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How To Catch a Kraken: A Paranormal Monster Romance
Not yet published
Expected 12 Nov 26Gutted by my cheating husband, I struck a deal with the Heartbreak Witch. Retrieve a relic from the sea, and I will have my heart’s sweet, sweet revenge.
Too bad the “man” guarding the artifact isn’t a man at all. He’s a kraken!
Gorgeous but grumpy, Keaton is one of the last of his kind, and time is running out. Without a mate, the loneliness will drive him mad, and the sea will claim what’s left of him. Now that I know his secret, he can’t let me go. I came to find his treasure; I never expected to become one.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that I don’t want revenge. I want a very monstrous upgrade.
Tropes you’ll
🖤 heartbroken girl × lonely, touch-starved monster
🌊 she asked a witch for revenge, got him instead
⭐ fated mates (he wishes for her on a star)
🛏️ only one bed (and one leaking air mattress)
🐙 last of his kind
🔪 touch her and find out
🪸 hoarder energy (she’s the treasure)
🫦 praise kink (good girl)
🦑 special anatomy (he’s got two, but not how you think)
🩷 dual POV, HEA garantueed
Too bad the “man” guarding the artifact isn’t a man at all. He’s a kraken!
Gorgeous but grumpy, Keaton is one of the last of his kind, and time is running out. Without a mate, the loneliness will drive him mad, and the sea will claim what’s left of him. Now that I know his secret, he can’t let me go. I came to find his treasure; I never expected to become one.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that I don’t want revenge. I want a very monstrous upgrade.
Tropes you’ll
🖤 heartbroken girl × lonely, touch-starved monster
🌊 she asked a witch for revenge, got him instead
⭐ fated mates (he wishes for her on a star)
🛏️ only one bed (and one leaking air mattress)
🐙 last of his kind
🔪 touch her and find out
🪸 hoarder energy (she’s the treasure)
🫦 praise kink (good girl)
🦑 special anatomy (he’s got two, but not how you think)
🩷 dual POV, HEA garantueed
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 7, 2026
After finding out her husband has not only been emptying their savings but has also had a child on the way with his mistress, Chloe’s out with her bestie when she her philandering soon to be ex waylays her. A gorgeous blonde Adonis firmly places himself between them, along with a few of his friends. Not looking for any new distractions, Chloe acknowledges his hotness, but goes on home without engaging any further. As she visits a divorce attorney at her friend’s urging and recommendation, she’s also persuaded to engage the services of the attorney’s sisters, one of whom is a witch who tasks Chloe with retrieving a relic from a salvage specialist, who turns out to be none other than her helpful Adonis.
Kraken shifter Keaton has been experiencing all the symptoms of the dreaded reversion to a permanent kraken form from which his uncle suffered and ultimately perished, seemingly unable to find his fated mate. Until he runs into Chloe, he’d lost hope, but surely, she’s not actually his mate? When he catches her breaking and entering his salvage hoard, he feels a great deal of something for her, but he’s not quite convinced. Chloe of course doesn’t wish to begin anything with anyone on the rebound, especially when she finds out Keaton’s not just a man, but something she’d thought impossible. Further complicating matters are Keaton’s “special parts” that are downright irresistible.
Their connection is tested in several ways, and both their lives are threatened when multiple parties attempt to harness the power of a relic that can destroy them.
Maggie Mayhem has written another creative, deliciously smutty, and fun monster romance that I tore through as soon as it hit my kindle. I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Kraken shifter Keaton has been experiencing all the symptoms of the dreaded reversion to a permanent kraken form from which his uncle suffered and ultimately perished, seemingly unable to find his fated mate. Until he runs into Chloe, he’d lost hope, but surely, she’s not actually his mate? When he catches her breaking and entering his salvage hoard, he feels a great deal of something for her, but he’s not quite convinced. Chloe of course doesn’t wish to begin anything with anyone on the rebound, especially when she finds out Keaton’s not just a man, but something she’d thought impossible. Further complicating matters are Keaton’s “special parts” that are downright irresistible.
Their connection is tested in several ways, and both their lives are threatened when multiple parties attempt to harness the power of a relic that can destroy them.
