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Tentacles and Tides: A Crescent Cove Novella
285 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 20, 2026
Оця мені сподобалась більше за попередню, тут дуже класний та турботливий головний герой. Який дуже підтримував та допомагав головній героїні. Щей дуже класно готує. Мінусом для мене були довгі розділи 😭
А так то дуже хороша історія 🥰
А так то дуже хороша історія 🥰
June 18, 2026
Such the perfect feel good cozy monster romance.
If only I could have my own boyfriend with tentacles!! Octavius had that grumpy protective energy I love in an MMC. Kara was all sass, spunk and adorableness. Together they just made such a great feel good combo. She was running away and while she is perfectly capable of doing things herself , damn don’t we all wish there was an octopus shifter with multiple tentacles to take care of us !!!
Loved the setting of the small town shifter coastal town and the vibes. Loved the cute little cottage Kara settles in !! Just an all around great fun summer read !!!
June 6, 2026
If you're searching for the ultimate cozy summer romance with a magical twist, Tentacles and Tides is it!
This novella swept me back to Crescent Cove, a charming seaside town full of magic, found family, and unforgettable characters. Kara arrives carrying the weight of her past and searching for a fresh start. Only to find herself crossing paths with Octavius, a grumpy but caring masseuse whose tentacles are just as comforting as they are intriguing.
The relationship between Kara and Octavius was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their chemistry is instant, their banter is adorable, and watching their connection grow felt so natural. Octavius is protective without taking away from Kara’s independence and encourages her to find her own strength while always being there when she needs him.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth packed into such a quick read. Beneath the sweet romance, there's a beautiful story about healing, self worth, and finding a place where you truly belong.
Thank you so much to Lauren Sanatra for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
This novella swept me back to Crescent Cove, a charming seaside town full of magic, found family, and unforgettable characters. Kara arrives carrying the weight of her past and searching for a fresh start. Only to find herself crossing paths with Octavius, a grumpy but caring masseuse whose tentacles are just as comforting as they are intriguing.
The relationship between Kara and Octavius was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their chemistry is instant, their banter is adorable, and watching their connection grow felt so natural. Octavius is protective without taking away from Kara’s independence and encourages her to find her own strength while always being there when she needs him.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth packed into such a quick read. Beneath the sweet romance, there's a beautiful story about healing, self worth, and finding a place where you truly belong.
Thank you so much to Lauren Sanatra for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
May 24, 2026
I was lucky enough to secure this ARC read and believe me when I tell you this was SO cute! My first octopus shifter romance and I have been sucked in for sure (pun intended 🐙)
Setting is a magical seaside town where only magical beings live. Kara the FMC is running from her past where she was nothing but a bartering chip in a poker game by her pathetic ex. Quite literally selling her to a man who took and abused her. Fast forward she is living on the run in Crescent Cove in a run down seaside cottage that could fall apart at any minute.
MMC Octavious a octopus shifter is the broody massage parlor owner who can take away all the stress with his 8 tentacles and then expel into the ocean at the end of the day. Mentally this takes a toll on him I mean how could it not?!
He meets Kara and he immediately senses there is more to her that meets the eye—his 8 limbs seem taken with her as well. Just like the tide coming in, their love runs fast. Will it be enough to escape her past?!
Setting is a magical seaside town where only magical beings live. Kara the FMC is running from her past where she was nothing but a bartering chip in a poker game by her pathetic ex. Quite literally selling her to a man who took and abused her. Fast forward she is living on the run in Crescent Cove in a run down seaside cottage that could fall apart at any minute.
MMC Octavious a octopus shifter is the broody massage parlor owner who can take away all the stress with his 8 tentacles and then expel into the ocean at the end of the day. Mentally this takes a toll on him I mean how could it not?!
He meets Kara and he immediately senses there is more to her that meets the eye—his 8 limbs seem taken with her as well. Just like the tide coming in, their love runs fast. Will it be enough to escape her past?!
July 21, 2026
Tentacles and Tides is the fourth book that I've picked up in the Crescent Cove series of paranormal romance novellas, each written by a different author. The couple of this book is a human female and a male octopus shifter. This novella addresses some darker themes than the other ones I've read in the series so far, especially coming straight from reading Storms and Sunshine into Tentacles and Tides. Tentacles and Tides does fit the vibes of the two novellas that I read before Storms and Sunshine though, so it does feel like Storms and Sunshine was the outlier in the series.
Tentacles and Tides does have some spicy scenes in it, but that's balanced really well with an emotional arc for FMC Kara who's on the run from a dangerous man. I raced through this one, and really enjoyed it! I think this is my favourite of the four so far!
Tentacles and Tides does have some spicy scenes in it, but that's balanced really well with an emotional arc for FMC Kara who's on the run from a dangerous man. I raced through this one, and really enjoyed it! I think this is my favourite of the four so far!
June 28, 2026
This was an ARC read
This is a paranormal-monster romance with spice. Make sure you know what that means before reading. Make sure to also check the TW before reading as there are some heavy themes in this story.
This is also part of a shared World Series called Crescent Cove where each story can be read as a standalone.
We love Octavius!! That man has magic tentacles and…okay maybe we should say his tentacles have the magic touch 🤭Alright, alright, alright. He’s a message therapist and he takes his job very seriously. No, like he really does. He can tell when people want those tentacles 😏and he’s all business. No touching thank you.
We don’t want to spoil the tentacle magic, but just know his tentacles are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to massaging. I think this is actually really brilliant and the author did something fantastic with Octavius here and his tentacles. The tentacles also do something in the water and that whole aspect of it was also very unique. It also comes back with the FMC and the peace she feels when looking out at the ocean and seen an auror of colors.
Like, if we wanted to go deep with this we would be like, in the release of his chaos she is at most peace. Bro! What does that mean?! It’s a beautiful story that’s what.
There is a side character (Mia the receptionist) in this story that is great and totally deserves their own book. They seem like a character that would have a lot of fun and also a lot going on.
Kara is the human FMC and she should not be in Crescent Cove, like at all. However she’s able to be there and why are a big part of the story and in uncovering that we learn there are shark shifters who may kind of be the bad guys?
We also find out Octavius is a huge protector and of course because he’s watching out for Crescent Cove 😉he’s gotta go make sure she’s save in her dilapidated house during a storm.
Under Octavius’ watchful eye, becasue he’s protecting Crescent Cove, he realizes he maybe likes her a bit too much and that she’s clearly hiding something, but that doesn’t stop the 🍆from happening
The story feels like a dramatic romance with tentacles and some ummm…gamblers? bad guys who maybe don’t respect women too well. It does feel like a slow burn because they’re trying the whole friend’s first route, which is also why we said pacing felt like on the middle because eventually everyone is like “ let’s touch now” and they do
Not sure if this would be considered a dark romance because it does have heavy themes in it. Kara especially has some trauma and other mental health issues given her life history. It’s done well and is part of the central story line. Octavius does his best to alleviate and be respectful of her needs. This is how we learn he’s a giant teddy bear.
