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Watching Water
Recovering from a nasty breakup is tough, even for a shapeshifter. But when her roommate is attacked by a brutal stalker, Nora leaps to the rescue and makes herself a target. The fight to keep her true nature a secret from everyone around her, including Zayden-a man with secrets of his own-intensifies as she searches for the predator trailing her. Seeking clarity in the woods only unearths more mysteries as magical creatures, naked and willing, offer Nora assistance with her struggles. Her wild side reawakens, tempting her towards a relationship she fears damaging with her feelings, or her secrets. Does she have the courage to reveal her true self to Zayden before the darkness hunting her catches up? Will the truth destroy all she holds dear, or push her into even deeper waters?
446 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
A.B. Herron
4 books14 followersA.B. Heron is a dyslexic Indy author that resides in the Pacific Northwest where her Elemental Wolf novels take place. Mingling her studies in anatomy and Zoology, she entwines science and magic to creative effect in her stories. Working full time Heron writes in the cracks between responsibilities, and plays with dogs because she just can’t help herself. For more insights into what make her fantasy stories flourish, follow her on Instagram @a.b.herron or check out her website www.abherron.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 23, 2019
His eyes were deep, clear blue, almost cutting in the serenity.
🦄🦄🦄
What would life be like as a shapeshifter?
Nora is recovering from her break up with Shawn, her over bearing ex boyfriend, when her roommate Kira, is attacked by a date/stalker.
She fights hard to keep her true self a secret.
Luckily for her, Nora's best friend Zayden, helps fight him off before mysteriously disappearing himself.
As she deals with her issues and Zayden's struggles, she explores the woods and finds out there's a lot more magic out there than Shapeshifters.
This magic is calling her, sensing her needs as a single woman and ready to fulfill all her desires.
Mystical creatures, creepy stalkers and sexy men.
What more could you need in a book?
🦄🦄🦄
Watching Water by A.B. Herron is a beautiful yet mystical novel of a shapeshifter's journey to heal herself.
All the characters in this book are sexy and mysterious, the perfect combination.
Nora, the protagonist struggles with her secrets while trying to balance her personal life after Shaen destroyed her relationship with her friends as well as herself.
Zayden is the overprotective guy best friend that EVERY girl needs. He is the playboy with the attitude of a cute little bunny combined with a fox.
Ruby is the sassiest queen among them all. Other than Zay she's always there for Nora but still gives her the space she needs like a true friend.
'Billy' is just the kind of person I need in my life because OH MY GOSH! (Enough said)
This book brings out the animal hidden inside everyone with the gruelling need to turn every page and beg for more. The sensual scenes feel so wrong yet so right.
This is a brilliant book that needs a sequel right now because I need to know what happens next or I might burst.
Thank you @a.b.herron for introducing Zayden and Billy in my life when I never knew I needed men like them.
🦄🦄🦄
What would life be like as a shapeshifter?
Nora is recovering from her break up with Shawn, her over bearing ex boyfriend, when her roommate Kira, is attacked by a date/stalker.
She fights hard to keep her true self a secret.
Luckily for her, Nora's best friend Zayden, helps fight him off before mysteriously disappearing himself.
As she deals with her issues and Zayden's struggles, she explores the woods and finds out there's a lot more magic out there than Shapeshifters.
This magic is calling her, sensing her needs as a single woman and ready to fulfill all her desires.
Mystical creatures, creepy stalkers and sexy men.
What more could you need in a book?
🦄🦄🦄
Watching Water by A.B. Herron is a beautiful yet mystical novel of a shapeshifter's journey to heal herself.
All the characters in this book are sexy and mysterious, the perfect combination.
Nora, the protagonist struggles with her secrets while trying to balance her personal life after Shaen destroyed her relationship with her friends as well as herself.
Zayden is the overprotective guy best friend that EVERY girl needs. He is the playboy with the attitude of a cute little bunny combined with a fox.
Ruby is the sassiest queen among them all. Other than Zay she's always there for Nora but still gives her the space she needs like a true friend.
'Billy' is just the kind of person I need in my life because OH MY GOSH! (Enough said)
This book brings out the animal hidden inside everyone with the gruelling need to turn every page and beg for more. The sensual scenes feel so wrong yet so right.
This is a brilliant book that needs a sequel right now because I need to know what happens next or I might burst.
Thank you @a.b.herron for introducing Zayden and Billy in my life when I never knew I needed men like them.
October 17, 2019
This was a very fun read and if I didn't have life in the way I would have finished it in record time. I've read a lot of shifter urban fantasy but not so much in the paranormal romance category. I was super thrilled with the creativity and originality given to the shifting creatures in this book and the sex scenes were steamy. The romance part felt real to me, nothing contrived or cheesy. I enjoyed the main character, Nora, and her relationships with her friends are fun and believable. And can I just say I am in love with Benji? More of him, please!
January 7, 2022
𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 by A.B. Herron
Stars: 4.5 / 5
Fantasy is my favourite genre, but this was my first time reading a book on shapeshifters. I thought it was original, fast-paced, and highly entertaining, whisking me off to a world where magical creatures are real and living amongst us (in secret, of course). The book was so captivating, I stayed up until 4 am on a workday, just to finish it. I don’t do this with just any book. I would have finished it in one sitting if I could have, but I can’t read all day – life happens 😔.
Nora and her friends are great. I wanted to be one of the circle, even though I don’t run, hike, or camp …. I found Nora to be sooo relatable: she makes mistakes, has an unhealthy relationship, messes things up, loses touch with her friends, and tries to put her life and soul back together. Been there, done that, and hopefully will never be repeated. And between the covers of this book, I fell in love with Zayden. I’m rooting for him. #teamZayden #bookboyfriend
What I really liked about this book is that it had it all: mystery, plot twists, romance, sex, magical creatures, fantasy, and last but definitely not least, friendship. The cover is beautiful and suits the story. This book would look great on any bookshelf.
Even though I was desperately sorry that I came to the end of the book, I LOVED that each main character had their own chapter right at the end. AND there was an epilogue #bestillmybeatingheart. I just love when a story ends, but the author gives you just that little bit more closure. Except if it’s a series, like this one, then there are some questions left unanswered, like who the heck is Miss Park?! I can’t wait to read the next book in Nora’s story to find out the answers. Thank goodness it’s coming out soon.
I’d recommend 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 to readers who enjoy fantasy with a bit of heat.
Stars: 4.5 / 5
Fantasy is my favourite genre, but this was my first time reading a book on shapeshifters. I thought it was original, fast-paced, and highly entertaining, whisking me off to a world where magical creatures are real and living amongst us (in secret, of course). The book was so captivating, I stayed up until 4 am on a workday, just to finish it. I don’t do this with just any book. I would have finished it in one sitting if I could have, but I can’t read all day – life happens 😔.
Nora and her friends are great. I wanted to be one of the circle, even though I don’t run, hike, or camp …. I found Nora to be sooo relatable: she makes mistakes, has an unhealthy relationship, messes things up, loses touch with her friends, and tries to put her life and soul back together. Been there, done that, and hopefully will never be repeated. And between the covers of this book, I fell in love with Zayden. I’m rooting for him. #teamZayden #bookboyfriend
What I really liked about this book is that it had it all: mystery, plot twists, romance, sex, magical creatures, fantasy, and last but definitely not least, friendship. The cover is beautiful and suits the story. This book would look great on any bookshelf.
Even though I was desperately sorry that I came to the end of the book, I LOVED that each main character had their own chapter right at the end. AND there was an epilogue #bestillmybeatingheart. I just love when a story ends, but the author gives you just that little bit more closure. Except if it’s a series, like this one, then there are some questions left unanswered, like who the heck is Miss Park?! I can’t wait to read the next book in Nora’s story to find out the answers. Thank goodness it’s coming out soon.
I’d recommend 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 to readers who enjoy fantasy with a bit of heat.
August 29, 2025
This book completely surprised me in the best way. From the first chapter, I was pulled right into Nora’s world. The Pacific Northwest setting is so vivid you can practically feel the mist and hear the rain, it gives the whole story this moody, mysterious vibe that fits perfectly with the plot.
Nora herself is such a relatable heroine. She’s strong, but she’s also messy, scarred, and still healing from heartbreak. That’s what made her feel so real to me, she isn’t flawless, but she’s determined, and watching her fight to reclaim her wolf felt powerful and emotional.
And then there’s Zayden. The slow-burn tension between them had me hooked. Their connection feels natural, built on history and trust but with so much unspoken chemistry. When it finally comes to the surface… it’s worth the wait. At the same time, the stalker subplot added a real edge of danger that kept me turning pages way too late at night.
What I really loved is how human the story felt, even with all the supernatural elements. Beneath the shapeshifting and suspense, it’s about healing, trusting again, and learning to embrace every part of yourself, even the parts you’ve tried to hide.
By the end, I wasn’t just entertained, I was invested. Watching Water is dark, emotional, romantic, and addictive. If you like fantasy with heart and heat, this one is absolutely worth the read.
Nora herself is such a relatable heroine. She’s strong, but she’s also messy, scarred, and still healing from heartbreak. That’s what made her feel so real to me, she isn’t flawless, but she’s determined, and watching her fight to reclaim her wolf felt powerful and emotional.
And then there’s Zayden. The slow-burn tension between them had me hooked. Their connection feels natural, built on history and trust but with so much unspoken chemistry. When it finally comes to the surface… it’s worth the wait. At the same time, the stalker subplot added a real edge of danger that kept me turning pages way too late at night.
What I really loved is how human the story felt, even with all the supernatural elements. Beneath the shapeshifting and suspense, it’s about healing, trusting again, and learning to embrace every part of yourself, even the parts you’ve tried to hide.
By the end, I wasn’t just entertained, I was invested. Watching Water is dark, emotional, romantic, and addictive. If you like fantasy with heart and heat, this one is absolutely worth the read.
January 4, 2020
"Watching Water" starts off at a run and rarely slows down, except to bask in steamy hot springs or romp in secluded forest glades and rivers. Set in the lush and mysterious Pacific Northwest, "Watching Water" invites readers to experience a world of full of magic, shapeshifters, fey creatures, and ancient evil spirits.
Nora is a wolf shifter dealing with a bad breakup, which is complicated by her feelings for her "we're totally just friends" fellow runner Zayden, a man with secrets of his own.
When Nora steps in to protect her roommate from an attack, she becomes the target of a dark force determined to use her powers for its own ends.
At least, Nora's not alone - a randy Satyr and a vegan Kelpie stand ready and eager to help.
Now all Nora has to do is untangle her feelings for Zayden, heal her two souls, and protect her friends from an unknown danger while keeping her true nature a secret.
I truly enjoyed this sexy, magical story and cannot wait for Book 2!
#TeamBenji
Nora is a wolf shifter dealing with a bad breakup, which is complicated by her feelings for her "we're totally just friends" fellow runner Zayden, a man with secrets of his own.
When Nora steps in to protect her roommate from an attack, she becomes the target of a dark force determined to use her powers for its own ends.
At least, Nora's not alone - a randy Satyr and a vegan Kelpie stand ready and eager to help.
Now all Nora has to do is untangle her feelings for Zayden, heal her two souls, and protect her friends from an unknown danger while keeping her true nature a secret.
I truly enjoyed this sexy, magical story and cannot wait for Book 2!
#TeamBenji
February 23, 2022
Loved this book. I love the characters. I want to be friends with them. Always a great sign of a book I love to re-read a lot. The witty conversations made me snort laugh numerous times. I loved the darkness and new mythology she creates in this book. Found it intriguing and riveting. I like the positive healing sex, so much better then the usual slutty rape garbage. There was too much for my taste (but I definitely read it all). I'm looking forward to more books from this new Author. I am so ready to read the next on in this amazing series!
October 23, 2022
"Watching Water" is an erotic romp through the magical world that surrounds us. Nora is an endearing character who struggles with her dual identity--wolfkin and human. As she navigates life, she encounters interesting people and mythological creatures who add to her confusion and who also open her eyes to her true self. It's a classic tale of finding oneself in the big world, only A. B. Herron places her tale in the lovely embrace of the natural magic that surrounds us. You will hungrily devour this book and still yearn for more. I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 5, 2022
I definitely felt like I should have read this one in the woods! The author writes her scenes in such a way that you feel like you're transported to a world filled with magic, magical creatures, and endless natural beauty. I couldn't put this book down! Nora's journey with her balance of human and Kindred worlds was beautifully executed. The spicy scenes were descriptive and perfect. I love the relationship between Nora and Zayden. I can't wait to read more of their story in the second book!
February 17, 2022
While this book doesn't fit the genre that I normally read, I ended up really enjoying the storytelling and mystery of the book! It fits everything that a paranormal fantasy reader loves, particularly if you enjoy some steaminess. (This book is very reminiscent to me of the Sookie Stackhouse series, and I feel like those fans would enjoy this book!) I loved Benji, and the characterization of everyone was really well done.
February 23, 2024
A fun journey and a heart pounding page turner
Well written… and so many surprises around every corner where an amazing new character waited, whether dark, light or somewhere in between… and sometimes a little of everything. Nora was a blast to get to know, multidimensional, surprising and fun, searching and finding, but she isn’t all you get. There’s so much more and I can’t wait to dive into the next book and discover it.
Well written… and so many surprises around every corner where an amazing new character waited, whether dark, light or somewhere in between… and sometimes a little of everything. Nora was a blast to get to know, multidimensional, surprising and fun, searching and finding, but she isn’t all you get. There’s so much more and I can’t wait to dive into the next book and discover it.
September 15, 2024
Good and Spicy!
Watching Water is full of wild things. Wild mythical creatures. Wild intimate encounters. Wild danger. Wild misunderstandings. And under it all, wild devotion to family and friends. Herron weaves a page turning tale as intricately as her Bone Wraith’s minions weave webs, well worth blushing over the spicier parts if you prefer a “closed door” romance. If you like the door wide open, you won’t be disappointed! The second book, Hearing Wind, is on my TBR!
Watching Water is full of wild things. Wild mythical creatures. Wild intimate encounters. Wild danger. Wild misunderstandings. And under it all, wild devotion to family and friends. Herron weaves a page turning tale as intricately as her Bone Wraith’s minions weave webs, well worth blushing over the spicier parts if you prefer a “closed door” romance. If you like the door wide open, you won’t be disappointed! The second book, Hearing Wind, is on my TBR!
February 4, 2020
A great story! Suspenseful and sexy! The characters felt real to me and have me chomping at the bit for the next book!
February 23, 2022
Fascinating book I couldn’t put it down till the last page! Great fantasy and intriguing throughout. I loved the witty banter between the characters! I’m a fan please keep adding to the series!
July 30, 2025
Absolutely not what I was expecting… and I am absolutely not mad at it. 10/10
September 12, 2025
I love the characters I love the plot I love the setting I loved everything about this book except for one of the characters because he was just an ass
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
Thank you A.B. Herron for sending me this book along with its upcoming sequel! I absolutely LOVED it!! 💚 It’s been a long time since I’ve read a paranormal romance/fantasy!!! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters and their creatures. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel that Ms. Herron gifted me so I can find out what will happen to Nora and Zayden. Great job!! 🤓
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews