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Sap & Spile
In the unfamiliar forests of Vermont, Mila finds herself out of her comfort zone in more ways than one. While cleaning up the mess her estranged husband left behind, a late spring snow storm threatens her life. Her unlikely rescuers aren’t just living in the woods, they’re an intrinsic part of them. Old bonds, new debts, and ancient magic flow like snowmelt in this short, steamy tale of love and lust among the trees. Notes on content contained in this There are references to marital cheating (previous, not perpetrated by the main characters), marital estrangement, homicide, divorce, a fatal car accident, death, ingestion of fun bodily fluids (both while aware and while unaware), praise, and group activities.The two main male characters have a prior loving, established relationship with one another. If you have any questions or concerns about story content, please feel free to reach out to the author on social media!
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 30, 2022
Sexy little naughty dryads make for a good time.
4 stars
2 on the spice scale
4 stars
2 on the spice scale
May 24, 2023
From the woman who brought us balloon animal shifter ménage now comes a mmf dryad romance. Delightful.
In this you’ll find things such as:
-barksworn as a pet name
-tree shifting
-come that tastes like sap
-magic fertility rituals
So who can say no to all of that?
Slow burn (which is relative in 50 pages).
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multiple 1st
In this you’ll find things such as:
-barksworn as a pet name
-tree shifting
-come that tastes like sap
-magic fertility rituals
So who can say no to all of that?
Slow burn (which is relative in 50 pages).
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multiple 1st
September 15, 2025
Dryads get jiggy with their twiggy (and a human female).
Edit: Great read for those that want to see the “Wicker” movie.
Edit: Great read for those that want to see the “Wicker” movie.
December 3, 2023
I read this because I was intrigued. And because…Vera Valentine. Unique story, interesting and lovable characters, and excellent writing. I’ve come to realize if Vera writes it, I will read it. No matter what the story is about.
March 6, 2026
If you need me, I’ll be waiting by a maple tree, holding a book and hoping for a miracle.
As a personal side note, I told my boyfriend about this one. He does so love when I look at him and ask why don't you have magical powers?!
...Frustrating.
Anywho, he might be right, if a magical tree man appeared, stick out, while I was on a hike out of no where, I'd probably scream in terror, not moan in pleasure.
As a personal side note, I told my boyfriend about this one. He does so love when I look at him and ask why don't you have magical powers?!
...Frustrating.
Anywho, he might be right, if a magical tree man appeared, stick out, while I was on a hike out of no where, I'd probably scream in terror, not moan in pleasure.
February 25, 2025
This was soooo good!
I loved the setting, the backstory, the first meeting, in short I loved everything!
This is such a wonderful story and I wish it were longer because I just wanted more!
I loved the setting, the backstory, the first meeting, in short I loved everything!
This is such a wonderful story and I wish it were longer because I just wanted more!
January 10, 2025
Vera Valentine never ceases to amaze me … & make me say “what the fuck?” out loud to myself as I’m reading.
This was one of the strangest stories that I’ve ever read from Vera. The novelty & what-the-fuckness of it all was genuinely enjoyable. Did it make any sense whatsoever? No. Was it entertaining (albeit a bit disturbing) beyond belief? YES!
This was one of the strangest stories that I’ve ever read from Vera. The novelty & what-the-fuckness of it all was genuinely enjoyable. Did it make any sense whatsoever? No. Was it entertaining (albeit a bit disturbing) beyond belief? YES!
November 30, 2023
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance, Novella
3/5🌶️
Tropes and themes: Dryads & mythology, MMF, hurt/care, age -gap, monster f*cking, forced proximity / snowed in cabin
Thoughts:
I loved this 😂 It was short and to the point and I really enjoyed the lore and slightly world building. A very well done novella!!
3/5🌶️
Tropes and themes: Dryads & mythology, MMF, hurt/care, age -gap, monster f*cking, forced proximity / snowed in cabin
Thoughts:
I loved this 😂 It was short and to the point and I really enjoyed the lore and slightly world building. A very well done novella!!
October 21, 2023
Cute - wish it was longer!
These characters were all unique and interesting and I wanted MORE. They were sweet together and went through a lot to get to where they ended up.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: car accident (off page), cheating (not by MCs), inadvertent consumption of semen
These characters were all unique and interesting and I wanted MORE. They were sweet together and went through a lot to get to where they ended up.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: car accident (off page), cheating (not by MCs), inadvertent consumption of semen
May 22, 2024
i swear this is the last book of hers i will read
maybe
maybe
November 3, 2024
I was so confused the whole time
Read
August 23, 2024not the fun cutesy Vermont story I was hoping for
December 23, 2023
What you'll get:
Monsters - kind off? They're tree shifters
Lumbersexual
Magic
Bisexual rep
Setting: Vermont
This was the most romantic book about a woman banging a couple of murderous trees that I've ever read. They were held under a curse by Mila's estranged husband until his "completely accidental" death forces her up to Vermont to learn a whole lot about syrup very quickly or she'll be completely broke. I would definitely say she learned how to tap for syrup.
Monsters - kind off? They're tree shifters
Lumbersexual
Magic
Bisexual rep
Setting: Vermont
This was the most romantic book about a woman banging a couple of murderous trees that I've ever read. They were held under a curse by Mila's estranged husband until his "completely accidental" death forces her up to Vermont to learn a whole lot about syrup very quickly or she'll be completely broke. I would definitely say she learned how to tap for syrup.
February 19, 2023
3 stars for making me laugh out loud at 77% while yelling NO! nononononono! OMG. The title of this story intrigued me as well as the premise (dryads) but I was NOT expecting THIS! Yes- spoiler ahead.
"Blunted and polished smooth at the penetrating edge, the hollow metal tube ended in a rounded, tapered point at the other end. Her eyes widened as she spotted it in my hand, and I let my gaze wander her still-clothed body with predatory heat.
“We’ve never had the pleasure of a mortal female before - my books tell me you have sap of your own to sample.”
They used a spile on her! LOLOLOLOL. I can't. Of all the ways a story can go, this was very unexpected. Props for creativity.
"Blunted and polished smooth at the penetrating edge, the hollow metal tube ended in a rounded, tapered point at the other end. Her eyes widened as she spotted it in my hand, and I let my gaze wander her still-clothed body with predatory heat.
“We’ve never had the pleasure of a mortal female before - my books tell me you have sap of your own to sample.”
They used a spile on her! LOLOLOLOL. I can't. Of all the ways a story can go, this was very unexpected. Props for creativity.
September 27, 2023
When a get a text that says “This seems like a Krystal book” you know I’m going to read it.
I had no idea what to expect, but it was so cozy.
I even learned something. I had no idea what a Spile was until I googled it. It’s the nozzle to harvest sap from maple trees to make syrup. The more you know.
If you want a short story with Dryads and a snowstorm I 10/10 recommend this quick read.
I had no idea what to expect, but it was so cozy.
I even learned something. I had no idea what a Spile was until I googled it. It’s the nozzle to harvest sap from maple trees to make syrup. The more you know.
If you want a short story with Dryads and a snowstorm I 10/10 recommend this quick read.
June 25, 2026
This was...
I believe this to be a comeback story. Not necessarily for the author but for the FMC within. There are tender moments and those that I as a woman can relate to in small ways. I also love the communication and the understanding that is in this book. It's a quick read. Also we love accountability and consent and communication 💜
I believe this to be a comeback story. Not necessarily for the author but for the FMC within. There are tender moments and those that I as a woman can relate to in small ways. I also love the communication and the understanding that is in this book. It's a quick read. Also we love accountability and consent and communication 💜
January 1, 2023
great little story
I have learned to expect nothing less from this writer!! She is beyond talented and a must-read!! Vera is an example of finding someone you enjoy and enjoying all they write!!
I have learned to expect nothing less from this writer!! She is beyond talented and a must-read!! Vera is an example of finding someone you enjoy and enjoying all they write!!
December 27, 2023
Why the hell did I think I could run a goddamn maple syrup farm?
I wish this book was longer! The were delicious and their pre-existing relationship as they brought in our FMC was fun! I'll never be sick of that trope <3
The snow-wind sang its beautiful song outside, a melody that stirred my soul but promised death for the fragile human on our bed.
The continuity with the setting and monster-type was well written and it reminded me why I enjoyed Vera Valentine's works! The characters felt very unique and some of the prose was really lovely. Overall, a cute, short read!
March 28, 2024
Romance Among the Trees
This was a short story about a poly romance in the woods. It was sweet with spice. Note that spice is at the end of the book, the setup takes most of the story. Didn’t like this one as much as Unhinged.
This was a short story about a poly romance in the woods. It was sweet with spice. Note that spice is at the end of the book, the setup takes most of the story. Didn’t like this one as much as Unhinged.
May 23, 2024
It is what it says it is. But the ending is truly "unhinged" joke intended. We go from decent story and plot to straight chaos that is fed to you with "just accept that this makes sense." The description is right on the money though, you're not "barking up the wrong tree"....ok I will stop.
December 7, 2023
What a treat.
May 8, 2024
I swear I read once that dryads could only be women?
January 13, 2024
Bahahahaha an entertaining little story about tree shifters and one lucky lady who learns how to tap for tree sap like nobody else. This story was heartwarming and also a lil wild lollll.
Content warning: sexual content, murder
Content warning: sexual content, murder
December 17, 2022
A little cartoonish and corny in parts, but enjoyable and cute overall. Would love to have seen this expanded a bit more to allow for more character and plot. I wanted more of it.
May 22, 2024
Uhh well i read it through... It is everything it says it is.
January 21, 2023
Sap and Spile
HERO Sier and Alsam are male tree dryads. Sier is the younger of the two and he is kinder, with a soft heart. Alsam is the oldest and more strict. He had a human friend years ago who taught him how to read and he taught Sier. Sier and Alsam are mated.
HEROINE Mila is married to her husband Caleb. Caleb left her two years prior to continue his relationship with a Russian woman named Svetlana. Mila was heartbroken and was left alone to pick up the pieces that Caleb left behind. And a lot of debt. Caleb and Svetlana died in a car accident and now Mila packed up her life to move to where Caleb and Svetlana started a maple syrup business. She needs to succeed in keeping the business afloat so she is not put into financial ruin, again.
REPRESENTATION LGBTQ+ rep in the form of two masculine tree spirits mating and finding a third, a human woman, to mate with.
OVERALL THOUGHTS This was an okay novella. It took a little to get into but we got there.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE It could have been longer and we could have seen some character development. At Least more of the relationship between Sier and Alsam
FAVORITE QUOTES: “We’ve never had the pleasure of a mortal female before - my books tell me you have sap of your own to sample.”
“I intend to harvest it. You’ll sweeten my tea, little fawn, just as Sier does.”
SAFETY Safe
AGE: I don't think they mentioned age but Mila seems older, 30s. Sier and Alsam are tree spirits so I assume they are more than a hundred years old.
SEXUAL HISTORY: Mila had a husband prior, but hadn’t had sex for two years. Sier and Alsam are a mated pair and they both talked fondly of their matings.
CONDOMS: Nope, she got that sap
HEAT LEVEL: 2/5 Not very smutty. One Scene. Alsam tapped her vagina though with a metal spile, which was a new one for me.
PUSH/PULL: Nope.
SEPARATION: Nope
CHEATING: The FMC estranged husband cheated on her in the past.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM: No
ABUSE: No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS References to marital cheating (previous. Not perpetuated by the main characters) marital estrangement, homicide, divorce, a fatal car accident, death, ingestion of fun bodily fluids (both while aware and while unaware), praise and group activities.
HEA/HFN:
HERO Sier and Alsam are male tree dryads. Sier is the younger of the two and he is kinder, with a soft heart. Alsam is the oldest and more strict. He had a human friend years ago who taught him how to read and he taught Sier. Sier and Alsam are mated.
HEROINE Mila is married to her husband Caleb. Caleb left her two years prior to continue his relationship with a Russian woman named Svetlana. Mila was heartbroken and was left alone to pick up the pieces that Caleb left behind. And a lot of debt. Caleb and Svetlana died in a car accident and now Mila packed up her life to move to where Caleb and Svetlana started a maple syrup business. She needs to succeed in keeping the business afloat so she is not put into financial ruin, again.
REPRESENTATION LGBTQ+ rep in the form of two masculine tree spirits mating and finding a third, a human woman, to mate with.
OVERALL THOUGHTS This was an okay novella. It took a little to get into but we got there.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE It could have been longer and we could have seen some character development. At Least more of the relationship between Sier and Alsam
FAVORITE QUOTES: “We’ve never had the pleasure of a mortal female before - my books tell me you have sap of your own to sample.”
“I intend to harvest it. You’ll sweeten my tea, little fawn, just as Sier does.”
SAFETY Safe
AGE: I don't think they mentioned age but Mila seems older, 30s. Sier and Alsam are tree spirits so I assume they are more than a hundred years old.
SEXUAL HISTORY: Mila had a husband prior, but hadn’t had sex for two years. Sier and Alsam are a mated pair and they both talked fondly of their matings.
CONDOMS: Nope, she got that sap
HEAT LEVEL: 2/5 Not very smutty. One Scene. Alsam tapped her vagina though with a metal spile, which was a new one for me.
PUSH/PULL: Nope.
SEPARATION: Nope
CHEATING: The FMC estranged husband cheated on her in the past.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM: No
ABUSE: No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS References to marital cheating (previous. Not perpetuated by the main characters) marital estrangement, homicide, divorce, a fatal car accident, death, ingestion of fun bodily fluids (both while aware and while unaware), praise and group activities.
HEA/HFN:
March 1, 2026
Sap & Spile by Vera Valentine was fantastic! A completely unexpected novella from the usual style of sentient object smut I’ve come to know and love (cough cough obsess over). This was different, a romantasy with a heartbreaking start left me anxious to finish the book. As a practicing pagan, I deeply loved the description of our two main male characters, who are dryads living and protecting the land they are bound to serve. Our female main character was perfect, rightly angry at her ex-husband but not spiteful or bitter, which made my sympathies for her and later cheered her on for the completely wholesome spice to follow! As a lover of novellas, I was so disappointed that the story ended. I needed more of our wonderful threesome and their evolving relationship. Nonetheless, I loved the “news” style article that served as the epilogue of a very sweet happily ever after. This is not Ms. Valentine’s typical novella, but it is a story I absolutely fell in love with!
December 24, 2023
In the unfamiliar forests of Vermont, Mila finds herself out of her comfort zone in more ways than one. While cleaning up the mess her estranged husband left behind, a late spring snow storm threatens her life. Her unlikely rescuers aren’t just living in the woods, however: they’re an intrinsic part of them. Old bonds, new debts, and ancient magic flow like snowmelt in this short, steamy tale of love and lust among the trees.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I like nature so I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fun, quick read and it’s perfect for Christmas time.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I like nature so I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fun, quick read and it’s perfect for Christmas time.
December 18, 2024
The spice could have been spicier, and I'm a little sad that I didn't get that much of it.
There was so much back story with this one. Back story and build up. Considering how short this was, i would have liked more of the spice and less of the backstory and build up.
However I loved the characters and premise so much that, if we were doing that much back story, I would have been fine with a whole ass novella or novel at that point.
I just wanted more. More of the characters and how they're doing. More of the spice.
This was just too short for me!
There was so much back story with this one. Back story and build up. Considering how short this was, i would have liked more of the spice and less of the backstory and build up.
However I loved the characters and premise so much that, if we were doing that much back story, I would have been fine with a whole ass novella or novel at that point.
I just wanted more. More of the characters and how they're doing. More of the spice.
This was just too short for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews