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Her Creatures #1
Creature of the Flame
There's a monster living inside me and time is running out to keep it at bay.
I've learned to live with the looks and whispers. Monster. Freak. Creature.
But I can't ignore the look of fear in my niece's eyes when she discovers what I am.
I'll do whatever it takes to be rid of what haunts me, even if that means leaving my life behind.
With the guidance of a prophecy and mysterious dagger, I set out to find other creatures who are feared for what they are.
One from the flame who will ease the fire that consumes me.
A creature from the sky who will catch me when I fall.
When time is running out, the wild one will hold me tight.
And one from the moon who will guide me as darkness weighs me down.
With everything stacked against me and uncertainty around every corner, will I succeed or will I lose everything?
*Creature of the Flame is book one in the Her Creatures series and is a paranormal shifter romance told in multiple POVs. The main character will have multiple love interests and end up with them all. It contains mature scenes, adult language, and a cliffhanger.
I've learned to live with the looks and whispers. Monster. Freak. Creature.
But I can't ignore the look of fear in my niece's eyes when she discovers what I am.
I'll do whatever it takes to be rid of what haunts me, even if that means leaving my life behind.
With the guidance of a prophecy and mysterious dagger, I set out to find other creatures who are feared for what they are.
One from the flame who will ease the fire that consumes me.
A creature from the sky who will catch me when I fall.
When time is running out, the wild one will hold me tight.
And one from the moon who will guide me as darkness weighs me down.
With everything stacked against me and uncertainty around every corner, will I succeed or will I lose everything?
*Creature of the Flame is book one in the Her Creatures series and is a paranormal shifter romance told in multiple POVs. The main character will have multiple love interests and end up with them all. It contains mature scenes, adult language, and a cliffhanger.
294 pages, ebook
First published February 16, 2022
716 people are currently reading
1277 people want to read
About the author
Maya Nicole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 3, 2022
Storyline nightmare
Not my cup of tea. The storyline is disjointed. The heat is odd, and a bit rushed in a sense. yet not a fated mate or instant love scenario. I feel like im missing somethings, yet im not quite sure what those things are. Like do.I need to read another previous book the author wrote to understand what the heck is going on here? Or maybe more background into who crazy kidnapper guy was?. was he the bad guy? who Are the collation ppl? Or maybe what a triton is or looks like exactly? I feel like I'm being lead through the read with just bread crumbs here and there to follow. the whole just up and leave to follow a Dagger out of nowhere was weird. The Out of no where knowing they were definitely
Looking for a dragon was weird? Like how did you come to this conclusion? I'm srry, but this book was a storyline nightmare. dnf 42%
Not my cup of tea. The storyline is disjointed. The heat is odd, and a bit rushed in a sense. yet not a fated mate or instant love scenario. I feel like im missing somethings, yet im not quite sure what those things are. Like do.I need to read another previous book the author wrote to understand what the heck is going on here? Or maybe more background into who crazy kidnapper guy was?. was he the bad guy? who Are the collation ppl? Or maybe what a triton is or looks like exactly? I feel like I'm being lead through the read with just bread crumbs here and there to follow. the whole just up and leave to follow a Dagger out of nowhere was weird. The Out of no where knowing they were definitely
Looking for a dragon was weird? Like how did you come to this conclusion? I'm srry, but this book was a storyline nightmare. dnf 42%
April 15, 2025
I was hesitant to read this one at first but fuck it was so much better then I hoped it to be. I can't wait to read the next one. I need to know what happens.
May 20, 2023
4.4 stars.
So far I’m diggin it.
This book had a cool mix of regular date stuff, and magical shifting stuff that was really interesting.
I like the characters we’ve met so far.
🤷🏻♀️ Its not completely wowing me, but I’m intrigued.
So far I’m diggin it.
This book had a cool mix of regular date stuff, and magical shifting stuff that was really interesting.
I like the characters we’ve met so far.
🤷🏻♀️ Its not completely wowing me, but I’m intrigued.
February 25, 2022
Minor spoilers below:
I have read every series by this author, so I loved that we got to see past characters and how it was that they were doing.
Onto the important parts: the species in this series is insane! Like what the heck is the heroine? Ursula? A mermaid? A mutant? I loved that she was unlike any other character than I have read before.
Jonah is also really unique since he cannot shift, and he is still healing from past trauma. Yet he doesn’t let that stop him from falling in love. He is sweet and funny and his profession? Steamy!!
I swooned at the intro to Lucas, but I need more! We are only just getting to meet him and he didn’t have nearly enough time with our heroes.
The steam was a level four for this book, but I need more, preferably with even more mates!
The magic is super different than the typical supernatural book and the storyline was intense. I cannot even explain my frustration after that cliffhanger ending! I’m ready to kidnap the author for answers.
