Deer to My Heart

by B.L. Brown

Genres: Fantasy

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

B.L. Brown is a writer of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy. She loves a good slow burn but recognizes that sometimes two characters collide with explosive chemistry that must be acknowledged. And boy, is it fun to read.

Random musings appear on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

There's also a newsletter that releases new material with less frequency than George R. R. Martin.

https://brittawritesthings.com/contact/

Reviews

[BookaholicallyBridie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, so here is my honest review:

This book was just so much fun. I absolutely loved Mac and Ramble, and I’ll be adding the rest of the series to my TBR immediately so I can live in their world a little longer.

I loved the concept of Mac being so busy at the camp that she forgot something pretty important, and I loved how Ramble was patient with her.

Sometimes you just need an adorable novella.

[Adrien Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deer to my Heart is a quick-paced novella that brings you back into the world of Camp Cryptid. Don't worry if this is the first of the series that you are being introduced to; it makes a good stand-alone as well. Deer to my Heart is a great way to get to know Mac and Ramble, as well as some of the others that they encounter on their trip away from the camp. Through this novella, you get a chance to learn more about the camp as well as Mac's goals for the camp. It was fascinating to learn a bit about Elkwater and the various monsters and humans who reside there. The story does a great job of briefly giving us a glimpse into the co-existence of humans and monsters, and the way that the humans are adjusting to having monsters such as werewolves in their vicinity. As I am someone who tends to avoid books with sexual scenes, I was a bit worried going into this, but the scene is tastefully done and is a great way to close out the story. It was fun to get to see how Mac just kept making so many errors and then have her try to win over Ramble after hurting them.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful, quick read that managed to be equal parts adorable, sweet, and surprisingly steamy. I can't say that spicy deer-cryptid romance was on my reading bingo card this year, but here we are-and I have absolutely no regrets.

What could have been a quirky premise is elevated by the author's strong world-building, thoughtful character development, and a plot that feels both relatable and engaging. The romance develops naturally, the characters are easy to root for, and the emotional beats land just as well as the comedic ones.

The author also handles the spicy elements with care, making them feel like a meaningful part of the story rather than an afterthought. Overall, this was a fun, charming, and unexpectedly compelling read. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author in the future.

[ReedRyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cheerful slice of life story focussing on the workaholic running a human and non human music camp going for a holiday.

On her anniversary.
That she forgot.
Because of the workaholic thing.

But despite not everything going as planned, non binary Ramble the superhot faun still gets spoiled by her wife.

In tantalising detail!

The character work is impeccable, the sapphic chemistry undeniable. Secret restaurants, delicate proposals, orchard trysts - its a jam packed (pun not intended) weekend that ends with a spicy bang!

I simply HAD to buy book one of Camp Cryptid (and it was on sale in australia too??)
Absolutely delightful work

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this short read! Thank you to the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This story is about making time for living not just working (even when you love what you do).

Ramble and Mac have been married and working hard on making Camp Cryptid safe and successful. Ramble has made reservations to take a weekend away from camp with just the two of them. What they get are a lot of interruptions from the community they’ve been bringing together and an overworked Mac ready to crash. Can Mac shut off and enjoy the time? Is there something she has forgotten? Read and find out how the weekend goes!! Recommend!

[Katherine Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deer to My Heart is an ESSENTIAL sapphic read. The writer really draws you into their relationship. I was invested in a single chapter after knowing nothing about them before. Mac is a mess of good intentions and spread way too thin. Ramble is a love bug who just wants a day away with their wife.

B.L. Brown’s writing is easy to read without being basic. It’s even easier to get lost in the beautiful Appalachian setting they depict. I was excited for each new inhuman we got to meet (cough/Batrick/cough).

The steam is well deserved and very satisfying after all the unexpected run-ins with townies, employees, and friends (and BOOZE).

I can’t wait for more CAMP CRYPTID! 🦌🏕️

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deer To My Heart is a sweet story with many romantic touches in the realm of monsters, humans, and Camp Cryptid/Elkwater Music Camp. It reads almost like a cautionary tale of not just work/life balance, but how gentle forbearance, patience, and truly listening beyond words make a relationship deep and lasting. BL Brown does an excellent job in all her books, with such memorable characters, even minor ones that pop in. Whether a story is soft, slow, hot, volcanic—it’s always creative, inclusive, and relevant. I received an ARC of this book and am writing an objective review.

[Bookwyrm_in_KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deer to my Heart is a quick, cute story, giving us a glimpse into the married life of the hardworking Camp Director Mac and her faun spouse Ramble.

While on a much needed (and anticipated) weekend get away, Mac realizes she forgot that this weekend is their 5th anniversary and she decides to figure out a way to make it up to Ramble.

If you're looking for an adorable sapphic novella, look no further! Thank you B.L. Brown for the opportunity to advance read. 🩷

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. My heart went out to Mac. So many people wanting a minute from her and all she wanted was to give her wife the weekend she wanted. This book is filled with heart and a bunch of good intentions, yet annoying townspeople stopping by to say hi. Ramble as always has the patience of a dear.

[bariatricbookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll never get enough of this world and seeing more of Ramble & Mac was just the thing I didn’t know I needed! Also loved all the reminders of what’s to come for the futureeee and little cameos from other characters we’ve met along the way!

[dillpickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you B.L. Brown for the ARC - this was so cute and cozy! I love a bite sized story and I can’t wait to read more from the Camp Cryptid series!

[Amanda]

The writing just wasn't for me! Definitely will be for someone

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author and I loved it! 🥰

Ramble just wants to have a peaceful date night with her wife but Mac is distracted. Mac is always busy with running the camp she tends to get distracted with one thing or another. Mac trys her best to not think about work and make the night about them. However, with a small town it's hard to not get constantly interrupted. Mac realizes, she's in deep trouble when she not only messed up the night but she also figures out she's forgotten something very important. 😬🥰

Such a cute short read. A busy couple trying to make time for each other only to keep getting interrupted and let's not forget the right amount of spice. 🌶🥰 Yes please. 😁