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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This was exactly the little read I needed to break out of my reading slump! As someone who does a lot of ARC reading, it’s refreshing to pick up a book purely because it sounds interesting—no deadlines, no pressure. And when it’s a new Ruby Dixon book? Even better!
Valessa is such a relatable and resilient heroine. Her thoughts and actions feel so human that I was rooting for her from the very start. Despite her past, she quickly learns to stand her ground, recognize her worth, and communicate with Ranan in a way that builds real connection. And speaking of Ranan—he absolutely stole my heart. He’s awkward, struggles with words (same, buddy), and falls fast for Valessa, even when he doesn’t fully understand why he wants to impress her. That kind of devotion? Perfection.
The pacing was just right, the spice was top-tier (as always with Ruby’s books), and every moment between Valessa and Ranan felt meaningful. If you’re looking to dive into monster romance, this is a fantastic place to start. Highly recommend!
Valessa is such a relatable and resilient heroine. Her thoughts and actions feel so human that I was rooting for her from the very start. Despite her past, she quickly learns to stand her ground, recognize her worth, and communicate with Ranan in a way that builds real connection. And speaking of Ranan—he absolutely stole my heart. He’s awkward, struggles with words (same, buddy), and falls fast for Valessa, even when he doesn’t fully understand why he wants to impress her. That kind of devotion? Perfection.
The pacing was just right, the spice was top-tier (as always with Ruby’s books), and every moment between Valessa and Ranan felt meaningful. If you’re looking to dive into monster romance, this is a fantastic place to start. Highly recommend!
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“For everyone that picks the bear.” <<< when I read this dedication I knew it was going to be good.
Get past the cringe title and just read it.
I already loved the Aspect and Anchor series and wasn’t sure how this story that’s not directly tied to the events of the series, but still in the same universe would fit in, but it worked very well. You don’t need to have read the rest of the series to read this and I actually think it might be a good place to dive in (heh) to the A&A universe.
Spice: 3/5 - open door, repeated, explicit language, creative anatomy, humanoid non-human love interest
CW:slavery, kidnapping, mentions of past sexual violence-not graphic, not on page, near drowning, graphic injury, mild medical gore/blood
Get past the cringe title and just read it.
I already loved the Aspect and Anchor series and wasn’t sure how this story that’s not directly tied to the events of the series, but still in the same universe would fit in, but it worked very well. You don’t need to have read the rest of the series to read this and I actually think it might be a good place to dive in (heh) to the A&A universe.
Spice: 3/5 - open door, repeated, explicit language, creative anatomy, humanoid non-human love interest
CW:
adventurous
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
fast-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I love the A&A world but this was just meh.
One moment, you're a single fish man, living the bachelor life and peacefully raiding ships, and the next moment, you're accidentally married bc you're too awkward to interrupt a lady throwing herself at you and be all like, "oh wait hey, this is a misunderstanding...!"
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite Ruby book. Not spicy enough and didn’t love the couple