What do you think?
Rate this book
My Monster Meet Cute #1
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster: My Monster Meet Cute, Book 1
A struggling songwriter returns to her childhood summer camp and comes face-to-face with the imaginary boy from her past—and a second chance she never believed was real.
Marina is used to being overlooked. She works at her manipulative aunt’s boutique, writing songs on a broken keyboard and spending her free time with her grandmother. Her last close friend was a boy from summer camp years ago, but he was imaginary, so he doesn’t count. When Marina lands an audition that could change everything, her Grams pushes her to find inspiration where it all started. Armed with an old camp notebook, Marina returns to the now-abandoned campground, hoping to write one good song. Instead, she meets a handsome stranger.
Gil has never forgotten the girl who made his summers full of sunlight. He remembers the snacks she shared with him, the songs she wrote, and the promise he made to always come back for her. But he wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotions he felt when she came back. Eager to keep his second chance from slipping away, Gil spends the weekend with Marina, hoping she’ll realize he’s the boy she imagined all those years ago.
Together, they return to a time where the summer is magic and the days are never ending. Marina can’t help but wonder if Gil is real, then maybe happy endings are too.
Marina is used to being overlooked. She works at her manipulative aunt’s boutique, writing songs on a broken keyboard and spending her free time with her grandmother. Her last close friend was a boy from summer camp years ago, but he was imaginary, so he doesn’t count. When Marina lands an audition that could change everything, her Grams pushes her to find inspiration where it all started. Armed with an old camp notebook, Marina returns to the now-abandoned campground, hoping to write one good song. Instead, she meets a handsome stranger.
Gil has never forgotten the girl who made his summers full of sunlight. He remembers the snacks she shared with him, the songs she wrote, and the promise he made to always come back for her. But he wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotions he felt when she came back. Eager to keep his second chance from slipping away, Gil spends the weekend with Marina, hoping she’ll realize he’s the boy she imagined all those years ago.
Together, they return to a time where the summer is magic and the days are never ending. Marina can’t help but wonder if Gil is real, then maybe happy endings are too.
Audible Audio
First published June 13, 2026
About the author
Paige Lavoie
17 books405 followersPaige Lavoie is a Halloween-loving cinnamon roll who writes stories about misfits, monsters, and falling in love. Her affection for cozy autumn moments, charming protagonists, and all things cute and creepy reflects in the worlds she creates. When Paige isn’t writing, she can be found hunting for treasures at the local antique mall and sipping oat milk lattes under a lacey parasol as she hides from the sun in her home state of FL.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 3, 2026
Help, how is this fish man more wholesome and full of green flags than most real life men???
April 4, 2026
3.75 Stars
What a pleasure it’s been delving into this universe again, seeing characters new and old. This was such a sweet read, the romance between Marina and Gil blossomed in such a lovely way. I really enjoyed Marina’s backstory and watching her develop as a person. Plus, Gil? The sweetest sweetie of all time?
I did find the ending a tad lacklustre unfortunately, things were solved a little too easily and I don’t think certain characters truly got the comeuppance they should, but I digress, a very fun book nonetheless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a pleasure it’s been delving into this universe again, seeing characters new and old. This was such a sweet read, the romance between Marina and Gil blossomed in such a lovely way. I really enjoyed Marina’s backstory and watching her develop as a person. Plus, Gil? The sweetest sweetie of all time?
I did find the ending a tad lacklustre unfortunately, things were solved a little too easily and I don’t think certain characters truly got the comeuppance they should, but I digress, a very fun book nonetheless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2026
Everything that Paige writes makes me smile
April 11, 2026
this was SO sweet 🥹
cinderella inspired retelling with a lake monster boyfriend???!? sign me the heck up, because this was the cutest book ever! i loved seeing characters from the authors mothman series, and Gil and Marina are just to die for! i especially loved Grams ♡ my grandma was my best friend, i lost her 10 years ago, and my grandpa 2 months ago, so it was really nice to spend time with such a sweet grammy in this book.
i don’t want to say too much and give anything away, but it was just so cozy and heartwarming. we do see Marina go through so much challenging things, but it all ties together perfectly.
this book gave me all the warm fuzzies and ooey gooeys!
i really loved the slow burn in this, with very brief spice and it was a perfect amount and personally much needed for me! a lot of my arc reads lately have been extra smutty and i needed a change of pace!
this authors books and writing just get better and better, i can’t wait to see what she writes next!
i received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
cinderella inspired retelling with a lake monster boyfriend???!? sign me the heck up, because this was the cutest book ever! i loved seeing characters from the authors mothman series, and Gil and Marina are just to die for! i especially loved Grams ♡ my grandma was my best friend, i lost her 10 years ago, and my grandpa 2 months ago, so it was really nice to spend time with such a sweet grammy in this book.
i don’t want to say too much and give anything away, but it was just so cozy and heartwarming. we do see Marina go through so much challenging things, but it all ties together perfectly.
this book gave me all the warm fuzzies and ooey gooeys!
i really loved the slow burn in this, with very brief spice and it was a perfect amount and personally much needed for me! a lot of my arc reads lately have been extra smutty and i needed a change of pace!
this authors books and writing just get better and better, i can’t wait to see what she writes next!
i received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2026
Paige Lavoie’s My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster gave me the ick. Our protagonist, Marina’s character is so stupid it is infuriating. Her constant ‘misunderstanding’ of Gil’s intentions and the pondering ‘oh how can he like me’ when she is so ‘used to being overlooked’ came across as pathetic. I didn’t like him either, he was to soppy for me and I found him over eager. It quickly became draining to read both their ‘pick me’ behaviours and attitudes. Her inability to consider why her evil aunt (stepmother) wants her working in the shop to monetise from her heritage and steal her inheritance to fund the shop (her dead parents were famous musicians) is beyond me. Her woe is me attitude throughout was grating, woman please get a grip of yourself.
