What do you think?
Rate this book
Carnal Cryptids #1
East Coast
Desiderata needed a drink. After a long day of dodging darts and heckling tourists from her balloon game booth on the Wildwood boardwalk, she just wanted to forget her looming housing angst for an hour. When heavy flirtation and a cocktail from a suave substitute bartender shakes up her evening, things are looking up.
Until, of course, she catches him making out with a hot college guy not five minutes later.
In an attempt to forget the sinfully sexy stranger from the night before, Desi agrees to a dinner date with the eyeful of tall, dark and handsome that shows up at her job the next day. There’s just one little catch: he’s apparently already dating the two guys from the bar.
For JD, a shift behind a Jersey shore dive bar was always the same: predictable, boring, a little bit sticky. So what was it about this gorgeous brunette that instantly had him on the rocks? One look at her brought out the beast in him - and a desperate hope that she might be what he and Penn need to save Will for good. After over a century of struggle, they were due for a win - and someone who really believed in them.
One night.
That’s all they’ll need to get Desi to agree to.
But it’s going to be one hell of a night.
Carnal Cryptids: East Coast is a paranormal RH monster romance, which means that the female main character is attracted to more than one male love interest, and doesn’t need to (or want to!) choose. The monstrous men that love our heroine - and each other, quite frequently - all bring elements of horror, fear, interesting anatomy, and urban legend / cryptid goodness to the mix.
Until, of course, she catches him making out with a hot college guy not five minutes later.
In an attempt to forget the sinfully sexy stranger from the night before, Desi agrees to a dinner date with the eyeful of tall, dark and handsome that shows up at her job the next day. There’s just one little catch: he’s apparently already dating the two guys from the bar.
For JD, a shift behind a Jersey shore dive bar was always the same: predictable, boring, a little bit sticky. So what was it about this gorgeous brunette that instantly had him on the rocks? One look at her brought out the beast in him - and a desperate hope that she might be what he and Penn need to save Will for good. After over a century of struggle, they were due for a win - and someone who really believed in them.
One night.
That’s all they’ll need to get Desi to agree to.
But it’s going to be one hell of a night.
Carnal Cryptids: East Coast is a paranormal RH monster romance, which means that the female main character is attracted to more than one male love interest, and doesn’t need to (or want to!) choose. The monstrous men that love our heroine - and each other, quite frequently - all bring elements of horror, fear, interesting anatomy, and urban legend / cryptid goodness to the mix.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2021
278 people are currently reading
2409 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 28, 2022
Hmm okay. I was drawn into the premise of this book - based on the description I knew the heroine Desi would meet an existing triad (JD, Will, Penn)… and the writing and set up was all good.
I was really enjoying it, but I think where it derailed for me was after she finds out they’re monsters.
I don’t mind if there’s fear in a book, especially when you’re dealing with the unknown. In this world, humans aren’t aware that monsters (or “Concepts”) exist, fed by the fear of people who know who they are.
But this book felt different because they’re so sweet to Desi until their “monstrous” forms take over. It’s implied that they’re kind of like separate entities in the same body, because Will - who has always been meek - is incredibly powered up by her and terrorizes her because he’s like drunk off of it.
I think the fact that she literally powers them, gives them energy, gives them strength, rubbed me the wrong way. Because do they really like her? Is she the center of their harem? Or is she just a power source to them?
There are definite issues of consent to me because she’s absolutely terrified after they all shift mid-hook up with no explanation. She tries to run away and they torment her. They shackle her. When she’s so high strung they worry it’ll impair their “bond”, they get one of the guys to use his power to calm her - which feels like another level of manipulation. It’s forcing consent because you’re making her calm down.
There was really no coming back from me after this scene, which was maybe halfway through. I kept reading, half-hoping it would turn around, but the lack of definitive world building and the fact that they treat her like a portable battery pack kind of killed my interest.
I was really enjoying it, but I think where it derailed for me was after she finds out they’re monsters.
I don’t mind if there’s fear in a book, especially when you’re dealing with the unknown. In this world, humans aren’t aware that monsters (or “Concepts”) exist, fed by the fear of people who know who they are.
But this book felt different because they’re so sweet to Desi until their “monstrous” forms take over. It’s implied that they’re kind of like separate entities in the same body, because Will - who has always been meek - is incredibly powered up by her and terrorizes her because he’s like drunk off of it.
I think the fact that she literally powers them, gives them energy, gives them strength, rubbed me the wrong way. Because do they really like her? Is she the center of their harem? Or is she just a power source to them?
There are definite issues of consent to me because she’s absolutely terrified after they all shift mid-hook up with no explanation. She tries to run away and they torment her. They shackle her. When she’s so high strung they worry it’ll impair their “bond”, they get one of the guys to use his power to calm her - which feels like another level of manipulation. It’s forcing consent because you’re making her calm down.
There was really no coming back from me after this scene, which was maybe halfway through. I kept reading, half-hoping it would turn around, but the lack of definitive world building and the fact that they treat her like a portable battery pack kind of killed my interest.