I have read every series by this author, so I loved that we got to see past characters and how it was that they were doing.
Onto the important parts: the species in this series is insane! Like what the heck is the heroine? Ursula? A mermaid? A mutant? I loved that she was unlike any other character than I have read before.
Jonah is also really unique since he cannot shift, and he is still healing from past trauma. Yet he doesn’t let that stop him from falling in love. He is sweet and funny and his profession? Steamy!!
I swooned at the intro to Lucas, but I need more! We are only just getting to meet him and he didn’t have nearly enough time with our heroes.
The steam was a level four for this book, but I need more, preferably with even more mates!
The magic is super different than the typical supernatural book and the storyline was intense. I cannot even explain my frustration after that cliffhanger ending! I’m ready to kidnap the author for answers.
February 22, 2022
Great story!
Mystic prophecies, unusual shifters and high heat….what more do you need?? 😄
Olivia is a kraken although she was never meant to be until a freak accident and an experiment made her that way 😩 now on the outskirts of society she’s struggling knowing that one day she’ll remain this feared creature forever…
Until she bumps into a witch who gives her a cryptic prophecy regarding a dagger and shifters that offers her a different future and so of course she follows it but with no idea of where to 🙈🙈
Thankfully she has the sweet and caring Jonah with her to support her and help her on the way, although he has his own demons and insecurities to deal with! Then there’s Lucas the fiery shifter shifter with attitude! This series maybe slow build but it’s certainly NOT slow burn 🔥 🥵
Interesting to see where this goes especially after that heart dropping moment at the end 😯
Mystic prophecies, unusual shifters and high heat….what more do you need?? 😄
Olivia is a kraken although she was never meant to be until a freak accident and an experiment made her that way 😩 now on the outskirts of society she’s struggling knowing that one day she’ll remain this feared creature forever…
Until she bumps into a witch who gives her a cryptic prophecy regarding a dagger and shifters that offers her a different future and so of course she follows it but with no idea of where to 🙈🙈
Thankfully she has the sweet and caring Jonah with her to support her and help her on the way, although he has his own demons and insecurities to deal with! Then there’s Lucas the fiery shifter shifter with attitude! This series maybe slow build but it’s certainly NOT slow burn 🔥 🥵
Interesting to see where this goes especially after that heart dropping moment at the end 😯
February 22, 2022
Salinity Cove is the series that got me hooked on Maya Nicoles books. The fact that this is set in the same world with cameos from the characters from Salinity Cove made me fall into this book even harder.
The way Lucas and Jonah accept Olivia for what she is is so heartwarming. I love dragon shifters in Harems, with all their possessiveness and having to work through not wanting to share. Lucas is all that and more!
I love how Maya comes up with situations that are not predictable or the norm. I wonder where she. Ones up with all the twists and turns she puts in her books.
The only complaint I have is the ending.... really? A huge cliffhanger and now we have to WAIT for book 2?
In all reality it just gives me time to reread Salinty cove and this book before book 2 comes out :)
Happy reading!
The way Lucas and Jonah accept Olivia for what she is is so heartwarming. I love dragon shifters in Harems, with all their possessiveness and having to work through not wanting to share. Lucas is all that and more!
I love how Maya comes up with situations that are not predictable or the norm. I wonder where she. Ones up with all the twists and turns she puts in her books.
The only complaint I have is the ending.... really? A huge cliffhanger and now we have to WAIT for book 2?
In all reality it just gives me time to reread Salinty cove and this book before book 2 comes out :)
Happy reading!
February 22, 2022
OH MY GODDESS!! I have been not so patiently waiting for Olivia's book. I am so glad Maya finally wrote it. It has been torture.
This book starts off strong. We are at an appointment for Olivia. She gets devastating news. She also runs into Jonah while at the coalition. We briefly met Jonah in another book. He is also getting some sad news from his appointment. They start to bond immediately. They go on a date and the adventure starts from there. The steamy tension is great. Maya knows how to write it so well. We also get to meet another character we have only heard of before. I don't want to spoil who he is, but he is very important to both Jonah and Olivia.
Thanks for the cliffhanger Maya, you may just get a glitter bomb of eggplants.
This book starts off strong. We are at an appointment for Olivia. She gets devastating news. She also runs into Jonah while at the coalition. We briefly met Jonah in another book. He is also getting some sad news from his appointment. They start to bond immediately. They go on a date and the adventure starts from there. The steamy tension is great. Maya knows how to write it so well. We also get to meet another character we have only heard of before. I don't want to spoil who he is, but he is very important to both Jonah and Olivia.
Thanks for the cliffhanger Maya, you may just get a glitter bomb of eggplants.
April 30, 2022
Please read Salinity Cove if you want to better understand Miss Olivia's situation and what has happened to her to get this far! Things will make much better sense. Now on to the review....
Olivia has been through the ringer! What started out as a rescue attempt when she nothing but a child, turned into a lifetime of hardships. A few years later after a difficult time at a family party Olivia, sets out on a quest of sorts to figure out a prophecy that will possibly turn her entire life around. With the help of an ally with his own misfortune, they travel across the country in order to figure out what and who can help them.
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, and some very hot men! Maya Nicole has made the Hidden Shifters Universe a world in which I lose myself in every time.
Olivia has been through the ringer! What started out as a rescue attempt when she nothing but a child, turned into a lifetime of hardships. A few years later after a difficult time at a family party Olivia, sets out on a quest of sorts to figure out a prophecy that will possibly turn her entire life around. With the help of an ally with his own misfortune, they travel across the country in order to figure out what and who can help them.
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, and some very hot men! Maya Nicole has made the Hidden Shifters Universe a world in which I lose myself in every time.
March 2, 2022
Not for me DNF
The blurb got me excited, I tried really hard to like this. For main characters trying to find answers they are quick to run the other way, so much so this book drags. The smut is cold, no offence but it does read like a teen wrote it. I got bored at 50 something % every time something happened it was "let's go eat and go to bed"
The blurb got me excited, I tried really hard to like this. For main characters trying to find answers they are quick to run the other way, so much so this book drags. The smut is cold, no offence but it does read like a teen wrote it. I got bored at 50 something % every time something happened it was "let's go eat and go to bed"
March 1, 2022
I love this universe that Maya has created, and I LOVE getting to revisit characters from previous books. (Shout out to my ice cream lover!)
That said, these characters that were previously side stories are now getting the spotlight, and they are just as amazing. Maya does such a great job of creating characters that you become attached to. I finished this book and was immediately sad that I didn't have any more Olivia, Jonah and Lucas to read.
I also greatly appreciate Maya's creation of characters who are learning to love themselves as they are. It's not the version of themselves that they once expected, but they help each other recognize their own value. Oh, and they're also crazy into each other. As one reader pointed out, it does verge on insta-love, but it's so sweet that I had no issue with it. Plus, they're shifters. Their creatures know what/who they need. (Also, if the aspect of this story that seems unbelievable to you is that they fall in love quickly, and not the fact that they can shift into mythological creatures, you might be taking this a little too seriously.)
Trigger Warning: This does end with a cliffhanger. And there are also deranged, attacking garden gnomes. (My BFF is deathly afraid of gnomes, so I felt obligated to include this TW.)
I love Maya, I love her work, and this one is one of my absolute favorites.
That said, these characters that were previously side stories are now getting the spotlight, and they are just as amazing. Maya does such a great job of creating characters that you become attached to. I finished this book and was immediately sad that I didn't have any more Olivia, Jonah and Lucas to read.
I also greatly appreciate Maya's creation of characters who are learning to love themselves as they are. It's not the version of themselves that they once expected, but they help each other recognize their own value. Oh, and they're also crazy into each other. As one reader pointed out, it does verge on insta-love, but it's so sweet that I had no issue with it. Plus, they're shifters. Their creatures know what/who they need. (Also, if the aspect of this story that seems unbelievable to you is that they fall in love quickly, and not the fact that they can shift into mythological creatures, you might be taking this a little too seriously.)
Trigger Warning: This does end with a cliffhanger. And there are also deranged, attacking garden gnomes. (My BFF is deathly afraid of gnomes, so I felt obligated to include this TW.)
I love Maya, I love her work, and this one is one of my absolute favorites.
February 19, 2022
When Olivia was young she was rescuing a pod of dolphins and got stuck in an oil spill, she was then placed in a coma. Years later she woke up as a Kraken after being given the blood of a crazy god. Jonah was paralyzed after an accident when he was younger making him fear dragons, but after him being healed he meets Oliva at the edge of the woods while he is trying to bring forth his wolf. Olivia and Jonah grow close and make a cross country trip to find the next part of the prophecy that comes up and sets them off on their journey. When they finally settle at Jonah's house, Jonah finally has to face his fears and Olivia has to see where the dagger leads her. I can't wait to see where the next book goes and who else gets added to her harem.
November 13, 2023
2.5 Stars
Tbh another victim of great ideas, poor execution. First off, it’s very instalove which I really think is such a cop out for RH/why choose, especially one that’s a series and not a standalone. You have the pages—why are you making the relationships so easy when this is a complicated dynamic? It’s not to say that instalove/fast burn can’t be done in these cases, but it’s very, very hard to make it work successfully, and unfortunately this is not one of those times.
The biggest issue with this book is the author’s writing. Jonah is supposed to be 29 and Olivia and Luke are in their 20s, but they sound so immature. It’s cringey first-person POV with lots of info-dumpy monologuing. To be fair though, at least it’s simple enough writing to follow along. But with the combination of amateur writing style, rushed relationships, and rushed plot, this story fails to deliver.
Also just as a general note, as soon as I started reading it was clear that this is a spin off from another series. Not having read that series, the beginning felt choppy, like I was missing a lot of necessary backstory. Plus with the instalove, it almost felt like the author is relying on you to have feelings towards these characters from the previous series, but since I didn’t, it was hard to feel the connection between the characters.
I’ll at least start the second book as I do really like the premise of the story—especially with Olivia having tentacles—but we’ll see if I stick it out. Worst case, i might give this author another try in a few years in hopes that the writing style will have evolved.
Features: fated mates, chosen one, monsterly appendages, open-door explicit scenes, virgin MMC, multi first-person POV
Tbh another victim of great ideas, poor execution. First off, it’s very instalove which I really think is such a cop out for RH/why choose, especially one that’s a series and not a standalone. You have the pages—why are you making the relationships so easy when this is a complicated dynamic? It’s not to say that instalove/fast burn can’t be done in these cases, but it’s very, very hard to make it work successfully, and unfortunately this is not one of those times.
The biggest issue with this book is the author’s writing. Jonah is supposed to be 29 and Olivia and Luke are in their 20s, but they sound so immature. It’s cringey first-person POV with lots of info-dumpy monologuing. To be fair though, at least it’s simple enough writing to follow along. But with the combination of amateur writing style, rushed relationships, and rushed plot, this story fails to deliver.
Also just as a general note, as soon as I started reading it was clear that this is a spin off from another series. Not having read that series, the beginning felt choppy, like I was missing a lot of necessary backstory. Plus with the instalove, it almost felt like the author is relying on you to have feelings towards these characters from the previous series, but since I didn’t, it was hard to feel the connection between the characters.
I’ll at least start the second book as I do really like the premise of the story—especially with Olivia having tentacles—but we’ll see if I stick it out. Worst case, i might give this author another try in a few years in hopes that the writing style will have evolved.
Features: fated mates, chosen one, monsterly appendages, open-door explicit scenes, virgin MMC, multi first-person POV
December 31, 2022
4.5-ish ⭐️’s rounded up - dang!! This is a good one! But it’s also WAY too short as an audiobook, generally speaking, let alone it doesn’t allow enough time to give a better build up and more information on backgrounds on the MC’s currently presented. It felt like emotional whiplash going from one scene to another.
Even though there was still a ton of drama, it felt like the road trip was the tiniest of reprieves from the chaos.
I want to rate this more harshly because GR has a shit time of getting release dates correct and the author doesn’t have a long-term social media account for me to get more details (I’m saying this bc insta is easy to follow and private FB groups/accounts are notoriously obnoxious to get accepted to… and truthfully, I was distracted by the sexual tension in this book to even attempt to make a request to the FB group, despite loathing the platform… ADD at its finest, my friends! LMAO!). And I CRINGE when getting into a series when it’s not complete… and that’s fully on me… but when the books at my reading speed are 4 hours per book… I’m gonna have a book-sized hole in my brain that needs to be filled, for which I hope happens soon….
But what the heck am I saying?! I have barely finished the first of what’s available to me already?!
How do I already know I’ll be missing these characters, already?! Bahhhhh!!!!
You know you have a good author on your hands?
When you’re already predicting missing the characters in a (4? book - 3 already released) series when you’ve only finished the first! 🤯
Even though there was still a ton of drama, it felt like the road trip was the tiniest of reprieves from the chaos.
I want to rate this more harshly because GR has a shit time of getting release dates correct and the author doesn’t have a long-term social media account for me to get more details (I’m saying this bc insta is easy to follow and private FB groups/accounts are notoriously obnoxious to get accepted to… and truthfully, I was distracted by the sexual tension in this book to even attempt to make a request to the FB group, despite loathing the platform… ADD at its finest, my friends! LMAO!). And I CRINGE when getting into a series when it’s not complete… and that’s fully on me… but when the books at my reading speed are 4 hours per book… I’m gonna have a book-sized hole in my brain that needs to be filled, for which I hope happens soon….
But what the heck am I saying?! I have barely finished the first of what’s available to me already?!
How do I already know I’ll be missing these characters, already?! Bahhhhh!!!!
You know you have a good author on your hands?
When you’re already predicting missing the characters in a (4? book - 3 already released) series when you’ve only finished the first! 🤯
March 2, 2022
Creature of the Flame tugged at my heart strings from the get go. I really felt for Olivia, the situation she found herself in and how she felt isolated and hopeless. Also, I felt that way with Jonah too and I loved that the two of them found each other and connected because they really deserved it and needed it. I thought Lucas was an amazing addition and the dynamic between him and Jonah is both interesting and fun. I really enjoyed being able to connect back to some of our groups from previous series in this universe as well. The steamy scenes were sooooo good too. Really this book has it all!
February 28, 2022
This book really pulled at my heart strings. Horrible things have happened in the past which cause 2 people to lose alot of self confidence. But finding each other that confidence grows into something beautiful. I love all the consideration they show each other, you can tell the feeling they're developing are real. Then in comes another person to the mix, who has none of the hang ups, but is still just an amazing human and helps this situation even more. I will say the ending had me busting a gut laughing at the circumstances, but gnomebody knows what the outcome will be. I highly suggest you read this book by Maya Nicole, it has love, comedy and all the spice. I cannot wait to see what happens to Olivia, Jonahs and Lucas' story!
June 15, 2022
This was a quick easy to follow along story that had my attention from start to finish with a captivating storyline! The narrators did such an Amazing job with this book, i loved the characters they brought to life. It’s a PNR MFM romance with dragons, shifters, and more! The suspense and mystery has me guessing and I can’t wait for the next one especially with that cliffhanger!
February 26, 2022
Wow. This book was so well written that it didn’t even feel like it was the start of a series. There was no fumbling to get good, it was instantly amazing. I was already intrigued by Olivia from her appearance in other books set in this same world but right away I felt connected to her. Jonah and Olivia both have spent a significant amount of time in hospital and as someone who has as well I think Maya did a wonderful job showing how much that trauma effects your day to day life even after it is over. There is so much I loved about this book, but the guys are probably my favorite. Lucas and Jonah have such an interesting dynamic with everything that has happened and I am definitely excited to see where that goes. That cliffhanger was brutal and I am so excited to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
This is definitely unique and I did find it intriguing it’s a paranormal reverse harem set in a world which has many breeds of different shifters. This Is the first book in a series and though it didn’t blow me away I’m invested enough to try the next book. The world-building here did unfortunately let things down slightly and maybe I need to read other series by this author set in this world to fully appreciate it. This was my first exposure to it and maybe that’s why it felt like there was some crucial information missing.
It’s told from multiple POV’s and our heroine Olivia is a former Triton (a mermaid) an incident in her childhood caused her to evolve into a Kraken-type creature losing her tail but gaining legs which meant she could exist on land. After years of tests which prove fruitless her future is looking grim Olivia is devolving and every time she shifts into her base form it brings her one step closer to being stuck in that form forever.
When Olivia meets Jonah she feels an instant connection the two just get each other, he’s a shifter who can’t access his wolf an incident with a pissed-off protective dragon caused some massive damage leaving him paralysed. Now though he’s essentially cured but for unknown reasons he still can’t shift into his wolf form.
When these two cross paths it starts them on a journey following an obscure prophecy that could ultimately rescue Olivia from what she thought was set in stone. This quest also brings them into contact with Lucas a Dragon with a connection to Jonah’s past.
I did enjoy this and I am planning to read the next book but there was also something missing. I did like the playful vibe between Olivia and Jonah and when Lucas entered the playing field he did manage to slot in easily despite their initial rocky start and Jonah’s natural bias towards the fact Lucas is a dragon.
I’m invested enough to keep reading and the second book will decide if I stay the course. But overall this was well written and very different with the heroine being a Kraken shifter. I believe there are still two more mates to come some sort of snake and a griffin so I’m looking forward to discovering more.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 6, 2022
DNF around 40%
I couldn’t get past the writing style. It doesn’t draw you in, it doesn’t make you understand the characters and their thoughts and motivations. It feels like a recap of a story, rather than the story itself. Major things are missing or assumed you know already.
There is zero world building. Here is an example of a conundrum I experienced in the first few chapters….
We get thrown into the story with Sirens and Tritons, with no explanation of what they are, what they look like, how they live, do they interact? We are told that very strong male tritons can shift- I’m assuming to a human form. That seems to indicate that most of the triton population can’t shift. The MCs brother is such a shifter, and has a female partner and he has a child that is half triton half siren- so I assume female sirens can shift? I assume so, seeing as the scene takes place on land. Why would a triton and a siren be living and raising a family on land and not the sea?
The female MC has a tragic backstory, but only a few vague sentences are devoted to it. If her whole life is dramatically and terribly changed by an event, why is it not described further? Even if there is more detail about it later in the book, we need to understand at least some of it at the beginning because this event was life changing and the reason why she is different from her people.
Honestly, this book doesn’t deserve such a long review.
I couldn’t get past the writing style. It doesn’t draw you in, it doesn’t make you understand the characters and their thoughts and motivations. It feels like a recap of a story, rather than the story itself. Major things are missing or assumed you know already.
There is zero world building. Here is an example of a conundrum I experienced in the first few chapters….
We get thrown into the story with Sirens and Tritons, with no explanation of what they are, what they look like, how they live, do they interact? We are told that very strong male tritons can shift- I’m assuming to a human form. That seems to indicate that most of the triton population can’t shift. The MCs brother is such a shifter, and has a female partner and he has a child that is half triton half siren- so I assume female sirens can shift? I assume so, seeing as the scene takes place on land. Why would a triton and a siren be living and raising a family on land and not the sea?
The female MC has a tragic backstory, but only a few vague sentences are devoted to it. If her whole life is dramatically and terribly changed by an event, why is it not described further? Even if there is more detail about it later in the book, we need to understand at least some of it at the beginning because this event was life changing and the reason why she is different from her people.
Honestly, this book doesn’t deserve such a long review.
February 6, 2023
DNF 25%….. this book is absolute chaos. there is SO MUCH going on, i liked the banter and the idea is great, i think it lacked execution. the secret romance author who also is a virgin, who suddenly becomes obsessed with her and wants to lose his virginity to her….he gave me the ick. no thanks.
January 8, 2023
The blurb sounded really cool but this was a no go for me.
Everything felt weird and off, almost like a teen wrote this.
Not going to finish the series.
Everything felt weird and off, almost like a teen wrote this.
Not going to finish the series.
June 10, 2022
Why did you read this book?
This was a RH romance that had good ratings and a good story premise.
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?
Chick Lit, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Adult
What was your favorite part in the book? Spoilers
I think my favorite part of the book is the group date they all go on. It was so incredibly sweet. I like the fact that Lucas has to work himself into Jonah and Olivia’s dynamic.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes RH harem romances, Shifters, Mermaids, or well developed fantasy worlds.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? Spoilers
I thought this was a creative RH shifter romance. The main character, Oliva is a cursed as the only tentacle shifter after an accident in her childhood. (She looks like Ursula from the Little Mermaid.) She meets up with two romance interest in this book because of a magic dagger that is said to be able to help her with her curse. There is a hint that there will be more love interest in the future. The characters are well developed and the romance between them had a good pacing to it. (Which sadly is rare in RH books.) Unfortunately, it ends in a cliff hanger. Overall, this book had a unique character and world development that kept me interested. I’ll be reading the next book soon to see what happens.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are detailed but not intense. They are only briefly described.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
The burn level is medium low.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender? Spoilers
There are two love interests Jonah and Lucas, both male. Jonah is a wolf shifter that can’t shift and is a famous romance writer. Lucas is a dragon shifter and a fire fighter.
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Self-Harm, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, PTSD, Trauma, Nightmares about Traumatic Events
Disabilities: Curing of Disabilities, Detailed Medical Talk, Paralyzed, Locking up MH Patient against their will
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene
Violence and Death: Death, Suffocation, Extreme Violence, Gore, Mutilation, Cutting of Limbs, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence,
Other: Body Shaming, Fat Phobia, Kidnapping, Hostage Situation,
This was a RH romance that had good ratings and a good story premise.
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?
Chick Lit, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Adult
What was your favorite part in the book? Spoilers
I think my favorite part of the book is the group date they all go on. It was so incredibly sweet. I like the fact that Lucas has to work himself into Jonah and Olivia’s dynamic.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes RH harem romances, Shifters, Mermaids, or well developed fantasy worlds.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? Spoilers
I thought this was a creative RH shifter romance. The main character, Oliva is a cursed as the only tentacle shifter after an accident in her childhood. (She looks like Ursula from the Little Mermaid.) She meets up with two romance interest in this book because of a magic dagger that is said to be able to help her with her curse. There is a hint that there will be more love interest in the future. The characters are well developed and the romance between them had a good pacing to it. (Which sadly is rare in RH books.) Unfortunately, it ends in a cliff hanger. Overall, this book had a unique character and world development that kept me interested. I’ll be reading the next book soon to see what happens.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are detailed but not intense. They are only briefly described.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
The burn level is medium low.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender? Spoilers
There are two love interests Jonah and Lucas, both male. Jonah is a wolf shifter that can’t shift and is a famous romance writer. Lucas is a dragon shifter and a fire fighter.
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Self-Harm, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, PTSD, Trauma, Nightmares about Traumatic Events
Disabilities: Curing of Disabilities, Detailed Medical Talk, Paralyzed, Locking up MH Patient against their will
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene
Violence and Death: Death, Suffocation, Extreme Violence, Gore, Mutilation, Cutting of Limbs, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence,
Other: Body Shaming, Fat Phobia, Kidnapping, Hostage Situation,
July 10, 2022
This author is typically a four or five star author for me, but I just could not hang with this book. I wanted to DNF around 50-60%, but hung with it just to make sure I gave it a fair shot.
As is typical with this author's series, the storyline is fast, the FMC meets at least one of her romantic interests early on, and the spice picks up pretty quickly. But there is somehow too much going on and not enough going on at the same time. We get really in-depth explanations about some of the scenes, right down to what drinks are being ordered at the restaurant, but very little information about things that actually matter.
I don't particularly like any of the characters (although Lucas is growing on me), and find Jonah remarkably whiny although he started to get his act together at the end. I do like that the author frequently writes in a male virgin character while the FMC is more experienced, which is a nice change of pace from most romance stories. I was starting to feel like I might try the second book, but then the "Halloween scene" at the end really tipped me back towards "no". I think I'll keep heading down my TBR list, and come back to this one if I ever need a silly beach read or something.
As is typical with this author's series, the storyline is fast, the FMC meets at least one of her romantic interests early on, and the spice picks up pretty quickly. But there is somehow too much going on and not enough going on at the same time. We get really in-depth explanations about some of the scenes, right down to what drinks are being ordered at the restaurant, but very little information about things that actually matter.
I don't particularly like any of the characters (although Lucas is growing on me), and find Jonah remarkably whiny although he started to get his act together at the end. I do like that the author frequently writes in a male virgin character while the FMC is more experienced, which is a nice change of pace from most romance stories. I was starting to feel like I might try the second book, but then the "Halloween scene" at the end really tipped me back towards "no". I think I'll keep heading down my TBR list, and come back to this one if I ever need a silly beach read or something.
April 25, 2024
“It wasn’t often I was surprised by crazy shit - I was a dragon after all - but garden gnomes and Halloween decorations coming to life was a complete mindfuck.”
Okay, Olivia is a fun character. She’s got her insecurities, as so many people do, but she still has her sense of curiosity and adventure. Hope is such a dangerous thing but she lets it get her.
Jonah is the sweetest guy ever. Seriously every girl deserves a Jonah. He has his own insecurities, and I truly hope he is able to overcome them before they cause them problems, but he doesn’t let them stop him from
Loving her.
Lucas is a firecracker. Good lord he is quick to anger and highly possessive. However, he is so good to Olivia, and Jonah as well. He makes sure they are both comfortable with him once he realizes how much he needs to keep them both happy.
I’m so interested to learn more about Harlow. She seems like a fun character and I hope we see more of her.
Olivia was changed as a child, and struggles with her new identity. Now, as an adult, a prophecy has sent her on an adventure with Jonah, and a flaming dagger, at her side. Strange first dates, vibrating panties, and living gnomes cause some of the best scenes. Enjoy!
Okay, Olivia is a fun character. She’s got her insecurities, as so many people do, but she still has her sense of curiosity and adventure. Hope is such a dangerous thing but she lets it get her.
Jonah is the sweetest guy ever. Seriously every girl deserves a Jonah. He has his own insecurities, and I truly hope he is able to overcome them before they cause them problems, but he doesn’t let them stop him from
Loving her.
Lucas is a firecracker. Good lord he is quick to anger and highly possessive. However, he is so good to Olivia, and Jonah as well. He makes sure they are both comfortable with him once he realizes how much he needs to keep them both happy.
I’m so interested to learn more about Harlow. She seems like a fun character and I hope we see more of her.
Olivia was changed as a child, and struggles with her new identity. Now, as an adult, a prophecy has sent her on an adventure with Jonah, and a flaming dagger, at her side. Strange first dates, vibrating panties, and living gnomes cause some of the best scenes. Enjoy!
March 17, 2022
This can be read as a stand-alone series, though there are a lot of references to characters from the other series this spun off of. I did read the Salinity Cove series, the original, and part of another. The flow was good on this, and the main characters are for the most part likable. I did feel the initial relationship with Jonah felt rushed since there wasn’t the “mate” thing to go along with him like there is with Lucas. Lucas was a little more likable for some reason, though he pushed boundaries moving the relationship with Olivia on a faster pace. It was funny how he included Jonah into the mix without much fuss, though Jonah was way more selfish wanting to keep Olivia to himself. I felt the sex scenes were a bit blander than I expected. I had a few moments where I was not as thrilled with the book, but it did hold my attention enough to finish & be willing to read book 2 when it comes out (in spite of the extreme cliff hanger ending).
June 2, 2022
I have only recently really started listening to Maya Nicole books. I have to say I think I like her! She has several series and they all kind of interconnect and you hear about other characters to remind you of other fun books that have been read. I truly enjoyed this listen. The character while being beat down still keeps on keeping on. I love that they aren’t all perfect and the main character make isn’t your typical alpha male. This is an rh series thought we don’t meet all the future mates in this story. It follows the first two and their personal struggles. Well written with emotion and a band of misfit characters that burrow into you and make you feel for them. It does end on a cliffhanger but this is the norm for this writer. I quite enjoyed it and will be getting the next one as soon as I can. The narrators are amazeballs. Smooth, great inflections and flawless execution.
December 20, 2022
Amazing!
What an amazing story to start off a series!! The world building was amazing, and I love how Olivia meets each of the two men who are introduced in this book. I like how we really get to connect and understand the different characters through the multiple POV's as well. So it's not just Olivia's point of view. That helps really create a nice, well-rounded character who is easy to connect with. Understanding their pasts helps us understand who they are now and why they respond to different situations the way they do.
I also really like how it's not all instant love between everyone who has been introduced so far. There is tension between the guys, though there is definitely a bromance developing.
This book ended with a cliffhanger right after an amazing action scene and before we even got to meet any of the other men who are to be Olivia's mates, so I can't wait to read the next book!
Overall, definitely a 5 star read!!!
What an amazing story to start off a series!! The world building was amazing, and I love how Olivia meets each of the two men who are introduced in this book. I like how we really get to connect and understand the different characters through the multiple POV's as well. So it's not just Olivia's point of view. That helps really create a nice, well-rounded character who is easy to connect with. Understanding their pasts helps us understand who they are now and why they respond to different situations the way they do.
I also really like how it's not all instant love between everyone who has been introduced so far. There is tension between the guys, though there is definitely a bromance developing.
This book ended with a cliffhanger right after an amazing action scene and before we even got to meet any of the other men who are to be Olivia's mates, so I can't wait to read the next book!
Overall, definitely a 5 star read!!!
May 19, 2022
hooked me immediately
Okay so this surprised me and hooked me immediately.
I have a feeling that this ties into a previous series that covers her brothers and her ‘origin’ story but I followed it fine without it.
I absolutely loved Jonah. Naughty little author boy. 😘 This has been the second book I’ve read where a main character is an author of romance books and I feel I need more of this trope. Plus add in the twist of their career connections and I’m in heaven.
I also can’t get enough of how sweet both guys are. Not alpha at all but super sweet and supportive.
So a rh paranormal romance with a wolf shifter, dragon shifter and a mermaid turned kraken. Magic, shifters, spice and a good shot of action suspense at the end.
A great start to a fun series and thank god book two is out because that ending has me jumping immediately into book 2.
Okay so this surprised me and hooked me immediately.
I have a feeling that this ties into a previous series that covers her brothers and her ‘origin’ story but I followed it fine without it.
I absolutely loved Jonah. Naughty little author boy. 😘 This has been the second book I’ve read where a main character is an author of romance books and I feel I need more of this trope. Plus add in the twist of their career connections and I’m in heaven.
I also can’t get enough of how sweet both guys are. Not alpha at all but super sweet and supportive.
So a rh paranormal romance with a wolf shifter, dragon shifter and a mermaid turned kraken. Magic, shifters, spice and a good shot of action suspense at the end.
A great start to a fun series and thank god book two is out because that ending has me jumping immediately into book 2.
March 3, 2022
I received an ARC and this is My honest review. I really enjoy this world Maya is creating. You do not have to read the other series to understand what is going on but there is some overlap. I really enjoy the aspect of a female “monster,” it is usually the male who is. I also enjoy the aspect of a male who is not super confident and like ultimate specimen. I also love how open Olivia is and accepting of people. There is good spice as always with maya’s books. I am very excited for the second book. If you enjoyed the other series in this world you will love this one too. It does end in a cliffhanger so go into that when reading and don’t leave a bad review just because of it. You have been informed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
This was my first solo book that I have read by Maya Nicole & it was an excellent choice. This book is an amazing combination of paranormal meets an epic quest. And how the hell can you go wrong with a epic quest?
Oliva is a wonderful character who has had horrible luck with life, one mistake has cost her so much. Then add in the sexy Jonah, who helps to life Olivia's spirits so much. Finally we get a hot surprise as these two make it to the end of their journey back at Jonah's home.
The Narrators, Bridget & Jake Bordeaux do an absolutely phenomenal job with this audiobook. They completely bring the characters to life & this story was amazing to listen to. I cannot wait for the next book to come out on audiobook! Plus after that ending I need book 2 ASAP!
Oliva is a wonderful character who has had horrible luck with life, one mistake has cost her so much. Then add in the sexy Jonah, who helps to life Olivia's spirits so much. Finally we get a hot surprise as these two make it to the end of their journey back at Jonah's home.
The Narrators, Bridget & Jake Bordeaux do an absolutely phenomenal job with this audiobook. They completely bring the characters to life & this story was amazing to listen to. I cannot wait for the next book to come out on audiobook! Plus after that ending I need book 2 ASAP!
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