I did like the setting, retuning to Marina’s childhood summer camp and finding her imaginary best friend from her youth is actually real and single, but her lack of agency made for a depressing female character.
I get that it was a Cinderella spin off, but even this recycled plotline has become so overused it reads as underwhelming. I would love a retelling which broke the expected boundaries of this narrative. Simply not my type of romance or writing.
Thank you to Booksprout for the free ARC in exchange for my review.
I did like the setting, retuning to Marina’s childhood summer camp and finding her imaginary best friend from her youth is actually real and single, but her lack of agency made for a depressing female character.
I get that it was a Cinderella spin off, but even this recycled plotline has become so overused it reads as underwhelming. I would love a retelling which broke the expected boundaries of this narrative. Simply not my type of romance or writing.
Thank you to Booksprout for the free ARC in exchange for my review.
February 17, 2026
This was a cute story. I enjoyed the romance. Gil is charming and heartwarming. I love how he never gave up on finding the love of his life. I thought the psoriasis representation was a great touch, and that a cure wasn’t necessary to make Marina worthy of love. It was so great to see all of my favorite characters from the Mothman in Love trilogy again!
Marina was a bit of a frustrating character. She seemed really easily manipulated and purposefully blind. I felt that the story sacrificed her maturity and intelligence for the opportunity to create tension solely for tension’s sake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marina was a bit of a frustrating character. She seemed really easily manipulated and purposefully blind. I felt that the story sacrificed her maturity and intelligence for the opportunity to create tension solely for tension’s sake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2026
I loved everything about this book. I’ve been so excited to see more of Gil and Magnus since the Mothman Trilogy. The Heather and Moth cameos were so unexpected but very much needed. Love how Heather and Marina are gonna have each other to lean on. Also, GRAMS WDYM?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
So, I want to start with how much I love that this book (and hopefully more) is placed in the same universe as the Mothman trilogy! Yay Eclipsica!
Now for the meat and potatoes of the book itself, I found it very relatable in the character herself and the romantic story line. It touches on real life growing up and finding yourself even in the parts you were taught to forget, metaphorically and literally that's beautiful.
Everyone loves a guy who loves you a little too much with a backbone to match!
Can't give too much away, you gotta read it yourself, but I am so excited to see what book comes next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now for the meat and potatoes of the book itself, I found it very relatable in the character herself and the romantic story line. It touches on real life growing up and finding yourself even in the parts you were taught to forget, metaphorically and literally that's beautiful.
Everyone loves a guy who loves you a little too much with a backbone to match!
Can't give too much away, you gotta read it yourself, but I am so excited to see what book comes next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2026
A sweet Cinderella retelling that my Creature From The Black Lagoon loving self adored.
March 14, 2026
3.75 ✨ - I am so excited to have received an arc copy of this! As someone who is missing their temporary home in the sunshine state this book made my heart smile! I totally forgot Gil was connected to her other series and the realization that I got to go back to my OGs made my whole month. This book is briefly spicy and I liked it that way.. it really focused on our mmc showing the fmc that you can love without all the physical affection (okay maybe some). I love Paige Lavoie and can’t wait to see what she crafts up next!
July 27, 2026
Super sweet and wholesome monster romance! I really enjoyed it, if you are looking for a cozy romance with a sprinkle of spice I would recommend this one. Could I have done with a little more description on his downstairs swamp monster, for sure lol but overall I still really had fun listening to this book!
July 27, 2026
This was the sweetest story and the accent made for an ideal listen. Impartial to black lagoon creature and I already liked the author’s work in her Mothman series, but this one took it up a notch. It’s a great summer read. The characters felt sweeter and I really felt the chemistry between them. Also, I may never look at gators the same again :D
July 17, 2026
Okay this book was simply so cozy, so fun, and just a perfect reminder of why I fell in love with reading fictional worlds, I wanted to dive into Eclipsica with Gil & Marina!!!
July 2, 2026
June 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookFable Edition): “My Boyfriend is a Swamp Monster” by Paige Lavoie
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
“A struggling songwriter returns to her childhood summer camp and comes face-to-face with the imaginary boy from her past-and a second chance she never believed was real!” - Paige Lavoie
From the author that brought you the “Mothman in Love” series, “Our Own Little Underworld”, and “Dear Galaxy” comes a brand new Monster Romance novel by Paige Lavoie that acts as a Fairytale Reimagining of “Cinderella”! This exciting read not only acts as a modern Fairytale Reimagining and a clever spin-off to one of Lavoie’s previous publications, but this cozy read is also perfect for fans of movies such as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” and “The Shape of Water”! The chemistry of the main leads truly shines through, with Gil’s Golden Retriever energy helping the heroine to recognize genuine healthy connections and provide positive affirmations on her boundaries and self-worth, and Marina, through Gil, learning to not be too hard on herself, to be open to new experience and love, and to establish her boundaries and stand up to the people in her life who emotionally abused her and took her for granted. The portal to Lavoie’s magical world of Eclipsica is open, are you ready to immerse yourself? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on June 13, 2026!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
- Tropes: Monster Romance, Cozy Paranormal Romantasy, Second Chance Romance, Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers, Florida Backdrop, Songwriter FMC × Swamp Monster MMC, Summer Camp, Fairytale Reimagining, Dual POV, Evil Auntie Antagonist, Animal Sidekick, Wholesome Meddling Grandmother, Magical Portals, Mythical Creatures & Cryptids, Supernatural Entities, Pining, Meddling Vampire Supporting Character, and Found Family!
- Trigger Warning: (Full Description Can Be Found In The Book).