October 25, 2021
If anything below strikes your fancy, read this book:
🔥Monster reverse harem where the swords cross
🔥Does the Jersey Devil have a knot?
🔥Famous cryptids that feed on fear
🔥Loving found family and affection
🔥Smoking hot scenes
I am very into this book and am looking forward to future works.
🔥Monster reverse harem where the swords cross
🔥Does the Jersey Devil have a knot?
🔥Famous cryptids that feed on fear
🔥Loving found family and affection
🔥Smoking hot scenes
I am very into this book and am looking forward to future works.
did-not-finish
May 21, 2022*sobs* I wanna read this. I’m interested in the chars. And I **know** it’s a bisexual kinda romance. But goddamn I Cannot with Desi immediately going to “must be gay” seeing JD and Will kissing and calling their relationship “gay.” BISEXUALITY EXISTS AND WE NEED TO NORMALIZE IT! Like, legit when JD is first introduced he flirts happily with Desi, but she sees him kissing a guy and immediately goes to “must be gay”??!? I can’t 😩😭
ETA: assuming someone’s sexuality is never a valid or reasonable thing, regardless of “”evidence””
I legit DNFed because reading about someone who literally ran away from a situation after assuming person who had flirted with her *must* be gay for making out with another guy and then proceeded to **masturbate** to thinking about those two guys making out fucking disgusts me and feels fetishistic as hell, and is not content I’m willing to subject myself to, continue reading, or support in any way, shape, or form.
Good for you if you enjoyed this book! I don’t fuckin’ care - leave me the fuck alone cuz obvs our taste in books doesn’t align and that is okay because not every book is for every reader and that is as it should be. Just cuz something isn’t for me or crosses nope lines for me doesn’t mean I need to be proven otherwise or belittled or infantilized just because you enjoyed the book and live in a different reality and have different experiences than me.
ETA: assuming someone’s sexuality is never a valid or reasonable thing, regardless of “”evidence””
I legit DNFed because reading about someone who literally ran away from a situation after assuming person who had flirted with her *must* be gay for making out with another guy and then proceeded to **masturbate** to thinking about those two guys making out fucking disgusts me and feels fetishistic as hell, and is not content I’m willing to subject myself to, continue reading, or support in any way, shape, or form.
Good for you if you enjoyed this book! I don’t fuckin’ care - leave me the fuck alone cuz obvs our taste in books doesn’t align and that is okay because not every book is for every reader and that is as it should be. Just cuz something isn’t for me or crosses nope lines for me doesn’t mean I need to be proven otherwise or belittled or infantilized just because you enjoyed the book and live in a different reality and have different experiences than me.
December 25, 2021
I liked a few things about this book. The writing was decent, the idea of the “harem” being made of cryptids was awesome and the premise of the story had merit. However, I ended up not finishing for two main reasons. This book is first and foremost as MMM romance with the FMC being an after thought. Now, I don’t have a problem with a MMM book but calling it a Reverse Harem book is a little misleading. She’s more of a power-up than a potential love interest. While I like MM in my harems, this didn’t feel like a why choose/reverse harem to me. If it was, the girl would have played a more substantial part in the relationship. The second reason I wasn’t a fan was because there was a lot of talk of their nature, their “concepts” and their territories without any actual explanation about what the heck was even going on. I ended up more confused the longer I read and it really pulled me out of the book.
While this book wasn’t for me, I understand why others enjoyed it.
While this book wasn’t for me, I understand why others enjoyed it.
March 10, 2022
Well, um. The book is well-written, but I didn't like how the three guys (JD, Penn, and Will) terrified Desi. I understood the concept behind it (their monsters are sustained by fear, and if they are weak or injured, they need a strong infusion of fear to recover and 'power up' again) but I didn't like how they deliberately put her in a position where she felt unsafe, afraid, and alone. I just don't like my FMC to feel threatened by her men or be afraid of them -- it's the same reason why I don't like the so-called 'bully' romances. It's a f*cked up scenario for a woman to be attracted to a man and at the same time afraid of him.
So I get that in their human forms, the men are really thankful to have met Desi, and they want to protect and take care of her and all that good stuff. But when their monster forms come out to play and she's freaked out, they love that she's freaked out, and they don't exactly try to calm her down. Well, JD uses his incubus powers so that she gets aroused and won't focus on the freakiness of the situation, which is not quite the same as calming her down.
I don't find being scared out of my mind sexy at all. Some people like an edge to their sex, but what I read in this book was just too much for me. It gave me a weird vibe because the guys each demand that she ask for it or they won't give it to her, so there is explicit consent, but at the same time, I felt like she didn't want to want it, so it felt like non-con, or at the very least dubcon. Like, if you were to hold a knife at my throat and tell me to beg for sex or die, I would be begging, but I really wouldn't consider that consent.
I would have felt better if they had given her some time to absorb the reality of them being monsters, taken some time to explain things to her properly, let her run her hands over their bodies and explore the differences in their monster forms... she could still feel afraid that they're so scary-looking or that they could be lethal in their monster forms, but at least she wouldn't be terrified out of her mind and unable to think straight. But no, none of that happens, and I really felt that she was being forced, her natural resistance and her will being overpowered by the pull to them and what they were doing to her.
I also didn't feel that the guys grovelled enough for all they had put her through. I thought that Desi ought to have held them at arms' length for awhile -- yes, be with them, but don't just fall back onto their c*cks immediately, for goodness' sake! I didn't see much pampering or taking care of her, which she had sorely needed after her ordeal, and which they ought to have given her belatedly. The way things happened, it just... really seemed too easy for the men; they didn't have to work for it. All they had to do was mouth some apologies and promises, and that was that. But talk is cheap, and I wanted to see them prove themselves to her.
Also, JD was the only one to really reach out to Desi and express his feelings. I liked his connection with her the most. I felt like he connected with Desi for who she was, and not just because she was a Believer. The other two seemed mainly attracted to Desi based on lust and her Believer nature. Penn is mostly focused on wanting to help and save Will, and Will is needy not just in terms of needing belief but also emotionally.
I think the author is very creative. The monsters are well described and the I like their different appendages, which come into play during sexy times. I wasn't creeped out by the monsters, but I was unhappy that they made Desi feel unsafe and abandoned. That's very hard for me to forgive, especially when you do that to someone you claim to love or have strong feelings for.
So I get that in their human forms, the men are really thankful to have met Desi, and they want to protect and take care of her and all that good stuff. But when their monster forms come out to play and she's freaked out, they love that she's freaked out, and they don't exactly try to calm her down. Well, JD uses his incubus powers so that she gets aroused and won't focus on the freakiness of the situation, which is not quite the same as calming her down.
I don't find being scared out of my mind sexy at all. Some people like an edge to their sex, but what I read in this book was just too much for me. It gave me a weird vibe because the guys each demand that she ask for it or they won't give it to her, so there is explicit consent, but at the same time, I felt like she didn't want to want it, so it felt like non-con, or at the very least dubcon. Like, if you were to hold a knife at my throat and tell me to beg for sex or die, I would be begging, but I really wouldn't consider that consent.
I would have felt better if they had given her some time to absorb the reality of them being monsters, taken some time to explain things to her properly, let her run her hands over their bodies and explore the differences in their monster forms... she could still feel afraid that they're so scary-looking or that they could be lethal in their monster forms, but at least she wouldn't be terrified out of her mind and unable to think straight. But no, none of that happens, and I really felt that she was being forced, her natural resistance and her will being overpowered by the pull to them and what they were doing to her.
I also didn't feel that the guys grovelled enough for all they had put her through. I thought that Desi ought to have held them at arms' length for awhile -- yes, be with them, but don't just fall back onto their c*cks immediately, for goodness' sake! I didn't see much pampering or taking care of her, which she had sorely needed after her ordeal, and which they ought to have given her belatedly. The way things happened, it just... really seemed too easy for the men; they didn't have to work for it. All they had to do was mouth some apologies and promises, and that was that. But talk is cheap, and I wanted to see them prove themselves to her.
Also, JD was the only one to really reach out to Desi and express his feelings. I liked his connection with her the most. I felt like he connected with Desi for who she was, and not just because she was a Believer. The other two seemed mainly attracted to Desi based on lust and her Believer nature. Penn is mostly focused on wanting to help and save Will, and Will is needy not just in terms of needing belief but also emotionally.
I think the author is very creative. The monsters are well described and the I like their different appendages, which come into play during sexy times. I wasn't creeped out by the monsters, but I was unhappy that they made Desi feel unsafe and abandoned. That's very hard for me to forgive, especially when you do that to someone you claim to love or have strong feelings for.
November 21, 2021
Never in my life did I expect to be simping over the Jersey Devil and then I read this book. I can't recommend it enough. It has a bit of everything. Kink, fear play, tender loving consent and so much more!
November 20, 2021
The author provided me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dear Lord. I cannot take these monster romances. They're ruining me for all other romance. RUINING ME. I tried to read other books after this and I just couldn't. I couldn't. So I just reread this one instead.
My thoughts in no real order and completely scattered because this book melted my brain: It's so damn hot. There are weird dicks. They feed on fear. Some trigger warnings, so please read those before reading this book. Finally a reverse harem where everyone has sex with everyone. I've been waiting. Finally a reverse harem where they aren't all carbon copies of each other (a beta male in a reverse harem? Praise the monster gods). Respectful sub/dom action? Yes please. One guy having sex with another guy while that guy has sex with the heroine whose making out with the other guy...? Sigh.
Also, it should be impossible for a book this damn filthy to also be sweet as heck. I'm not even sure how Valentine accomplished that to be honest. I was swooning over their adorable relationship while also splashing water on my face from the sheer heat coming off the page.
I thank all the book lords that the second book is coming out in December because I think I would perish if I had to wait any longer. This is a spectacular read by an author I'll be one-clicking from here on out.
Dear Lord. I cannot take these monster romances. They're ruining me for all other romance. RUINING ME. I tried to read other books after this and I just couldn't. I couldn't. So I just reread this one instead.
My thoughts in no real order and completely scattered because this book melted my brain: It's so damn hot. There are weird dicks. They feed on fear. Some trigger warnings, so please read those before reading this book. Finally a reverse harem where everyone has sex with everyone. I've been waiting. Finally a reverse harem where they aren't all carbon copies of each other (a beta male in a reverse harem? Praise the monster gods). Respectful sub/dom action? Yes please. One guy having sex with another guy while that guy has sex with the heroine whose making out with the other guy...? Sigh.
Also, it should be impossible for a book this damn filthy to also be sweet as heck. I'm not even sure how Valentine accomplished that to be honest. I was swooning over their adorable relationship while also splashing water on my face from the sheer heat coming off the page.
I thank all the book lords that the second book is coming out in December because I think I would perish if I had to wait any longer. This is a spectacular read by an author I'll be one-clicking from here on out.
June 29, 2023
The reason I couldn’t give this book a perfect rating is due to the fact that throughout the story, the guys took care to ensure that Desi was in a good headspace, but the ending felt rushed with spur-of-the-moment decisions made that didn't align with the boundaries Desi had previously set. It would have been preferable if the dating period had been a bit longer, considering the emphasis on earning her trust.
This book tackled several significant issues and topics, such as consent, consensual non-consent, communication, the consequences of selfishly motivated actions, the importance of safe sex check-ins, and the necessity of open dialogue to foster understanding and progress. I also loved the queer and poly rep. within the RH dynamic.
As a fan of spicy monster books, I appreciate that consent and communication are emphasized in the ones I've read thus far. This was an enjoyable tale; I'm excited to read Vera's next installment, Carnal Cryptids: Southeast!
This book tackled several significant issues and topics, such as consent, consensual non-consent, communication, the consequences of selfishly motivated actions, the importance of safe sex check-ins, and the necessity of open dialogue to foster understanding and progress. I also loved the queer and poly rep. within the RH dynamic.
As a fan of spicy monster books, I appreciate that consent and communication are emphasized in the ones I've read thus far. This was an enjoyable tale; I'm excited to read Vera's next installment, Carnal Cryptids: Southeast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
I really liked that this book had more plot than most KU monster romances and kept going after the main struggle. But wasn't ok with how the monsters treated the MFC. It felt more like they were using her than they actually cared about her.
November 27, 2021
This author is incredibly creative. I couldn’t put this book down. How lucky is Desi? Loved her name and loved I loved the characters. I enjoyed all of the kink this book explored. It reminded me of American Gods where the entities draw power from being believed in. There was great chemistry and I fully believed the monsters were really earnest about wanting to treasure and take care of Desi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2023
My first review!
I had read a few reviews that were concerning about some of the spicier scenes in this book, and I get it. It absolutely goes farther gray morally at points. It almost has to for these monsters to be believable. I feel the author did an amazing job at prioritizing verbal consent, which is something I don’t see mentioned in other reviews.
I really enjoyed this book! I was pleasantly surprised at some of the more romantic moments, but this author is also incredible at throwing those curve balls when you least expect it!
I had read a few reviews that were concerning about some of the spicier scenes in this book, and I get it. It absolutely goes farther gray morally at points. It almost has to for these monsters to be believable. I feel the author did an amazing job at prioritizing verbal consent, which is something I don’t see mentioned in other reviews.
I really enjoyed this book! I was pleasantly surprised at some of the more romantic moments, but this author is also incredible at throwing those curve balls when you least expect it!
November 1, 2021
*editing this review from a 4.5 to a 5 because I cannot stop thinking about it and I’m planning a re-read, and that defo means a higher rating is needed!*
Fantastic monster novel with a surprisingly touching relationship between a woman and three monsters/cryptids with a clever use of real life myths and monsters in the backstory and worldbuilding. It started at quite a slow pace then as soon as the sexy time started - BANG, it went into high gear. I loved the affection and emotion between the characters although I wasn't too happy about how they treated Desi at times, they did apologise in the end. The ending seemed a little drawn out but all in all this was a very clever, funny and unbelievably sexy monster romance, one of my favourites so far. Looks like supporting character Jess's story might be coming next - very excited for that as I loved her personality.
Fantastic monster novel with a surprisingly touching relationship between a woman and three monsters/cryptids with a clever use of real life myths and monsters in the backstory and worldbuilding. It started at quite a slow pace then as soon as the sexy time started - BANG, it went into high gear. I loved the affection and emotion between the characters although I wasn't too happy about how they treated Desi at times, they did apologise in the end. The ending seemed a little drawn out but all in all this was a very clever, funny and unbelievably sexy monster romance, one of my favourites so far. Looks like supporting character Jess's story might be coming next - very excited for that as I loved her personality.
December 12, 2023
This book make me SO ANGRY.
So many red flags, the three men are ASSHOLES with Desi who is sweet but stupid. I usually love monster romance but not this one.
1 - they don't tell her they are monsters before having sex
2 - when they change, she is TERRIFIED and they CHAINED HER TO THE BED (not scary at all)
3 - they love that SHE IS AFRAID
4 - they throw her naked in a middle of a forest, chased by one of them who hurt her before having sex with her (OMG THE PTSD???)
5 - when she leaves because she didn't like it (GOOD) one of them find her adress and buy her house so she stays near them (NOT CREEPY AT ALL)
And yes she forgives them (please kill me I can't)
I was so anxious I nearly DNF this one. This is not OK
So many red flags, the three men are ASSHOLES with Desi who is sweet but stupid. I usually love monster romance but not this one.
1 - they don't tell her they are monsters before having sex
2 - when they change, she is TERRIFIED and they CHAINED HER TO THE BED (not scary at all)
3 - they love that SHE IS AFRAID
4 - they throw her naked in a middle of a forest, chased by one of them who hurt her before having sex with her (OMG THE PTSD???)
5 - when she leaves because she didn't like it (GOOD) one of them find her adress and buy her house so she stays near them (NOT CREEPY AT ALL)
And yes she forgives them (please kill me I can't)
I was so anxious I nearly DNF this one. This is not OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
This was a fun monster RH book with a unique connection between monster and human. I enjoyed the world building and the idea of monsters coming to life because of humans creating the idea of them.
I didn’t love that it was such a fast burn love story. I would have loved more time to get to know all of the characters better and see them interact over the course of weeks or months so I could invest more in their relationship.
I ALWAYS appreciate the LGBTQ rep, so I loved that it was polyam instead of RH.
I didn’t love that it was such a fast burn love story. I would have loved more time to get to know all of the characters better and see them interact over the course of weeks or months so I could invest more in their relationship.
I ALWAYS appreciate the LGBTQ rep, so I loved that it was polyam instead of RH.
March 28, 2022
I did like this one but it did feel like it was ending at about 60% and then it was space needed and everything wasn't okay after all. Strong on the MMM, already established relationship. Will's attitude when he was fully leveled was a surprise. The guys were mostly sweet. Curious about the next one but not so much the villain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
I knew, deep in my soul, exactly what it felt like to be forgotten.
This has been on my TBR list since reading a novella set in this universe in Bound by the Monster: A Monster Erotica Anthology. I remember being excited about the originality of the worldbuilding - and that did remain true for this book! The idea of constructs, Belief and fading felt fresh and fun, all while author Valentine maintained a low level of moodiness that kept you feeling tucked in like a cozy fall monster read should. I had Lana Del Ray's 'West Coast' song stuck in my head while I read this book (yes, I'm aware its the wrong coast!)
Poor, sweet, beautiful girl. She had no idea she was in the arms of monsters. But she was about to.
I wish I could say this was a home run read, but there was just too many issues that compounded. Was this originally a short story in an anthology as well? It almost reads as if it was - kind of scattered, kind of messy, and a little all over the place. Going from It was head-spinning in the worst way.
I knew, in that piercing moment, I was truly lost. I had fallen over the steep side of this insane night, tumbled down senselessly to the bottom. The wicked, strange promises Penn made had unearthed something broken in me, pulled it up and forced me to confront it.
I'm normally someone who loves any M/M dynamics in my reads, and the pre-existing relationship between Will, JD, and Penn was delicious and probably bumped my rating up when all was said and done. I liked Will's more
“Fine, whatever. Does he like trash TV? He’ll fit in fine. Come on, you felony-committing fuckstick. We’re all going home.”
I do think the next book has potential, and plan to read it down the line somewhere! I liked Dov and Jess sounds like she'll definitely wear the relationship pants there. It does list as a RH too though - so maybe we'll meet some new Constructs? We'll see in Deep South!
December 23, 2021
Oof 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👌
I'll come back to write a more detailed review after I'm back from monster love heaven
🤘😈🤘
I'll come back to write a more detailed review after I'm back from monster love heaven
🤘😈🤘
Read
January 31, 2024after about a month, im finally done
April 28, 2024
This is very much outside my usual genre (i.e. the paranormal, (non-werewolf) shifter romance thing), and it was just not for me. I couldn’t take the *body parts* seriously during the spicy scenes, and it was just SO fast paced and too insta love for me.
November 1, 2021
I READ THIS TOO FAST AND NOW I'M SAD IT'S OVER XD
This was my first real monster smut story (like where they're actually scary) and hooooooo boy LOL I wish I could blank it from my brain just so I could reread it again for the first time. I had a fabulous time. Def recommend if you like heavy spice and spooky boys.
I'm too impatient to start series that aren't done LOL why did I hurt myself like this XD
*clarifying that this isn't an ongoing series focusing on the same characters, I'm just impatient to love even more cryptids LOL. The story of the ones in this book is wrapped up within this book and then we go to new babes in the next book
This was my first real monster smut story (like where they're actually scary) and hooooooo boy LOL I wish I could blank it from my brain just so I could reread it again for the first time. I had a fabulous time. Def recommend if you like heavy spice and spooky boys.
I'm too impatient to start series that aren't done LOL why did I hurt myself like this XD
*clarifying that this isn't an ongoing series focusing on the same characters, I'm just impatient to love even more cryptids LOL. The story of the ones in this book is wrapped up within this book and then we go to new babes in the next book
October 28, 2021
Yo! Can we talk about this for a second?
Monsters? Totally not my thing. Obviously I jumped waaaaaaaay outside of my comfort zone with this thing and it did not disappoint!
I laughed, I got nervous, I felt the fear! And holy crap! Where can I find a JD, Penn, and Will of my own?
Honestly I thought the idea was super unique and I ended up enjoying the crap out of this! Thank you Vera! You are a writing goddess!
Monsters? Totally not my thing. Obviously I jumped waaaaaaaay outside of my comfort zone with this thing and it did not disappoint!
I laughed, I got nervous, I felt the fear! And holy crap! Where can I find a JD, Penn, and Will of my own?
Honestly I thought the idea was super unique and I ended up enjoying the crap out of this! Thank you Vera! You are a writing goddess!
October 24, 2021
What can I say? I love me some monsters, knotting and mm. The story was good, although the ending felt a little long after the climax. The description was amazing and I loved My little cinnamon roll Will. Okay I loved them all but still. This is my first time reading a monster smut book and it was worth it.
November 28, 2021
First of all: I totally thought this book's title was 'Casual Crypids' because I'm silly and didn't really READ the text, I just trusted the font on the cover of the book. These crypids are NOT casual. They are nutballs. This books is nutballs. I'm so thrown-off I can barely function post-read.
It's just.
Such an unusual concept in romance novels I think.
Folkloric human-battery tales that remind me of Monster Inc. ain't all bad, but this one dips heavily into the territory, then stomps around in some smutty haven and rolls around for most of the book.
Again, not a bad thing if you're expecting that.
I didn't do my due diligence here, obv. I was walkin' in, all high and mighty thinking I'd just have a noice salad and got hit with a five course and dessert bringing up the rear. So. Much. Story. So. Much. Smut.
Not bad! BUT IT'S CARNAL...not casual. They ain't cas my friends, they ain't cas.
It's just.
Such an unusual concept in romance novels I think.
Folkloric human-battery tales that remind me of Monster Inc. ain't all bad, but this one dips heavily into the territory, then stomps around in some smutty haven and rolls around for most of the book.
Again, not a bad thing if you're expecting that.
I didn't do my due diligence here, obv. I was walkin' in, all high and mighty thinking I'd just have a noice salad and got hit with a five course and dessert bringing up the rear. So. Much. Story. So. Much. Smut.
Not bad! BUT IT'S CARNAL...not casual. They ain't cas my friends, they ain't cas.
January 28, 2022
I wanted to like this more than I did, which is a credit to the author's writing style. This is primarily a MMM story, and the FMC is an occasional addition. Calling this RH feels like a stretch. The overall book would have been better if the author had just written it as an MMM book, without tacking on the flat FMC.
December 19, 2021
I’m sorry to say this but guys I was really bored…(and it was cute at times I guess) 2.5 Stars
If you are out there looking for a good monster harem I recommend “A lady of rooksgrave manor” you’re welcome
If you are out there looking for a good monster harem I recommend “A lady of rooksgrave manor” you’re welcome
November 22, 2021
Cryptids!
I saw this recommended in the Bonkers Romance fb group and I’m so glad I did! This book was a real treat and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I saw this recommended in the Bonkers Romance fb group and I’m so glad I did! This book was a real treat and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 15, 2022
Spoilers ahead. Ye be warned.
This was an interesting one. A bit of a roller coaster, in the sense that I started out intrigued, lost interest, became intrigued again and then was disappointed.
Initially I was really interested in the world building. Myths come to life is not an uncommon trope, but isn't overdone either and the way it was done here was borderline unique. Unfortunately, the world building after the initial excitement died down to a fizzle when most things went unexplained and unexplored. There were hints that this would all be explored more in book 2, but that didn't really help book 1 and the world building here felt lacking when I was hoping for something rich and interesting.
My other gripe was the relationship(s)/sex. This book starts out really early on with some group sex, which was fairly entertaining until all three MMCs turn into their monster forms because they are so juiced up. At this point they all believe that the FMC will magically be ok with everything because she is a *Believer*. As the reader, you are in her head and you know that everything is not ok... there is some fated-mates-esque type bond bullshit that makes her horny but otherwise she is freaking the flip out.... and everyone just sort of continues? It made sense according to the plot and what everyone thought was true at the time, but it still felt...icky.
Then shit happens, the FMC basically breaks up with the triad and everyone is sad. Eventually the FMC goes back to the traid (because bonds and shit) and asks to start over. You know what, I was chill with that. You know what I wasn't chill with? The fact that the FMC specifically asks for space and to go slow and then they all have kinky BDSM style sex in a car an hour later. Like literally an hour (unless I am misremembering). Like what? The men spent all of three seconds worrying about invading her space and then right way one of them initiates sex. I know this is erotica, but why couldn't there have been a few pages about them spending a few days (heck I would take even a full day!) to just chill and get to know each other a bit more. If you look back, the only moment the four of them have to bond that isn't sex or adrenaline fuelled is their first dinner date where they talked for maybe an hour? the whole thing just didn't feel emotionally compelling, I didn't feel like the group grew together, you know what I mean? So yea, that was disappointing.
Will I read the next one? Eh, I am actually considering it since I find the premise more interesting (and Jess the FMC seems fun) but I am skeptical that it will be any better so I am leaning towards no.
This was an interesting one. A bit of a roller coaster, in the sense that I started out intrigued, lost interest, became intrigued again and then was disappointed.
Initially I was really interested in the world building. Myths come to life is not an uncommon trope, but isn't overdone either and the way it was done here was borderline unique. Unfortunately, the world building after the initial excitement died down to a fizzle when most things went unexplained and unexplored. There were hints that this would all be explored more in book 2, but that didn't really help book 1 and the world building here felt lacking when I was hoping for something rich and interesting.
My other gripe was the relationship(s)/sex. This book starts out really early on with some group sex, which was fairly entertaining until all three MMCs turn into their monster forms because they are so juiced up. At this point they all believe that the FMC will magically be ok with everything because she is a *Believer*. As the reader, you are in her head and you know that everything is not ok... there is some fated-mates-esque type bond bullshit that makes her horny but otherwise she is freaking the flip out.... and everyone just sort of continues? It made sense according to the plot and what everyone thought was true at the time, but it still felt...icky.
Then shit happens, the FMC basically breaks up with the triad and everyone is sad. Eventually the FMC goes back to the traid (because bonds and shit) and asks to start over. You know what, I was chill with that. You know what I wasn't chill with? The fact that the FMC specifically asks for space and to go slow and then they all have kinky BDSM style sex in a car an hour later. Like literally an hour (unless I am misremembering). Like what? The men spent all of three seconds worrying about invading her space and then right way one of them initiates sex. I know this is erotica, but why couldn't there have been a few pages about them spending a few days (heck I would take even a full day!) to just chill and get to know each other a bit more. If you look back, the only moment the four of them have to bond that isn't sex or adrenaline fuelled is their first dinner date where they talked for maybe an hour? the whole thing just didn't feel emotionally compelling, I didn't feel like the group grew together, you know what I mean? So yea, that was disappointing.
Will I read the next one? Eh, I am actually considering it since I find the premise more interesting (and Jess the FMC seems fun) but I am skeptical that it will be any better so I am leaning towards no.
February 19, 2022
Why did you read this book?
It was a reverse Haram with decent ratings.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, Gay and Lesbian, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Adult
What was your favorite part in the book? SPOILER
I didn't really have a favorite part in the book but the reveal when she realizes all of the love interests are monsters was pretty intense.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes reverse harems and has a monster fetish.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? SPOILER
I didn't care for the book. I think I ended up finishing it because it was just so weird. I had a really hard time sympathizing with the main character because she made some poor decisions. I found myself really liking the monster guys. The only reason this book didn't get better ratings was parts of this story were hard to understand. Most things get explained towards the end of the book. But when the love interest in the main character make love in their monster forms I started getting a little confused of what was going on. Also, I felt like some of the scenes were a bit rushed and I would have really liked more of a relationship between the characters before things got serious. Overall, if you're looking for a monster reverse harem erotica, then this is the book for you.
How intense are the intimacy scenes? SPOILER
Very intense and mostly weird considering that the love interests are monsters. Expect love scenes where the characters have unique body parts. There are also male on male scenes. so if that isn't your interest I would suggest skipping this book.
At what “burn” level is the romance? S SPOILER
This is a spicy hot burn. Lots of weird kink and intimacy scenes.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender? SPOILER
There are three love interests all male. JD who is the Jersey Devil. Peen who is the Mothman. And Will who is a lake sea creature. All three of them are monsters.
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Emotional Abuse, Non-consent behavior
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Blowjob, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Physical Abuse, Described Blood
Other: Kidnapping, Hostage Situation,
It was a reverse Haram with decent ratings.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, Gay and Lesbian, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Adult
What was your favorite part in the book? SPOILER
I didn't really have a favorite part in the book but the reveal when she realizes all of the love interests are monsters was pretty intense.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes reverse harems and has a monster fetish.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? SPOILER
I didn't care for the book. I think I ended up finishing it because it was just so weird. I had a really hard time sympathizing with the main character because she made some poor decisions. I found myself really liking the monster guys. The only reason this book didn't get better ratings was parts of this story were hard to understand. Most things get explained towards the end of the book. But when the love interest in the main character make love in their monster forms I started getting a little confused of what was going on. Also, I felt like some of the scenes were a bit rushed and I would have really liked more of a relationship between the characters before things got serious. Overall, if you're looking for a monster reverse harem erotica, then this is the book for you.
How intense are the intimacy scenes? SPOILER
Very intense and mostly weird considering that the love interests are monsters. Expect love scenes where the characters have unique body parts. There are also male on male scenes. so if that isn't your interest I would suggest skipping this book.
At what “burn” level is the romance? S SPOILER
This is a spicy hot burn. Lots of weird kink and intimacy scenes.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender? SPOILER
There are three love interests all male. JD who is the Jersey Devil. Peen who is the Mothman. And Will who is a lake sea creature. All three of them are monsters.
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Emotional Abuse, Non-consent behavior
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Blowjob, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Physical Abuse, Described Blood
Other: Kidnapping, Hostage Situation,
September 29, 2022
Each of my men reached a hand down, gliding their palms down around her thighs, holding her open for me.
Poor, sweet, beautiful girl.
She had no idea she was in the arms of monsters.
But she was about to.
I finished Carnal Cryptids: East Coast last night and holy Mothman this book has me in such a chokehold. It took me a little bit to fully be obsessed which is normal considering we are introduced to a whole different world where monsters or Concepts live among humans and how they survive. It’s a system I haven’t read about yet so it just took my brain a while to catch up but holy shit once I grasped the lay of the land, I FLEW through this book. I couldn’t stop . It was monster fucking perfection. Like I seriously wouldn’t change a thing about it. I wish this was available in paperback because my shelves need it for my monster collection.
“You can and you will, sweetness. Open up for me. Be the good girl I know you can be. Take my knot. Beg me for it.”
I loved how uncensored these characters were not only in their thoughts but also in what they said out loud to each other. The author let them voice their insecurities, their emotions, and their praise. I greatly enjoyed the fact that there was already a very strong established relationship between Will, JD, and Penn before Desi came into the picture. It made for incredible chemistry and believable bonds and it made their experiences with Desi that much hotter because all three of them are having these new sexual experiences and witnessing their partners have these sexual desires uncovered and fulfilled as well. The spice in Carnal Cryptids is bonkers hot. Just trust me ok?
5⭐️ 5🔥
What you can expect to find in this book:
MMFM
Role playing
Knotting
Mothman, Jersey Devil, Lake Champlain monster
Bondage
Fear Play
Primal
Praise
Dom/sub (pet) dynamics
Poor, sweet, beautiful girl.
She had no idea she was in the arms of monsters.
But she was about to.
I finished Carnal Cryptids: East Coast last night and holy Mothman this book has me in such a chokehold. It took me a little bit to fully be obsessed which is normal considering we are introduced to a whole different world where monsters or Concepts live among humans and how they survive. It’s a system I haven’t read about yet so it just took my brain a while to catch up but holy shit once I grasped the lay of the land, I FLEW through this book. I couldn’t stop . It was monster fucking perfection. Like I seriously wouldn’t change a thing about it. I wish this was available in paperback because my shelves need it for my monster collection.
“You can and you will, sweetness. Open up for me. Be the good girl I know you can be. Take my knot. Beg me for it.”
I loved how uncensored these characters were not only in their thoughts but also in what they said out loud to each other. The author let them voice their insecurities, their emotions, and their praise. I greatly enjoyed the fact that there was already a very strong established relationship between Will, JD, and Penn before Desi came into the picture. It made for incredible chemistry and believable bonds and it made their experiences with Desi that much hotter because all three of them are having these new sexual experiences and witnessing their partners have these sexual desires uncovered and fulfilled as well. The spice in Carnal Cryptids is bonkers hot. Just trust me ok?
5⭐️ 5🔥
What you can expect to find in this book:
MMFM
Role playing
Knotting
Mothman, Jersey Devil, Lake Champlain monster
Bondage
Fear Play
Primal
Praise
Dom/sub (pet) dynamics
April 7, 2023
3.5⭐ Rounded up because...Will. 🥹🐉
This is the story of 2 sweet as pie guys and their cinnamon roll. They just happen to be cryptids...who live off of fear. The dichotomy is delicious. But Belief has been dwindling over the decades until my Sad Boi Will is close to fading. Lucky for them, they've just met a Believer.
I read monster romance. Quite a bit of monster romance. But I've never read such a fantastic portrayal of the actual fear and panic one would experience when confronted with one of these beasts. Overall, a bit heavy on the smut and lighter on the plot, but still engaging.
This is the story of 2 sweet as pie guys and their cinnamon roll. They just happen to be cryptids...who live off of fear. The dichotomy is delicious. But Belief has been dwindling over the decades until my Sad Boi Will is close to fading. Lucky for them, they've just met a Believer.
I read monster romance. Quite a bit of monster romance. But I've never read such a fantastic portrayal of the actual fear and panic one would experience when confronted with one of these beasts. Overall, a bit heavy on the smut and lighter on the plot, but still engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews