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Monster Mates #1
Scorched by the Hellhound
And here I thought firemen were supposed to put out fires.
It seemed like a smart move, parking my food truck in front of a bunch of hungry firefighters.
I had no idea these beastly hunks were from the Monster Unit.
Or that Lucian, the fire chief, was a hellhound who would set my soul ablaze with one sultry look.
Good thing he has a big fire hose…
Still, falling for a demon from the underworld is the last thing I need right now. My conniving ex is back in town, my business is struggling, and there’s a cooking contest that I can’t afford to lose.
But when Lucian and I keep ending up in situations too spicy for even the most seasoned of palates, what can I possibly do?
Scorched by the Hellhound is a standalone monster romance that’s as sweet as it is steamy, with a guaranteed happy ending.
It seemed like a smart move, parking my food truck in front of a bunch of hungry firefighters.
I had no idea these beastly hunks were from the Monster Unit.
Or that Lucian, the fire chief, was a hellhound who would set my soul ablaze with one sultry look.
Good thing he has a big fire hose…
Still, falling for a demon from the underworld is the last thing I need right now. My conniving ex is back in town, my business is struggling, and there’s a cooking contest that I can’t afford to lose.
But when Lucian and I keep ending up in situations too spicy for even the most seasoned of palates, what can I possibly do?
Scorched by the Hellhound is a standalone monster romance that’s as sweet as it is steamy, with a guaranteed happy ending.
227 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2024
489 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Sparks
24 books162 followersClick '+Follow' to get updates on new releases!
Ivy Sparks has a passion for romances that feature kick-ass heroines and the dark alpha males who love them. If not for her demanding cat, she'd probably have even more books out.
Sign up to Ivy Sparks's newsletter for updates and a FREE book! https://ivysparks.eo.page/freebook
Ivy Sparks has a passion for romances that feature kick-ass heroines and the dark alpha males who love them. If not for her demanding cat, she'd probably have even more books out.
Sign up to Ivy Sparks's newsletter for updates and a FREE book! https://ivysparks.eo.page/freebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 7, 2025
Honestly not great. No real plot and couldn't keep track of time at all. I think it all happened over 2 weeks? Which is fine, but don't be wishy washy about things. And while I'm fine with just cozy books, this one hinted at having plot and then nothing. I kept thinking something interesting was going to happen only for it to go in a different direction that wasn't related to anything. Want to know how this should have gone? The ex should have been the imp, and she got the peppers because she met the goat on something related to it. Also have the ex new sabotaging her career. Make things connect and have a central plot, not just them they do this! Also, she had 0 personality other than I exist, and I cook gumbo. And even their relationship was I'm a pillow princess and he's the interesting one that worships me. It's a whole nothing burger.
Edit:
You know what, I'm not done with being annoyed at this spaghetti at the wall book, because like, she wants to be big in gumbo, and the chicken bone was actually a mistake she made?! How did she manage to get a chicken bone in gumbo when she only had like 3 hours to make gumbo?! That's not long enough to roast a whole chicken for a gumbo. Let alone the fact that God gumbo for a competing environment should take DAYS
Edit:
You know what, I'm not done with being annoyed at this spaghetti at the wall book, because like, she wants to be big in gumbo, and the chicken bone was actually a mistake she made?! How did she manage to get a chicken bone in gumbo when she only had like 3 hours to make gumbo?! That's not long enough to roast a whole chicken for a gumbo. Let alone the fact that God gumbo for a competing environment should take DAYS
December 14, 2025
I’m from the UK, so I have no idea what gumbo is… but I’ll happily take a steaming bowl now. Served preferably by Lucian, the hulking hellhound himself. 🔥🔥🔥
While I’ve preferred other stories in this series, this was still a fun, spicy short monster read. Quick, indulgent, and seasoned with enough plot to feel a little less sinful.
While I’ve preferred other stories in this series, this was still a fun, spicy short monster read. Quick, indulgent, and seasoned with enough plot to feel a little less sinful.
April 14, 2024
I absolutely adored this book.
Zoe and Lucien had so much chemistry and care between the two, and I loved how supportive he was from the beginning. Zoe was so open and understanding of his nature, and didn't call him out whenever his hound side got the better of him, and I was so sad about the burden and hurt he had been carrying for so long.
Overall, I can't wait to read more from this series and will likely check out more from the author as I really enjoyed it. :)
Zoe and Lucien had so much chemistry and care between the two, and I loved how supportive he was from the beginning. Zoe was so open and understanding of his nature, and didn't call him out whenever his hound side got the better of him, and I was so sad about the burden and hurt he had been carrying for so long.
Overall, I can't wait to read more from this series and will likely check out more from the author as I really enjoyed it. :)
October 9, 2025
Insta attraction, a fast paced, cozy, and spicy monster romance.
April 18, 2024
3.5 stars
May 29, 2024
Sweet and steamy
For all you Smutt lovers, yes, we get an anthro form 😉
Aside from the lovely steam, this story was super sweet, but the intro was misleading; It made it sound like the fmc was going to avoid the relationship because of all her daily strife, but she had hardly any hesitation. In fact, the mmc had more hesitation than she did, just in the sense that he wanted to take things slow for her benefit. All in all, a very cute story. I enjoyed it.
For all you Smutt lovers, yes, we get an anthro form 😉
Aside from the lovely steam, this story was super sweet, but the intro was misleading; It made it sound like the fmc was going to avoid the relationship because of all her daily strife, but she had hardly any hesitation. In fact, the mmc had more hesitation than she did, just in the sense that he wanted to take things slow for her benefit. All in all, a very cute story. I enjoyed it.
February 8, 2025
4.5 stars.
October 28, 2025
This book was not good. The dialogue was stilted and dramatic, couldn’t take it seriously and even sped read through some scenes. Maybe this is for you, you can give it a shot but you can tell by the first few pages. I don’t recommend buying it.
May 23, 2024
i’ve been entertained
January 26, 2024
I loved Scorched by the Hellhound Book 1 of A Monster Mates Romance. Zoe got lucky when a bunch of firefighters try her food truck. When Lucian smelled Zoe he knew she was his but being human he knew he had to take it slow. Lucian will protect Zoe from anyone and anything. Her ex, an imp and fire. They have an amazing connection and thankfully he’s able to save Zoe from a fire and his enemy. This is a sweet story and I loved the characters. I loved the ending. I wouldn’t mind a hellhound wanting me lol. I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait for more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2024
A DAMN GOOD BOOK!!!
It is a sweet book and Zoe and Lucian are a great couple. It was nice to read a story where it didn’t take half the book before they met and became a couple. Lucian was such a gentleman and vulnerable to Zoe. I wished there had been more about his profession because it was interesting. I hope Ms. Sparks will make Monster Mates Romance a series. The descriptions were wonderful and Ms. Sparks made me feel I was there.
It is a sweet book and Zoe and Lucian are a great couple. It was nice to read a story where it didn’t take half the book before they met and became a couple. Lucian was such a gentleman and vulnerable to Zoe. I wished there had been more about his profession because it was interesting. I hope Ms. Sparks will make Monster Mates Romance a series. The descriptions were wonderful and Ms. Sparks made me feel I was there.
January 25, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: I'm so glad I picked this story up because omg what a hoot! I adore cooking shows (for reasons unknown even to me since I hate cooking) and I was enthralled by the show Food Truck Roundup so this book combining those elements with monsterfudger love AND FIREMEN? Gimme! I knew I was for sure sunk at this scene when the MCs meet while FMC is serving folks after a fire call.
"I gulped yet again, unaware that my dish was being judged by the hellhound equivalent of Gordon Ramsay. Lucian’s eyes burned into mine as he replied, “I’ll compliment food that deserves it. So, Miss… Gumbo?” “Z-Zoe. I’m just Zoe. Miss Gumbo is my grandmother.” “Zoe,” he repeated, his voice practically caressing my name. “You made this from scratch?” I nodded, my heart pounding from the undivided attention he was giving me. I had never felt so seen, and it was both thrilling and terrifying. Lucian lifted the bowl up to his nose and breathed it in. “Let’s see… Chicken, andouille sausage, celery, onion, green pepper, tomatoes, okra, garlic, cumin, and a unique Creole spice blend that must’ve been passed down through many generations.” I felt like he had read me like a book. Or at least read my recipe like one. “Yup.” “And, of course,” Lucian added, setting the bowl back down on the counter, “there is the Carolina Reaper pepper, which to an untrained palette might be a bit overwhelming. But to me, it adds a bit of a kick that I really appreciate.” “Th-thanks,” I said, brushing a stray lock of hair out of my eyes. He paused and sniffed the air gently, before frowning. “Wait… There’s something else.” I wasn’t sure what else it could be. He had named off every ingredient there was. Then he leaned closer to the counter, his voice lowering as he took another breath. “Oh,” he said with a curious còck to his head and an amused glint in his eyes. He then said, just low enough for only me to hear, “It’s you.” “Me?” I whispered." SWOON. I had to put the book DOWN and fan myself y'all. It is unfair to be this swoon worthy this early in a book. And from the small hints about the rest of the squad it seems like there might be more spicy boys in the future and if so YES PLEASE. If nothing else, I need Annabelle to have her spicy, happy ever after.
The steamy scenes are enough to fill several saunas AND Lucian is a Consent King which....sploosh. I connect with Zoe being a socially awkward introvert who is adopted by an extrovert (Annabelle) and is down to be swept off your feet respectfully. And when he does this move? I'm dead and typing this from the grave: "The shuddering wave of ecstasy rolled out through my body, making my entire frame shake and twitch as he continued licking my clenching püssy, drawing out the pleasure until every ounce was squeezed from me and I had nothing left. “There we go,” he whispered softly. “That’s a good girl.” So if all this sounds like you jam as it was mine, GRAB UP THIS BOOK. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"I gulped yet again, unaware that my dish was being judged by the hellhound equivalent of Gordon Ramsay. Lucian’s eyes burned into mine as he replied, “I’ll compliment food that deserves it. So, Miss… Gumbo?” “Z-Zoe. I’m just Zoe. Miss Gumbo is my grandmother.” “Zoe,” he repeated, his voice practically caressing my name. “You made this from scratch?” I nodded, my heart pounding from the undivided attention he was giving me. I had never felt so seen, and it was both thrilling and terrifying. Lucian lifted the bowl up to his nose and breathed it in. “Let’s see… Chicken, andouille sausage, celery, onion, green pepper, tomatoes, okra, garlic, cumin, and a unique Creole spice blend that must’ve been passed down through many generations.” I felt like he had read me like a book. Or at least read my recipe like one. “Yup.” “And, of course,” Lucian added, setting the bowl back down on the counter, “there is the Carolina Reaper pepper, which to an untrained palette might be a bit overwhelming. But to me, it adds a bit of a kick that I really appreciate.” “Th-thanks,” I said, brushing a stray lock of hair out of my eyes. He paused and sniffed the air gently, before frowning. “Wait… There’s something else.” I wasn’t sure what else it could be. He had named off every ingredient there was. Then he leaned closer to the counter, his voice lowering as he took another breath. “Oh,” he said with a curious còck to his head and an amused glint in his eyes. He then said, just low enough for only me to hear, “It’s you.” “Me?” I whispered." SWOON. I had to put the book DOWN and fan myself y'all. It is unfair to be this swoon worthy this early in a book. And from the small hints about the rest of the squad it seems like there might be more spicy boys in the future and if so YES PLEASE. If nothing else, I need Annabelle to have her spicy, happy ever after.
The steamy scenes are enough to fill several saunas AND Lucian is a Consent King which....sploosh. I connect with Zoe being a socially awkward introvert who is adopted by an extrovert (Annabelle) and is down to be swept off your feet respectfully. And when he does this move? I'm dead and typing this from the grave: "The shuddering wave of ecstasy rolled out through my body, making my entire frame shake and twitch as he continued licking my clenching püssy, drawing out the pleasure until every ounce was squeezed from me and I had nothing left. “There we go,” he whispered softly. “That’s a good girl.” So if all this sounds like you jam as it was mine, GRAB UP THIS BOOK. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2024
Zoe and Lucian’s Meet-Up . . .