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
“A struggling songwriter returns to her childhood summer camp and comes face-to-face with the imaginary boy from her past-and a second chance she never believed was real!” - Paige Lavoie
From the author that brought you the “Mothman in Love” series, “Our Own Little Underworld”, and “Dear Galaxy” comes a brand new Monster Romance novel by Paige Lavoie that acts as a Fairytale Reimagining of “Cinderella”! This exciting read not only acts as a modern Fairytale Reimagining and a clever spin-off to one of Lavoie’s previous publications, but this cozy read is also perfect for fans of movies such as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” and “The Shape of Water”! The chemistry of the main leads truly shines through, with Gil’s Golden Retriever energy helping the heroine to recognize genuine healthy connections and provide positive affirmations on her boundaries and self-worth, and Marina, through Gil, learning to not be too hard on herself, to be open to new experience and love, and to establish her boundaries and stand up to the people in her life who emotionally abused her and took her for granted. The portal to Lavoie’s magical world of Eclipsica is open, are you ready to immerse yourself? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on June 13, 2026!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 5/5🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
- Tropes: Monster Romance, Cozy Paranormal Romantasy, Second Chance Romance, Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers, Florida Backdrop, Songwriter FMC × Swamp Monster MMC, Summer Camp, Fairytale Reimagining, Dual POV, Evil Auntie Antagonist, Animal Sidekick, Wholesome Meddling Grandmother, Magical Portals, Mythical Creatures & Cryptids, Supernatural Entities, Pining, Meddling Vampire Supporting Character, and Found Family!
- Trigger Warning: (Full Description Can Be Found In The Book).
June 30, 2026
This book is a sweet romance that reads like a hallmark movie if their leading men were monsters. I only wish there had been more world development because I would have loved to have seen them go on more dates. This is a classic tale of childhood sweethearts reunited. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet romance story, with or without monsters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2026
A nice easy fun book to read. It does give Cinderella and evil step mother vibes. But Gil’s family makes it so much worth it, being so accepting.
June 14, 2026
So fun. So perfect. Read it in a day good.
July 26, 2026
This was an adorable story.
When Marina was a young girl, she made friends with Gale, a fish boy who liked cheese balls, at Mangrove Camp. Obviously fish boys don't really exist, and so Marina was made to believe that Gale was just an imaginary friend.
Now a young adult, circumstances have finally led her back to the camp. While she doesn't really think she'll see Gale again (he must have been imaginary, right?) she does make a new friend...
Gil hasn't stopped thinking about the human friend he met while he was younger, and he travels back to the human realm each year in the hope of finding her again.
This was such a sweet story of love and friendship. Marina's family situation was heartbreaking at times, and really made me feel for her.
If you're after an adorable, cozy read about a human reconnecting with her childhood friend, this would be perfect.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via BookSprout, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
When Marina was a young girl, she made friends with Gale, a fish boy who liked cheese balls, at Mangrove Camp. Obviously fish boys don't really exist, and so Marina was made to believe that Gale was just an imaginary friend.
Now a young adult, circumstances have finally led her back to the camp. While she doesn't really think she'll see Gale again (he must have been imaginary, right?) she does make a new friend...
Gil hasn't stopped thinking about the human friend he met while he was younger, and he travels back to the human realm each year in the hope of finding her again.
This was such a sweet story of love and friendship. Marina's family situation was heartbreaking at times, and really made me feel for her.
If you're after an adorable, cozy read about a human reconnecting with her childhood friend, this would be perfect.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via BookSprout, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spoiler Free Review! Thank you for giving me the chance to review an eArc!
Florida swamp man brings emotional depth to the Monster Romance Genre! (and his pet alligator) see what I did there?
I'm not going to summarize what this book is about, that's what the back cover is for. I'm going to tell you why you should read this book.
This book is a true honest-to-goddess romance book—one where the emotional intimacy is as deep as the dark craig in a spring where Gil, a swamp monster, lives.
Don’t read this because you want some crazy monster peen and ridiculous plot that only exists so the characters have more shallow excuses to bang. This is NOT that.
Read this because you WANT a story that takes you by the wrist, pulls you into uncharted depths of a Florida spring, and makes you BELIEVE in love again.
You can feel the love and emotional intimacy between these two on every page, and you root for them despite nary-a-pickle making an appearance till a particular “it’s so big” scene later on. The spice (🌶️🌶️/5) in this book exists naturally, to help further that emotional connection even deeper.
Another aspect of this book that I LOVED was how much it felt like a romance anime. There was so many cute scenes, moments, and descriptions including music, internal dialog, and sounds that made the anime of this play in my head like a frikken MOVIE.
The way this author writes about FLORIDA really brings to live the beauty of it. As a Florida native I was so taken back to my own youth trips to springs in the little details included to help describe the setting. I'm dying to return to the springs and feel that sticky humidity, cool waters, and the songs of cicadas again.
Another aspect I found completely relatable, was Marina's struggle with psoriasis and self image. I suffer from eczema and the way the author chose to thoughtfully portray Marina's condition brought my right back to my own conflicted feelings in my younger years. Feelings of being unlovable as Marina puts it.
But Gil changes all that. He respects her, loves her without condition, and at the same time is protective over her after she's suffered so much trauma. He doesn't try to fix her. He is spring rock that helps stabilize her--and helps her heal herself.
The unsung side character of the book you'd think is the adorable and lovable albino alligator Clawrece, but it's actually Mariana's Grams. I love that Grams is recovering from alcohol abuse after losing her daughter (Marina's mom) and is now trying to be there for Marina as best she can as a sounding board. Despite Marina's troubled childhood the relationship between her and Grams is so endearing and special.
Like any romance novel, the HEA for this book was absolutely perfect. The characters find a way to blend this new diverse family and burn the bridges that needed to be, to set Marina free.
Last thing I'll say--you don't NEED to read I'm in Love with Mothman to enjoy this book but there are some details there that add to the same universe, some character cameos, and what looks like set up for future monster books buried between the pages. Very special additions for fans of the author's monster romance universe!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spoiler Free Review! Thank you for giving me the chance to review an eArc!