Maggie Mayhem has written another creative, deliciously smutty, and fun monster romance that I tore through as soon as it hit my kindle. I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast paced, sweet and steamy/spicy, fated mates, contemporary fantasy romance between Chloe, the female human graphic designer lead, and Keaton, the male kraken deep sea salvage expert lead. I adored Chloe’s confidence in repudiating her cheating ex-husband. I enjoyed her determination to establish her own life on her terms. I empathised with Keaton’s concerns around his need for his mate and his sanity. I was amused by his stubbornness. I enjoyed his monster part’s certainty contrasted with his human’s confusion and appreciated his character development. I enjoyed the steamy/spicy intimate scenes and the special anatomical differences. I enjoyed Chloe’s enjoyment of Keaton monstrous differences. I adored that he supported her the way she wanted to be supported. I adored the happy ending and the setup for the next story in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy
So fun! I love the beginning of this new series. FRTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read
I fell in love with this story so quickly I enjoyed reading it. The first introduction between them was rocky even the second time running into each other but it changed each time after bit by bit. It was very adventurous and emotional read for certain parts whether it was good emotional aspects or some negative aspects. I loved the grumpiness from him and how she never really let it get to her or get her down since she was going through some things in her own way and personal life that he didn't know much about in the beginning. I understood where he was coming from at certain times he was mostly distant and closed off until she finds out his secret and she has to stay with him for some time. He is very protective of his chosen family and making sure their own secrets wouldn't get out and she accidentally found out his and one of his friends secret and what their creatures were. She is going through a divorce and is supposed to find this jewel that he supposedly has to only find out he in fact doesn't have said jewel so they go to try and find out since they both need this for a witch that they both owe favors to that wants it. This jewel can control the monsters to do things and not have control over to stop themselves and they are trying to not let it fall into the wrong hands while trying not to expose the monsters to the humans. This was a great paranormal romance and I cant wait for the next one if you enjoy the grumpy by heartbroken trope, one bed trope, and forced proximity trope in a monster romance book then I highly recommend you try this one out I will definitely be reading this one again.
I fell in love with this story so quickly I enjoyed reading it. The first introduction between them was rocky even the second time running into each other but it changed each time after bit by bit. It was very adventurous and emotional read for certain parts whether it was good emotional aspects or some negative aspects. I loved the grumpiness from him and how she never really let it get to her or get her down since she was going through some things in her own way and personal life that he didn't know much about in the beginning. I understood where he was coming from at certain times he was mostly distant and closed off until she finds out his secret and she has to stay with him for some time. He is very protective of his chosen family and making sure their own secrets wouldn't get out and she accidentally found out his and one of his friends secret and what their creatures were. She is going through a divorce and is supposed to find this jewel that he supposedly has to only find out he in fact doesn't have said jewel so they go to try and find out since they both need this for a witch that they both owe favors to that wants it. This jewel can control the monsters to do things and not have control over to stop themselves and they are trying to not let it fall into the wrong hands while trying not to expose the monsters to the humans. This was a great paranormal romance and I cant wait for the next one if you enjoy the grumpy by heartbroken trope, one bed trope, and forced proximity trope in a monster romance book then I highly recommend you try this one out I will definitely be reading this one again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review received from author ~ How to Catch a Kraken by Maggie Mayhem, Monstrous Upgrades – Book 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. We have a lonely Kraken called Keaton, foretold to never find his mate, and Chloe, who finds herself caught up in the middle of a nasty breakup and Keatons confused Kraken who has claimed her. Add in some tentacles, a possessiveness and a wonky air mattress, and you have all the ingredients for an engaging monster romance!
What I particularly enjoyed was the balance of the story. It’s light, fluffy and fun, but there’s also mystery, trauma and some intriguing plot elements woven throughout. I’m not usually a huge fan of angst, so I appreciated that the story didn’t feel overly heavy.
I flew through this one in just two sittings. The pacing kept me interested, the characters were enjoyable, and I loved seeing how everything unfolded. There’s also a lovely friendship element to the story, which added another layer to the overall experience. From Chloe and Leah’s friendship to the wealth of side characters we meet on the way, hinting at stories yet to be told.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a great introduction to the Monstrous Upgrades series. If you enjoy your romance with a little monster magic, a lot of tentacles and a Kraken who needs to learn to communicate better, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. We have a lonely Kraken called Keaton, foretold to never find his mate, and Chloe, who finds herself caught up in the middle of a nasty breakup and Keatons confused Kraken who has claimed her. Add in some tentacles, a possessiveness and a wonky air mattress, and you have all the ingredients for an engaging monster romance!
What I particularly enjoyed was the balance of the story. It’s light, fluffy and fun, but there’s also mystery, trauma and some intriguing plot elements woven throughout. I’m not usually a huge fan of angst, so I appreciated that the story didn’t feel overly heavy.
I flew through this one in just two sittings. The pacing kept me interested, the characters were enjoyable, and I loved seeing how everything unfolded. There’s also a lovely friendship element to the story, which added another layer to the overall experience. From Chloe and Leah’s friendship to the wealth of side characters we meet on the way, hinting at stories yet to be told.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a great introduction to the Monstrous Upgrades series. If you enjoy your romance with a little monster magic, a lot of tentacles and a Kraken who needs to learn to communicate better, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go!
Review of advance copy
Oh man Maggie has done it again ladies!!! I could not put this book down. It was sooo good right from the very beginning. Keaton has wanted a mate for a very long time and is feeling like he is slowly losing himself to the deep water. He always thought that it would not become a reality and ignored when his kraken was telling him that Chloe was his mate. Chloe was going through a hard time after finding out her husband had cheated on her and now she was trying to divorce him and avoid him. She was lucky her best friend had found her an amazing lawyer that worked with her sisters and what a team of women they were. The last thing Chloe ever thought was going to happen was she met Keaton who is grouchy and standoffish and the hottest guy she had ever met. She never expected to have this type of reaction to another man so soon after the betrayal of her marriage. This was so well-written you will find you won't be able to put it down. This story has everything you could possibly want. Hot men, chemistry that is hot and spicy, a mystery that is full of action and ending that you won't see coming. I cannot wait to see what else this author is going to be bringing us with this series. This is a must have!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy received from the author
I had so much fun reading this book! The plot was fun while most of the focus was on the characters who were all distinct and well written.
Chloe was rightfully pissed in her pursuit of divorce from her cheating husband but didn’t let the anger consume her which I really appreciated. She struggled with her situation just like anyone would but her focus was more on moving forward and getting through the divorce steps than anything else and it speaks to her strength of character that she was able to let that be her focus instead of the pain she felt.
Keaton was also so cute in a bit of a socially awkward but still strong protector way. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed but his choices made sense for who he was and didn’t just push the plot forward. I will say though, communication is NOT his strong suit.
I was living for the smut scenes! Tentacles are always fun and as a shifter he had multiple forms and variations for us all to play with which I really liked and wasn’t expecting at all! Also, suckers. Need I say more?
Overall I really liked this book and I look forward to the series continuing and I’m reaaallllyyyy hoping that we get more of the Heartbreak Witches because they are amazing!
I had so much fun reading this book! The plot was fun while most of the focus was on the characters who were all distinct and well written.
Chloe was rightfully pissed in her pursuit of divorce from her cheating husband but didn’t let the anger consume her which I really appreciated. She struggled with her situation just like anyone would but her focus was more on moving forward and getting through the divorce steps than anything else and it speaks to her strength of character that she was able to let that be her focus instead of the pain she felt.
Keaton was also so cute in a bit of a socially awkward but still strong protector way. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed but his choices made sense for who he was and didn’t just push the plot forward. I will say though, communication is NOT his strong suit.
I was living for the smut scenes! Tentacles are always fun and as a shifter he had multiple forms and variations for us all to play with which I really liked and wasn’t expecting at all! Also, suckers. Need I say more?
Overall I really liked this book and I look forward to the series continuing and I’m reaaallllyyyy hoping that we get more of the Heartbreak Witches because they are amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fated mates love story with a HEA guaranteed! This author is great with her mythical creatures living in a human world and falling in love. I am so glad that I found her stories as I have enjoyed all the ones I have read. There is humor, lite suspense, found family and friends, and finding love. This story was based on Chloe who was humiliated at her husband’s birthday party by his expecting lover and his family. Now all she wants is her stuff and revenge. She meets the Heartbreak Witches who provide the legal, PI and heartbreak side of the divorce. Chloe signs on for the services but now needs to find the Poseidon’s Heart as part of her fee. This is where she meets Keaton as it is his business that the witches give her the address to in order to start looking for the Heart. Chloe feels that Keaton is hiding something and goes to his house. As she is breathing air from dock behind his house, he appears as half man and half Krackon. From there, they are thrown into a high stakes search for the Heart as others are looking for it too. Little does this couple know that they are truly fated mates and when they do, will it be too late. I was so excited for this story and can’t wait for the next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
* Huge thanks to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book! All thoughts are my own. *
This is a bingeable 5 star vibes read that had everything you could ask for. Quick pace but not rushed, wonderful banter, a supportive BFF who isn’t just pushed to the side once the love interest shows up, a good bit of conflict with each of the main characters that needs to be resolved, and the SPICE?! I read this on the treadmill and had to look and make sure nobody was reading over my shoulder 🤭 I love the story between these 2 and I’m SOOO excited for the next book in this series!!
Tropes to expect:
🖤 heartbroken girl × desperately lonely monster
🌊 she asked a witch for revenge, got him instead
⭐ fated mates (he wishes for her on a star)
🛏️ only one bed (and one leaking air mattress)
🐙 last of his kind
🔪 touch her and find out
🪸 hoarder energy (she’s the treasure)
🫦 praise kink (good girl)
🦑 special anatomy (he’s got two, but not how you think)
🩷 dual POV, HEA guaranteed
This is a bingeable 5 star vibes read that had everything you could ask for. Quick pace but not rushed, wonderful banter, a supportive BFF who isn’t just pushed to the side once the love interest shows up, a good bit of conflict with each of the main characters that needs to be resolved, and the SPICE?! I read this on the treadmill and had to look and make sure nobody was reading over my shoulder 🤭 I love the story between these 2 and I’m SOOO excited for the next book in this series!!
Tropes to expect:
🖤 heartbroken girl × desperately lonely monster
🌊 she asked a witch for revenge, got him instead
⭐ fated mates (he wishes for her on a star)
🛏️ only one bed (and one leaking air mattress)
🐙 last of his kind
🔪 touch her and find out
🪸 hoarder energy (she’s the treasure)
🫦 praise kink (good girl)
🦑 special anatomy (he’s got two, but not how you think)
🩷 dual POV, HEA guaranteed
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always enjoy Maggie’s books and this one was no different! I really enjoyed Chloe and Keaton’s story!
Chloe is dealing with a cheating husband and going through a divorce when she meets Keaton, a grumpy kraken who has been waiting forever to find his mate. I loved these two together! The chemistry between them was so good and the spice was definitely spicy!
I felt so bad for Chloe and everything she went through with her husband and his family (and Lauren). I would have loved to see him get a little more of what he deserved (like Keaton going full Kraken on him)
This was such a fun read with plenty of spice, action, and a little mystery. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down! Maggie never disappoints and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. I’m especially excited for Leah’s book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun kraken mer shifter romance. Highly character driven plot. Maggie Mayhem managed to make me enraged on the fmc lead behalf over the cheating with the first husband. I woulda thrown more than water if my husband did that. At him and the other woman. She made those characters very easy to hate.
The Kraken shifter monster spice was great using all the inhuman aspects in the smut once I realized he was a shifter I was worried it was to be normal sexy times as opposed to monster romance but I was not disappointed.
Would have loved to see more pay back and revenge fleshed out and honestly just more interactions between Keaton and her.
Recommended to all monster romance lovers and mermen fans.
The Kraken shifter monster spice was great using all the inhuman aspects in the smut once I realized he was a shifter I was worried it was to be normal sexy times as opposed to monster romance but I was not disappointed.
Would have loved to see more pay back and revenge fleshed out and honestly just more interactions between Keaton and her.
Recommended to all monster romance lovers and mermen fans.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maggie Mayhem knocked it out of the park again with How to Catch a Kraken. It's packed with heartbreak-turning-into-healing, action/adventure, hot monster men and tentacles.
I loved Chloe as a protagonist. She's strong, resilient and takes absolutely zero shit from her cheating dirtbag ex.
And Keaton! What a smoke show! He's a kraken shifter with a heart (and hoard) of gold, willing to go to the ends of the earth to ensure his mate's happiness.
I hope there are many more books in this series because I am so invested in all the monster men and the mysterious matchmaking witches.
Thank you Maggie Mayhem for the opportunity to advance read!
I loved Chloe as a protagonist. She's strong, resilient and takes absolutely zero shit from her cheating dirtbag ex.
And Keaton! What a smoke show! He's a kraken shifter with a heart (and hoard) of gold, willing to go to the ends of the earth to ensure his mate's happiness.
I hope there are many more books in this series because I am so invested in all the monster men and the mysterious matchmaking witches.
Thank you Maggie Mayhem for the opportunity to advance read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the reality is that your mate is really a Kraken and not “the wrong mushrooms in my omelet” 😂
Welcome to a new monster series by one of my favorite authors!! Lots of adventure, banter, sizzle, and danger when Chloe, a human, meets Keaton who is one sexy Kraken. Coming off a broken marriage due to her ex’s infidelity, I love how fiercely intelligent and independent she is and once Keaton gets in line with his Kraken, let the games begin. Love the crew mates, witches, and of course, steadfast bestie Leah who’s next in line for her own monster 🥰 I read an advanced copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Welcome to a new monster series by one of my favorite authors!! Lots of adventure, banter, sizzle, and danger when Chloe, a human, meets Keaton who is one sexy Kraken. Coming off a broken marriage due to her ex’s infidelity, I love how fiercely intelligent and independent she is and once Keaton gets in line with his Kraken, let the games begin. Love the crew mates, witches, and of course, steadfast bestie Leah who’s next in line for her own monster 🥰 I read an advanced copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe is the "take no shit" goth girl of my dreams. I wish I could be more like her. She didn't let anything hold her back, even when she was powerless, she kept fighting and thinking of ways to fix it. Her first interaction with Keaton was sassy gold.
Keaton is a broody kraken that falls first. His internal struggles with his beast were enjoyable to read, because his beast knew before his human brain did.
The spice was very nice, short, but nice. I wished there was a little more. The overall story was catching and had me wanting to finish the book as soon as I could.
Chloe is the "take no shit" goth girl of my dreams. I wish I could be more like her. She didn't let anything hold her back, even when she was powerless, she kept fighting and thinking of ways to fix it. Her first interaction with Keaton was sassy gold.
Keaton is a broody kraken that falls first. His internal struggles with his beast were enjoyable to read, because his beast knew before his human brain did.
The spice was very nice, short, but nice. I wished there was a little more. The overall story was catching and had me wanting to finish the book as soon as I could.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story is perfectly okay, and there's nothing particularly wrong with it… I'm just not feeling it. Halfway through, and I'm still waiting for that little something that makes me genuinely interested in what happens next.
I can see the appeal, and I'm sure it will work better for readers who enjoy this particular kind of story, but it hasn't quite hit the right notes for me. Sometimes a book simply isn't your vibe, and that's about as far as I can take my feelings on this one.
A perfectly decent read, just not one I'm particularly invested in.
I can see the appeal, and I'm sure it will work better for readers who enjoy this particular kind of story, but it hasn't quite hit the right notes for me. Sometimes a book simply isn't your vibe, and that's about as far as I can take my feelings on this one.
A perfectly decent read, just not one I'm particularly invested in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the start to this new series.
Keaton was a cutie and your heart goes out to him because he is the last of his kind. He is also living with the fear of losing his mind, like his uncle, because he has not found his mate.
Poor Chloe was humiliated in front of a room full of people, but she handled it well. She is a resilient character and is just what Keaton needs. At least she has her "ride or die" best friend, Leah.
I look forward to seeing the crew of Pirate's claim get their mates, especially Sylvan and hopefully Rook. What an odd and interesting crew of treasure hunters.
Keaton was a cutie and your heart goes out to him because he is the last of his kind. He is also living with the fear of losing his mind, like his uncle, because he has not found his mate.
Poor Chloe was humiliated in front of a room full of people, but she handled it well. She is a resilient character and is just what Keaton needs. At least she has her "ride or die" best friend, Leah.
I look forward to seeing the crew of Pirate's claim get their mates, especially Sylvan and hopefully Rook. What an odd and interesting crew of treasure hunters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I instantly loved the trio of sisters who help women in need, and the fact that one is a PI, one a lawyer, and the third a witch just makes it so much better! It’s been a while since I read a great kraken story, and Maggie Mayhem never fails to create a story with engaging characters, witty banter, and badass FMC’s. This MMC has obviously been around a long time, and that shows in some of his behavior. Some of which I wasn’t a fan of, but overall, I loved the book, and I can’t wait for the rest of this series to unfold!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute and spicy kraken shifter romance! I really enjoyed the set up for this new world along with all the various types of sea shifter monsters.
Chloe deserved wayyy better than James. I have more questions about Keaton’s family history that I would love to learn more about in possible future books.
For now though I can’t wait for Leah and Sylvan’s story! Not to mention maybe something for Rook? 👀
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this early! All opinions are my own.
Chloe deserved wayyy better than James. I have more questions about Keaton’s family history that I would love to learn more about in possible future books.
For now though I can’t wait for Leah and Sylvan’s story! Not to mention maybe something for Rook? 👀
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this early! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fear of the future makes people do crazy things. As one is struggling with their business and personal life, the other has a great business and no personal life. A lot of meddling by friends and business associates finally brings a couple together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awesome paranormal monster romance! Intense and steamy, full of action and magic..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book the plot was super relatable with gaslighting D bags like James 🤮
Get yourself a Leah -burry the body and ask questions later - Everyone needs a Bestie like that!!
Get yourself a Leah -burry the body and ask questions later - Everyone needs a Bestie like that!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews