easy fun with a book 🤩
This is in no world a masterpiece but it is cute and does its job, the writing is very juvenile and the story along with it but it makes it very easy to follow.
If you need a palette cleanser or a quick steamy monster romance then this is perfect!! No strings attached, along for the ride kinda vibe 🤭
Thank you to the author for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶
This is in no world a masterpiece but it is cute and does its job, the writing is very juvenile and the story along with it but it makes it very easy to follow.
If you need a palette cleanser or a quick steamy monster romance then this is perfect!! No strings attached, along for the ride kinda vibe 🤭
Thank you to the author for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
I haven’t read a monster romance in a while and this was a nice break from what I typically read. This had a lot of heart and I was highly intrigued from the start. Their dynamics were interesting and I had fun reading them as they figured each other out.
Monster romances aren’t for everyone and you should do some googling before starting them lmao. Thank you to the author for gifting me an early e-arc!
Monster romances aren’t for everyone and you should do some googling before starting them lmao. Thank you to the author for gifting me an early e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READER***
Whoooo baby if you like a breeding kind this one is for you 😋
Overall I did like this book, it was cute and fun fated mate monster book with the human reality sneaking in to make you laugh and ground you. I have several favorite quotes that I still think about and chuckle to myself. I think they will stick with me for a while.
If you always wanted to play mermaids as a kid and are a fan of tentacles I DEFINITELY thing you would enjoy this book.
Whoooo baby if you like a breeding kind this one is for you 😋
Overall I did like this book, it was cute and fun fated mate monster book with the human reality sneaking in to make you laugh and ground you. I have several favorite quotes that I still think about and chuckle to myself. I think they will stick with me for a while.
If you always wanted to play mermaids as a kid and are a fan of tentacles I DEFINITELY thing you would enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story was cute and cozy (even when it's at the bottom of the ocean in a sunken pirate ship), and the spice was pretty smexy at times.
It was difficult to read for me because the writing style was very jarring. I haven't read this author before, so it might be just this book and how the author wanted the story perceived. I do plan on reading the other one in this series because I did like the characters and their world, and ya know.... tentacles🐙
The story was cute and cozy (even when it's at the bottom of the ocean in a sunken pirate ship), and the spice was pretty smexy at times.
It was difficult to read for me because the writing style was very jarring. I haven't read this author before, so it might be just this book and how the author wanted the story perceived. I do plan on reading the other one in this series because I did like the characters and their world, and ya know.... tentacles🐙
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read. I liked that I got right to Octhogh'xu / Octo seeing Naomi and going for her. Watching them learn each other and grow to like and eventually love each other was a good time. And the spice was very nice...lots of tentacles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading Tentacle Trapped. It’s book 2 in a series of connected standalones, and you can jump in here just fine. Though Mushy Stuff is great if you want more Guardian lore.
This one delivers exactly what I wanted: monster smut with a lonely, gilled, tentacled guardian who’s pure cinnamon roll under all those tentacles. His mate is human, feisty, and doesn’t just accept her fate, I loved watching her fight, push back, and make him work for it.
The tentacle play is chef’s kiss and the undersea world building is gorgeous. Sweet, steamy, and emotional. If you’re here for monster romance with heart and heat, grab this one.
TW: kidnapping as cultural difference, handled with care.
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