Florida swamp man brings emotional depth to the Monster Romance Genre! (and his pet alligator) see what I did there?
I'm not going to summarize what this book is about, that's what the back cover is for. I'm going to tell you why you should read this book.
This book is a true honest-to-goddess romance book—one where the emotional intimacy is as deep as the dark craig in a spring where Gil, a swamp monster, lives.
Don’t read this because you want some crazy monster peen and ridiculous plot that only exists so the characters have more shallow excuses to bang. This is NOT that.
Read this because you WANT a story that takes you by the wrist, pulls you into uncharted depths of a Florida spring, and makes you BELIEVE in love again.
You can feel the love and emotional intimacy between these two on every page, and you root for them despite nary-a-pickle making an appearance till a particular “it’s so big” scene later on. The spice (🌶️🌶️/5) in this book exists naturally, to help further that emotional connection even deeper.
Another aspect of this book that I LOVED was how much it felt like a romance anime. There was so many cute scenes, moments, and descriptions including music, internal dialog, and sounds that made the anime of this play in my head like a frikken MOVIE.
The way this author writes about FLORIDA really brings to live the beauty of it. As a Florida native I was so taken back to my own youth trips to springs in the little details included to help describe the setting. I'm dying to return to the springs and feel that sticky humidity, cool waters, and the songs of cicadas again.
Another aspect I found completely relatable, was Marina's struggle with psoriasis and self image. I suffer from eczema and the way the author chose to thoughtfully portray Marina's condition brought my right back to my own conflicted feelings in my younger years. Feelings of being unlovable as Marina puts it.
But Gil changes all that. He respects her, loves her without condition, and at the same time is protective over her after she's suffered so much trauma. He doesn't try to fix her. He is spring rock that helps stabilize her--and helps her heal herself.
The unsung side character of the book you'd think is the adorable and lovable albino alligator Clawrece, but it's actually Mariana's Grams. I love that Grams is recovering from alcohol abuse after losing her daughter (Marina's mom) and is now trying to be there for Marina as best she can as a sounding board. Despite Marina's troubled childhood the relationship between her and Grams is so endearing and special.
Like any romance novel, the HEA for this book was absolutely perfect. The characters find a way to blend this new diverse family and burn the bridges that needed to be, to set Marina free.
Last thing I'll say--you don't NEED to read I'm in Love with Mothman to enjoy this book but there are some details there that add to the same universe, some character cameos, and what looks like set up for future monster books buried between the pages. Very special additions for fans of the author's monster romance universe!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
She came back for a song and found the thing she never got over.
Marina returns to her old summer camp desperate for inspiration, carrying a broken keyboard, self-doubt, and the kind of loneliness that’s learned how to stay quiet. She tells herself she’s there to write something that might finally change her life, but the place stirs up the memory of the impossible boy who once made her feel seen when no one else did, and the ache of that old connection comes back fast.
Gil never forgets the pink-haired girl who fills his summers with music and promises he’s too young to understand but never stops meaning. When she comes back, he reaches for a second chance, even if it means risking the truth and exposing the parts of himself he’s kept hidden for years. What begins as a tender reunion turns hotter and deeper as Marina starts to wonder if the one person she thought she imagined might be the only place she’s ever truly belonged.
Marina grows from someone who braces for rejection and keeps shrinking herself into a woman who lets herself want more from love, music, and her own life. Gil grows from someone ruled by secrecy and fear into someone willing to be fully known if it means building something real with her. Together they turn a childhood bond built on longing into an intimate, healing connection shaped by care, desire, emotional safety, and the relief of finally being chosen without having to earn it first.
A hot monster romance about grief, loneliness, self-worth, trust, and the need to be fully seen, as an old summer bond turns into something intimate, healing, and real. It’s about going back to the place where everything cracked open, finding the one person who never stopped choosing you, and learning that love can feel strange, tender, and still like home.
The Elevator Pitch: A struggling songwriter returns to the summer camp that once held the only place she ever felt chosen, hoping to find a song and instead finding a man who feels like a memory made flesh. As old loneliness, buried promises, and impossible desire rise to the surface, she’s forced to question whether the most unbelievable part of her past was ever imaginary at all. What follows is a tender, fever-bright romance about being seen completely and risking everything to believe that love can lead somewhere real.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
Marina returns to her old summer camp desperate for inspiration, carrying a broken keyboard, self-doubt, and the kind of loneliness that’s learned how to stay quiet. She tells herself she’s there to write something that might finally change her life, but the place stirs up the memory of the impossible boy who once made her feel seen when no one else did, and the ache of that old connection comes back fast.
Gil never forgets the pink-haired girl who fills his summers with music and promises he’s too young to understand but never stops meaning. When she comes back, he reaches for a second chance, even if it means risking the truth and exposing the parts of himself he’s kept hidden for years. What begins as a tender reunion turns hotter and deeper as Marina starts to wonder if the one person she thought she imagined might be the only place she’s ever truly belonged.
Marina grows from someone who braces for rejection and keeps shrinking herself into a woman who lets herself want more from love, music, and her own life. Gil grows from someone ruled by secrecy and fear into someone willing to be fully known if it means building something real with her. Together they turn a childhood bond built on longing into an intimate, healing connection shaped by care, desire, emotional safety, and the relief of finally being chosen without having to earn it first.
A hot monster romance about grief, loneliness, self-worth, trust, and the need to be fully seen, as an old summer bond turns into something intimate, healing, and real. It’s about going back to the place where everything cracked open, finding the one person who never stopped choosing you, and learning that love can feel strange, tender, and still like home.