Zoe started a business two years ago, Miss Gumbo’s Food Truck, but has been struggling to make ends meet. She knows the competition is tough in New Orleans, but her Grandma Violet’s secret recipe should still get her more business. Her hair was frizzy, but she had no time for men anyway, so it didn’t matter. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Her last boyfriend had stolen her grandma’s fabulous recipe which won him a scholarship to a French culinary school, so she was definitely not interested in finding someone else. Instead she put her energies toward the Bayou Cookoff to win the Best Gumbo title so people would flock to her food truck. For now, she would look for some activities that would draw people and take her food truck there. A fire near an abandoned cannery sounded like it would attract a crowd. It was rumored this one was started by a dragon! And with 3 firetrucks responding and lunchtime coming up, she could feed them after they put the fire out and were ready for lunch! Ten of the firemen ordered her spicy hot Firestorm Gumbo which she swore would bring them to their knees! But all claimed to be ready for the challenge. And soon all ten were sniffling back tears. So they decided to call their Captain over and watch his reaction. Would Hell freeze over if the soup affected even him?
When Lucian joined them, she found out the guys were from the Monster Unit and they warned her Lucian, their fire chief, was a hellhound and she couldn’t stop staring at him. Did he really look like this or was it a glamour? He finally asked if he had ash on his face since she couldn’t stop staring at him. When he tasted the soup, he announced that Hell would not be freezing over, but this was the best dish he had ever tasted! The men were amazed. Evidently he did not give compliments lightly. And if a hellhound loved it, it was definitely the best! But a call came in and the firemen left. Lucian could not get her off his mind. Was this the last he would see of her? Or was it only the beginning?
Zoe started a business two years ago, Miss Gumbo’s Food Truck, but has been struggling to make ends meet. She knows the competition is tough in New Orleans, but her Grandma Violet’s secret recipe should still get her more business. Her hair was frizzy, but she had no time for men anyway, so it didn’t matter. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Her last boyfriend had stolen her grandma’s fabulous recipe which won him a scholarship to a French culinary school, so she was definitely not interested in finding someone else. Instead she put her energies toward the Bayou Cookoff to win the Best Gumbo title so people would flock to her food truck. For now, she would look for some activities that would draw people and take her food truck there. A fire near an abandoned cannery sounded like it would attract a crowd. It was rumored this one was started by a dragon! And with 3 firetrucks responding and lunchtime coming up, she could feed them after they put the fire out and were ready for lunch! Ten of the firemen ordered her spicy hot Firestorm Gumbo which she swore would bring them to their knees! But all claimed to be ready for the challenge. And soon all ten were sniffling back tears. So they decided to call their Captain over and watch his reaction. Would Hell freeze over if the soup affected even him?
When Lucian joined them, she found out the guys were from the Monster Unit and they warned her Lucian, their fire chief, was a hellhound and she couldn’t stop staring at him. Did he really look like this or was it a glamour? He finally asked if he had ash on his face since she couldn’t stop staring at him. When he tasted the soup, he announced that Hell would not be freezing over, but this was the best dish he had ever tasted! The men were amazed. Evidently he did not give compliments lightly. And if a hellhound loved it, it was definitely the best! But a call came in and the firemen left. Lucian could not get her off his mind. Was this the last he would see of her? Or was it only the beginning?
November 20, 2025
I'm going to continue to blame these on Aaliyah even though she had nothing to do with this one, in general she reminded me the genre exists and thus she is (lovingly) to blame <3
Cute, spicy, but kinda boooooring for monster mischief *insert shrug emoji* Zoe (Human lady) runs a mostly failing gumbo food truck in New Orleans & Lucian (Hellhound dude) is the leader of a monster only firefighter group. They have a spicy food based meet cute, & bone(heh) almost immediately. Unlike Sparks' other works in this series, the male monster lead is in human form for most of the book which one one hand I understand but also is the cowards way! All said this was fun & fine but not particularly gripping.
As per usual, spoilers cut for spoilering, grumbling, & general sauciness:
Cute, spicy, but kinda boooooring for monster mischief *insert shrug emoji* Zoe (Human lady) runs a mostly failing gumbo food truck in New Orleans & Lucian (Hellhound dude) is the leader of a monster only firefighter group. They have a spicy food based meet cute, & bone(heh) almost immediately. Unlike Sparks' other works in this series, the male monster lead is in human form for most of the book which one one hand I understand but also is the cowards way! All said this was fun & fine but not particularly gripping.
As per usual, spoilers cut for spoilering, grumbling, & general sauciness:
January 27, 2024
This was SUCH a good meet cute mates story of Lucian and Zoe.
Zoe sees a post for a fire where there are multiple firetrucks that might drum up some business she really needs. She needs to sell her grandmothers famous gumbo to make ends meet.
She had no idea the firemen would all love it, and in turn invite the fire chief who is a hellhound to try it. He can handle his spice, but when he sees Zoe his world almost goes up in flames.
Zoe has worked hard to barely survive after her boyfriend stole her famous recipe to win a scholarship. She turned her dream into a food truck where she knows her food speaks for itself. She isn't sure what it is, but the moment she meets Lucian, he feels like she's known him forever, yet the most attractive man she's ever seen.
She isn't swayed by the fact he is a monster, and a hellhound. The world has moved along here where monsters have been revealed, and slowly gaining acceptance.
They have such a sweet romance. Don't get me wrong...it might singe your eyebrows off, but makes you all googie vibes when they realize they are mates. Zoe doesn't even question it.
They certainly have some hurdles, but its always done respectfully and honestly. This is a first read of Ivy's for me, and what a GREAT story!!!!! I can't wait to see this series develop.
Zoe sees a post for a fire where there are multiple firetrucks that might drum up some business she really needs. She needs to sell her grandmothers famous gumbo to make ends meet.
She had no idea the firemen would all love it, and in turn invite the fire chief who is a hellhound to try it. He can handle his spice, but when he sees Zoe his world almost goes up in flames.
Zoe has worked hard to barely survive after her boyfriend stole her famous recipe to win a scholarship. She turned her dream into a food truck where she knows her food speaks for itself. She isn't sure what it is, but the moment she meets Lucian, he feels like she's known him forever, yet the most attractive man she's ever seen.
She isn't swayed by the fact he is a monster, and a hellhound. The world has moved along here where monsters have been revealed, and slowly gaining acceptance.
They have such a sweet romance. Don't get me wrong...it might singe your eyebrows off, but makes you all googie vibes when they realize they are mates. Zoe doesn't even question it.
They certainly have some hurdles, but its always done respectfully and honestly. This is a first read of Ivy's for me, and what a GREAT story!!!!! I can't wait to see this series develop.
April 4, 2024
Zoe is trying to get back on her feet after her ex-boyfriend stole her family recipe to win the internship to Paris that she always wanted. Leaving her high and dry to pay the bills, so she loses her apartment and has to start over. She sells her grandmother's gumbo out of a food truck but so far business hasn't been great. Until she overhears about a huge fire going on downtown. And who puts out fires? Big hungry firefighters, that's who. So she parks her truck out front and waits.
Lucian has a past that he's trying to make up for and enemies with grudges. When he sees Zoe, he knows there's something special about her. Then he tastes her fire chili and falls in love. She's his mate and he wants to see where things go. But between her theiving ex showing up, a cooking competition, and old enemies set on vengence, can they make it?
Scorched by the Hellhound was a cute read, but nothing spectacular. Honestly, it's kind of forgetable. A cute short read, but that's it. It's also the fourth book I've read with a cooking competition plot. I guess that's the new thing in books. I think so much more could have been added and some things were cut short for no reason. And there was zero punishment for the ex, and how it ended made zero sense. (Her ex can't handle spice at all, yet he adores hell peppers?)
Lucian has a past that he's trying to make up for and enemies with grudges. When he sees Zoe, he knows there's something special about her. Then he tastes her fire chili and falls in love. She's his mate and he wants to see where things go. But between her theiving ex showing up, a cooking competition, and old enemies set on vengence, can they make it?