This is a paranormal-monster romance with spice. Make sure you know what that means before reading. Make sure to also check the TW before reading as there are some heavy themes in this story.
This is also part of a shared World Series called Crescent Cove where each story can be read as a standalone.
We love Octavius!! That man has magic tentacles and…okay maybe we should say his tentacles have the magic touch 🤭Alright, alright, alright. He’s a message therapist and he takes his job very seriously. No, like he really does. He can tell when people want those tentacles 😏and he’s all business. No touching thank you.
We don’t want to spoil the tentacle magic, but just know his tentacles are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to massaging. I think this is actually really brilliant and the author did something fantastic with Octavius here and his tentacles. The tentacles also do something in the water and that whole aspect of it was also very unique. It also comes back with the FMC and the peace she feels when looking out at the ocean and seen an auror of colors.
Like, if we wanted to go deep with this we would be like, in the release of his chaos she is at most peace. Bro! What does that mean?! It’s a beautiful story that’s what.
There is a side character (Mia the receptionist) in this story that is great and totally deserves their own book. They seem like a character that would have a lot of fun and also a lot going on.
Kara is the human FMC and she should not be in Crescent Cove, like at all. However she’s able to be there and why are a big part of the story and in uncovering that we learn there are shark shifters who may kind of be the bad guys?
We also find out Octavius is a huge protector and of course because he’s watching out for Crescent Cove 😉he’s gotta go make sure she’s save in her dilapidated house during a storm.
Under Octavius’ watchful eye, becasue he’s protecting Crescent Cove, he realizes he maybe likes her a bit too much and that she’s clearly hiding something, but that doesn’t stop the 🍆from happening
The story feels like a dramatic romance with tentacles and some ummm…gamblers? bad guys who maybe don’t respect women too well. It does feel like a slow burn because they’re trying the whole friend’s first route, which is also why we said pacing felt like on the middle because eventually everyone is like “ let’s touch now” and they do
Not sure if this would be considered a dark romance because it does have heavy themes in it. Kara especially has some trauma and other mental health issues given her life history. It’s done well and is part of the central story line. Octavius does his best to alleviate and be respectful of her needs. This is how we learn he’s a giant teddy bear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute and spicy summer romance between a human desperate to escape her past and the octopus shifter that she hopes will consume every part of her future.
Kara is desperate to leave her past life behind her. After stealing a pearl necklace that allows her to enter the magical town of Crescent Cove, Kara hopes that she can evade the man that used to control every aspect of her life. She may be inhabiting a cottage that is literally falling apart around her, but it's the safest she's felt in years. Desperate to let go of some of her stress, she goes to Suction and Serenity Spa, where an octopus shifter is known to take away people's negative emotions. Octavious has always been known for being a grumpy masseuse, but can one really blame him when he spends all day absorbing people's negative emotions into himself? Those complicated feelings, don't just disappear, after all. When Kara walks through his door, Octavious knows that she is harboring deadly secrets, and he is curious to find out what they are. The more time he spends with Kara, his curiosity develops into something deeper, more real. Could the grumpy octopus really be falling for this mysterious stranger that shouldn't even be in Crescent Cove?
It was so fun getting to return to Crescent Cove! This is the second novella in this series I've read, and it's no surprise that I ate up Kara and Octavious' story. I'm so grateful that Sanatra was willing to present me with an ARC of this one!
Kara and Octavious are both pretty complex characters. Kara is escaping a deadly past that is filled with some pretty sucky circumstances. I won't go into details due to spoilers, but let's just say the men she was tied up with are actually the worst kind of people. I hate them so much. Octavious literally takes people's negative emotions from them and temporarily harbors them inside himself, so he isn't exactly the jolliest of fellows. The two have definitely seen and experienced some things over the years, so they definitely can bond over these emotions.
Kara and Octavious' relationship starts in such a goofy way. Kara goes to Octavious's shop in the hopes of relieving her stress. He discovers that Kara is holding in more than any person he's ever worked on before and he is seriously worried about her. This has him pulling an Edward Cullen and hovering outside her house and watching her to make sure she's okay. Octavious soon learns that the cottage Kara is staying in is dangerously unstable, and he decides that he must be the one to help her repair it, due to her serious trust issues. The two then proceed to have the best banter as they play drunken poker together and Octavious cooks for Kara. The beginning phases of their relationship are so sweet, and it was great to see Kara learn to trust again after all that she has gone through.
Kara and Octavious spend a bit of time with one another before they get in bed together, but their chemistry is pretty strong from the start. Octavious can sense emotions as part of his octopus abilities, so he learns quickly that Kara is attracted to him. He is quite the gentlemen about it and offers to keep giving Kara massages that have nothing to do with sex. These two do eventually give into their mutual pining, and when they do, things get fiery pretty fast. Keep in mind that Octavious is an octopus shifter, so her has eight tentacles at his disposal, which makes the spicy scenes quite a show. I can't say that I'm the best at keeping up when there are so many appendages at play, but tentacles kinks are definitely prevalent in the monster romance community. These two like to get a little rough and risky in the bedroom, so the sex scenes weren't my favorite, but they were still penned well.
Kara's past really holds a ton of dark stuff, but I'm glad that Octavious is there to help her work through her traumas. Eventually people from her past are going to find her, so this adds a layer of suspense to this mostly lighthearted book. I really wasn't expecting such a dark subplot to this cute summer romance, but I'm not complaining.
Overall, "Tentacles and Tides" is another cute and spicy installment in the "Crescent Cove" series that features two characters who never thought they'd get a true chance at love. It was really sweet seeing Octavious and Kara learn to trust all while they bantered flirtatiously and fell for one another. The depth to Kara's backstory really surprised me, and I'm glad to see that this series is willing to tackle heavy topics while still delivering a cozy romance filled with summer vibes. I look forward to my return to Crescent Cove in the near future!
Kara is desperate to leave her past life behind her. After stealing a pearl necklace that allows her to enter the magical town of Crescent Cove, Kara hopes that she can evade the man that used to control every aspect of her life. She may be inhabiting a cottage that is literally falling apart around her, but it's the safest she's felt in years. Desperate to let go of some of her stress, she goes to Suction and Serenity Spa, where an octopus shifter is known to take away people's negative emotions. Octavious has always been known for being a grumpy masseuse, but can one really blame him when he spends all day absorbing people's negative emotions into himself? Those complicated feelings, don't just disappear, after all. When Kara walks through his door, Octavious knows that she is harboring deadly secrets, and he is curious to find out what they are. The more time he spends with Kara, his curiosity develops into something deeper, more real. Could the grumpy octopus really be falling for this mysterious stranger that shouldn't even be in Crescent Cove?
It was so fun getting to return to Crescent Cove! This is the second novella in this series I've read, and it's no surprise that I ate up Kara and Octavious' story. I'm so grateful that Sanatra was willing to present me with an ARC of this one!
Kara and Octavious are both pretty complex characters. Kara is escaping a deadly past that is filled with some pretty sucky circumstances. I won't go into details due to spoilers, but let's just say the men she was tied up with are actually the worst kind of people. I hate them so much. Octavious literally takes people's negative emotions from them and temporarily harbors them inside himself, so he isn't exactly the jolliest of fellows. The two have definitely seen and experienced some things over the years, so they definitely can bond over these emotions.
Kara and Octavious' relationship starts in such a goofy way. Kara goes to Octavious's shop in the hopes of relieving her stress. He discovers that Kara is holding in more than any person he's ever worked on before and he is seriously worried about her. This has him pulling an Edward Cullen and hovering outside her house and watching her to make sure she's okay. Octavious soon learns that the cottage Kara is staying in is dangerously unstable, and he decides that he must be the one to help her repair it, due to her serious trust issues. The two then proceed to have the best banter as they play drunken poker together and Octavious cooks for Kara. The beginning phases of their relationship are so sweet, and it was great to see Kara learn to trust again after all that she has gone through.
Kara and Octavious spend a bit of time with one another before they get in bed together, but their chemistry is pretty strong from the start. Octavious can sense emotions as part of his octopus abilities, so he learns quickly that Kara is attracted to him. He is quite the gentlemen about it and offers to keep giving Kara massages that have nothing to do with sex. These two do eventually give into their mutual pining, and when they do, things get fiery pretty fast. Keep in mind that Octavious is an octopus shifter, so her has eight tentacles at his disposal, which makes the spicy scenes quite a show. I can't say that I'm the best at keeping up when there are so many appendages at play, but tentacles kinks are definitely prevalent in the monster romance community. These two like to get a little rough and risky in the bedroom, so the sex scenes weren't my favorite, but they were still penned well.
Kara's past really holds a ton of dark stuff, but I'm glad that Octavious is there to help her work through her traumas. Eventually people from her past are going to find her, so this adds a layer of suspense to this mostly lighthearted book. I really wasn't expecting such a dark subplot to this cute summer romance, but I'm not complaining.
Overall, "Tentacles and Tides" is another cute and spicy installment in the "Crescent Cove" series that features two characters who never thought they'd get a true chance at love. It was really sweet seeing Octavious and Kara learn to trust all while they bantered flirtatiously and fell for one another. The depth to Kara's backstory really surprised me, and I'm glad to see that this series is willing to tackle heavy topics while still delivering a cozy romance filled with summer vibes. I look forward to my return to Crescent Cove in the near future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had a really strong five star start, an excellent middle, and a sloppy finish. It could be a 5 star read with perhaps another few chapters where the bad guys are a bit nasty again per the setup in the beginning. Seriously, it just needs 2 or 3 more short chapters and some outside intervention I think.
Another note, I wanted crescent cove for comfy cozy reading and this is not comfy cozy reading. I believe this book deserves just a tiny bit more attention, a change of the town name, and to be a standalone outside the series for several reasons, not least because it really is a strong standalone book but also because *spoilers* you really can't make a truly cozy novel out of a human trafficking and domestic violence story even with sensitively implied rape. I also hate that Octavious gets rough with her and chokes her or rather encircles her neck and she likes it. Like.... no. She is bound to have triggers about that and if touching the necklace sets her off a bit then roughness and choking definitely would. I think that the situation was dealt with really really well in the beginning and then sloppily at the end. I think there's room for there to be a whole lot more gentleness and tenderness coming from Octavius and if you MUST have choking in it because that's the fashion for romantasy now, get her riding him and on maybe the second time they hook up she chokes HIM because he wants HER to take her power back. I'm seriously only wtiting so much because truly, this was an excellent book in the beginning but please:
Make it a standalone because it deserves it, and write another cutesy kraken story for Crescent Cove if you can.... and if you can't, then PLEASE add a trigger warning at the start, and switch up the power dynamics with the smut because power exchange would be healthy, and add a bit where Zavier doesnt give up and comes with a small army to come and get Kara and a couple of the witches and maybe some others like a gorgon band together against him and... maybe turn him into a stone and sink him into the ocean? The real bad guy needs to be properly dealt with.
Again, please and I'm sorry, I really loved this but it's only "decent" in it's current form and it deserves the passion and determination that it gets in the beginning because it could be truly exceptional if the writing style and effort and willpower continued.
Another note, I wanted crescent cove for comfy cozy reading and this is not comfy cozy reading. I believe this book deserves just a tiny bit more attention, a change of the town name, and to be a standalone outside the series for several reasons, not least because it really is a strong standalone book but also because *spoilers* you really can't make a truly cozy novel out of a human trafficking and domestic violence story even with sensitively implied rape. I also hate that Octavious gets rough with her and chokes her or rather encircles her neck and she likes it. Like.... no. She is bound to have triggers about that and if touching the necklace sets her off a bit then roughness and choking definitely would. I think that the situation was dealt with really really well in the beginning and then sloppily at the end. I think there's room for there to be a whole lot more gentleness and tenderness coming from Octavius and if you MUST have choking in it because that's the fashion for romantasy now, get her riding him and on maybe the second time they hook up she chokes HIM because he wants HER to take her power back. I'm seriously only wtiting so much because truly, this was an excellent book in the beginning but please:
Make it a standalone because it deserves it, and write another cutesy kraken story for Crescent Cove if you can.... and if you can't, then PLEASE add a trigger warning at the start, and switch up the power dynamics with the smut because power exchange would be healthy, and add a bit where Zavier doesnt give up and comes with a small army to come and get Kara and a couple of the witches and maybe some others like a gorgon band together against him and... maybe turn him into a stone and sink him into the ocean? The real bad guy needs to be properly dealt with.
Again, please and I'm sorry, I really loved this but it's only "decent" in it's current form and it deserves the passion and determination that it gets in the beginning because it could be truly exceptional if the writing style and effort and willpower continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
Welcome to Crescent Cove where humans are few and limited and shifters are the norm! Say what? Half human like, half sea creature? Yup! Tentacles and Tides by Lauren Sanatra will take you out to the sea with a twist on a beachy romance. A cute novella about Kara, a human *gasp* running to our seaside paradise to seek shelter from one of the aforementioned shifters. She got caught up in a game of poker with a card shark - literally a shark shifter who plays cards - binding her to a contract she can't get out of. Luckily, she stole a pearl necklace from the shark and his crew before she arrived as the pearl grants her access to the beach due to her human form. Thankfully, her safety is met in an abandoned shack on a cliff but it's in major need of disrepair. Feeling like she had the weight on her shoulders, she heads to a masseuse for some relaxation. That is where we meet our grumpy sunshine, Octavius. He's an octopus but his magic lies in being able to suck the stress, worry and tension with his tentacles! Kara is really intrigued by this but has to keep her identity a secret. Hoping he doesn't notice as he puts his tentacles on her, Kara lies her way through most of the book as a sea selk. Little does she know, but Octavius catches a glimpse of her true identity. Octavius rescues Kara in her shack trying while a DIY goes wrong. From that moment on, we see their relationship unfold one tentacle at a time!
You're in for a treat with this short read. Lauren was super creative with her writing on how to make these 2 unlikely characters rely on each other from beginning to the end. A little espionage at the end will grab you in hook, line and sucker! Who would have thought a magical sea world would capture my heart and want to read more of the series! Perfect book for a beach day!
You're in for a treat with this short read. Lauren was super creative with her writing on how to make these 2 unlikely characters rely on each other from beginning to the end. A little espionage at the end will grab you in hook, line and sucker! Who would have thought a magical sea world would capture my heart and want to read more of the series! Perfect book for a beach day!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tentacles and Tides (A Crescent Cove Novella)
By Lauren Sanatra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Lauren Sanatra for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit it, I was a little wary going into this one. I’ve read shifter romances before, but usually the spicy scenes stay very human. This book? Not exactly. One of the participants in the steamy scenes here is a partially shifted octopus… and somehow, against all odds, it worked. Like, really worked. 🔥
This novella was exactly the right length for the story it wanted to tell. Sometimes romances can drag if they over-explain the worldbuilding, but this one kept things moving while still giving enough detail to make the magical setting feel immersive. I ended up finishing it in two sittings because I genuinely wanted to know what happened next.
Octavius was such a fun character concept. He’s an octopus shifter masseuse whose services go far beyond stress relief. The descriptions of him “offloading” the emotions and tension from his workday were honestly beautiful and added a surprisingly emotional layer beneath all the steam. Kara was also easy to root for. She felt grounded, relatable, and emotionally believable, which helped balance the story’s more fantastical elements.
If you’re curious about dipping your toes into monster romance but don’t want to commit to a massive book, this is a fun place to start.
✔️ grumpy x sunshine
✔️ steamy romance
✔️ magical world
✔️ emotional healing / past trauma
✔️ tentacles (obviously)
By Lauren Sanatra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Lauren Sanatra for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit it, I was a little wary going into this one. I’ve read shifter romances before, but usually the spicy scenes stay very human. This book? Not exactly. One of the participants in the steamy scenes here is a partially shifted octopus… and somehow, against all odds, it worked. Like, really worked. 🔥
This novella was exactly the right length for the story it wanted to tell. Sometimes romances can drag if they over-explain the worldbuilding, but this one kept things moving while still giving enough detail to make the magical setting feel immersive. I ended up finishing it in two sittings because I genuinely wanted to know what happened next.
Octavius was such a fun character concept. He’s an octopus shifter masseuse whose services go far beyond stress relief. The descriptions of him “offloading” the emotions and tension from his workday were honestly beautiful and added a surprisingly emotional layer beneath all the steam. Kara was also easy to root for. She felt grounded, relatable, and emotionally believable, which helped balance the story’s more fantastical elements.
If you’re curious about dipping your toes into monster romance but don’t want to commit to a massive book, this is a fun place to start.
✔️ grumpy x sunshine
✔️ steamy romance
✔️ magical world
✔️ emotional healing / past trauma
✔️ tentacles (obviously)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the lovely Lauren Sanatra for providing me with an ARC! I’m honored and so happy to have been able to read and review this before the release.
This book was my second read in the Crescent Cove series and it was so good! There’s so much mystery and intrigue surrounding the FMC, and it was so fun, and sometimes sad, to learn more about her past and her story as the book progressed. I also loved the MMC and how he tried so hard to come across as gruff and grumpy, but is actually a kind and understanding person who just needed someone to see him again. Also, oh how I wish octopus shifters who could pull all your negative emotions and stress from your body were real! The nuances of his abilities were explored so well in this novella, and I loved seeing his character growth throughout the book. The battles of wills between him and the FMC were very fun throughout, and I love how their relationship developed, almost without either of them realizing it for a while.
The spice level in this book is HIGH, but so fun. I very much am not anyone who has ever dreamed of having a tentacle kink, and I still don’t, but some of the scenes did sound intriguing.
And I love how Octavius and Kara both really connect with each other on many different levels before getting physical, as it makes it all feel so much more real and meaningful. Their banter especially is a delight and made me giggle more than once. I highly recommend this book for your summer reading!
This book was my second read in the Crescent Cove series and it was so good! There’s so much mystery and intrigue surrounding the FMC, and it was so fun, and sometimes sad, to learn more about her past and her story as the book progressed. I also loved the MMC and how he tried so hard to come across as gruff and grumpy, but is actually a kind and understanding person who just needed someone to see him again. Also, oh how I wish octopus shifters who could pull all your negative emotions and stress from your body were real! The nuances of his abilities were explored so well in this novella, and I loved seeing his character growth throughout the book. The battles of wills between him and the FMC were very fun throughout, and I love how their relationship developed, almost without either of them realizing it for a while.
The spice level in this book is HIGH, but so fun. I very much am not anyone who has ever dreamed of having a tentacle kink, and I still don’t, but some of the scenes did sound intriguing.
And I love how Octavius and Kara both really connect with each other on many different levels before getting physical, as it makes it all feel so much more real and meaningful. Their banter especially is a delight and made me giggle more than once. I highly recommend this book for your summer reading!
July 7, 2026
I never thought I'd develop a tentacle kink, but here we are! Kara escapes to Crescent Cove hoping to finally leave her past behind her, but her fresh start comes with a cottage that's barely standing at all. When Octavius, the grumpy octopus shifter who owns the local massage parlor, keeps showing up to help her, they end up building something sweet and spicy!
Kara has been dealing with a lot for a long time, so she doesn't even know what it feels like to let someone in without feeling like there are strings attached. Octavius became that person for her and it completely melted my heart. He kept consistently showing up, respected her boundaries, and became someone she could finally breathe around. I loved that their relationship wasn't built on one big event. It was all the little things that made me fall in love with them. Fixing up the cottage together, the banter, and the way he noticed what she needed before she ever had to ask all made their relationship feel lovely. And yes, the tentacles were definitely fun!
This ended up being about learning to trust again, finding a place where you finally feel safe, and realizing that love isn't supposed to feel like something you earn once you give over your soul. I'm loving this series of interconnected summer romances and I can't wait for the next one!
Kara has been dealing with a lot for a long time, so she doesn't even know what it feels like to let someone in without feeling like there are strings attached. Octavius became that person for her and it completely melted my heart. He kept consistently showing up, respected her boundaries, and became someone she could finally breathe around. I loved that their relationship wasn't built on one big event. It was all the little things that made me fall in love with them. Fixing up the cottage together, the banter, and the way he noticed what she needed before she ever had to ask all made their relationship feel lovely. And yes, the tentacles were definitely fun!
This ended up being about learning to trust again, finding a place where you finally feel safe, and realizing that love isn't supposed to feel like something you earn once you give over your soul. I'm loving this series of interconnected summer romances and I can't wait for the next one!
July 8, 2026
First things first, thank you to Lauren for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Now, let's dive in... 🌊
This was such a cute, cozy read! I absolutely loved the grumpy, protective energy from our MMC paired with the sassy, independent, and overall badass FMC. Their chemistry had me hooked from the very beginning.
Can we also talk about Crescent Cove? This town completely reeled me in, and I already can't wait to continue the series and spend more time there.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous going into this one. My previous shifter reads have been a bit hit or miss, but this one totally made waves for me. Even though it's a novella, Lauren found the perfect balance between giving us enough detail to become invested while still keeping the story moving at a great pace.
And the spice? Oh, the spice was absolutely making a splash. 🌶️🌊
Also, I think we can all agree that we all deserve an octopus shifter massage to absorb our stress and emotions. Honestly, where do I sign up? And while we're at it, I definitely wouldn't say no to some poker lessons from Kara either.
This is the perfect little summer escape. Grab your favorite beach towel, settle into your chair by the water, and let yourself get swept away to this magical, cozy seaside town.
Now, let's dive in... 🌊
This was such a cute, cozy read! I absolutely loved the grumpy, protective energy from our MMC paired with the sassy, independent, and overall badass FMC. Their chemistry had me hooked from the very beginning.
Can we also talk about Crescent Cove? This town completely reeled me in, and I already can't wait to continue the series and spend more time there.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous going into this one. My previous shifter reads have been a bit hit or miss, but this one totally made waves for me. Even though it's a novella, Lauren found the perfect balance between giving us enough detail to become invested while still keeping the story moving at a great pace.
And the spice? Oh, the spice was absolutely making a splash. 🌶️🌊
Also, I think we can all agree that we all deserve an octopus shifter massage to absorb our stress and emotions. Honestly, where do I sign up? And while we're at it, I definitely wouldn't say no to some poker lessons from Kara either.
This is the perfect little summer escape. Grab your favorite beach towel, settle into your chair by the water, and let yourself get swept away to this magical, cozy seaside town.
May 23, 2026
Tentacles and Tides is the perfect fun, beachy read for summer! This cozy romance novella is sweet and spicy with lovable characters. I loved Kara and Octavius’s love story! He would burn the world down to save her, but he will also stand by and protect her so that she can save herself. (Insert giggling and feet kicking!!!)
Kara is running from her past and ends up in the magical seaside town of Crescent Cove. Humans aren’t technically allowed to live there…. She meets Octavius, a hot, grumpy masseuse with stress relieving tentacles. He can feel that she is hiding something and wants to uncover her secrets. The chemistry between them is undeniable. He is bossy and she is stubborn. The banter is adorable! But it’s emotional and so much deeper than that. Can they heal each other? Can he help free her so that she can put down roots in Crescent Cove?
I recommend this book if you are looking for quick yet emotional ,heartfelt romantic read. It gives warm fuzzy vibes, but with a little tentacle play. Tentacles and Tides is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the rest!! It definitely made me want to move to Crescent Cove and make some magical friends!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc!
Kara is running from her past and ends up in the magical seaside town of Crescent Cove. Humans aren’t technically allowed to live there…. She meets Octavius, a hot, grumpy masseuse with stress relieving tentacles. He can feel that she is hiding something and wants to uncover her secrets. The chemistry between them is undeniable. He is bossy and she is stubborn. The banter is adorable! But it’s emotional and so much deeper than that. Can they heal each other? Can he help free her so that she can put down roots in Crescent Cove?
I recommend this book if you are looking for quick yet emotional ,heartfelt romantic read. It gives warm fuzzy vibes, but with a little tentacle play. Tentacles and Tides is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the rest!! It definitely made me want to move to Crescent Cove and make some magical friends!
Thank you to the author for the e-arc!
June 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🐇
In all honesty, I wasn’t sure if I was gonna be super invested in this book. Then I couldn’t stop reading it and if I wasn’t reading it I was wanting to read or thinking about it. It’s a perfect book for a quick cozy read whether you’re at the beach or pretending it’s fall in your home like me. The way their relationship builds is so satisfying and so wholesome (and spicy) to read. It keeps your attention and for a novella it’s very well paced and isn’t lacking on details. You’re getting it all. I grew attached to the characters very quickly as I’m sure everyone will. They’re hard not to love, you have Kara who you just want to hug although she can hold her own. You have octavius who seems like he doesn’t care about anyone but secretly cares a lot, especially towards Kara. And we have Mina who is who we all want as our friend, Sassy with playful snark but supportive and will be there when you need it. Genuinely if you want a novella to escape into I definitely recommend picking up Tentacles and Tides. 🌛 which is currently available for preorders now 🌛
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
Fluff (the good kind): 🐇🐇🐇
Overall rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖
In all honesty, I wasn’t sure if I was gonna be super invested in this book. Then I couldn’t stop reading it and if I wasn’t reading it I was wanting to read or thinking about it. It’s a perfect book for a quick cozy read whether you’re at the beach or pretending it’s fall in your home like me. The way their relationship builds is so satisfying and so wholesome (and spicy) to read. It keeps your attention and for a novella it’s very well paced and isn’t lacking on details. You’re getting it all. I grew attached to the characters very quickly as I’m sure everyone will. They’re hard not to love, you have Kara who you just want to hug although she can hold her own. You have octavius who seems like he doesn’t care about anyone but secretly cares a lot, especially towards Kara. And we have Mina who is who we all want as our friend, Sassy with playful snark but supportive and will be there when you need it. Genuinely if you want a novella to escape into I definitely recommend picking up Tentacles and Tides. 🌛 which is currently available for preorders now 🌛
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
Fluff (the good kind): 🐇🐇🐇
Overall rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖
July 7, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Tentacles & Tides. It was a quick, spicy, and cozy read that made for the perfect summer escape while still delivering plenty of humor alongside the romance.
The chemistry between Octavius and Kara kept me invested, but what I loved even more was how well they balanced each other out. They brought out the best in one another, offering the support, encouragement, and understanding they both needed to finally let go of survival mode. Their relationship felt really sweet beneath their tough exteriors.
I also really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Crescent Cove and can’t wait to spend more time there in the other books. It’s always fun discovering a new interconnected series, and I’m excited to meet more characters while hopefully getting to see Octavius and Kara again along the way.
Overall, Tentacles & Tides is a charming and steamy monster romance that’s perfect for anyone looking for a sweet & spicy summer read with lovable characters, banter, second chances, magic, and lots of chemistry. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books set in Crescent Cove!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
The chemistry between Octavius and Kara kept me invested, but what I loved even more was how well they balanced each other out. They brought out the best in one another, offering the support, encouragement, and understanding they both needed to finally let go of survival mode. Their relationship felt really sweet beneath their tough exteriors.
I also really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Crescent Cove and can’t wait to spend more time there in the other books. It’s always fun discovering a new interconnected series, and I’m excited to meet more characters while hopefully getting to see Octavius and Kara again along the way.
Overall, Tentacles & Tides is a charming and steamy monster romance that’s perfect for anyone looking for a sweet & spicy summer read with lovable characters, banter, second chances, magic, and lots of chemistry. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books set in Crescent Cove!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tentacles and Tides is such a short and sweet book that has a little suspense thrown in! It’s perfect for summer and beach vibes while giving you everything you need in a book, but in novella form! A lot of the time novellas will feel rushed and like pieces are missing, but Lauren really hit the mark with this one! I didn’t find that it was rushed at all and everything seemed to flow organically.
Kara is a human… is this relevant? Yes, because she finds herself in a magical town where humans aren’t allowed…. Which is exactly why she runs there in hopes of finding safety.
Octavius is an octopus shifter who works as a masseuse where he not only relaxes your body, but your mind! He’s immediately drawn to Kara when she comes in for a massage and to unload her emotions. He senses she’s different and so begins his fascination with her.
Kara and Octavius find themselves drawn together over and over… but Kara has dark secrets. Is she willing to put her heart on the line and trust another man? Will Octavius find out about her past and run away, deeming it too much?
Kara is a human… is this relevant? Yes, because she finds herself in a magical town where humans aren’t allowed…. Which is exactly why she runs there in hopes of finding safety.
Octavius is an octopus shifter who works as a masseuse where he not only relaxes your body, but your mind! He’s immediately drawn to Kara when she comes in for a massage and to unload her emotions. He senses she’s different and so begins his fascination with her.
Kara and Octavius find themselves drawn together over and over… but Kara has dark secrets. Is she willing to put her heart on the line and trust another man? Will Octavius find out about her past and run away, deeming it too much?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Immediately obsessed.
That's the best way I can describe how much I adored this book.
I was instantly rooting for these two characters to find their HEA!
This FMC, she has been through so much and all she wants is to find peace. She's tried every possible thing to outrun the past that has and continues to haunt her.
The MMC he's this broody octopus-shifter, that also owns the town's spa...his tentacles not only help remove sore muscles but he also removes all overwhelming emotions and feelings with them.
He's always kept it professional...until this FMC walks into his spa.
These two were so much fun to read...the push and pull. The tension.
And LAWD HAVE MERCY when these two finally give into their desires it will have you needing those tentacles to hold extra fans to fan yourself cause they are HAWT together!
But also the sweet little moments. And of course there's nothing better than a protective MMC and a FMC that is a total baddie and can hold her own!
Seriously this little series has been amazing!
That's the best way I can describe how much I adored this book.
I was instantly rooting for these two characters to find their HEA!
This FMC, she has been through so much and all she wants is to find peace. She's tried every possible thing to outrun the past that has and continues to haunt her.
The MMC he's this broody octopus-shifter, that also owns the town's spa...his tentacles not only help remove sore muscles but he also removes all overwhelming emotions and feelings with them.
He's always kept it professional...until this FMC walks into his spa.
These two were so much fun to read...the push and pull. The tension.
And LAWD HAVE MERCY when these two finally give into their desires it will have you needing those tentacles to hold extra fans to fan yourself cause they are HAWT together!
But also the sweet little moments. And of course there's nothing better than a protective MMC and a FMC that is a total baddie and can hold her own!
Seriously this little series has been amazing!
June 15, 2026
Kara was on the run from the man who was in control of her life, she was able to steal a magical pearl and discovered Crescent Cove - a small beach town filled with magic, the townspeople who are witches, selkies, shapeshifters and more, which is a requirement to live there- she now lives in the cliffside cottage (which is barely holding together). She stays low, and hidden, with a practiced lie in case anyone questions her. When she discovers Suction and Serenity Spa, she goes in wanting a fresh start, and from the whispers, she heard the octopus shifter can take away stress; exactly what she needs. But she never knew it would lead to so much more.
Octavius takes away stress, but he feels and holds on to every emotion, leaving him tired and drained daily. But because of that, most of the time he’s just rude and grumpy. But when Kara comes in, he knew she was hiding something and he would discover what that was. But while he was, he discovers more about her, and slowly begins to fall and hard. Even when the truth is discovered, all that is left is such a strong spark between them, nothing could tear them apart.
Both these characters are so different but have so much in common at the same time. Kara even though she’s had to endure so much trauma, heartbreak, betrayal, and abuse, she still pushes on. Her spark is still here, and she does everything herself never relying on anyone to help her, when she finally does accept the help, is when her walls really started coming down and accepting love. I love their dynamic, their relationship starting with a friendship and discovering their spark. I loved this story and the ending was everything, and the spice was so good. The tentacle play?? Um yes I need more.
This was a perfect small town beachy summertime read with the perfect amount of spice, I loved every minute!
Octavius takes away stress, but he feels and holds on to every emotion, leaving him tired and drained daily. But because of that, most of the time he’s just rude and grumpy. But when Kara comes in, he knew she was hiding something and he would discover what that was. But while he was, he discovers more about her, and slowly begins to fall and hard. Even when the truth is discovered, all that is left is such a strong spark between them, nothing could tear them apart.
Both these characters are so different but have so much in common at the same time. Kara even though she’s had to endure so much trauma, heartbreak, betrayal, and abuse, she still pushes on. Her spark is still here, and she does everything herself never relying on anyone to help her, when she finally does accept the help, is when her walls really started coming down and accepting love. I love their dynamic, their relationship starting with a friendship and discovering their spark. I loved this story and the ending was everything, and the spice was so good. The tentacle play?? Um yes I need more.
This was a perfect small town beachy summertime read with the perfect amount of spice, I loved every minute!
June 19, 2026
I was honored to have had a chance to read an Advanced Readers Copy of this perfectly summery monster romance read! For being such a short read I was surprised on how much emotion and depth these characters had! And I loved the way their relationship grew!
Kara is a human hiding in a magical town from her dark and dangerous past. She is a fiercely independent, ray of sunshine despite her anxiety toward being found out. Octavius is the grumpy to Kara’s sunshine being the broody Octopus shifter masseuse ( with magic tentacles might I add 😉🌶️🐙) that Kara encounters after moving into town, and the banter and growing reluctant friends to lovers dynamic between the two was so fun!
If you’re looking for the perfect warm and fuzzy summer read involving magical creatures, beach town settings and the ✨perfect👌amount of spice, then I think you’ll love this one!
Thank you so much to Lauren Sanatra for having me on the ARC team! Kara and Octavius’ bond had me internally squealing with how adorable and heartfelt it was!
Kara is a human hiding in a magical town from her dark and dangerous past. She is a fiercely independent, ray of sunshine despite her anxiety toward being found out. Octavius is the grumpy to Kara’s sunshine being the broody Octopus shifter masseuse ( with magic tentacles might I add 😉🌶️🐙) that Kara encounters after moving into town, and the banter and growing reluctant friends to lovers dynamic between the two was so fun!
If you’re looking for the perfect warm and fuzzy summer read involving magical creatures, beach town settings and the ✨perfect👌amount of spice, then I think you’ll love this one!
Thank you so much to Lauren Sanatra for having me on the ARC team! Kara and Octavius’ bond had me internally squealing with how adorable and heartfelt it was!
July 3, 2026
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
This was such a sweet, and fun summer novella! Our two main characters couldn’t be much different, which leads to a pretty funny meet-cute. Kara has come to Crescent Cove escaping a past she’d rather forget completely and with walls she’s built miles high in order to keep her past in the past… that all begins to change though when she meets a grumpy octopus shifter who’s well known for being able to take people’s stress away with his massages. And while they’re both instantly attracted and drawn to each other it still takes a bit of time for their romance to fully bloom from begrudging acquaintances, to friends, to lovers with a beautiful romance! Overall, it’s a book filled to the brim with characters you’ll love, hilarious banter, sweet romance, plenty of chemistry, twists that will have you guessing at what’s going to happen next and just a beautifully written story with a fabulous happily ever after all wrapped up in an amazing novella you’ll definitely want to add to your TBR!
Spice: 🌶️
This was such a sweet, and fun summer novella! Our two main characters couldn’t be much different, which leads to a pretty funny meet-cute. Kara has come to Crescent Cove escaping a past she’d rather forget completely and with walls she’s built miles high in order to keep her past in the past… that all begins to change though when she meets a grumpy octopus shifter who’s well known for being able to take people’s stress away with his massages. And while they’re both instantly attracted and drawn to each other it still takes a bit of time for their romance to fully bloom from begrudging acquaintances, to friends, to lovers with a beautiful romance! Overall, it’s a book filled to the brim with characters you’ll love, hilarious banter, sweet romance, plenty of chemistry, twists that will have you guessing at what’s going to happen next and just a beautifully written story with a fabulous happily ever after all wrapped up in an amazing novella you’ll definitely want to add to your TBR!
July 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was intrigued by Kara’s hidden identity and what she was running from, especially as I’ve been falling into a romantic suspense kick as I hope for fall weather. This isn’t romantic suspense, but the mystery of Kara was fun to read through, especially as Octavius learns about her past. I particularly like that she is able to remember who she is as a person, and not who she had to be to cope with her situation. It’s wonderful to see her open up in that way and refind herself.
In the same vein, I love that Octavius is finding his own place. While Crescent Cove gives him the freedom to be who he is as an octopus shifter, he still maintains a bit of distance, especially when it comes to growing close to someone. It’s nice to see him build a connection with someone and get a piece of himself back.
I particularly enjoyed how Octavius’s magic worked. I could picture it so vividly, and now I’m going to be watching in the other Crescent Cove novellas to see if any other characters mention seeing it as they gaze out over the ocean.
I was intrigued by Kara’s hidden identity and what she was running from, especially as I’ve been falling into a romantic suspense kick as I hope for fall weather. This isn’t romantic suspense, but the mystery of Kara was fun to read through, especially as Octavius learns about her past. I particularly like that she is able to remember who she is as a person, and not who she had to be to cope with her situation. It’s wonderful to see her open up in that way and refind herself.
In the same vein, I love that Octavius is finding his own place. While Crescent Cove gives him the freedom to be who he is as an octopus shifter, he still maintains a bit of distance, especially when it comes to growing close to someone. It’s nice to see him build a connection with someone and get a piece of himself back.
I particularly enjoyed how Octavius’s magic worked. I could picture it so vividly, and now I’m going to be watching in the other Crescent Cove novellas to see if any other characters mention seeing it as they gaze out over the ocean.
June 18, 2026
I thought this was a cute shifter romance. The premise behind the town Kara goes to was really cool. I don't know about anyone else, but I love books with a secret or magical town.
The banter and chemistry between Octavius and Kara, our main characters, I absolutely love. Kara is very shy and unsure at first, but the more she opens up, the more stubborn she gets, and pairing that up with Octavius ' protectiveness and grumpiness, it's a funny mix. Definitely kept me reading.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was Kara’s constant reminders of danger in the first chapter. I understand she is recently….free, but it was almost in every sentence she was saying something about “him” or trying to shake herself from thoughts of the past. Like, yes, I got it, you're on the run or in danger.
Other than that, I thought this was a nice, emotional, and cute paranormal shifter romance. Would recommend!
The banter and chemistry between Octavius and Kara, our main characters, I absolutely love. Kara is very shy and unsure at first, but the more she opens up, the more stubborn she gets, and pairing that up with Octavius ' protectiveness and grumpiness, it's a funny mix. Definitely kept me reading.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was Kara’s constant reminders of danger in the first chapter. I understand she is recently….free, but it was almost in every sentence she was saying something about “him” or trying to shake herself from thoughts of the past. Like, yes, I got it, you're on the run or in danger.
Other than that, I thought this was a nice, emotional, and cute paranormal shifter romance. Would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went in hoping for a fun and easy read and that was exactly what I got! But it was also surprisingly "dark", with quite a lot of dark and tough memories and emotions mentioned and discussed. As well as a really dark past for the FMC and how she dealt with it without anyone knowing the wiser. Apart from the MMC of course, an octopus shifter who can sense emotions and can drain them away with his tentacles. It all really just gave the whole story some great substance.
I really enjoyed this book!! The only thing that was lacking was bc it just didn't have that something extra, and I'm not even sure what that something extra is.. It might just be that it was a short novella which can leave me wanting more!
First time reading a book by this author and I'm intrigued to read more from her though!
Also my first time reading a book about proper monster romance involving actual non human body parts in intimacy scenes, and I have to say, colour me intrigued 🤭
I really enjoyed this book!! The only thing that was lacking was bc it just didn't have that something extra, and I'm not even sure what that something extra is.. It might just be that it was a short novella which can leave me wanting more!
First time reading a book by this author and I'm intrigued to read more from her though!
Also my first time reading a book about proper monster romance involving actual non human body parts in intimacy scenes, and I have to say, colour me intrigued 🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tentacles and Tides was definitely a top Crescent Cove read for me!! I loved it from start to finish, I especially loved the way the author interconnected this one with the others and thought it was beautiful. An octopus shifter was an interesting choice, very creative and different than what I was expecting. A broody, grumpy, protective, caring, octopus shifter that works as a masseuse, and has magical tentacles that can draw out emotions you no longer want to hold on to?! Where can I get one for myself, because I want him!! Kara is so burdened by her heavy metal and emotional state that Octavius has to work on her multiple times. As a result she’s able to becomue reacquainted with who she use to be and regain her confidence. Their attraction to one another, banter, and building chemistry throughout the story was so fun to read and ooooooohhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyy that spice!!! Chefs kiss! I definitely need a hardcopy for my shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an ARC review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Octavius and Kara are perfect for each other. He needed someone to help soften him and she needed someone to just be there for her even through her stubbornness.
Kara is on the run and lands in a magical town that doesn't permit non magic humans - only she's there by way of a magical item she possesses. She's just looking for safety and a quiet life.
Octavius is an Octopus shifter who uses his gift to help relieve stress by way of a magic massage. He's grumpy and just wants to be left alone when not helping his town. But in comes Kara who is looking for that magical massage so she can relax for just a moment. Octavius knows she's hiding something but can't prove what it is. And Kara succeeds in knocking down his walls one by way but Octavius ends up doing the same to her.
If you want something with a little drama, some spice, some comedy, and makes you feel all the feels...then this is worth the read.
Octavius and Kara are perfect for each other. He needed someone to help soften him and she needed someone to just be there for her even through her stubbornness.
Kara is on the run and lands in a magical town that doesn't permit non magic humans - only she's there by way of a magical item she possesses. She's just looking for safety and a quiet life.
Octavius is an Octopus shifter who uses his gift to help relieve stress by way of a magic massage. He's grumpy and just wants to be left alone when not helping his town. But in comes Kara who is looking for that magical massage so she can relax for just a moment. Octavius knows she's hiding something but can't prove what it is. And Kara succeeds in knocking down his walls one by way but Octavius ends up doing the same to her.
If you want something with a little drama, some spice, some comedy, and makes you feel all the feels...then this is worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC, and overall it was a really enjoyable read. The seaside setting was charming, the magical community felt cozy without being overly complicated, and I found myself settling into Crescent Cove quite easily. It has that nice balance of whimsy and mystery, with enough tension surrounding Kara's past to keep me interested in where things were going.
I especially liked the idea behind Octavius and his ability to sense what people try to hide. The dynamic between him and Kara develops naturally, and I appreciated that the story focused as much on healing and trust as it did on romance. The atmosphere was probably my favourite part—magical, comforting, and just a little quirky.
While it wasn't a 5★ read for me, it was a solid 4★ and a lovely escape into a world filled with magic, second chances, and a touch of ocean charm.
I especially liked the idea behind Octavius and his ability to sense what people try to hide. The dynamic between him and Kara develops naturally, and I appreciated that the story focused as much on healing and trust as it did on romance. The atmosphere was probably my favourite part—magical, comforting, and just a little quirky.
While it wasn't a 5★ read for me, it was a solid 4★ and a lovely escape into a world filled with magic, second chances, and a touch of ocean charm.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tentacles and Tides is the perfect summer read! Thank you so much Lauren Sanatra for letting me in on this ARC! I fell in love with Kara and Octavious. The slow buildup to their relationship was so enticing with their quick
banter and mutual stubbornness in their own ways.
The romance and plot had me right away but the spice got me good!!!
I absolutely loved the depth of the characters and the emotional connection and chemistry these two have. Octavious is such a caring and looks like he could kill you but is definitely a cinnamon roll deep down. Kara is such a bundle of joy and sass with a complex past. This was my first octopus shifter and I’m definitely a sucker for them now! I wish there was more to read or that i could forget and reread this novella for the first time again!
If you want a cute spicy summer read this is it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
banter and mutual stubbornness in their own ways.
The romance and plot had me right away but the spice got me good!!!
I absolutely loved the depth of the characters and the emotional connection and chemistry these two have. Octavious is such a caring and looks like he could kill you but is definitely a cinnamon roll deep down. Kara is such a bundle of joy and sass with a complex past. This was my first octopus shifter and I’m definitely a sucker for them now! I wish there was more to read or that i could forget and reread this novella for the first time again!
If you want a cute spicy summer read this is it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
🦑🌊Tentacles and Tides by Lauren Sanatra completely swept me away.
This paranormal shifter romance was everything I wanted and more. It was whimsical, emotional, romantic and wonderfully unique. From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely immersed in the world, the characters and the magic woven throughout the story.
The chemistry was fantastic, the romance had me smiling constantly, and the paranormal elements brought such a refreshing twist that made this book stand out from so many others in the genre. Every page felt like an adventure filled with heart, humor and just the right amount of swoon. 🥵
If you’re a fan like me of shifter romances, captivating characters and stories that make you wish you could stay in their world just a little bit longer…this one is absolutely worth picking up.
A truly marvelous read that left me with a full heart and a book hangover.
This paranormal shifter romance was everything I wanted and more. It was whimsical, emotional, romantic and wonderfully unique. From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely immersed in the world, the characters and the magic woven throughout the story.
The chemistry was fantastic, the romance had me smiling constantly, and the paranormal elements brought such a refreshing twist that made this book stand out from so many others in the genre. Every page felt like an adventure filled with heart, humor and just the right amount of swoon. 🥵
If you’re a fan like me of shifter romances, captivating characters and stories that make you wish you could stay in their world just a little bit longer…this one is absolutely worth picking up.
A truly marvelous read that left me with a full heart and a book hangover.
July 5, 2026
This was such a cute summer read. Were there dark elements to this story? Yes. The FMC Kara is a human who moved to Crescent Cove to escape a life full of trauma, abuse and dangerous men who pretended to care for her but didn’t. Our MMC Octavius is an octopus shifter and a masseuse in Crescent Cove with his own business. He is able to absorb his clients feelings to make them feel lighter and free of whatever was bothering them for a while. He is a loner and Kara pretty much disrupts his life but in the best way. There isn’t many characters in this story with the main focus on the FMC and MMC but his front office worker is funny. It felt really good to see how their relationship blossomed and grew through the story. I enjoyed this read and if you’re looking for a nice summer read with some dark elements give this book a try! 4.25 ⭐️ for me!
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