The Elevator Pitch: A struggling songwriter returns to the summer camp that once held the only place she ever felt chosen, hoping to find a song and instead finding a man who feels like a memory made flesh. As old loneliness, buried promises, and impossible desire rise to the surface, she’s forced to question whether the most unbelievable part of her past was ever imaginary at all. What follows is a tender, fever-bright romance about being seen completely and risking everything to believe that love can lead somewhere real.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
July 26, 2026
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster is exactly the kind of story that reminds you why fantasy romance can be so magical. Beneath its delightfully quirky premise lies a deeply emotional tale about second chances, childhood wonder, creativity, and finding the courage to believe in impossible things again.
Marina is an instantly sympathetic protagonist. Her struggles with self-confidence, creative frustration, and feeling overlooked make her journey feel authentic and relatable. Returning to the abandoned summer camp in search of inspiration becomes much more than a songwriting retreat—it becomes a journey back to the hopes, dreams, and friendships she thought she'd left behind.
Gil is equally memorable. Rather than serving as a simple supernatural love interest, he embodies loyalty, patience, and unwavering belief in someone he has never forgotten. Their relationship develops with warmth and sincerity, making every interaction feel earned and emotionally satisfying.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The abandoned summer camp, the nostalgic memories, and the gentle touch of fantasy create a setting that feels both enchanting and comforting. The magical elements never overwhelm the story they enhance its emotional core, reminding readers that sometimes believing in the extraordinary begins with believing in ourselves.
I also appreciated how naturally the romance unfolds. The story balances humor, tenderness, mystery, and emotional healing without rushing either the relationship or the personal growth of its characters. The monster romance premise is wonderfully original, but it's the emotional honesty beneath it that makes the novel memorable.
Paige Lavoie has written a delightful blend of cozy fantasy, paranormal romance, and heartfelt coming of age storytelling. Readers who enjoy whimsical romances, lovable monsters, second chance love stories, and books filled with nostalgia and hope will find a great deal to love here.
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster proves that sometimes the most extraordinary love stories begin with the imaginary friends we never truly forgot. It's sweet, imaginative, funny, and unexpectedly moving a wonderful start to what promises to be a delightful series.
Marina is an instantly sympathetic protagonist. Her struggles with self-confidence, creative frustration, and feeling overlooked make her journey feel authentic and relatable. Returning to the abandoned summer camp in search of inspiration becomes much more than a songwriting retreat—it becomes a journey back to the hopes, dreams, and friendships she thought she'd left behind.
Gil is equally memorable. Rather than serving as a simple supernatural love interest, he embodies loyalty, patience, and unwavering belief in someone he has never forgotten. Their relationship develops with warmth and sincerity, making every interaction feel earned and emotionally satisfying.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The abandoned summer camp, the nostalgic memories, and the gentle touch of fantasy create a setting that feels both enchanting and comforting. The magical elements never overwhelm the story they enhance its emotional core, reminding readers that sometimes believing in the extraordinary begins with believing in ourselves.
I also appreciated how naturally the romance unfolds. The story balances humor, tenderness, mystery, and emotional healing without rushing either the relationship or the personal growth of its characters. The monster romance premise is wonderfully original, but it's the emotional honesty beneath it that makes the novel memorable.
Paige Lavoie has written a delightful blend of cozy fantasy, paranormal romance, and heartfelt coming of age storytelling. Readers who enjoy whimsical romances, lovable monsters, second chance love stories, and books filled with nostalgia and hope will find a great deal to love here.
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster proves that sometimes the most extraordinary love stories begin with the imaginary friends we never truly forgot. It's sweet, imaginative, funny, and unexpectedly moving a wonderful start to what promises to be a delightful series.
April 12, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Oh, I loved this one! I absolutely adore Paige’s I’m in Love with Mothman series, and I was so excited to dive into this one, having met our swamp monster in that series!
And while this can definitely be read separately from the Mothman series, I would highly recommend reading that one before picking up this one. Especially as we see Heather and Moth again in the glow of their happily ever after. Lowkey, that might be my favorite part of this book! I loved seeing them again!
But I also loved getting to see our childhood sweethearts, Marina and Gil. Marina meets Gil one summer during summer camp while they’re kids, and they become quick friends. Despite Gil being a swamp monster. For years, they meet when Marina goes to summer camp. But everyone else around Marina insists her swamp friend is just a figment of her imagination and eventually isn’t allowed to return. Now, as an adult, Marina decides to revisit the summer camp and discovers Gil was still there waiting for her.
My heart just broke for Marina in how she was treated by her family. Mostly by her aunt and cousin. They were just truly horrible. I wanted to see Marina happy.
I also found Marina to be so relatable as she was openly dealing with psoriasis. I grew up dealing with bad eczema flare-ups, so I understood the self-conscious thoughts about wanting to scratch those places or how stress makes it worse. I just wanted to give her a hug with everything she was dealing with.
The romance between Gil and Marina was so tender and bittersweet. I loved watching them reconnect and reminisce about their summers as kids. And with Marina realizing he wasn’t just a dream.
And the ending! Eeek! It was so adorable! While it did take a route different from what I had hoped for Marina and Gil, I still found it very adorable and enjoyable! Especially as there was one particular twist I truly didn’t see coming and one that just made my heart swell! It was so cute!
I highly recommend picking up Paige’s monster romances if you enjoy cozy and quirky romances!
Oh, I loved this one! I absolutely adore Paige’s I’m in Love with Mothman series, and I was so excited to dive into this one, having met our swamp monster in that series!
And while this can definitely be read separately from the Mothman series, I would highly recommend reading that one before picking up this one. Especially as we see Heather and Moth again in the glow of their happily ever after. Lowkey, that might be my favorite part of this book! I loved seeing them again!
But I also loved getting to see our childhood sweethearts, Marina and Gil. Marina meets Gil one summer during summer camp while they’re kids, and they become quick friends. Despite Gil being a swamp monster. For years, they meet when Marina goes to summer camp. But everyone else around Marina insists her swamp friend is just a figment of her imagination and eventually isn’t allowed to return. Now, as an adult, Marina decides to revisit the summer camp and discovers Gil was still there waiting for her.
My heart just broke for Marina in how she was treated by her family. Mostly by her aunt and cousin. They were just truly horrible. I wanted to see Marina happy.
I also found Marina to be so relatable as she was openly dealing with psoriasis. I grew up dealing with bad eczema flare-ups, so I understood the self-conscious thoughts about wanting to scratch those places or how stress makes it worse. I just wanted to give her a hug with everything she was dealing with.
The romance between Gil and Marina was so tender and bittersweet. I loved watching them reconnect and reminisce about their summers as kids. And with Marina realizing he wasn’t just a dream.
And the ending! Eeek! It was so adorable! While it did take a route different from what I had hoped for Marina and Gil, I still found it very adorable and enjoyable! Especially as there was one particular twist I truly didn’t see coming and one that just made my heart swell! It was so cute!
I highly recommend picking up Paige’s monster romances if you enjoy cozy and quirky romances!
March 29, 2026
“His arms wrap around my waist as our lips meet, here at the edge of this crumbling campground—maybe this is where we build something new.”
My Boyfriend is a Swamp Monster by Paige Lavoie is such a sweet and kind monster romance novel!!
This book was so caring, soft, and healing. I wasn’t expecting such a beautiful growth of self acceptance and self love for our main character, but it was done amazingly and made me have all of the feels! This book also felt very nostalgic for me as it took place at a summer camp, had some ‘creature of the black lagoon’ vibes, and took place in the same world as Paige’s Mothman in Love series. I’ve read all of the Mothman in Love series and loved it, but this book had some of Paige’s best writing in my opinion!! Especially the first half of this book. The atmospheric descriptions, humor, and characters felt so fun and fresh. The second half of this book wasn’t as strong for me, it kind of dragged out and lost some of its humor. So because of the second half of the book not being as engaging I decided to give this book four stars. I still had a fun time with it and really enjoyed the characters.
I will say there was almost no spice in this monster romance, which I don’t mind but was surprised by. Monster romance as a genre normally feature a good amount of spicy scenes, and Paige’s other monster romance books have more spice in them as well. The spice in this novel definitely wasn’t the best part either, they weren’t very detailed or long so they almost felt out of place at times. The story and characters were great and didn’t exactly need the spice, so I’m conflicted on if the story would have been better without the spice or with more of it.
Thank you Paige Lavoie for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!! It was an absolute pleasure reading your work and I can’t wait to see where in Eclipsia we’ll go next!!
My Boyfriend is a Swamp Monster by Paige Lavoie is such a sweet and kind monster romance novel!!
This book was so caring, soft, and healing. I wasn’t expecting such a beautiful growth of self acceptance and self love for our main character, but it was done amazingly and made me have all of the feels! This book also felt very nostalgic for me as it took place at a summer camp, had some ‘creature of the black lagoon’ vibes, and took place in the same world as Paige’s Mothman in Love series. I’ve read all of the Mothman in Love series and loved it, but this book had some of Paige’s best writing in my opinion!! Especially the first half of this book. The atmospheric descriptions, humor, and characters felt so fun and fresh. The second half of this book wasn’t as strong for me, it kind of dragged out and lost some of its humor. So because of the second half of the book not being as engaging I decided to give this book four stars. I still had a fun time with it and really enjoyed the characters.
I will say there was almost no spice in this monster romance, which I don’t mind but was surprised by. Monster romance as a genre normally feature a good amount of spicy scenes, and Paige’s other monster romance books have more spice in them as well. The spice in this novel definitely wasn’t the best part either, they weren’t very detailed or long so they almost felt out of place at times. The story and characters were great and didn’t exactly need the spice, so I’m conflicted on if the story would have been better without the spice or with more of it.
Thank you Paige Lavoie for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!! It was an absolute pleasure reading your work and I can’t wait to see where in Eclipsia we’ll go next!!
July 17, 2026
I absolutely love this cover! So cute! Unfortunately I didn’t love the story.
I was all in for a swamp monster romance. Yay! The premise was there it was just poorly executed. As soon as the paranormal realm was introduced I knew I was in for disappointment.
Marina goes back to the campgrounds she visited as a kid for campy and reconnects with Gil, her swampy bff that she thought was imagined. He’s very real and she just accepts it so easily. No hesitation. A little uncertainty would have gone a long way here. Marina also has a very woe is me attitude and it was honestly so tiring. Gil was a virginal swamp man and I didn’t really care for him either. They obviously have a HEA and there’s almost no conflict anywhere. This was cute and I think that’s where my issue lies. The dialogue and writing read extremely YA.
“I’m so into you. I can’t remember the last time I had a crush this big. It’s like the emotional trainwreck of someone with their first boyfriend, selfish and silly. This is so stupid, I’m sorry. I’m not usually this clingy, I think… I don’t know, maybe I am.”
A crush? At your big age Marina? Please. 😩
This didn’t read as an adult book at all save for some very mild spice. They got busy on a lily pad in the water and it couldn’t have seemed drier. I went back to check and Amazon has it listed under erotic horror, it is neither.
“And maybe—just maybe, happiness can be found at the bottom of a cheeseball container.”
This whole book was a cheeseball. Sadly, this wasn’t for me. I appreciate the concept but wish it was executed better. Not all books have to have spice but at least market them appropriately. I don’t enjoy YA so if this had been properly advertised I would have skipped it all together.
I was all in for a swamp monster romance. Yay! The premise was there it was just poorly executed. As soon as the paranormal realm was introduced I knew I was in for disappointment.
