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Hemlock Woods #1
Once Upon a Beast
No females of my kind remain. Humans have the closest physiology to my species, but our reproductive urges are very different. For their safety, direct contact with human women has always been strictly forbidden.
When my time ends, so will countless generations of Gallo lineage. The chains in my dungeon will never have to contain another mating-frenzied beast. I will have done my part to bring a peaceful end to my species while protecting the nearby burgeoning human population.
That was my resolution, my life’s mission, until the day I caught her scent in the woods behind my ancestral home. She shouldn’t have been there. It wasn’t time in the lunar cycle to enter the frenzy. Her scent triggered my long-deprived beast.
For close to a century, I’ve lived on the outskirts of Hemlock Woods, alone in Gallo Hall, successfully avoiding the town’s residents. My days of solitude are over, along with adherence to species’ law.
Instinct demands I claim her—no matter the cost to her, to my species, or to my soul…
A steamy, fated mates, beast romance with a guaranteed Happily Ever After
When my time ends, so will countless generations of Gallo lineage. The chains in my dungeon will never have to contain another mating-frenzied beast. I will have done my part to bring a peaceful end to my species while protecting the nearby burgeoning human population.
That was my resolution, my life’s mission, until the day I caught her scent in the woods behind my ancestral home. She shouldn’t have been there. It wasn’t time in the lunar cycle to enter the frenzy. Her scent triggered my long-deprived beast.
For close to a century, I’ve lived on the outskirts of Hemlock Woods, alone in Gallo Hall, successfully avoiding the town’s residents. My days of solitude are over, along with adherence to species’ law.
Instinct demands I claim her—no matter the cost to her, to my species, or to my soul…
A steamy, fated mates, beast romance with a guaranteed Happily Ever After
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
102 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Karla Doyle
54 books431 followersKarla grew up in a small town on the north shore of Lake Erie. She trained and worked in the fashion industry for over two decades, before embracing the writing muse. When she's not writing romance, Karla loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets, reading romance novels, and playing online Scrabble.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 9, 2025
I consider Regine Abel the top of the food chain when it comes to beast-related romance stories. Karla Doyle...I would place at a close second, even on par with Nikki St Crowe. This was a tremendous short story. Fantastic modern retelling of a Beauty and the Beast set-up, with masterful writing, great characters, and some really classy sex. Not sure why, but I really loved how she used the expression, 'the orgasm rolled in.' Again, very classy stuff. There was also a lot of talk about 'knots' in here, so I will make the joke that pretzels are 'knot' bread. Get it? Maybe it's too early for my terrible puns. But this was a very quick read, which could have been much longer and still held my full attention. I just noticed that the author is planning this as the first in a series. And as much as I try not to get tied down to a series of books, this one has me in its grasp, tighter than Alexandra in Salvatore's meaty paws.
April 14, 2023
4/5 "She will be mine. No matter the cost to her, or to my soul."
In this novella, the beasts called Lupantha are going extinct. They are forbidden to have physical contact with human females. In the shadows, there's a secret society slowly killing them off. Salvatore, the beastly hero, is living far away from society and stays hidden from everyone. Then one day, he meets Alexandra, the heroine. She's smitten with him immediately- no matter if he's a beast or not.
"I shouldn't have been turned on by the idea of Salvatore chasing me, tearing my clothes off, and fucking me- with or without my consent."
When they meet, he does something drastic to keep him from chasing and breeding her. He may be a beast, but he's not a monster. But instead of staying away like he warns her, Alexandra keeps coming back for more.
"I will claim you. I will use my claws to shred the clothes from your small, soft body, then breed you, endlessly, mercilessly."
This novella is chock full of tropes and kinks that I love. Dual virgins, huge age gap, fated mates, bonding, knotting, marking, breeding, and more. It's relatively short but it ties together well by the end of the book. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but otherwise I really enjoyed it! One last quote for y'all. ;)
"Ride me, little mate. I want to watch you claim your beast's big cock."
SAFETY:
Ages - 21h, 89H (yes... 89. Lupantha age differently than humans!)
Virgin/celibate - dual virgins!
OM/OW drama - none!
Tropes - Beauty and the Beast vibes, fated mates, instalove, large age gap
Kinks - nonhuman male cryptid beast/human sex, knotting, biting, marking, breeding, light blood play, primal play
HEA? - yes!
In this novella, the beasts called Lupantha are going extinct. They are forbidden to have physical contact with human females. In the shadows, there's a secret society slowly killing them off. Salvatore, the beastly hero, is living far away from society and stays hidden from everyone. Then one day, he meets Alexandra, the heroine. She's smitten with him immediately- no matter if he's a beast or not.
"I shouldn't have been turned on by the idea of Salvatore chasing me, tearing my clothes off, and fucking me- with or without my consent."
When they meet, he does something drastic to keep him from chasing and breeding her. He may be a beast, but he's not a monster. But instead of staying away like he warns her, Alexandra keeps coming back for more.
"I will claim you. I will use my claws to shred the clothes from your small, soft body, then breed you, endlessly, mercilessly."
This novella is chock full of tropes and kinks that I love. Dual virgins, huge age gap, fated mates, bonding, knotting, marking, breeding, and more. It's relatively short but it ties together well by the end of the book. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but otherwise I really enjoyed it! One last quote for y'all. ;)
"Ride me, little mate. I want to watch you claim your beast's big cock."
SAFETY:
Ages - 21h, 89H (yes... 89. Lupantha age differently than humans!)
Virgin/celibate - dual virgins!
OM/OW drama - none!
Tropes - Beauty and the Beast vibes, fated mates, instalove, large age gap
Kinks - nonhuman male cryptid beast/human sex, knotting, biting, marking, breeding, light blood play, primal play
HEA? - yes!
December 13, 2023
*+:｡.｡3 Solid novella stars 🫡 ｡.｡:+*
I feel like there could've been SO much more to this, because the setup/ premise behind it was really interesting- and as a whole, this book did feel pretty vague, but it was still good 🍎.
I feel like there could've been SO much more to this, because the setup/ premise behind it was really interesting- and as a whole, this book did feel pretty vague, but it was still good 🍎.
April 16, 2023
A Beast for Me
If you've been following along on my reading journey, you might know that speculative books aren't my thing, but I do occasionally stray into this category. Case in point. There was something about the blurb that intrigued me to pick it up. I'm very happy I did.
There's some intrigue, interspecies boot knocking with some hot knotting action, and an unconventional, insta-love story that I liked. Alexandra Cassel and Salvatore Gallo have chemistry that jumps off the pages, despite their different backgrounds. I actually think I'll pick up the next book to see what happens.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
If you've been following along on my reading journey, you might know that speculative books aren't my thing, but I do occasionally stray into this category. Case in point. There was something about the blurb that intrigued me to pick it up. I'm very happy I did.
The tight feeling in my gut, the something’s coming, returned the moment I set eyes on it. And after I found the box the key opened, and the contents within… nothing about Hemlock Woods, or my life, will ever be the same.
-- Alexandra Cassel
There's some intrigue, interspecies boot knocking with some hot knotting action, and an unconventional, insta-love story that I liked. Alexandra Cassel and Salvatore Gallo have chemistry that jumps off the pages, despite their different backgrounds. I actually think I'll pick up the next book to see what happens.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 16, 2023
3 smut-scale stars!
Once Upon a Beast was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was smutty, short and entertaining. Unfortunately, not much to say beyond that.
Once Upon a Beast was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was smutty, short and entertaining. Unfortunately, not much to say beyond that.
August 24, 2023
This was a quick read that I really enjoyed. I needed something quick and wanted something paranormal. I’m a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings, so this one sounded right up my alley. I’ve read a few books by this author and I’ve always been satisfied, so my decision to read this was an easy one.
Alexandra was a feisty heroine. Her sass and determination made me like her all the more. She didn’t listen to Salvatore. She didn’t heed his warnings. She knew she was safe. With him is where she was meant to be.
Salvatore…what a sexy beast. His need and craving for Alexandra was too powerful for him to stay away. Their chemistry sizzled.
This was steamy, it was entertaining, and it was nice and beasty.
Looking forward to book 2!
Alexandra was a feisty heroine. Her sass and determination made me like her all the more. She didn’t listen to Salvatore. She didn’t heed his warnings. She knew she was safe. With him is where she was meant to be.
Salvatore…what a sexy beast. His need and craving for Alexandra was too powerful for him to stay away. Their chemistry sizzled.
This was steamy, it was entertaining, and it was nice and beasty.
Looking forward to book 2!
May 12, 2023
Lupantha? Or Loup Garou?
This first book in the Hemlock Woods series was very interesting. I really wanted to see a little more action and suspense. The world building was there for it - there is an evil SECRET Society for goodness sake! I am hoping that the next book pushes the envelope in that way - the opportunity is there and I want the author to grab it with both hands!
I have never heard of the Lupanthas. Salvatore's description reminded more of a wolf creature than a panther, so I envisioned him as a Loup Garou and gave the author a full star for originality, even though I felt that she missed out on the opportunity to add in some suspense and action. TROPES: This was a Instalove, fated mate, monster romance, both of the main characters were virgins, and it was VERY steamy (and featured some self-love during a phone conversation and some knotting during the act). Though the first book in a series, it ended on an HEA (Book 2 features an offspring as one of the main characters).
I very much enjoyed the book overall, and I really liked the writing of the author. She knows how to turn a phrase without turning it into purple prose. The writing is what solidified my five star rating.
This first book in the Hemlock Woods series was very interesting. I really wanted to see a little more action and suspense. The world building was there for it - there is an evil SECRET Society for goodness sake! I am hoping that the next book pushes the envelope in that way - the opportunity is there and I want the author to grab it with both hands!
I have never heard of the Lupanthas. Salvatore's description reminded more of a wolf creature than a panther, so I envisioned him as a Loup Garou and gave the author a full star for originality, even though I felt that she missed out on the opportunity to add in some suspense and action. TROPES: This was a Instalove, fated mate, monster romance, both of the main characters were virgins, and it was VERY steamy (and featured some self-love during a phone conversation and some knotting during the act). Though the first book in a series, it ended on an HEA (Book 2 features an offspring as one of the main characters).
I very much enjoyed the book overall, and I really liked the writing of the author. She knows how to turn a phrase without turning it into purple prose. The writing is what solidified my five star rating.
August 28, 2025
Short and smutty. Read if you are in the mood for hunting, knotting, breeding.
April 18, 2023
Salvatore (H), a Lupantha, is the last of his family’s line as part of a treaty with a secret society that will see his kind eventually die out. Alexandra (h) returns to Hemlock Woods when her grandmother passes and discovers a legacy left to her. She sets out to meet Salvatore and keeps pursuing him, even as he tries to convince her to stay away from him and that the danger he poses to her. Lovely human-monster romance with a side of heat, a mystery to be unraveled, and a questioning of who the real monsters are.
April 15, 2023
I very rarely read monster romance, but I'm so glad I gave this one a try.
I was super intrigued by the world Karla crafted and the history between the humans and the Lupantha.
The steam in this book was off the charts hot!!! I really really enjoyed those scenes 😉
I really hope Karla continues to develop stories in this world, there was so much more I wanted to know....I see the potential for an amazing series with this world.
I was super intrigued by the world Karla crafted and the history between the humans and the Lupantha.
The steam in this book was off the charts hot!!! I really really enjoyed those scenes 😉
I really hope Karla continues to develop stories in this world, there was so much more I wanted to know....I see the potential for an amazing series with this world.
November 23, 2024
Was this my first monster romance?
Yes
Will it be my last?
Yes
Do i judge people that read them?
No.
.
.
Maybe.
Yes
Will it be my last?
Yes
Do i judge people that read them?
No.
.
.
Maybe.
June 13, 2024
what the fuck did i just read
that was so
Genuinely awful
that was so
Genuinely awful
April 21, 2023
A brilliant happily ever after story that’s set in nineteen seventy about a college professor’s research assistant and a male beast from folklore but by the end they would each be one another savior. She was left at her grandmother’s by her mother at a young age. He has been alone for a very long time because of a treaty with the Fellowship.
She lost her grandmother, that was the reason why she came back. She was just going to settle her grandmother’s affairs, sell the house and then go back to college to finish her studies but thing have changed since she met the beast of her dreams.
It all started when she read her great great grandfather’s journals. She read how the human and the people called the Fellowship killed and segregated the species. She read through all of the journals and found herself at a wall made of stone then in an orchard where she met the beast she would one day be with for the rest of her life. He tried everything to keep her away from him because he thought he would kill her but by the end he never even hurt her.
She found out that the professor that she trusted the most was part of the Fellowship and he told her that her mother was part of the Fellowship and that was the reason why she left her at her grandmother’s house and when she turns twenty-five she will be part of it as well even if she doesn’t want to, at twenty-five she will know her purpose.
He was in the frenzy of the new moon when they made love and by her scent when they were done he knew that she was pregnant. They knew that they would be together forever but she knew that they would have to leave because they both would be dead if they didn’t.
She turns twenty-five today. They have two boys and a baby on the way. They make love after he has their son go check on the boys baby brother. When their done he goes and get out of his drawer a ring from his dresser drawer. He wants to be her husband and she wants to be his wife. She gets silent when something comes over her it was the purpose. She tells him about the purpose was their children, that their children would change everything also that the child she was carrying will be a girl. Wherever the path leads them they’re together and that’s exactly were they’re meant to be.
Characters are fantastic it’s a page turner. A beautifully written absolutely steamy romantic happily ever after story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She lost her grandmother, that was the reason why she came back. She was just going to settle her grandmother’s affairs, sell the house and then go back to college to finish her studies but thing have changed since she met the beast of her dreams.
It all started when she read her great great grandfather’s journals. She read how the human and the people called the Fellowship killed and segregated the species. She read through all of the journals and found herself at a wall made of stone then in an orchard where she met the beast she would one day be with for the rest of her life. He tried everything to keep her away from him because he thought he would kill her but by the end he never even hurt her.
She found out that the professor that she trusted the most was part of the Fellowship and he told her that her mother was part of the Fellowship and that was the reason why she left her at her grandmother’s house and when she turns twenty-five she will be part of it as well even if she doesn’t want to, at twenty-five she will know her purpose.
He was in the frenzy of the new moon when they made love and by her scent when they were done he knew that she was pregnant. They knew that they would be together forever but she knew that they would have to leave because they both would be dead if they didn’t.
She turns twenty-five today. They have two boys and a baby on the way. They make love after he has their son go check on the boys baby brother. When their done he goes and get out of his drawer a ring from his dresser drawer. He wants to be her husband and she wants to be his wife. She gets silent when something comes over her it was the purpose. She tells him about the purpose was their children, that their children would change everything also that the child she was carrying will be a girl. Wherever the path leads them they’re together and that’s exactly were they’re meant to be.
Characters are fantastic it’s a page turner. A beautifully written absolutely steamy romantic happily ever after story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2023
Once Upon a Beast [Hemlock Woods Douolgy]
These books are Monster Romance with Fated mates Trope and steamy
This book follows Salvatore and Alexandra.. You will find Monster Romance, Fated Mates, Double Virgin Trope, Kinky, Hot, Steamy and more [i give this book 4.5 stars]
Salvatore is a Lupantha beast, He has not got any family left because the humans went and killed nearly every monster that was like him and the couple that stayed alive made a pack to stay away from all humans if they stay away from their land, He is kinda grumpy, sweet, can be caring and knows what he wants, It is forbidden for his kind to mate with a human but onces he sees Alexandra he could not stopping having feelings for her and also he could feel that she was his mate, So he tried everything to keep her safe but she showed him that they should be together, He falls hard for Alexandra
Alexandra is human but always felt like something was missing, She is sweet, shy, caring and kind, One day she gets a call to let her know the sad news that her grandmother passed away so she went back to the small town to sort her granny's things out but once she seen what her granny left her she went to see if Salvatore was real, Once she meets the tall monster she does not feel like he would hurt her and she starts to have feelings for him even when he tells her to leave his place of home, She keeps showing up to let him know she does not want to leave him, She falls hard for Salvatore
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Monster Romance
⦁ Crytid Beast/Human
⦁ Fated Mates
⦁ Double Virgin Trope
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Beauty and the Beast theme
⦁ Hot, Rough and Steamy with a bit of outdoor play
⦁ Kinks: Biting, making his mark, Run and chase play, Knotting, Mating and Breeding play, Claiming, Likes to give his women Pleasure, light blood play and Primal play
⦁ Grumpy/Sunshine
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Dark Themes
⦁ Your mine Trope
⦁ Possessive Hero
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Small Town
⦁ Paranormal Romance
I really enjoyed the relationship between Salvatore and Alexandra because they are made for each other.. I am glad they got a happy ending
These books are Monster Romance with Fated mates Trope and steamy
This book follows Salvatore and Alexandra.. You will find Monster Romance, Fated Mates, Double Virgin Trope, Kinky, Hot, Steamy and more [i give this book 4.5 stars]
Salvatore is a Lupantha beast, He has not got any family left because the humans went and killed nearly every monster that was like him and the couple that stayed alive made a pack to stay away from all humans if they stay away from their land, He is kinda grumpy, sweet, can be caring and knows what he wants, It is forbidden for his kind to mate with a human but onces he sees Alexandra he could not stopping having feelings for her and also he could feel that she was his mate, So he tried everything to keep her safe but she showed him that they should be together, He falls hard for Alexandra
Alexandra is human but always felt like something was missing, She is sweet, shy, caring and kind, One day she gets a call to let her know the sad news that her grandmother passed away so she went back to the small town to sort her granny's things out but once she seen what her granny left her she went to see if Salvatore was real, Once she meets the tall monster she does not feel like he would hurt her and she starts to have feelings for him even when he tells her to leave his place of home, She keeps showing up to let him know she does not want to leave him, She falls hard for Salvatore
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Monster Romance
⦁ Crytid Beast/Human
⦁ Fated Mates
⦁ Double Virgin Trope
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Beauty and the Beast theme
⦁ Hot, Rough and Steamy with a bit of outdoor play
⦁ Kinks: Biting, making his mark, Run and chase play, Knotting, Mating and Breeding play, Claiming, Likes to give his women Pleasure, light blood play and Primal play
⦁ Grumpy/Sunshine
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Dark Themes
⦁ Your mine Trope
⦁ Possessive Hero
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Small Town
⦁ Paranormal Romance
I really enjoyed the relationship between Salvatore and Alexandra because they are made for each other.. I am glad they got a happy ending
May 13, 2023
The world that Karla Doyle is creating in this new Hemlock Woods series is unique, interesting, and I can’t get enough. One book in and I’m already ready for the next one. It’s full of beasts, secret societies, a history of war and extinction, and I am here for all of it!!!
Alexandra discovers a history she had no idea existed involving a group of Lupantha, a group of beings that have a beast form with a need to mate and breed. In her search she finds, Salvatore, who instantly knows her as his fated mate, but who refuses to give in to the mating because she is human. The connection between these two is intense and spicy. I couldn’t get enough of them!!! There is also a society dedicated to keeping the remaining Lupantha in isolation and exile or they face extermination.
This story introduced these groups and their connection to each other. I didn’t expect some of the twists that it takes and they were written incredibly well. There is still so much to learn and so much to be resolved so I can’t wait to see what comes next. For Salvatore and Alexandra, I loved the conclusion of their story and wonder if they will make an appearance in the future. They truly belong together and their love and desire for each other is intense and unmatched. Salvatore is capable of so much more than he realizes and Alexandra loves every part of him.
“Whatever happens Alexandra I will follow you. In life. To death.”
“You’re the ultimate test of my soul, and the greatest gift I’ve ever received”
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexandra discovers a history she had no idea existed involving a group of Lupantha, a group of beings that have a beast form with a need to mate and breed. In her search she finds, Salvatore, who instantly knows her as his fated mate, but who refuses to give in to the mating because she is human. The connection between these two is intense and spicy. I couldn’t get enough of them!!! There is also a society dedicated to keeping the remaining Lupantha in isolation and exile or they face extermination.
This story introduced these groups and their connection to each other. I didn’t expect some of the twists that it takes and they were written incredibly well. There is still so much to learn and so much to be resolved so I can’t wait to see what comes next. For Salvatore and Alexandra, I loved the conclusion of their story and wonder if they will make an appearance in the future. They truly belong together and their love and desire for each other is intense and unmatched. Salvatore is capable of so much more than he realizes and Alexandra loves every part of him.
“Whatever happens Alexandra I will follow you. In life. To death.”
“You’re the ultimate test of my soul, and the greatest gift I’ve ever received”
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2023
Honestly, this was pretty good. And stress-free to read. Also, short. If you want something quick that doesn’t have any real tense or heart-wrenching moments in it then this is for you.
My only complaint is how jarring the jumps in narrative are sometimes. We go very abruptly from finding out Alexandra’s grandmother has died to: she’s gone to the family home, received her inheritance and read her great great grandfather’s journals AND is willing to maybe believe them… that’s a big jump in narrative. Kudos to the author however for not making it impossible to wrap my head around. While it was jarring, I am glad I didn’t have to sit through tons of filler content that would never be expanded upon in any real sense. HOWEVER, the elements that did remain almost make me wonder if what I’ve read was some abridged version of the story? Like, why reveal that Alexandra’s mythological studies professor is part of the Watchers - effectively setting him up as the villain/conflict to be resolved before the end of the novel - to just never add bring it back in later? I mean, as it is he was just the plot device to lead her to the missing journal. She could have found that shit while cleaning. 🤷🏼♀️ Considering I wasn’t in the mood for all that conflict and danger in the narrative it renders my point moot anyways.
Wow. What a pointless rant. 🤦🏼♀️ Form your own opinion and then get back to me. I’d love to hear another perspective on it.
My only complaint is how jarring the jumps in narrative are sometimes. We go very abruptly from finding out Alexandra’s grandmother has died to: she’s gone to the family home, received her inheritance and read her great great grandfather’s journals AND is willing to maybe believe them… that’s a big jump in narrative. Kudos to the author however for not making it impossible to wrap my head around. While it was jarring, I am glad I didn’t have to sit through tons of filler content that would never be expanded upon in any real sense. HOWEVER, the elements that did remain almost make me wonder if what I’ve read was some abridged version of the story? Like, why reveal that Alexandra’s mythological studies professor is part of the Watchers - effectively setting him up as the villain/conflict to be resolved before the end of the novel - to just never add bring it back in later? I mean, as it is he was just the plot device to lead her to the missing journal. She could have found that shit while cleaning. 🤷🏼♀️ Considering I wasn’t in the mood for all that conflict and danger in the narrative it renders my point moot anyways.
Wow. What a pointless rant. 🤦🏼♀️ Form your own opinion and then get back to me. I’d love to hear another perspective on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
🔥 HOT 🔥 Fated-Mates “Monster” Romance
• Story/Plot: 📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogues? ✔️ a few? years later
I’m a sucker for a good monster romance or omegaverse style story and this one did NOT disappoint. It was super hot.
The FMC inherits her grandmother’s possessions including journals that talk about beasts, the Lupantha. She goes to investigates and comes across the MMC, who realizes she’s his mate and tries to scare her away for her own safety.
The MMC is very close protective and the FMC is headstrong and stubborn. Their romance, despite the situation is very sweet & the steamy scenes are HOT 🔥🥵🔥 It’s got dirty talk, lots of steam, knots & biting.
I do wish we’d learned more about what was in the final journal and if we’d gotten to see a little more story between the final chapter & the epilogue, but the ending was sweet.
If you love a good monster love story or the omegaverse (though this isn’t really omegaverse), you’ll love this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!
• Story/Plot: 📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogues? ✔️ a few? years later
I’m a sucker for a good monster romance or omegaverse style story and this one did NOT disappoint. It was super hot.
The FMC inherits her grandmother’s possessions including journals that talk about beasts, the Lupantha. She goes to investigates and comes across the MMC, who realizes she’s his mate and tries to scare her away for her own safety.
The MMC is very close protective and the FMC is headstrong and stubborn. Their romance, despite the situation is very sweet & the steamy scenes are HOT 🔥🥵🔥 It’s got dirty talk, lots of steam, knots & biting.
I do wish we’d learned more about what was in the final journal and if we’d gotten to see a little more story between the final chapter & the epilogue, but the ending was sweet.
If you love a good monster love story or the omegaverse (though this isn’t really omegaverse), you’ll love this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!
April 15, 2023
Salvatore is a reclusive Lupantha that spends his life in solitude. The female population of Lupanthas were eradicated over the decades and taking a human mate is out of the question. Alexandra Cassel returns to Hemlock Woods to handle her grandmother’s estate when she discovers old journals detailing the beastly species. She’s curious and manages to meet Salvatore. Her scent called to him as his mate, but he fights his instincts. He knows the terrible things that will happen if he claims her. Too bad Alexandra is a determined young woman and won’t give up.
This was a fast-paced instalove monster romance that was exciting and steamy. It had slow-building sexual tension that exploded once Salvatore finally claimed his mate. I loved that Alexandra wasn’t scared whatsoever around Salvatore. She knew this beast was hers. We get a beautiful happily-ever-after with a future epilogue that I loved so much!
Tropes: Paranormal romance, fantasy romance, monster romance, age gap, beauty and the beast, virgin heroine, virgin hero, breeding, fated mates, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fast-paced instalove monster romance that was exciting and steamy. It had slow-building sexual tension that exploded once Salvatore finally claimed his mate. I loved that Alexandra wasn’t scared whatsoever around Salvatore. She knew this beast was hers. We get a beautiful happily-ever-after with a future epilogue that I loved so much!
Tropes: Paranormal romance, fantasy romance, monster romance, age gap, beauty and the beast, virgin heroine, virgin hero, breeding, fated mates, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
Wow, wow, wow!! I absolutely loved this story!! I love fated mates and paranormal/monster romance and this was one of the best!!
Salvatore was a lupantha, his species was hunted by humans to near extinction, he was the last of his kind. He was kept on his estate, forbidden to leave by a treaty and forbidden contact with human females. Alexandra returned to Hemlock Woods after the death of her grandmother and discover some journals telling of the Lupanthas existence. She went to find Salvatore and found so much more, the love of her life!! Amazing , hot, steamy romance with off the charts chemistry, a very protective hero, a little danger, mystery and intrigue, true love and a wonderful HEA!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Salvatore was a lupantha, his species was hunted by humans to near extinction, he was the last of his kind. He was kept on his estate, forbidden to leave by a treaty and forbidden contact with human females. Alexandra returned to Hemlock Woods after the death of her grandmother and discover some journals telling of the Lupanthas existence. She went to find Salvatore and found so much more, the love of her life!! Amazing , hot, steamy romance with off the charts chemistry, a very protective hero, a little danger, mystery and intrigue, true love and a wonderful HEA!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2023
The book blurb is misleading. It makes it sounds like she is in the woods and he happens to smell her and can't help himself. That is not what happens.
She gets a letter from her grandmother after her grandmother's death. It says there is a werewolf living at Gallo Hall. So the heroine drives herself 10 miles into the woods, parks her car, climbs over the wall, and goes looking for the hero. He tells her to run and get away and drives a nail into his hand with a hammer so the pain will distract him and he won't follow her.
So what does the heroine do? Goes back the next day, enters the house (without permission) finds the hero chained to a wall and sets him free. She says she wants him.
This book just didn't work for me.
She gets a letter from her grandmother after her grandmother's death. It says there is a werewolf living at Gallo Hall. So the heroine drives herself 10 miles into the woods, parks her car, climbs over the wall, and goes looking for the hero. He tells her to run and get away and drives a nail into his hand with a hammer so the pain will distract him and he won't follow her.
So what does the heroine do? Goes back the next day, enters the house (without permission) finds the hero chained to a wall and sets him free. She says she wants him.
This book just didn't work for me.
August 15, 2023
3.5 stars
dual virgins
soulmates
cross species (lycanthropes)
forbidden love
insta love lust
age gap
no ow/om drama
drama
no protection
boob kink
blood kink
breeding kink
would like more clarity for the ending, (where are they and how do they receive income? will he actually off himself if she passes away or will she age like him now they are mated? What happened with the fellowship and the extra books? what will happen to them or will they be passed on and what about his whole library of information on lycans? does the fellowship have it and did they invade his home after the hero and heroine left? 😭 so much i wanna know. kinda left on “ignore all the other stuff” note
safe
hea
epilogue w/kids and pregnancy
dual virgins
soulmates
cross species (lycanthropes)
forbidden love
insta love lust
age gap
no ow/om drama
drama
no protection
boob kink
blood kink
breeding kink
would like more clarity for the ending, (where are they and how do they receive income? will he actually off himself if she passes away or will she age like him now they are mated? What happened with the fellowship and the extra books? what will happen to them or will they be passed on and what about his whole library of information on lycans? does the fellowship have it and did they invade his home after the hero and heroine left? 😭 so much i wanna know. kinda left on “ignore all the other stuff” note
safe
hea
epilogue w/kids and pregnancy
January 8, 2024
Loved this story!
Sal only has one form and never shifts and he has lived out his life in hiding due to a treaty between him and the humans. Alex gets sad news when her grandmother passes away, so she has to go back home to Hemlock woods and settle her affairs.
Once home, she reads a little that her grandmother left her and inside are details about Gallo Hall and Sal's species. She goes in search of Sal and once they both meet, there is know turning back for either of them!
❤️Read this story if you love, fated mates, Knotting, breeding, and a HEA!
⭐Notes to keep in mind⭐
- This isn't a shifter romance since Sal only has one form.
- This takes place in the 70's
- Short story
Sal only has one form and never shifts and he has lived out his life in hiding due to a treaty between him and the humans. Alex gets sad news when her grandmother passes away, so she has to go back home to Hemlock woods and settle her affairs.
Once home, she reads a little that her grandmother left her and inside are details about Gallo Hall and Sal's species. She goes in search of Sal and once they both meet, there is know turning back for either of them!
❤️Read this story if you love, fated mates, Knotting, breeding, and a HEA!
⭐Notes to keep in mind⭐
- This isn't a shifter romance since Sal only has one form.
- This takes place in the 70's
- Short story
April 18, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic and I like the spice, but I feel like for a storyline with such potential, it is quite underdeveloped. I would've loved to have more plot, and a deeper story (maybe even including some of the writings of the grandpa) and I would love to read a full book about what happens after the last chapter and before the epilogue.
However, with what we have I can say that the book is really good, and I liked it. The characters were okay, and while I got annoyed with the heroine, that's just usual me.
Overall, 4/5 with a recommendation to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, with what we have I can say that the book is really good, and I liked it. The characters were okay, and while I got annoyed with the heroine, that's just usual me.
Overall, 4/5 with a recommendation to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2023
Alexandra just lost her grandmother, the only family she had in the world. But she’s left behind something that changes Alexandra’s belief in what’s real, now she determined to find out the whole truth.
Salvatore has been alone for decades, secluded, intent to stay hidden until his death until his mates scent delivers an incorrigible woman who doesn’t listen to reason. Now he’s ready to do anything to protect her.
Fast, steamy and a sweet HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Salvatore has been alone for decades, secluded, intent to stay hidden until his death until his mates scent delivers an incorrigible woman who doesn’t listen to reason. Now he’s ready to do anything to protect her.
Fast, steamy and a sweet HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
Salvatore is the last of his kind, and has given up hope of finding his mate. Until one day there is a scent on the air, she is out there he can smell her. She is not his kind, she is human and it is forbidden. His line will end with him, he will not hurt her.
Alexandra has other ideas, she fells the pull towards him. He wants her to stay away for her safety, but she knows he would never hurt her.
Can she convince him that it is worth the risk?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexandra has other ideas, she fells the pull towards him. He wants her to stay away for her safety, but she knows he would never hurt her.
Can she convince him that it is worth the risk?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2023
Goth vibe monster romance!
This story has a definite gothic vibe. I Invision a dark, gnarly orchard surrounding a hidden manner. The interactions between the h and H (salvatore, so sexy!) were intense. I briefly feared for the heroine because salvatore was so beastly but she was 100% on board! The epilogue was perfect as it showed a deep love and trust between the two. There is a big introduction into a very interesting world with this book I hope the author explores and expands!
This story has a definite gothic vibe. I Invision a dark, gnarly orchard surrounding a hidden manner. The interactions between the h and H (salvatore, so sexy!) were intense. I briefly feared for the heroine because salvatore was so beastly but she was 100% on board! The epilogue was perfect as it showed a deep love and trust between the two. There is a big introduction into a very interesting world with this book I hope the author explores and expands!
April 30, 2023
Salvatore was determined to be the last of his species so he hid away from everyone just waiting for his fate. Alexandra is a human who has returned to Hemlock Woods after the death of her grandmother determined to fulfill her legacy. Once Upon a Beast is a quick, forbidden love story between characters destined to be together. From the unique storyline to the happily ever after this is a great read. After that ending I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 13, 2023
I really loved this Instalove, fated mate, beauty and the beast PNR😍😍 Alexandra received a call that her grandmother passed so she returns home to take care of the estate. Something drives her to the estate of Salvatore and when Lupantha senses his fated mate everything changes. He tries to stay away, but Alexandra won't let him be miserable and alone. Great story with a secret society, mystery, secrets, steam, romance and with a sweet HEA😍😍😍 Can't wait for the future generation to change history👍👍
April 17, 2023
This was a great paranormal/ fated mates romance. I don’t normally read too many paranormal romances that are monster romances but I usually enjoy this author’s work so I gave it a go. And I’m really glad that I did. The story was entertaining and really steamy. And I liked the connection between Alexandra and Salvatore. This was a great story and I’m looking forward to the next one.
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.
April 18, 2023
I thought this was such a cool read. I think the author did a great job of creating this world in Hemlock Woods, as well as creating a strong heroine that was a match for Salvatore. I loved the mystery around the Lupanthas as well as Alexandra's family. Fast paced with lots of intrigue and a great fated mate trope made for an exciting read.
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.
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