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Folk Haven #3.5
Mooning Over a Monster
Satine expects to spend a lonely life on the shores of Lake Galen. She does not expect a charming bear shifter with a monster crush.
Satine lives in the small town of Folk Haven, a place full of mythical creatures. But even among shifters and sirens and dragons, she's still seen as odd. Because Satine is a monster. With no human face to wear out in the world, she has to live hidden in her house on a remote corner of Lake Galen, alone most days other than the friends she has online.
Alone until a bear shifter delivery man takes interest in her…
Can Mahon convince Satine to come out from the shadows? Can she break down her walls to accept the passion he offers? Or will Satine also hide from love?
Satine lives in the small town of Folk Haven, a place full of mythical creatures. But even among shifters and sirens and dragons, she's still seen as odd. Because Satine is a monster. With no human face to wear out in the world, she has to live hidden in her house on a remote corner of Lake Galen, alone most days other than the friends she has online.
Alone until a bear shifter delivery man takes interest in her…
Can Mahon convince Satine to come out from the shadows? Can she break down her walls to accept the passion he offers? Or will Satine also hide from love?
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2022
About the author
Lauren Connolly
34 books318 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 12, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
Fluffy paranormal romance where the h is a monster for a change and the H is a shifter. Loved how sweet the H is and just excited to be near the h and wanting her to claim him. The h’s battled insecurities and loneliness because of her form, but has a fun sense of humor and there’s no push/pull or major doubts over the H. Sweet and steamy with a HFN ending. Written in first person, single POV of the h except for the epilogue in the H’s POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins. I did wish for a more extended epilogue and their daily life in a relationship, like whose home do they live in (I assume hers) and does she develop more friendships?
Fluffy paranormal romance where the h is a monster for a change and the H is a shifter. Loved how sweet the H is and just excited to be near the h and wanting her to claim him. The h’s battled insecurities and loneliness because of her form, but has a fun sense of humor and there’s no push/pull or major doubts over the H. Sweet and steamy with a HFN ending. Written in first person, single POV of the h except for the epilogue in the H’s POV. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins. I did wish for a more extended epilogue and their daily life in a relationship, like whose home do they live in (I assume hers) and does she develop more friendships?
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 15, 2023DNF @ 68%
I was enjoying how it started, Satine has a good attitude even tho she’s basically been shunned from society and Mahon is a delightful himbo.
But then I started to lose interest when the dirty talk outside of sex was happening.
I think Novellas just don’t work for me anymore unless they are done super well and with this story I felt like it could’ve been better if we had Mahon’s POV too, which obv would’ve added to the length and therefor probably would no longer be a novella so I think that’s my main complaint. 🤷🏻♀️
I was enjoying how it started, Satine has a good attitude even tho she’s basically been shunned from society and Mahon is a delightful himbo.
But then I started to lose interest when the dirty talk outside of sex was happening.
I think Novellas just don’t work for me anymore unless they are done super well and with this story I felt like it could’ve been better if we had Mahon’s POV too, which obv would’ve added to the length and therefor probably would no longer be a novella so I think that’s my main complaint. 🤷🏻♀️
June 18, 2023
Cute and unique. Adorable hero
December 30, 2023
2.5 meh, it’s a fine novella, but nothing special. I found myself skimming
July 25, 2023
fun
This was my first book by this author and I LOVED it! It was sexy, silly and playful, and really easy to read. I’m definitely diving into the rest of the series!
This was my first book by this author and I LOVED it! It was sexy, silly and playful, and really easy to read. I’m definitely diving into the rest of the series!