Marina goes back to the campgrounds she visited as a kid for campy and reconnects with Gil, her swampy bff that she thought was imagined. He’s very real and she just accepts it so easily. No hesitation. A little uncertainty would have gone a long way here. Marina also has a very woe is me attitude and it was honestly so tiring. Gil was a virginal swamp man and I didn’t really care for him either. They obviously have a HEA and there’s almost no conflict anywhere. This was cute and I think that’s where my issue lies. The dialogue and writing read extremely YA.
“I’m so into you. I can’t remember the last time I had a crush this big. It’s like the emotional trainwreck of someone with their first boyfriend, selfish and silly. This is so stupid, I’m sorry. I’m not usually this clingy, I think… I don’t know, maybe I am.”
A crush? At your big age Marina? Please. 😩
This didn’t read as an adult book at all save for some very mild spice. They got busy on a lily pad in the water and it couldn’t have seemed drier. I went back to check and Amazon has it listed under erotic horror, it is neither.
“And maybe—just maybe, happiness can be found at the bottom of a cheeseball container.”
This whole book was a cheeseball. Sadly, this wasn’t for me. I appreciate the concept but wish it was executed better. Not all books have to have spice but at least market them appropriately. I don’t enjoy YA so if this had been properly advertised I would have skipped it all together.
July 5, 2026
I purchased this book because this cover is everything!
Unfortunately, I found this book to bounce between boring and sad. I thought this was the author's debut book. I was shocked to find out it wasn't. It looks like they have a long way to go in terms of growth before finding a wider audience. It took me way too long to read this short book.
Marina has had a hard life. Her parents died when she was young and she was raised by her maternal Aunt (and her husband- her Uncle). Her Aunt is nothing short of evil (IMO). It was devastating to see how she was treated. Quite depressing. Her ray of happiness is the friend she made at Summer Camp- "Gale." Well, Gale is actually Gil and he would spend time each year waiting to see if Marina would return. One day his wish comes true, though Marina doesn't know it at first because he has a charm that makes him look human (although a weird looking human). This progress pretty well from here. Gil is a beta-hero AKA a golden retriever hero (the term used today). Although, I don't think that all beta-hero's are golden retrievers. Anyway, from here things are either boring (Gil) or sad (Marina's Aunt/home life).
If you've read this author's Moth Man series, then you will see that couple here a couple of times. I have a feeling that Gil's BFF, the vampire (I forget his name) will be a hero in one of this author's future books.
Unfortunately, I found this book to bounce between boring and sad. I thought this was the author's debut book. I was shocked to find out it wasn't. It looks like they have a long way to go in terms of growth before finding a wider audience. It took me way too long to read this short book.
Marina has had a hard life. Her parents died when she was young and she was raised by her maternal Aunt (and her husband- her Uncle). Her Aunt is nothing short of evil (IMO). It was devastating to see how she was treated. Quite depressing. Her ray of happiness is the friend she made at Summer Camp- "Gale." Well, Gale is actually Gil and he would spend time each year waiting to see if Marina would return. One day his wish comes true, though Marina doesn't know it at first because he has a charm that makes him look human (although a weird looking human). This progress pretty well from here. Gil is a beta-hero AKA a golden retriever hero (the term used today). Although, I don't think that all beta-hero's are golden retrievers. Anyway, from here things are either boring (Gil) or sad (Marina's Aunt/home life).
If you've read this author's Moth Man series, then you will see that couple here a couple of times. I have a feeling that Gil's BFF, the vampire (I forget his name) will be a hero in one of this author's future books.
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW 📚
I've been looking forward to Gil's story since his appearance in the Mothman in Love series, so this was a must-read! Overall, this was such a cute story. It's as if a crossover between the Creature from the Black Lagoon and Swamp Thing (DC) came to life with a touch of magic. I'll admit that it was a bit slow at first, but the story's pace quickly picked up towards the end. Personally, I still have some questions regarding the Gillarian elders' viewpoints; nevertheless, I'm satisfied with how it ended.
Looking at the main characters, Marina was caring and passionate, while Gil was loyal and assertive. I loved how Gil always supported and stood by Marina's side, even when Marina struggled to confront her toxic family members. He's such a cinnamon roll for her. On that note, Grams is the best! Besides that, I adored the mini flashbacks to Marina and Gil's past/friendship, which added further depth to their relationship. Finally, the spicy scenes were sweet.
I WOULD RECOMMEND IF 📒
If you're looking for a sweet and cozy monster romance novel featuring themes such as "childhood friends to lovers," "he falls first," "summer camp," "magic portals/identities," "found family," and "HEA," then this is the book for you.
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've been looking forward to Gil's story since his appearance in the Mothman in Love series, so this was a must-read! Overall, this was such a cute story. It's as if a crossover between the Creature from the Black Lagoon and Swamp Thing (DC) came to life with a touch of magic. I'll admit that it was a bit slow at first, but the story's pace quickly picked up towards the end. Personally, I still have some questions regarding the Gillarian elders' viewpoints; nevertheless, I'm satisfied with how it ended.
Looking at the main characters, Marina was caring and passionate, while Gil was loyal and assertive. I loved how Gil always supported and stood by Marina's side, even when Marina struggled to confront her toxic family members. He's such a cinnamon roll for her. On that note, Grams is the best! Besides that, I adored the mini flashbacks to Marina and Gil's past/friendship, which added further depth to their relationship. Finally, the spicy scenes were sweet.
I WOULD RECOMMEND IF 📒
If you're looking for a sweet and cozy monster romance novel featuring themes such as "childhood friends to lovers," "he falls first," "summer camp," "magic portals/identities," "found family," and "HEA," then this is the book for you.
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster is a fun and quirky monster romance that delivers plenty of entertainment, even if it’s not without its flaws. Paige Lavoie brings a lighthearted approach to the genre, blending humor, sweetness, and some seriously spicy moments.
