My Stranded with the Kraken: A Monstrous Holiday Tale Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
"Stranded with the Kraken" by Zoe Ashwood is a wild holiday monster romance about Arielle, a human who tries out a monster dating app called Bone-R, expecting nothing more than a one-night stand. Instead, she matches with Jasper, a kraken shifter, and things get a whole lot more interesting. When a snowstorm leaves Arielle stranded at Jasper’s house over Christmas, what was supposed to be a hookup turns into something deeper and far messier. Jasper has always been nervous about humans finding out who he truly is—his giant, tentacled form scares them off. But with Arielle, there’s instant chemistry and a connection he’s never experienced. Forced together, the two find themselves facing more than just physical attraction: a growing sense of “fated mates,” real conversations, and the possibility of true love, all wrapped up in a cozy, very spicy monster romance novella.
Why I Love This Book
This book is completely unhinged in the best possible way. I love how it leans into the monster romance genre with zero shame, all steam, and genuine heart. Jasper is more than just tentacles—he’s emotionally available, honest, and ready for big conversations long before most romance heroes. I appreciate how there’s no BS miscommunication—Arielle and Jasper are open about what they want, even when it’s awkward or intense. The holiday setting adds warmth that balances out the hot and heavy scenes, making their forced proximity feel equal parts funny and swoony. I’m obsessed with how the book takes monster romance tropes (tentacles, breeding kink, fated mates) and builds an actual connection between the leads. The banter is gold, the heat is off the charts, and somehow, in the middle of all the chaos, there’s real romance happening. It’s a quick read, but it delivers exactly what it promises and left me smiling after the last page.
What really surprised me is the softness under all the wild plot points. There’s tenderness in how Jasper worries about scaring Arielle, and in how both of them have to decide if they’re ready for more than a fling. I love stories that can be both spicy and sweet, and this one balances both. There’s no dragging out the drama—just two people (or, well, a human and a kraken) figuring out what they want, fast and honest. The monster bits are so fun and creative—it never feels like the author is holding back. If you want a cozy, steamy, completely bonkers holiday monster romance, this is the book.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love monster romance, open-door steam, and “fated mates” dynamics, this is for you. If “forced proximity” and quick-moving, high-chemistry relationships make you happy, you’re going to love Jasper and Arielle. You’ll enjoy this if you want romance books that aren’t afraid to be explicit, over-the-top, and tender at the same time. This is absolutely your vibe if you want unapologetic smut, breeding kink, and holiday vibes. It’s a great fit for those who like short, satisfying reads with a big dose of fantasy and chaos. Not for you if you want slow-burn or fade-to-black; this book grabs you from the first page and never lets up.
Tagged As
monster romance, kraken shifter, paranormal romance, holiday romance, Christmas, forced proximity, fated mates, quick read, novella, open-door romance, breeding kink, tentacles, spicy romance, insta-love, cozy romance, high heat, funny banter, dual POV, unapologetic smut, bold heroine, sweet monster hero, standalone, steamy read
Steam Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️| Insanely Hot