November 20, 2022
4.5 stars. Satine, the female monster lead, does not have a human form and has been hiding most of her life. When Mahon, the male bear shifter lead, starts making food deliveries for her, she’s intrigued by him and starts making monster sculptures for him to appreciate. When he has scooter engine trouble, they physically meet and Satine is amazed to find he doesn’t find her appearance offputting but actually appears to like her. She’s never had anyone genuinely appreciate her appearance and she doesn’t believe his interest is genuine…
This novella is female lead POV, with male lead epilogue, well written, and a great story set in the author’s existing world. I have only read one other in this world and this novella genuinely stands alone, though it may be enhanced by having read other stories. I appreciated and understood Satine’s suspicion of Mahon’s interest and enjoyed her growing confidence in his affections. I enjoyed Mahon’s laidback and gentle, cinnamon roll approach and his easy willingness to take whatever time Satine needed whilst remaining confident that she was exactly what he wanted. I enjoyed their relationship development and growing physical intimacy. I adored Mahon’s determination to show Satine he actually preferred her natural form, not whatever modifications she could magically make, and their life’s changing bringing them together.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This novella is female lead POV, with male lead epilogue, well written, and a great story set in the author’s existing world. I have only read one other in this world and this novella genuinely stands alone, though it may be enhanced by having read other stories. I appreciated and understood Satine’s suspicion of Mahon’s interest and enjoyed her growing confidence in his affections. I enjoyed Mahon’s laidback and gentle, cinnamon roll approach and his easy willingness to take whatever time Satine needed whilst remaining confident that she was exactly what he wanted. I enjoyed their relationship development and growing physical intimacy. I adored Mahon’s determination to show Satine he actually preferred her natural form, not whatever modifications she could magically make, and their life’s changing bringing them together.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
November 29, 2022
Angst-free, fast-moving monster romance between a cinnamon roll bear shifter and a reclusive lady dragon/water shifter. There is not an ounce of artifice in Mahon—an adorably ridiculous ball of sunshine who has so much love to give, and Satine is more than happy to bask in it. Just a feel good novella.
November 29, 2022
I originally read this novella on the author's website and it helped me fall in love with Folk Haven and all the supernaturals that live there. Satine has had a hard time of it because she is a hybrid supernatural who doesn't have a human form. Therefore she never goes out in public and was homeschooled. She works hard but has a lonely life in her house by the lake. Mahon is a sweet, adorable, cinnamon roll bear shifter who is temporarily doing deliveries for his cousin's bakery and regularly delivers Satine's sandwich orders. She normally never shows herself, but once he does see her, he is absolutely smitten and thinks she's the most gorgeous creature around. Her lack of human-seeming appearance doesn't bother him at all. However, Mahon has a harder time convincing Satine to come out into the light. If you haven't read any Folk Haven books, this is a good intro and if you are already familiar with the series, you'll love Satine and Mahon.
February 9, 2023
This book was pretty good, but honestly nothing special. It's a short and sweet read.
I'm a bit annoyed that there wasn't much plot in this book. They meet, hook up a few days later, then become mates after a few weeks. There's no working through anything in their relationship. There's no actual issue that arises in the story. Sure, FMC is afraid of going out into the open and he helps her, but it happened too quickly. I expected a scene where she's mocked or bullied, then MMC would go all bear to protect her. But nothing dramatic happens.
It was an enjoyable read,. But honestly there was little substance. It works well as a filler story between the main books of the series, but not really as a book itself. It's insignificant enough to be ignored in the series.
I'm a bit annoyed that there wasn't much plot in this book. They meet, hook up a few days later, then become mates after a few weeks. There's no working through anything in their relationship. There's no actual issue that arises in the story. Sure, FMC is afraid of going out into the open and he helps her, but it happened too quickly. I expected a scene where she's mocked or bullied, then MMC would go all bear to protect her. But nothing dramatic happens.
It was an enjoyable read,. But honestly there was little substance. It works well as a filler story between the main books of the series, but not really as a book itself. It's insignificant enough to be ignored in the series.
December 2, 2022
This story is a balm for the heart.
Satine lives a secluded life due to her inability to shift into a human form. The bear shifter who routinely makes her food deliveries has caught her eye, and she’s taken to creating monster scenes in her front yard. When his scooter breaks down they finally meet face-to-face, and Satine is shocked to find that her form doesn’t catch him off guard. In fact, is he flirting with her?
Satine is such an independent FMC, used to keeping to herself. Cinnamon roll Mahon is just a joy with his easygoing, go-with-the-flow attitude.
If you’d like to read a quick, truly enjoyable paranormal romance read, Mooning Over a Monster is a great choice. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Satine lives a secluded life due to her inability to shift into a human form. The bear shifter who routinely makes her food deliveries has caught her eye, and she’s taken to creating monster scenes in her front yard. When his scooter breaks down they finally meet face-to-face, and Satine is shocked to find that her form doesn’t catch him off guard. In fact, is he flirting with her?