The romance between the protagonist and her swamp monster boyfriend is surprisingly sweet, with plenty of chemistry that keeps the pages turning. The spicy scenes? Absolutely on fire! Lavoie knows how to write steamy moments that are both entertaining and heated. Those scenes are definitely one of the book’s strongest points, bringing the perfect amount of excitement and intensity.
However, while the romance is enjoyable, the main female character’s personality can be a bit frustrating at times. Her decisions and reactions felt inconsistent, which made it hard to fully connect with her throughout the story. Despite this, the dynamic between her and the swamp monster boyfriend still carried the narrative forward in a fun way.
The world-building leaves a bit to be desired, and the plot is light—perfect for a quick, entertaining read but not as deep as some might expect. Still, the spicy moments and the overall quirkiness of the book made it a worthwhile experience, earning it a solid 3.5 stars.
The romance between the protagonist and her swamp monster boyfriend is surprisingly sweet, with plenty of chemistry that keeps the pages turning. The spicy scenes? Absolutely on fire! Lavoie knows how to write steamy moments that are both entertaining and heated. Those scenes are definitely one of the book’s strongest points, bringing the perfect amount of excitement and intensity.
However, while the romance is enjoyable, the main female character’s personality can be a bit frustrating at times. Her decisions and reactions felt inconsistent, which made it hard to fully connect with her throughout the story. Despite this, the dynamic between her and the swamp monster boyfriend still carried the narrative forward in a fun way.
The world-building leaves a bit to be desired, and the plot is light—perfect for a quick, entertaining read but not as deep as some might expect. Still, the spicy moments and the overall quirkiness of the book made it a worthwhile experience, earning it a solid 3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
shape of water / creature from the black lagoon girlies, come get ya man!
a super cute monster romance set in the swamp lands of florida that will give you a hankering for sweet tea.
marina yearns for a loving family - while she has that with her grandma, it's clear her aunt and cousin, in a word, suck. she needs reassurance and someone who will have her back with her best interests in mind.
gil is prime doting book boyfriend material. he's yearned for her since she disappeared from his life years before and isn't going to let this chance with her slip away. he is sprung as hellllll on marina and adores her endlessly. def a green flag read.
i like that his true identity reveal isn't a drawn out plot point; it happens and we get to move quickly along into the cryptid world. it's fun and creative without info dumping, and all the side characters are pretty fun and sweet. esp his best friend, magnus, the vampire king.
if you're looking for something that will wrap up neatly with a happy ending as a pick me up, this is your book. i think my only annoyance was
an honest arc review ✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉‧ ♡*.✧
a super cute monster romance set in the swamp lands of florida that will give you a hankering for sweet tea.
marina yearns for a loving family - while she has that with her grandma, it's clear her aunt and cousin, in a word, suck. she needs reassurance and someone who will have her back with her best interests in mind.
gil is prime doting book boyfriend material. he's yearned for her since she disappeared from his life years before and isn't going to let this chance with her slip away. he is sprung as hellllll on marina and adores her endlessly. def a green flag read.
i like that his true identity reveal isn't a drawn out plot point; it happens and we get to move quickly along into the cryptid world. it's fun and creative without info dumping, and all the side characters are pretty fun and sweet. esp his best friend, magnus, the vampire king.
if you're looking for something that will wrap up neatly with a happy ending as a pick me up, this is your book. i think my only annoyance was
an honest arc review ✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) ༉‧ ♡*.✧
August 3, 2026
✨ 𝑀𝓎 𝐵𝑜𝓎𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝐼𝓈 𝒶 𝒮𝓌𝒶𝓂𝓅 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 ✨
Okay but why was this so CUTE?! 🩷💚🥰
This is such a cozy, low-stakes romance that gave me elements from Cinderella✨ (looking at you, aunt and cousin😒). It was an easy, fun read especially since it was my first with a swamp monster.
Speaking of said monster, Gill is PEAK golden retriever energy. 😭💚 He's patient, reassuring, and exactly the kind of MMC Marina deserves after everything she's been through. Watching her slowly realize she's worthy of love had me rooting for her the entire time. 🥹
Also... a friendship that starts over cheese balls?! 🤣✨ I was sold.
The romance and timeline move FAST, so if you're looking for a slow burn, this isn't it. But if you love sweet, wholesome romances where the MMC is obsessed from the start, you'll probably have a great time. 🙌🏻
This book also had some fun side characters. 👀The grandma? A real one. 🙌🏻😌 Magnus? I need more of him immediately. 😏🧛🏻
My only complaint is the ending. I thought we were building toward a bigger showdown, but everything wrapped up pretty quickly. I wanted just a little more drama before the happily ever after.
If you're looking for a cozy monster romance with golden retriever energy, found family, and plenty of heart, this one is worth checking out. 🩷✨
Okay but why was this so CUTE?! 🩷💚🥰
This is such a cozy, low-stakes romance that gave me elements from Cinderella✨ (looking at you, aunt and cousin😒). It was an easy, fun read especially since it was my first with a swamp monster.
Speaking of said monster, Gill is PEAK golden retriever energy. 😭💚 He's patient, reassuring, and exactly the kind of MMC Marina deserves after everything she's been through. Watching her slowly realize she's worthy of love had me rooting for her the entire time. 🥹
Also... a friendship that starts over cheese balls?! 🤣✨ I was sold.
The romance and timeline move FAST, so if you're looking for a slow burn, this isn't it. But if you love sweet, wholesome romances where the MMC is obsessed from the start, you'll probably have a great time. 🙌🏻
This book also had some fun side characters. 👀The grandma? A real one. 🙌🏻😌 Magnus? I need more of him immediately. 😏🧛🏻
My only complaint is the ending. I thought we were building toward a bigger showdown, but everything wrapped up pretty quickly. I wanted just a little more drama before the happily ever after.
If you're looking for a cozy monster romance with golden retriever energy, found family, and plenty of heart, this one is worth checking out. 🩷✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews