Reviews - The Sea-Ogre's Eager Bride

192 reviews for:

The Sea-Ogre's Eager Bride

Ruby Dixon

3.78 AVERAGE

consortingwithbooks's review against another edition

3.75

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

canvan's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 23%

The FMC just rubbed me the wrong way. I understand why her character is the way she is, she's had a rough life, but I found the tilt this gave her perspective to be something I didn't care to read.

cerianh's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Look, as far as I’m concerned, Ruby Dixon is a freaking master at balancing vulnerable characters with flaws in precarious situations with humour and heart.

I haven’t read the main Aspect and Anchor books yet, which are the world in which this book is set. However, the world building is fleshed out enough in this shorter book that you can easily read it as a stand alone.

Valessa, or Vali, is enslaved and out of options when we meet her….or so it seems. Rescue comes in the unexpected form of a sea-ogre when the pirate stops the ship she’s on and demands a bride. As you can imagine, Vali has been through the wringer. She copes by conforming herself to whatever she thinks will please her master and burying her own need and wants. Throughout the book she grows to recognise and stand up for her own needs, with Ranan’s encouragement.

Rana is a seakind (aka sea-ogre) pirate, spending his days floating on his giant turtle’s back and robbing merchant and slave ships. He accidentally demands a bride as his prize from one such ship and ends up with Vali. One thing to know about Ranan - he’s awkward AF. Like, really awkward. He’s so used to being by myself and he’s constantly putting his foot in his mouth. Bless him.

Ranan and Vali both grow so much in this relatively short book. Both as individuals, and as a couple. Vali lies as a way to protect herself and mixing this with Ranan’s awkwardness is the perfect breeding ground for miscommunication to abound.

When they do manage to communicate, their chemistry flourishes but it’s not smooth sailing for them (get it?).

This was an enjoyable shorter fantasy / monster romance that hits the right spots. It touches on some darker themes but the focus is on Raman and Vali’s fledgling relationship. It’s a great little taster for this world, and it makes me all the more keen to pick up the rest of the books in the series.

steph_reads_ish's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

mmzebra's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

mlglenn's review against another edition

4.5

I really am ride or die for Ruby content. This was such a fun fantasy/monster romance that I absolutely devoured in one evening. Ranan being such a shy boy who is slowly brought out of his shell by Vali was so cute to watch.

POV: dual first person

You can expect: opposites attract, unexpected bride, forced proximity, different worlds, confident FMC/shy MMC, he's a virgin, golden retriever FMC/black cat MMC.

Spice: 3.5

CW: attempted rape, near-drowning, injury, enslavement.