Spooning My Chuchunya

Snuggling Under Snowdrifts #2

by Marilyn Barr

I found the most elusive spot to hide from my parent’s cult but in claiming my cave, I accidentally allowed a snow monster to claim me…

Dr. Sydney Decker

Six months ago, Dr. Vera Thompson disappeared into the wilderness to settle with a mysterious “survivalist colony” without a known location. She may have bought their lies, but I was born into an isolated group of religious fanatics and can’t believe Vera would fall into the same trap. Her weak “find my phone app” signal is the lifeline between us, and I won’t stop searching the frigid tundra for her. My best friend helped me escape but now, it’s my turn to save her.

Sergei

Loneliness threatens my sanity with each rejection at the annual mating chase. Females fear my hot temper and need for control, instead of appreciating that I am the biggest and fiercest male Chuchunya. I had lost hope I would discover my dushevnayasvyaz or soulmate, but then she found us. This season I find myself breaking the ancient rules and deliberately damaging the rituals I hold dear…at her request. I meant what I said when I promised to rearrange the world to make my dushevnayasvyaz happy, but when will I be pushed too far?

Caught between the regimented conditioning of the clan and the willful spirit of his dushevnayasvyaz , Sergei must choose the order which keeps him stable or his chance at fated love. Will they escape punishment for their deeds or face shunning in a desolate place where community means survival? Will Sydney recognize he’s betraying his kin to win her heart or ignore their bond in fear of losing her independence?

Genres: Fantasy, Monsters, Romance, Monster Romance

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

Marilyn Barr currently resides in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats.
When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula. She is a sucker (haha) for cheesy horror movies, Italian food, punk music, black cats, & bad puns.

Reviews

[Chlo Bolton 🍃 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how I feel after reading this 😂

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a book for me, didn't get warm feelings for the couple or the story. I got so frustrated and angry at her friend Vera from book one (haven't read that) and just didn't like the characters. Not a series I want to continue.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney (h) journeys across the Canadian tundra in search of her friend, Vera, an anthropologist, who Sydney thinks has become involved in some type of cult or survivalist group. Sydney believes that Vera has fallen into the same trap that her own religious cult-like upbringing entangled her in. Sergei (H), a chuchunya, an abominable snow monster, wants a mate of his own but has been lonely due to his intimidating nature. He helps Sydney with the primal play mating chase to convince the others in the tribe that they've had sex and that he's claimed Sydney - Sergei realizes that Sydney isn't ready yet for that part of a relationship, even though he longs for a soul bound with the human woman. Sydney is hesitant to enter into a relationship with him due to the cultural differences and the challenges they face in their worlds. Lots of action and adventure as the pair get to know one another, deal with cultural differences and fight to keep the existence of the chuchunya secret. A slow-burn human-snow monster romance that delves into character development and their relationship-building rather than focusing solely on physical intimacy, though there is still heat with chasing, knotting and more.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read!

"I nod and hope my smile isn't too dazed or fangy. I can't risk her discovering she gave me my first kiss." 😭😭

[Darian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was actually so sweet and not ridiculous, given that it's a "monster" romance. The world-building, plot, and characters were all well done. Sometimes monster romances can be so far-fetched they're unenjoyable. This wasn't that. I really loved Sergie & Sydney together.

Vera is a terrible friend. I'm pissed she was forgiven. If I were Sydney, I'd make her grovel. That's all I can say without spoiling.

[Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Sergei! You are the sweetest, biggest, fastest, strongest, most lovable mate! Ever! ❤️❤️ I would love to spa-day at your bath! 😁.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best line? " What the hell is a latte and how can I get my claws on one? Do I need to kill it? Because for her love, I’ll rip one apart!" This works in the Permafrost and in the suburbs.

Perfect Monster Romance for this current cold weather. Again not classic literature or speculative fiction, but honestly I couldn't put this down!
Imagine you were raised in a cult, but you've escaped and gotten a PhD in Climate studies- you've worked hard and developed strong relationships with your found family outside the cult, but one day- your best friend tells you how she's smitten with a SnowMonster, and wants to have little Chuchunya kits. You'd spring into action because this just seems a little cult like. Of course you would!
We join Sydney, as she searches out a remote settlement in Canada to rescue her friend. On arrival, she's not totally convinced that Vera is truly happy, but it's really remote and cold, so you definitely have to hang around. You're there long enough to be discovered by the rest of the group- and thus a "Chase" has to occur - a traditional Chuchunya mating ritual that you don't really want any part of... or do you? This is the story of how Sydney and Sergei find each other under the permafrost.
He's a Snow Monster, she's a curvy human with freckles.
Barr takes us on a wild adventure- with lots of cozy heartwarming moments as Sydney navigates an interspecies relationship and her own emotions. There were fun surprises, and an interesting plot, and honestly, now I just want to crawl under the permafrost, have a bath in the bathing chamber and enjoy some Sassafrass latte.

Highlights? Chuchunya driving! Hunting the vanilla latte! geothermal bathing chambers. A creature with his own soft furnishing blanket that self regulates temperature. Really? I'm ready for the permafrost.
Lowlights? Vera is a terrible friend. terrible. I would have thought the author to make her just slightly better, but it almost seemed like Vera was selling her out.

This book now takes the top place on my Monster Romance project. it's 5/5 for Plot, character development, and uniqueness. 3/5 for the spice which I thought was a good - not overwhelming level.

[M. Culler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a PERFECT sequel. Sergei has captured my heart completely. He is devoted to his clan and his people, but he is a true gentleman. When Sydney, a scientist and friend comes looking for Vera (the heroine of book one), she suspects Vera has been brainwashed into joining some survivalist cult. After all, she knows the signs--she grew up in one. But what Sydney finds out is even more shocking. Vera is mated to a chuchunya and there are many more eligible males than females. Looking to escape from some questionable figures herself, Sydney reluctantly lives with the chuchunya clan in hiding for a little while. When her secret is discovered, she has to "pretend" to choose a mate to stay in their clan and stay safe. While other chuchunyas might try to force the issue, Sergei is smitten and already knows they are destined by the changes in his own body. But he keeps it a secret from Sydney, wanting her to discover it in her own time after gaining her love and trust.
It. IS. A. MASTERPIECE. Sergei and Sydney stumble into love naturally, fighting their fears, slowly letting one another in, and with each passing day, their attraction grows and the steamy experimentation builds until Sydney knows her heart is home.
But when kidnappers from her family cult trail her all the way to the tundra to bring her back, humans and chuchunyas will have to pull together to save her and bring Sergei and Sydney safely together once more.
Beauty, steam, suspense, and true love. You couldn't ask for more.

[Summer Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

*BOOK REVIEW*
BOOK: Spooning My Chuchunya
AUTHOR: MarilynBarr
REVIEW: In this book, we follow Dr. Sydney Decker, who is best friends with Dr. Vera Thompson (from Cuddling My Chuchunya). She is out looking for Vera with the intent of rescuing her. She soon finds the Chuchunya clan that Vera is staying at with Artyom, and there she meets Sergei. Sergei claims Sydney as his mate and soon he's deliberating clan rituals at Sydney's request! He's willing to do anything to make Sydney happy, even at the cost of being shunned from the clan. Will they face punishment for their actions or face shunning? Will Sydney recognize that he's destroying everything to win her heart or will she ignore the bond out of fear of losing her independence? This was a great follow-up book in this series! Sergei was loyal to a fault and it could've cost him everything. I hated and loved that he was betraying his kin for Sydney. He could've won her heart while remaining loyal to the clan. That's partially why I loved this book. We have a Chuchunya who was willing to watch the world burn if it pleased the love of his life. He knows he could handle things differently where he can remain loyal to his kin and win Sydney over, but he's willing the be the one to light the match and set the fire if that's what Sydney wants. I can't wait to read more from this series, it's getting better with each book!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just completely loving the Snuggling Under the Snowdrifts series by Marilyn Barr! Sydney is a researcher who has gotten off course in the Canadian tundra while searching for her friend Vera, who she fears may have joined a cult. When she gets into trouble with some patrolmen, she is rescued… but her rescuer may be far scarier than what she is rescued from… at least at first glance.

Book two is Sydney and Sergei’s book and we get to see even more of snow monster life in the Canadian tundra and see Vera’s friend find her mate. I love the world building. So much fun seeing how chuchunyas live and make their dens and forage and everything is just so detailed and well thought out! I love the mating rituals and chases. I love that Sergei calls Sydney his “zvezuittuq.” And I loved the network of homes Sergei and Artyom build for their mates. But I think my favorite scene is when Sydney declares her undying love for anyone who can bring her a latte. Sergei’s reaction is PRICELESS, y’all. This chuchunya has it bad for his human mate and he is going to scour the tundra for modified latte ingredients, whatever it takes! I loved Sergei for how devoted he was to Sydney and I loved her for what a strong character she was. Her backstory was interesting and added a good piece to the story, too. I am so glad to see there will be a book three, and I am excited about the characters it will be about! 5/5 stars.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not been a reader of monster romances, but I always like the Yeti so I decided to give this one a try. It is the second book in a series but reading the first is not strictly necessary. Sergei has been on his own for a long time and none of the other Chuchunya women are interested in him. He meets Sydney, a friend to his best friend's woman.

*spoilers*


Sydney had been looking for Vera in the frozen wilds and stumbled upon the Chuchunya. Since she is being hunted, she remains with her friend hiding from both people and monsters. Once she is discovered, Sergei realizes she is his mate and will do whatever Sydney needs in order for her to fall for him. He wants her to trust him and fall for him on her own without knowing it is fated for him.
When her past catches up to her, Sergei and his friends help save her from being taken back to her family. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney goes searching for her friend Vera in the Canadian wilderness. Expecting a survivalist cult she is shocked to find Vera has actually acquired a snow monster mate and joined his clan of Chuchunya. She plans on hiding out with Vera and Artyom while she figures out what to do next, but one thing leads to another and she ends up sharing a cave with Artyom's friend Sergei.

This is the second in the series but can be read on its own. I do wonder if I would have a more positive view of Vera and Artyom if I had read their story first, as they come across kind of selfish and unlikable in this book. I absolutely adored gentle giant Sergei with his anxiety and eagerness to please. Sydney is strong, smart, and independent, and the two of them make a very good team.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a slow burn monster romance with a solid plot, and a good balance of plot to smut.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slow burn but it’s worth it. Sydney is a good friend, a loyal friend and when her friend goes missing she goes after her. What she does not expect is to be roped into a mating run involving the chuchunya males. What is a chuchunya? A large hair covered male, sort of like a yeti. Sergei joins the run because he knows Sydney is his mate but this is not an insta love story. Sydney is no shrinking violet, and Sydney has a past that has scarred her. Sergei is patient and understand, and when he’s not he’s trying to be. Sydney is coming to grips not only with the scars her past caused but with the future she could have. The pacing is a bit slow at the begging but stick with it, the story is worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Spera · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels! This cozy with suspenseful moments book was so much fun! Sydney is Vera's friend and she finds herself trying to hide away up in the tundra...under Sergei's protection. I fell hook, line, and sinker for the " biggest, fastest, and strongest chuchunya". He was both strong physically and mentally, but he was so insecure and such a softy. I couldn't help but fall in love with him *dramatic sigh*. I liked that Vera had spunk and had a few of her own issues to content with as well. I appreciate that she stood on her own two feet as a character.

Do I feel like I got a tad bit cheated about there not being a final discussion between Vera and Sydney? Yes.... but who knows what book 3 will hold!...and I will definitely be one of the first in line to read it!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney is a human woman that came from an occult background growing up. She escaped that life and made one for herself as a climatologist. She goes to study permafrost in a frozen tundra but she leaves looking for her best friend. Series is a chuchunya. He wants a mate to share his life with but he wants her to choose him. When he sees Sydney, he knows she's his fated mate. He will do anything for her to choose him and earn her trust. When Sydney's past come back to hunt her, Sergie will risk his life to save her and protect her.
Original, wonderful characters, steamy,danger, adventure, action, fated mates, family, friends, protective males, sharp sassy females. Really good story to get into.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I’ve been admiring the stars on your skin as you move,” I whisper in a growly voice... “When I first saw you, I thought you were a gift from heaven because the night sky was drawn on your skin.”
“I never thought of them as stars. They’re all over my body from the sun’s damage to my skin. I’ve always hated them…until now. How do you make me feel so beautiful?”

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to the second. I really liked both Sergei and Sydney. He knew she was his fated, but wanted to win her heart. He wanted her to chose him willingly. I really liked his personality and thought she made him a good match. This was a sweet read. I'm looking forward to more in this series. 4 stars.

[Dae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely (and a little frustrating)

It was a lovely lovely book and I definitely recommend it. I would have liked an epilogue. The ending was pseudo-cliffy. They got a HEA; it's not a real cliff. The ending feels written in a way that makes you want to read the rest of the series for crumbs about the couple. I really liked this couple. That was not what frustrated me though, it was the anxiety. They had a will they/won't they vibe most of the book. I like this type of romance to be a little more smooth, but I do appreciate the couple more because they worked for it. I won't dock stars for that because it's just a preference thing. There were minimal editing errors, so few that a normal person probably wouldn't notice.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I was in the middle of this and then left it for a while and came back. It’s actually so cute and well written???? Sergei is (and take this with some salt please and thanks) the yeti (and I only say that, because i can’t spell the other word) I would pick, if I was going to need to lol. He’s super sweet and very gentle and he makes sure she knows he would never hurt Sydney, and that her trauma is validated before anything goes further. Huh. Somehow a fucking YETI is more considerate than a man. Interesting. 🤔

| “For the record, you can take care of a female. More than that, any female you host will feel like a queen. I’m honored to be in your care. His reply was ‘Not any female—only you,”

[Ambisaurus Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. I enjoyed the writing style and the culture clash trope has always been a favorite of mine. I also just really liked the plot and overall flow of the story as well. Would definitely read from this author again.

Sergei was a favorite character for sure as was Sydney but I have to say I did not enjoy Vera during some parts of this book. Not going to be too specific cause I don't want to spoil but there were definitely bits with her and her mate that annoyed me. I just don't want anyone taking advantage of my baby Sergei okay? He's perfection.

(I was provided a free arc copy of this book by the author, all opinions are mine)

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story I've read for the series but I had no trouble following along. I love that Sydney took Vera's words to mean she was in a cult...and Sydney figured to rescue her ;P What she finds is a secret community of Chuchunyas. Sergei is lonely and quite smitten with Sydney but their cultural differences make Sydney hesitant to be in a relationship with him... These two fall naturally in love with each other so it's a slow burn romance but it sure has great chemistry, steam (with knotting ;P) and lots of action and adventure as they do so. I thoroughly enjoyed this reading ride and have already preordered the next book. Can't wait for it to come in :D

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always had a thing for Yetis and Sasquatches and this story puts ou clearly in the feels of Sergei and Sydney.

Sydney comes out to find her friend from book 1 and finds herself caught between the fear of her past and love of a very lonely and very possessive protective Yetiorbetter yeta chuchunya. Sergei, wants love...truth be told he just wants to be the choice for his mate...and he gets that in Sydney but only after she deals with her past; and she does after Ms. Barabell showsup and her pas5 comes to take her back.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked seeing more the Chuchunya tribe and getting to know their distinct personalities. I like the characters, Sydney is sweet, funny and fierce at heart which makes her a really lovable character. I like the way the plot is developed and how strands from the first book link in while there are some loose strands that hopefully will be taken further in the next book in the series.
I love the setting of the book. I love how detailed and well researched it is, whilst still being creative and imaginative. I also love that there’s always something new to discover in the wilderness of the Tundra. I’m already excited to read the next book in the series.

[Addictive Passions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I selected this book because I love monster romance! And this is a new monster for me! Traveling underground into a different world where the hero's are SOOOO f--ing protective.....I LOVE IT! Not just the premise of the book was novel and interesting at least to me, but the plot was good too.

The conflict was typical for a romance, but still good.

Sergi and Syndey's story is so wonderfully written, you can't help but get caught up in the romance. In fact, reading #2 in this series has made me want to read the first book. And I hope she has more in store with these snow monsters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute slow burn book! Most monster books are an instalove with lots of smut and I thought this book was refreshing to build more on the characters and their stories then just their intimate time. I received this as an arc and have not read the first book and now I don’t know how I’ll feel because Vera and Artyom were not it for me. If I were to go back I would read their story first and maybe I wouldn’t dislike them as much. The writing was great though so I’m still going to go read book 1 now!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She goes to find and save her friend from what she believes could be a cult. Only to find her friend doesn’t need nor want to be saved.
Sydney ends up caught by Sergei in the chase. Their relationship from this moment on is fantastic. I love the romance, spice, and laughter their journey brought me. I love how Sydney’s relationship with her best friend changes as well.
Really well written. It will pull you in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monster f*ckers rejoice! A book has arrived about boinking a yeti in the middle of the tundra. Chuchunya apparently smell like vanilla when they meet their mates. Also has unique mating rituals and interspecies interactions. The story is unique and fun. Not one of the most entertaining reads but the characters are love able and the lore the author has created around them is actually pretty interesting. This book is a slow burn with an overly optimistic and sunshine male lead and a dark emotionally scarred female lead.

[Anita Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. It is a slow burn but I like the fact that sex, gratuitous or otherwise, isn’t the main focus of the book. I like that the author took the time to develop the characters and their relationships, even though I thought some of the things Vera did and said were not rational at times. I guess we all have our moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tmarie.0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pretty surprised with how much I enjoyed this. I expected to like it from the synopsis, but not as much as I did. I think I speak for everyone when I say, Sergei is baby. He’s my baby. That is all. Can’t change my mind. Sydney was ok, not my fave fmc but definitely not the worst. Vera? Kick rocks bro. Just kidding….. but seriously, I hope you stub your toe every night. Ok. That’s all.





Arc read. However, Opinions are my own.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you looking for a cozy monster romance with virgin MMC and fake marriage than this is for you. I loved how sergei was a gentle giant and would do anything for her no matter what. He was so cute and sweet. My favorite chapter has to be 15 and 25.My favorite part of all is when he calls her zvezuittuq . I loved this alot and hoping there's more books in the series. Will definitely be reading more of this author.

[Acacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an amazing read. Sergi and Sydney were couple goals. Hated Vera in this book though, she just kept putting Sydney down even though she knew what Sydney had gone through. Loved the relationship that Sergi and Sydney have, they are both equals and not a power imbalanced couple. Loved this book, lots of twists and turns that had me enjoying it all the way through. So glad I was able to arc read this book, can’t wait to read more from this author.