Scorched by the Hellhound was a cute read, but nothing spectacular. Honestly, it's kind of forgetable. A cute short read, but that's it. It's also the fourth book I've read with a cooking competition plot. I guess that's the new thing in books. I think so much more could have been added and some things were cut short for no reason. And there was zero punishment for the ex, and how it ended made zero sense. (Her ex can't handle spice at all, yet he adores hell peppers?)
June 27, 2025
Thus was such a fun read. I diet realize that thus was the first in the series I read the other two first and enjoyed each of those as well. Lucian is a Hellhound of ho lives and works among the human ever since the great unveiling. He is a formidable captain of the local fire department. While out bon a job he meets a female that Will change his life forever. Zoe, is a chef who makes some world class Gumbo in the first state of New Orleans. She's re covering from a hellish break up while trying to get her food truck business off the ground. One day after a small fire she sets up her truck to help feed some of the locals including the firemen and that's when her whole life changes! When Zoe and Lucian meet sparks fly and passion as ignite. As they both try to navigate this new relationship trouble from both their pasts try to ruin what they have! Can a Hellhound and a human find love? Can they defeat their pasts and gain the future they both crave? You'll have to read DNA Egon's out! The story is fun I live the premise of .instead among us and the great unveiling the chemistry between the two leading characters is off the charts! You'll enjoy and I really recommend the other in this series as well!🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖
September 28, 2025
3 1/2 stars
Cute instalove, as with all these books in this series. I don’t have a problem with it. The antagonists are at least really dealt with in this book.
As with any story that takes place in New Orleans, I always shake my head at these, because in actuality there is nobody:
1. Selling hot spicy gumbo out of a truck because everyone has their own family recipe they swear by, (like the fmc), and also it’s HOT as SHWEDDY BALLS outside. This story would have been better done in a place with colder clime and have the fmc have a deal for her spices and andouille sausage logistics. Anything else can be purchased locally anywhere easily. And most places have the spices and andouille sausage. 💁🏻♀️ She could be a transplant anywhere and cook her family recipe.
2. Having a hellhound boyfriend whose body heat is a baseline 115 degrees Fahrenheit in La just…. Neaux. 🙅🏻♀️
Again, have this story happen someplace colder.
Cute instalove, as with all these books in this series. I don’t have a problem with it. The antagonists are at least really dealt with in this book.
As with any story that takes place in New Orleans, I always shake my head at these, because in actuality there is nobody:
1. Selling hot spicy gumbo out of a truck because everyone has their own family recipe they swear by, (like the fmc), and also it’s HOT as SHWEDDY BALLS outside. This story would have been better done in a place with colder clime and have the fmc have a deal for her spices and andouille sausage logistics. Anything else can be purchased locally anywhere easily. And most places have the spices and andouille sausage. 💁🏻♀️ She could be a transplant anywhere and cook her family recipe.
2. Having a hellhound boyfriend whose body heat is a baseline 115 degrees Fahrenheit in La just…. Neaux. 🙅🏻♀️
Again, have this story happen someplace colder.
August 15, 2024
Another monster rom-com...
Had the usual sweetness and sugar I was looking for!! Love the dynamics and communication that happened between our characters and this novel has gumbo, need I say more?
While the story was quite nice I did feel like the slow pace of the story switched gear around 80%, then it went full throttle. I was fine with it but we got introduced to a whole new world and I felt like I wanted to spend more time there. The ending was rather fast-paced (as is usual with these types of stories I think) but it had a very satisfying happy end with a short but very sweet epilogue where yes they have a kid.
Hope the author is willing to consider writing a sequel because the daughter is adorable and could make a great protagonist in a story set in the future, who knows!!
In short: super sweet and made me hungry for some Gumbo!!
Had the usual sweetness and sugar I was looking for!! Love the dynamics and communication that happened between our characters and this novel has gumbo, need I say more?
While the story was quite nice I did feel like the slow pace of the story switched gear around 80%, then it went full throttle. I was fine with it but we got introduced to a whole new world and I felt like I wanted to spend more time there. The ending was rather fast-paced (as is usual with these types of stories I think) but it had a very satisfying happy end with a short but very sweet epilogue where yes they have a kid.
Hope the author is willing to consider writing a sequel because the daughter is adorable and could make a great protagonist in a story set in the future, who knows!!
In short: super sweet and made me hungry for some Gumbo!!
January 26, 2024
Zoe and Lucian are such a good combo. He strives so hard to be as truthful and upfront about everything, which in itself is rare. He has chosen his path too going against the traditional route which takes courage too so it is no surprise that he is the type of male that he is. Zoe is trying hard to get herself noticed on her own merit rather thab pointing out the udnerhand dealings of others which shows her own inner grit and integrity. I loved the loved this new world and I hope that we get lost more tales from it.
On a personal note I really want to see what might happen when Baptiste falls (teasing he's due from Lucian should be hilarious) and for Annabelle to find someone too.
On a personal note I really want to see what might happen when Baptiste falls (teasing he's due from Lucian should be hilarious) and for Annabelle to find someone too.
April 29, 2024
This book was great, but it felt like the first book for this author.
Like the quality of the story wasn't all I had hoped it to be, but I still loved the book itself. I think maybe with a little more definition to the story and a rewrite, this would easily be a five star read for me.
There were just pieces in the story missing, characters kind of hop skipped over normal pieces of thoughts and conversations, but this was also pretty well edited.
What you'll find:
- Hell hound shifter (hellhound to human glamour)
- Human FMC
- fated mates
- spice for sure
- spicy gumbo
- demons lurking
- human x monster world
- and more...
Like the quality of the story wasn't all I had hoped it to be, but I still loved the book itself. I think maybe with a little more definition to the story and a rewrite, this would easily be a five star read for me.
There were just pieces in the story missing, characters kind of hop skipped over normal pieces of thoughts and conversations, but this was also pretty well edited.
What you'll find:
- Hell hound shifter (hellhound to human glamour)
- Human FMC
- fated mates
- spice for sure
- spicy gumbo
- demons lurking
- human x monster world
- and more...
May 3, 2025
It was decent. I read this series backwards, beginning with Captured by the Cthulhu then progressing to Bound to the Naga. Something I've noticed is the writing changed with each book. This one felt more like a debut with a few repeated sentences that took me out of the story with the repetitiveness. There was some grammatical issues and the characters didn't have depth to me. But I still enjoyed the overall story. It was cute but it could've used more editing. That's all and I don't say that lightly as most times I can ignore those things. I'll say this may be my least favorite in the series.
December 20, 2025
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is cozy and steamy, but overall lacking. There wasn’t much of a plot and no real depth to the characters. The timeline and sequence of events doesn’t really make sense as it is all incredibly limited and not very well interconnected. I’m also not a huge fan of insta love— so this probably wasn’t the best book for me.
The thing that bothered me the most about this book was that the main characters were constantly saying that they needed to get to know each other better, take things slow, etc and yet they proceeded to skip it all and go straight for the HEA. The sequence of events didn’t really make sense either.
This book is cozy and steamy, but overall lacking. There wasn’t much of a plot and no real depth to the characters. The timeline and sequence of events doesn’t really make sense as it is all incredibly limited and not very well interconnected. I’m also not a huge fan of insta love— so this probably wasn’t the best book for me.
The thing that bothered me the most about this book was that the main characters were constantly saying that they needed to get to know each other better, take things slow, etc and yet they proceeded to skip it all and go straight for the HEA. The sequence of events didn’t really make sense either.
January 26, 2026
Okayyyy
No real plot. Any kind of potential conflict in the story was handled within two pages. The format was a little wonky and it is an insta-love story. Listen it brought insta-love to a whole new level. They get freaky the second time they meet 😂 both are sober and it’s literally a day or two after they first meet.
It was a palette cleanser for me and it was super short so it was fine. I think it had a ton of potential if the author just wanted to expand on stuff. But whatever, that’s her call.
I think for the monster romance stuff I’ll stick with Emma Hamm (I think that’s her name 😅 she wrote Whisphers of the Deep)
No real plot. Any kind of potential conflict in the story was handled within two pages. The format was a little wonky and it is an insta-love story. Listen it brought insta-love to a whole new level. They get freaky the second time they meet 😂 both are sober and it’s literally a day or two after they first meet.
It was a palette cleanser for me and it was super short so it was fine. I think it had a ton of potential if the author just wanted to expand on stuff. But whatever, that’s her call.
I think for the monster romance stuff I’ll stick with Emma Hamm (I think that’s her name 😅 she wrote Whisphers of the Deep)
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February 3, 20243.5 rounded to 4
3.5 rounded to 4. It was an amusing amusing premise, but some off the execution felt clunky. Bits of the story felt thrown in- the main "drama" and its resolution being prime examples. They suddenly entered the story without any real development or feeling like they belonged, but just because the author needed something to happen. Also, story was not as spicy as reviews implied, but did have some decent scenes. The "monster" was also surprisingly polite and consent-focused.
3.5 rounded to 4. It was an amusing amusing premise, but some off the execution felt clunky. Bits of the story felt thrown in- the main "drama" and its resolution being prime examples. They suddenly entered the story without any real development or feeling like they belonged, but just because the author needed something to happen. Also, story was not as spicy as reviews implied, but did have some decent scenes. The "monster" was also surprisingly polite and consent-focused.
February 8, 2024
I've read a few books from this author in the past, all of which were just okay, so I'm pleasantly surprised that this one exceeded my expectations. I liked it immediately from the beginning, the characters able to draw you in with Lucian's smoulder and Zoe's humour.
My only critique is that the summary made ot out like her ex was gonna be a bigger problem than he actually was, when in reality he was very insignificant within the storyline.
Otherwise, this has been my favourite Ivy Sparks books from the 3 others I've read.
My only critique is that the summary made ot out like her ex was gonna be a bigger problem than he actually was, when in reality he was very insignificant within the storyline.
Otherwise, this has been my favourite Ivy Sparks books from the 3 others I've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
Zoe and Lucian
This is a very good, well written, Monster/Human romance. Zoe is a chef working out of a Food Truck in New Orleans. She uses her grandmother’s gumbo and it is considered good but she is having trouble getting enough business. She parks near a fire and serves up her spicy hot gumbo. After the fire is out of, she sells a lot to the firemen. Most of them are monsters. Last to eat is the Fire Captain, Lucian. He loves her gumbo and wants to see her again. Read how they overcome an imp and her ex.
This is a very good, well written, Monster/Human romance. Zoe is a chef working out of a Food Truck in New Orleans. She uses her grandmother’s gumbo and it is considered good but she is having trouble getting enough business. She parks near a fire and serves up her spicy hot gumbo. After the fire is out of, she sells a lot to the firemen. Most of them are monsters. Last to eat is the Fire Captain, Lucian. He loves her gumbo and wants to see her again. Read how they overcome an imp and her ex.
January 25, 2024
Scorched by the Hellhound is a wonderful insta-heat romance!
A Hellhound fire captain and food truck chef, Lucian and Zoe are great characters in a story that is spicy,lots of fun,and sweet,with a little danger and good cooking falling into place after they meet and the flames of their connection are fanned.
Imaginative and well written this book was a very engaging read. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Hellhound fire captain and food truck chef, Lucian and Zoe are great characters in a story that is spicy,lots of fun,and sweet,with a little danger and good cooking falling into place after they meet and the flames of their connection are fanned.
Imaginative and well written this book was a very engaging read. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2024
Rating 4.5
Definitely never a dull moment when monsters are involved. Zoe is quickly falling for Lucian and his beast calls her mate. Danger is lurking and Lucian is determined to keep her safe. There is a HEA but a lot happens first. It’s a great story, full of action and very entertaining. I loved Zoe and Lucian the life they have carved out for themselves. This is a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Definitely never a dull moment when monsters are involved. Zoe is quickly falling for Lucian and his beast calls her mate. Danger is lurking and Lucian is determined to keep her safe. There is a HEA but a lot happens first. It’s a great story, full of action and very entertaining. I loved Zoe and Lucian the life they have carved out for themselves. This is a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
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