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Carnal Cryptids #2
Southeast
With another summer on the Jersey shore coming to a close, Jess was more than ready to hang up her water park vest until next year. Still recovering from the shock of being kidnapped and nearly killed, she's barely had time to process the fact that monsters are real.
The impulsive offer to let her repentant abductor-turned-protector crash on her couch is going better than anticipated. So well, in fact, that inviting him along on her annual road trip is a surprisingly easy choice. But when old acquaintances, unresolved desires, and ancient impulses enter the mix, their straight shot down I-95 is suddenly full of dangerous curves.
A threat from the past in their rearview mirror.
Raw hunger, hot and heavy as a swamp.
Sharp, vicious smiles, sinuous as a river.
1400 miles to go.
Carnal Cryptids 2: Southeast is a paranormal RH monster romance, which means that the female main character is attracted to more than one male love interest, and doesn’t need to (or want to!) choose. The monstrous men that love our heroine - and each other, quite frequently - all bring elements of horror, fear, interesting anatomy, and urban legend / cryptid goodness to the mix.
The impulsive offer to let her repentant abductor-turned-protector crash on her couch is going better than anticipated. So well, in fact, that inviting him along on her annual road trip is a surprisingly easy choice. But when old acquaintances, unresolved desires, and ancient impulses enter the mix, their straight shot down I-95 is suddenly full of dangerous curves.
A threat from the past in their rearview mirror.
Raw hunger, hot and heavy as a swamp.
Sharp, vicious smiles, sinuous as a river.
1400 miles to go.
Carnal Cryptids 2: Southeast is a paranormal RH monster romance, which means that the female main character is attracted to more than one male love interest, and doesn’t need to (or want to!) choose. The monstrous men that love our heroine - and each other, quite frequently - all bring elements of horror, fear, interesting anatomy, and urban legend / cryptid goodness to the mix.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2022
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February 5, 2022I loved this book and every time I read a Carnal Cryptid book I just start begging for the next one. Luckily, Carnal Cryptids 3: Deep South is up for preorder!
This story continues from Carnal Cryptids East Coast with the main characters of Jess and Dov (the Dover Demon)
Read this book if you are intrigued by:
🔥Cock pocket 😳
🔥A faun...
🔥poly ⚔️
🔥Fun ropes
🔥Double peen
🔥Shadow tentacles
🔥Exploring the cryptid universe along with the main characters
🔥All the cryptid lore and knowledge!!!!!!!!
I absolutely loved the deep caretaking in this book along with characters just doing their best after being thrown together in dire circumstances.
This story continues from Carnal Cryptids East Coast with the main characters of Jess and Dov (the Dover Demon)
Read this book if you are intrigued by:
🔥Cock pocket 😳
🔥A faun...
🔥poly ⚔️
🔥Fun ropes
🔥Double peen
🔥Shadow tentacles
🔥Exploring the cryptid universe along with the main characters
🔥All the cryptid lore and knowledge!!!!!!!!
I absolutely loved the deep caretaking in this book along with characters just doing their best after being thrown together in dire circumstances.
March 13, 2022
I liked this better than book #1 because the guys treated Jess better and didn't try to freak her out of her mind like Desi's guys did in book #1. But, hmmm...Finn felt like a copy of Will from book #1 -- quiet, shy, submissive, unsure --so it felt like the author was writing the same character all over again. Dov was floundering and is manifestly not an alpha type. It's very hard to admire someone who is so lacking in self-confidence. Elijah is definitely an alpha type; he's a take-charge, "I know what to do" sort, almost a bit brash. I didn't like the brashness... so unfortunately, I didn't connect with any of the guys at all.
As for Jess, hmmm I don't know. I also didn't feel that I knew her personality very well. She is supposed to be this firecracker that we saw in book #1, but in this book she's also uncertain, questioning herself, not feeling like she belongs. In fact, she gets into trouble because of that fear -- that she doesn't belong. She's hurt by something Elijah said, storms out, and you know in a book that's never a good sign because it makes you vulnerable to enemy attack. Just sayin'. I thought her reactions felt genuine and it made sense to question things, but I had expected her to be this reckless badass heroine, which she just wasn't.
We find out more about Concept lore and how they have a tendency to form packs. A lot of different... umm... concepts are introduced. As in ideas, not monsters. Concepts like 'Vessel' and 'Slate'. I'd have wanted to know how the enemy knew who's a Vessel and who's a Slate. Is there a way to tell? Tracing ancestry and DNA? Or what? How is it that the enemy could know so much, while even strong and old Concepts like Penn from book #1 didn't know?
The showdown felt a bit anti-climactic -- like, everyone was so afraid of the bad guy, but in the end he seemed so easy to defeat. The way that Jess got integrated into the pack at the end felt... too convenient.
This story was just missing something for me. The relationships didn't feel strong or real. In book #1, Penn, JD and Will have been together for years, so they already had established bonds and they loved each other. We could see this in their interactions and the way they knew each other and responded to each other. In this book, none of them really know each other, so the author had to pull them together. Elijah and Dov met a year ago, very briefly, and have had no contact ever since. Elijah has strong feelings for Dov, but it's based on a single fleeting kiss, which feels very flimsy to me. (Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Sleeping Beauty?)
Dov has known Jess longer than he's known Elijah, in terms of time spent with her. But it's still a very short time, just a week. And the circumstances have been weird. They met when Dov was working for a bad guy and had kidnapped Jess under orders from his 'host' (or boss). At the end of book #1, Dov's host was vanquished, so had nowhere to go. For some reason, Jess decided to take him in and let him share her living space... even though he had kidnapped her and put her in harm's way by bringing her to his boss! So they're living together, but it's awkward, because they don't know each other at all. It turns out that now that Dov is free to follow his conscience, he's not a bad guy after all. Which, you know, does make things interesting, but I needed to see a lot more interaction and connection between him and Jess to make it believable that they were falling for each other. I wished the author had shown us more of what happened between them as they lived together and got to know each other.
Then we get Finn who is pansexual, which isn't an issue, but it just seems that his connection to Dov, Jess, and Elijah is mostly based on sexual attraction than anything else. They don't know him as a person and I didn't see them getting to know him as a person, nor he they. Elijah seems more focused on Dov than on anyone else, and almost seems to sideline Jess at times. By the end of the book, I did not really believe that they all were in love with each other, and for a romance, that means it wasn't a very successful story.
As for Jess, hmmm I don't know. I also didn't feel that I knew her personality very well. She is supposed to be this firecracker that we saw in book #1, but in this book she's also uncertain, questioning herself, not feeling like she belongs. In fact, she gets into trouble because of that fear -- that she doesn't belong. She's hurt by something Elijah said, storms out, and you know in a book that's never a good sign because it makes you vulnerable to enemy attack. Just sayin'. I thought her reactions felt genuine and it made sense to question things, but I had expected her to be this reckless badass heroine, which she just wasn't.
We find out more about Concept lore and how they have a tendency to form packs. A lot of different... umm... concepts are introduced. As in ideas, not monsters. Concepts like 'Vessel' and 'Slate'. I'd have wanted to know how the enemy knew who's a Vessel and who's a Slate. Is there a way to tell? Tracing ancestry and DNA? Or what? How is it that the enemy could know so much, while even strong and old Concepts like Penn from book #1 didn't know?
The showdown felt a bit anti-climactic -- like, everyone was so afraid of the bad guy, but in the end he seemed so easy to defeat. The way that Jess got integrated into the pack at the end felt... too convenient.
This story was just missing something for me. The relationships didn't feel strong or real. In book #1, Penn, JD and Will have been together for years, so they already had established bonds and they loved each other. We could see this in their interactions and the way they knew each other and responded to each other. In this book, none of them really know each other, so the author had to pull them together. Elijah and Dov met a year ago, very briefly, and have had no contact ever since. Elijah has strong feelings for Dov, but it's based on a single fleeting kiss, which feels very flimsy to me. (Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Sleeping Beauty?)
Dov has known Jess longer than he's known Elijah, in terms of time spent with her. But it's still a very short time, just a week. And the circumstances have been weird. They met when Dov was working for a bad guy and had kidnapped Jess under orders from his 'host' (or boss). At the end of book #1, Dov's host was vanquished, so had nowhere to go. For some reason, Jess decided to take him in and let him share her living space... even though he had kidnapped her and put her in harm's way by bringing her to his boss! So they're living together, but it's awkward, because they don't know each other at all. It turns out that now that Dov is free to follow his conscience, he's not a bad guy after all. Which, you know, does make things interesting, but I needed to see a lot more interaction and connection between him and Jess to make it believable that they were falling for each other. I wished the author had shown us more of what happened between them as they lived together and got to know each other.
Then we get Finn who is pansexual, which isn't an issue, but it just seems that his connection to Dov, Jess, and Elijah is mostly based on sexual attraction than anything else. They don't know him as a person and I didn't see them getting to know him as a person, nor he they. Elijah seems more focused on Dov than on anyone else, and almost seems to sideline Jess at times. By the end of the book, I did not really believe that they all were in love with each other, and for a romance, that means it wasn't a very successful story.
February 23, 2022
Monstrously Sweet
Insta love is cool. Monsters/Cryptids are amazing. Love all the folklore, but am still having trouble grasping how the magic Belief system works as power. I'm not the sharpest pencil in the pencil case, though.
I love the shibari use and the aftercare especially. The love and kindness after some aggressive monster scenes was SO sweet. And, I especially loved Eli's two for one special going on...wow.
If you like cryptids or monster romance, then this series is a good choice. I'll definitely read the next one. 💋🐾❤
Insta love is cool. Monsters/Cryptids are amazing. Love all the folklore, but am still having trouble grasping how the magic Belief system works as power. I'm not the sharpest pencil in the pencil case, though.
I love the shibari use and the aftercare especially. The love and kindness after some aggressive monster scenes was SO sweet. And, I especially loved Eli's two for one special going on...wow.
If you like cryptids or monster romance, then this series is a good choice. I'll definitely read the next one. 💋🐾❤
January 31, 2022
I had the privilege of reading this book as it came into existence and I'm immediately planning a re-read. When I read the first Carnal Cryptids book I didn't think I'd be able to love another cast the way that I loved Desi and her monsters but Vera absolutely won me over with Jess and her gang. The men in this story don't start off together and there's a lot of complicated history and tensions which makes it all the more satisfying to see everything develop. Jess is a badass with sass to spare and I loved getting to spend more time with her. The relationships are great, the spice is smokin' hot, and you're in for a great time :D
April 26, 2022
I really loved how the world and concept lore was expanded and explained in this book. I was a little worried that two of the MCs hadn’t met the others yet but everyone was introduced and the relationship moved foreword quickly. I thought it took a bit to get to the really big conflict. But I thought it was well done and gave enough space for all the nuances of concepts to unfold. I really enjoyed this series I’m very excited for the next book. I just can’t believe I have to wait until 2023!!!
February 13, 2022
This series ticks all of my boxes when looking at monster/rh reads!
✅ badass FMC who takes no shit
✅ sweet, cinnamon roll harem
✅ hot hot spice 🌶
✅ more akin to poly, with relationships within the harem
✅ interesting anatomy *cough* down there *cough*
✅ amazing and original world-building
There is nothing else like this series out there. It’s such an original idea, the creativity blows me away. The characters are all incredible and I love each and every one of them, and lore is so damn juicy I just wanna sink my teeth into it.
I’d just like to say that I LOVE how conscious of consent these books are. They are frisky and get busy with absolutely wild scenes, but the lines are set and those involved respect each other/check in with eachother and I love that so much. It makes it all the more enjoyable and fun to read. Consent and communication in the bedroom (or the forest) is HOT!
The Teeks really stole the show for me and I NEED THEIR BOOK! Please Vera I’m begging you!
And Rask!!!! My non-binary heart SANG I love them so so much. I hope beyond hope that we see more of them in later books.
I cannot wait for Carnal Cryptids 3, I’ll be eagerly anticipating it!
✅ badass FMC who takes no shit
✅ sweet, cinnamon roll harem
✅ hot hot spice 🌶
✅ more akin to poly, with relationships within the harem
✅ interesting anatomy *cough* down there *cough*
✅ amazing and original world-building
There is nothing else like this series out there. It’s such an original idea, the creativity blows me away. The characters are all incredible and I love each and every one of them, and lore is so damn juicy I just wanna sink my teeth into it.
I’d just like to say that I LOVE how conscious of consent these books are. They are frisky and get busy with absolutely wild scenes, but the lines are set and those involved respect each other/check in with eachother and I love that so much. It makes it all the more enjoyable and fun to read. Consent and communication in the bedroom (or the forest) is HOT!
The Teeks really stole the show for me and I NEED THEIR BOOK! Please Vera I’m begging you!
And Rask!!!! My non-binary heart SANG I love them so so much. I hope beyond hope that we see more of them in later books.
I cannot wait for Carnal Cryptids 3, I’ll be eagerly anticipating it!
April 9, 2022
Monster spice and a whole lot of fun!
I absolutely loved the original Carnal Cryptids and this one continues the legacy of smut, story and sass! Jess is an absolute delight of a heroine and her pack are all welcomed additions to the sexy cryptid family. I'm a sucker for a lizardman, so obviously Eli was my favorite, but Dov and Finn made it a very hard choice. Such a fun, fast paced read and I can't WAIT to see what Vera does in the deep south!
I absolutely loved the original Carnal Cryptids and this one continues the legacy of smut, story and sass! Jess is an absolute delight of a heroine and her pack are all welcomed additions to the sexy cryptid family. I'm a sucker for a lizardman, so obviously Eli was my favorite, but Dov and Finn made it a very hard choice. Such a fun, fast paced read and I can't WAIT to see what Vera does in the deep south!
April 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
I liked this one more than the first book of this series. I definitely preferred having the relationships form as the story develops rather than adding to an already existing relationship.
There was slightly more depth and character development to this book but I still wish there was more exploration and resolution to some of the issues. It feels like the author sets up a vague personal struggle for some of the characters but then doesn’t follow through on them. Two main ones really left me disappointed —
✨Spoilers ✨
.
.
.
The abuse Dov went through at the hands of Silas is talked about a lot but only within himself. There is never any meaningful discussion with the others or any real outward struggle so it feels almost glossed over in terms of character development and relationship growth. The other one was Jess’s struggle with not feeling like she really belongs in the pack. This internal struggle is mentioned briefly twice and both times result in her storming out merely as a catalyst for certain plot points. I wish the author would have gone deeper into exploring these feelings because both times it felt petty and she bounced back immediately. I’m especially irked by how the situation with Eli went down. He said some really hurtful things that ultimately didn’t have as big of an emotional impact and was not resolved in the slightest. So frustrating! I was also so irritated with how the three guys acted after Jess got snatched. Hello?!? Your pack mate just got swiped and is in very real danger but go ahead and have a lovely non-urgent threesome with zero thought about the poor girl.
.
.
.
✨End Spoilers✨
I think the author is being a little over ambitious in terms of how many relationships and plot points they are trying to write resulting in a lot of important details and emotional connections to fall through the cracks.
Another thing that I think the author needs to work on is which POV they should be writing in when certain things are happening. There were several times I felt like the events happening would have been better and more impactful through the eyes of a different character.
I do think there was some improvement in all areas from the author and I hope that they just keep getting better as they go. I will keep reading these books and am hopeful that the author will keep improving!
I liked this one more than the first book of this series. I definitely preferred having the relationships form as the story develops rather than adding to an already existing relationship.
There was slightly more depth and character development to this book but I still wish there was more exploration and resolution to some of the issues. It feels like the author sets up a vague personal struggle for some of the characters but then doesn’t follow through on them. Two main ones really left me disappointed —
✨Spoilers ✨
.
.
.
The abuse Dov went through at the hands of Silas is talked about a lot but only within himself. There is never any meaningful discussion with the others or any real outward struggle so it feels almost glossed over in terms of character development and relationship growth. The other one was Jess’s struggle with not feeling like she really belongs in the pack. This internal struggle is mentioned briefly twice and both times result in her storming out merely as a catalyst for certain plot points. I wish the author would have gone deeper into exploring these feelings because both times it felt petty and she bounced back immediately. I’m especially irked by how the situation with Eli went down. He said some really hurtful things that ultimately didn’t have as big of an emotional impact and was not resolved in the slightest. So frustrating! I was also so irritated with how the three guys acted after Jess got snatched. Hello?!? Your pack mate just got swiped and is in very real danger but go ahead and have a lovely non-urgent threesome with zero thought about the poor girl.
.
.
.
✨End Spoilers✨
I think the author is being a little over ambitious in terms of how many relationships and plot points they are trying to write resulting in a lot of important details and emotional connections to fall through the cracks.
Another thing that I think the author needs to work on is which POV they should be writing in when certain things are happening. There were several times I felt like the events happening would have been better and more impactful through the eyes of a different character.
I do think there was some improvement in all areas from the author and I hope that they just keep getting better as they go. I will keep reading these books and am hopeful that the author will keep improving!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
3 “suddenly everyone is a concept” stars
It felt like there were too many characters and a bunch of add ins to the folklore in order to make the FMC “special” and create a convoluted plot. I didn’t love this one as much as the first. Still well written, RH with mm relationships, but I didn’t feel the connection with the FMC that I did in book 1. Also the big argument that caused Jess to storm off and get kidnapped never got addressed again, no apologizing or groveling from Eli, left me wanting. The whole side plot with the assassins turned good guys was a distraction from the forming of the pack.
It felt like there were too many characters and a bunch of add ins to the folklore in order to make the FMC “special” and create a convoluted plot. I didn’t love this one as much as the first. Still well written, RH with mm relationships, but I didn’t feel the connection with the FMC that I did in book 1. Also the big argument that caused Jess to storm off and get kidnapped never got addressed again, no apologizing or groveling from Eli, left me wanting. The whole side plot with the assassins turned good guys was a distraction from the forming of the pack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
100% Yes!
Carnal Cryptids 2 is beyond amazing. I thought the first one was incredible, but two blows it out of the water. The plot is better, writing pulls you right in, each guy has their own personality that’s distinguishable even in their dialogue, and THE SPICE! Oooooh Sweet Mary, very well done. Vera Valentine, you have outdone yourself and I can’t wait for book three.
NOTES TAKEN WHILE READING:
At the 25% marker I was so invested I forgot to take notes.
(Random note for the Amazon Unlimited/Kindle file. For some reason, the text coloring kept changing. I read in “dark mode” because it’s less harsh in my eyes, and the font color kept switching from white to a grey/blue. It made it difficult to see. Once switched into normal - white page and black words - it was fine)
A prologue that was actually just an authors note? Okay. Sure. Yea.
Followed by an epilogue. I though my book was broken. Nope. It’s the epilogue from book one. I spent far too long flipping pages to realize this. Oops. So, prologue is really the authors note and the epilogue is really the prologue. Got it. Okay. Moving on.
<4% : Neglected to make the note at the time, so I don’t know where exactly it was. I LOVE JESS, how real she is, and the fact she’s actually being affected by the trauma she faced. So many of these “baddies” just let things roll off of them as if they’re made of Teflon.
6% I’m laughing way too hard at the closet comment, believing it to be an analogy. Not sure if that was the point, or the joke, but I’m dying.
8% Is Penn and Finn purposely done to confuse the fudge out of me? Haha. If there isn’t some kind of joke about the name similarities later in the story, I’ll be disappointed.
25% BRILLIANT. JUST BRILLIANT! I love this!
Carnal Cryptids 2 is beyond amazing. I thought the first one was incredible, but two blows it out of the water. The plot is better, writing pulls you right in, each guy has their own personality that’s distinguishable even in their dialogue, and THE SPICE! Oooooh Sweet Mary, very well done. Vera Valentine, you have outdone yourself and I can’t wait for book three.
NOTES TAKEN WHILE READING:
At the 25% marker I was so invested I forgot to take notes.
(Random note for the Amazon Unlimited/Kindle file. For some reason, the text coloring kept changing. I read in “dark mode” because it’s less harsh in my eyes, and the font color kept switching from white to a grey/blue. It made it difficult to see. Once switched into normal - white page and black words - it was fine)
A prologue that was actually just an authors note? Okay. Sure. Yea.
Followed by an epilogue. I though my book was broken. Nope. It’s the epilogue from book one. I spent far too long flipping pages to realize this. Oops. So, prologue is really the authors note and the epilogue is really the prologue. Got it. Okay. Moving on.
<4% : Neglected to make the note at the time, so I don’t know where exactly it was. I LOVE JESS, how real she is, and the fact she’s actually being affected by the trauma she faced. So many of these “baddies” just let things roll off of them as if they’re made of Teflon.
6% I’m laughing way too hard at the closet comment, believing it to be an analogy. Not sure if that was the point, or the joke, but I’m dying.
8% Is Penn and Finn purposely done to confuse the fudge out of me? Haha. If there isn’t some kind of joke about the name similarities later in the story, I’ll be disappointed.
25% BRILLIANT. JUST BRILLIANT! I love this!
February 3, 2022
I love Carnal Cryptids: East Coast, so much so I was slightly worried when I received an ARC of CC: Southeast.
Could this book match the first?
YES and then some.
Jess is exactly the woman I would expect to be best friends with Desi- which is to say a Jersey Girl to her core and all-around sweetheart. I totally understand why her harem is desperate to lock her down. AND THIS HAREM! Whoa, I will forever hold a place in my heart for Desi’s men but without giving anything away Vera came for my neck when she created Jess’s men.
Vera cranked the amazing world she created in book one up to 11 in CC:SE. We learn so much more about the inner workings of Concepts and how they interact with each other and regular society. I appreciated how this book feels so much more expansive in scope without being bogged down with too much exposition.
While you can certainly dive into CC:SE right after reading CC: East Coast, I highly recommend reading Regret and Redemption, the bridge short story between the two books. We get to see Dov and Jess’s first meeting from their eyes which takes place off screen in CC: East Coast. A rope, a closet and some angsty feelings, those two are instant fire so don’t skip it.
Could this book match the first?
YES and then some.
Jess is exactly the woman I would expect to be best friends with Desi- which is to say a Jersey Girl to her core and all-around sweetheart. I totally understand why her harem is desperate to lock her down. AND THIS HAREM! Whoa, I will forever hold a place in my heart for Desi’s men but without giving anything away Vera came for my neck when she created Jess’s men.
Vera cranked the amazing world she created in book one up to 11 in CC:SE. We learn so much more about the inner workings of Concepts and how they interact with each other and regular society. I appreciated how this book feels so much more expansive in scope without being bogged down with too much exposition.
While you can certainly dive into CC:SE right after reading CC: East Coast, I highly recommend reading Regret and Redemption, the bridge short story between the two books. We get to see Dov and Jess’s first meeting from their eyes which takes place off screen in CC: East Coast. A rope, a closet and some angsty feelings, those two are instant fire so don’t skip it.
February 5, 2024
I really did not like the first book in this series and it made me not want to continue. I decided to give this one a chance because I am running out of Vera Valentine books to read. It was SO good, dare I say some of her best work. It’s probably my second favorite after Back for Seconds. If you read Carnal Cryptids East Coast and you were like “huh,” my advice is, just let her cook.
This one surprisingly had a plot. Honestly it was more plot than I expected based on book one. Book two continued some of the stakes established in book one and it was nice to see JD and our faves make a guest appearance. Tbh, I liked the new characters even more. Dov really grew on me and you got to understand his character and why he made the choices he made. Jessica is a baddie, even more of a baddie than Desi and you know I love a Jersey girl. Finn is a sweetie baby and must be protected at all costs. Then you get the surprise of Eli to round out the group. I am curious to see what adventures they get up to next but Vera is a damn liar so that sequel will never happen.
This one surprisingly had a plot. Honestly it was more plot than I expected based on book one. Book two continued some of the stakes established in book one and it was nice to see JD and our faves make a guest appearance. Tbh, I liked the new characters even more. Dov really grew on me and you got to understand his character and why he made the choices he made. Jessica is a baddie, even more of a baddie than Desi and you know I love a Jersey girl. Finn is a sweetie baby and must be protected at all costs. Then you get the surprise of Eli to round out the group. I am curious to see what adventures they get up to next but Vera is a damn liar so that sequel will never happen.
February 3, 2022
This was an absolutely fantastic story! The action, the chemistry, the adoration, the fear and SO MUCH MORE! I’m telling you, Vera Valentine knows the way to my monster loving heart! I’m so glad we got Jess and Dov’s story. I loved the look we got at them in Carnal Cryptids Book 1 and Regret & Redemption. Seeing their bond grow and flourish and then add in the addition of Finn and Eli…wowza! Talk about insane, off-the charts chemistry! I could feel the heat coming off the pages 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!
All of intricate Concept backgrounds, all of the moving pieces, the gathering of various characters, there is genuinely just so much to love and I truly cannot put all of my thoughts into words. I am just so in awe of this incredible story that Vera Valentine expertly wove.
This is seriously an absolutely MUST READ! Just trust me, pick up the book and see just what I mean.
All of intricate Concept backgrounds, all of the moving pieces, the gathering of various characters, there is genuinely just so much to love and I truly cannot put all of my thoughts into words. I am just so in awe of this incredible story that Vera Valentine expertly wove.
This is seriously an absolutely MUST READ! Just trust me, pick up the book and see just what I mean.
May 15, 2022
Wow
How can that much hotness fit in one book? How can that much action occur? What should have been an unassuming road trip, turns into a life-changing, mind-blowing, reality-altering chance at life and love. The world is never a it seems as Jess knows and when she takes the chance on maybe moving past the tense relationship of shoulder crying with Cryptid Dov into steamy sheets, the world of the weird decides to tilt its axis again. Enter Finn, literally through a coat closet, or should I fall?!? But knowledge is key and more is needed so Dov will need to reach out. The past is never in the just past and coincidences are never random. Jess, Finn, Eli, and Dov soon learn fate may have brought them together, they will all fade into the darkness for one another before they let some one destroy that.
How can that much hotness fit in one book? How can that much action occur? What should have been an unassuming road trip, turns into a life-changing, mind-blowing, reality-altering chance at life and love. The world is never a it seems as Jess knows and when she takes the chance on maybe moving past the tense relationship of shoulder crying with Cryptid Dov into steamy sheets, the world of the weird decides to tilt its axis again. Enter Finn, literally through a coat closet, or should I fall?!? But knowledge is key and more is needed so Dov will need to reach out. The past is never in the just past and coincidences are never random. Jess, Finn, Eli, and Dov soon learn fate may have brought them together, they will all fade into the darkness for one another before they let some one destroy that.
February 25, 2023
I was really looking forward to Jess and Dov's story. After meeting Jess all badass in Desi's book I couldn't wait to meet the other pairings. Dov!!! I have had a sweet spot for him since the first time we met. It's so awesome that Vera isn't afraid of writing male characters that are vulnerable and have some submissions in them. Because I love a good alphahole but there's something so mmm about a dominate guy that also likes to give up a bit of that control. Vera plays around with sexual dynamics in such a fun way.
I have given this book a slightly lower score than the first one, and it's purely selfish. But when I read a reverse harem the star of the show should be the star throughout. Others can shine too. But I feel Finn had a little bit too much lime light. I wanted Jess to be the one they were pawning over.
I have given this book a slightly lower score than the first one, and it's purely selfish. But when I read a reverse harem the star of the show should be the star throughout. Others can shine too. But I feel Finn had a little bit too much lime light. I wanted Jess to be the one they were pawning over.
May 5, 2023
Created new account so my review is the same:
I was really looking forward to Jess and Dov's story. After meeting Jess all badass in Desi's book I couldn't wait to meet the other pairings. Dov!!! I have had a sweet spot for him since the first time we met. It's so awesome that Vera isn't afraid of writing male characters that are vulnerable and have some submissions in them. Because I love a good alphahole but there's something so mmm about a dominate guy that also likes to give up a bit of that control. Vera plays around with sexual dynamics in such a fun way.
I have given this book a slightly lower score than the first one, and it's purely selfish. But when I read a reverse harem the star of the show should be the star throughout. Others can shine too. But I feel Finn had a little bit too much lime light. I wanted Jess to be the one they were pawning over.
I was really looking forward to Jess and Dov's story. After meeting Jess all badass in Desi's book I couldn't wait to meet the other pairings. Dov!!! I have had a sweet spot for him since the first time we met. It's so awesome that Vera isn't afraid of writing male characters that are vulnerable and have some submissions in them. Because I love a good alphahole but there's something so mmm about a dominate guy that also likes to give up a bit of that control. Vera plays around with sexual dynamics in such a fun way.
I have given this book a slightly lower score than the first one, and it's purely selfish. But when I read a reverse harem the star of the show should be the star throughout. Others can shine too. But I feel Finn had a little bit too much lime light. I wanted Jess to be the one they were pawning over.
December 14, 2022
Did I not review this before??? Well anyhoo, it's a goddamn delight and I am in love with every character in this XD
This is a reread for me, and I have to say that I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around. When I first read Carnal Cryptids: Southeast I was still very much hung up on the main cast of Carnal Cryptids: East Coast, but with a bit of space I could finally fully appreciate the Southeast characters Vera’s given us. I adored Jess when we met her in book 1, and she’s just as delightful now that she’s a main character. Her squad of men—Dov, Finn, and Eli—are all deliciously spicy in their own ways, and I love that we’re getting to meet some lesser known cryptids in this book, plus a plethora of side characters I’m still hoping we eventually get stories for.
This is a reread for me, and I have to say that I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around. When I first read Carnal Cryptids: Southeast I was still very much hung up on the main cast of Carnal Cryptids: East Coast, but with a bit of space I could finally fully appreciate the Southeast characters Vera’s given us. I adored Jess when we met her in book 1, and she’s just as delightful now that she’s a main character. Her squad of men—Dov, Finn, and Eli—are all deliciously spicy in their own ways, and I love that we’re getting to meet some lesser known cryptids in this book, plus a plethora of side characters I’m still hoping we eventually get stories for.
February 1, 2022
This series is amazing. As much as I love smut of all kinds, and especially monster smut it must have a story to back it up. These books have sexy, hot, amazing fun times. But they also have a great plot and interesting unique characters. These stories make it easy to keep the guys in the harem straight, there is no way you could ever mix them up. The men in each harem are not your typical alpha males. They have no issues showing their feelings, to each other and to the FMCs. I love books that make the MM relations a focus and not an after thought. I seriously cannot wait for the next book.
April 10, 2022
I was so incredibly excited for this one, the first book in this series is one of my all time faves and I could not wait to meet more monsters/concepts. I was slightly nervous though - how could I love any characters are much as I love Desi, Will, JD and Penn? But I fell just as in love with Jess and her concepts.
The scope of this book felt bigger, the stakes felt higher and yet it was still just as flaming hot as the first book. I will definitely be reread, I loved it with all my heart and I would definitely recommend it to any monster fans...
The scope of this book felt bigger, the stakes felt higher and yet it was still just as flaming hot as the first book. I will definitely be reread, I loved it with all my heart and I would definitely recommend it to any monster fans...
February 4, 2022
Love this concept!
I love this concept of using urban legends and not the more familiar monsters. Jess is such an kick ass character and not to mention the rest of the pack. This pack was very different from the first pack as they were not as experienced at being crptids. I highly recommend this book! Can't wait for Jaz's story. I am hoping she wont be a carbon copy of her sister though. Also what's up with Lawrence
I love this concept of using urban legends and not the more familiar monsters. Jess is such an kick ass character and not to mention the rest of the pack. This pack was very different from the first pack as they were not as experienced at being crptids. I highly recommend this book! Can't wait for Jaz's story. I am hoping she wont be a carbon copy of her sister though. Also what's up with Lawrence
February 7, 2022
This was a delightful romp! This unique take on Cryptids with a whole new kind of universe is super fun. Barely any wait for the spice and the chemistry between ALL the characters is top notch. Jess is a human who is kinda starting to date Dov who is the "dover demon" - chaos ensues when Finn falls into their life - literally. Throwing a whole mess of emotions right ontop of the budding relationship.
February 8, 2022
I loved Desi and her guys in the first book but couldn’t wait to get more of Jess. Vera, definitely delivered in book 2. This is such a unique paranormal series and I loved learning more about how the world of concepts works. I absolutely love take no shit Jess and the hot badass guys that are so loving. This was super hot, funny and packed with tons of action.
The only thing i was sad about was we didn’t get to have more group fun with Eli. 🥵🥵 (If you know you know🤣)
The only thing i was sad about was we didn’t get to have more group fun with Eli. 🥵🥵 (If you know you know🤣)
February 22, 2022
As with Book 1, Vera has smashed it out of the park with the second story featuring polyamorous cryptids. I already knew I loved Jess and Dov from Book 1, but Finn was adorable as well, and as for Eli, well. I'm a big reptilian monster fan and let's just say he's raised the bar and then some.
Fantastic lore and worldbuilding, high tension and of course, excellent group sex scenes - this is a series to devour.
Fantastic lore and worldbuilding, high tension and of course, excellent group sex scenes - this is a series to devour.
February 2, 2022
I believe!
Vera has done it again! I absolutely love the way she showcases “Concepts” (cryptids) and their extraordinary abilities. I’ve read a Lot of m0nsterf#%+£r books and this series is quickly becoming a place holder in my top 5 authors.
Cannot wait for the next installment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vera has done it again! I absolutely love the way she showcases “Concepts” (cryptids) and their extraordinary abilities. I’ve read a Lot of m0nsterf#%+£r books and this series is quickly becoming a place holder in my top 5 authors.
Cannot wait for the next installment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 6, 2022
Vera Valentine does it again!
I almost exclusively read paranormal and fantasy and I have to say this series is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. I loved learning about Concepts and the supernatural world in the first book and in this one you get to learn even more. This book was a fun adventure that I could not put down and I cannot wait for more!
I almost exclusively read paranormal and fantasy and I have to say this series is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. I loved learning about Concepts and the supernatural world in the first book and in this one you get to learn even more. This book was a fun adventure that I could not put down and I cannot wait for more!
February 8, 2022
Great twists to keep it interesting
I kinda think I like this one more than the first in the series, and I LOVED the first Carnal Cryptids. The premise is so interesting but the way she uses their backstories is just perfect. There's some fun anatomy, superb character development, and unpredictable plot twists.
I kinda think I like this one more than the first in the series, and I LOVED the first Carnal Cryptids. The premise is so interesting but the way she uses their backstories is just perfect. There's some fun anatomy, superb character development, and unpredictable plot twists.
March 10, 2022
Yesss... even better than the first! I dig this one's more consensual and steamy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Gimme a hot monster polycule with D/s dynamics, shibari, sword-crossing, aftercare, and fabulous bizarre non-human anatomy any day. ⚔️ The satyr surprise, and the southern gentleman, really tipped the scales, woooof. Cool supernatural lore, with a unique world built.
April 14, 2022
My Goodness
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one was hands down the top of the class. What a great wild, complex and sexy ride in every way possible. Definitely was surprised many times over and laughed a lot. This pack was omg good. Can't wait for the next story. Reviewed by Who She Reads.
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one was hands down the top of the class. What a great wild, complex and sexy ride in every way possible. Definitely was surprised many times over and laughed a lot. This pack was omg good. Can't wait for the next story. Reviewed by Who She Reads.
May 20, 2024
Wampus Cat for the win!
"Was I secretly some kind of fetishist? A Concept groupie? A monsterfucker?"
Check the trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the mon- concepts. Insta-love with incredibly st€@my s€x, MM, double d!KS, shibari. I find this world very unique and interesting.
"Was I secretly some kind of fetishist? A Concept groupie? A monsterfucker?"
Check the trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the mon- concepts. Insta-love with incredibly st€@my s€x, MM, double d!KS, shibari. I find this world very unique and interesting.
February 3, 2022
Another winner
I hated Jess in the first book but she really grew on me here. The M/M is great and frequent. Minus one star for not ending with a final love scene and only having one sacrifice.
I hated Jess in the first book but she really grew on me here. The M/M is great and frequent. Minus one star for not ending with a final love scene and only having one sacrifice.
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