Satine is such an independent FMC, used to keeping to herself. Cinnamon roll Mahon is just a joy with his easygoing, go-with-the-flow attitude.
If you’d like to read a quick, truly enjoyable paranormal romance read, Mooning Over a Monster is a great choice. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
November 27, 2022
I so enjoy my time spent in Folk Haven.
Another excellent short story in Folk Haven.
Satine sees herself as an oddity who has to hide herself away from the world as she does not have a human form.
She is part human, dragon and undine and known as a monster in the town of Folk Haven.
Mahon is a carefree loveable bear shifter trying to find his own path in life.
Mahon’s big personality coaxes Satine out of her secluded world, with him seeing the true beauty of her rather than the monster she feels she is.
This is a fun and beautiful love story that was a delight to read.
I’ve loved every one of the books in this series and look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
Another excellent short story in Folk Haven.
Satine sees herself as an oddity who has to hide herself away from the world as she does not have a human form.
She is part human, dragon and undine and known as a monster in the town of Folk Haven.
Mahon is a carefree loveable bear shifter trying to find his own path in life.
Mahon’s big personality coaxes Satine out of her secluded world, with him seeing the true beauty of her rather than the monster she feels she is.
This is a fun and beautiful love story that was a delight to read.
I’ve loved every one of the books in this series and look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
November 29, 2022
I loved this story. I read it and fell in love with Satine and Mahon. She is a monster that she does not want anyone to see. She is also a great artist that artistically places life size monsters in different poses. Mahon is a bear shifter that delivers food to her on his moped. When he has trouble he finally gets to see her and she realizes that he likes what he sees. I love the Folk Haven series and I especially love Satine. Who hasn't had a bad day and think no one wants to look at them, everyone has. I really felt for her and Mahon loves her anyway. Best love story ever!!
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2022
I laughed out loud. She's a non-human passing hermit monster and has a crush on a ginger bear shifter who delivers her a weekly sandwich lunch from the small town cafe. He's an over the top, aggressively charming cinnamon roll. It's instalove when they finally meet face to face. I highly recommend if you want something funny, sweet, low angst, and some steam.
Contains: explicit sex, self isolation, mild self harm that is temporary with intent to beautify, historical parental death, absent parent due to spousal grief, and childhood trauma due to being mixed monster races and not being accepted by other monsters.
Contains: explicit sex, self isolation, mild self harm that is temporary with intent to beautify, historical parental death, absent parent due to spousal grief, and childhood trauma due to being mixed monster races and not being accepted by other monsters.
November 23, 2022
This was so good!! Satine is a monster without a human form, and even in the town of folk haven she is seen as odd. Mahon is a bear shifter working a few odd jobs, including as a delivery driver for local cafe. She rarely goes out and even though he delivers food for her regularly he has never seen her. When his vehicle breaks down at her place she ends up coming out and meeting him for the first time. He doesn’t judge her appearance or seem unsettled by it, in fact he seems to what to know her, be her friend or maybe more. It is such a cute story and Mahon is so sweet.
November 26, 2022
This is absolutely excellent. I adored Mahon with a passion! He's a fun loving outrageously hilarious bear shifter that just brought so much light and humour to this book. The way he helps coax Satine's personality out is just beautiful.
I could genuinely read this short novella again and again. It's a full-on comfort and fun read.
🔞 18+ read due to explicit content. Full content warning can be found at the beginning of the book.
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
I could genuinely read this short novella again and again. It's a full-on comfort and fun read.
🔞 18+ read due to explicit content. Full content warning can be found at the beginning of the book.
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
November 30, 2022
Even in a town full of paranormal people she's a hermit, a loner, afraid to show herself. She would be considered a monster. Part dragon, part water nymph and unusual looking. She attracts a local delivery driver, he's a bear shifter and loves her sense of humour before even sighting her. His words are "I love blue". Trying to imagine how she looks was half the fun.
The story was so entertaining, more so that I actually expected. The odd coupling of these two was so much fun to read about.
What a great read, I highly recommend it.
The story was so entertaining, more so that I actually expected. The odd coupling of these two was so much fun to read about.
What a great read, I highly recommend it.
December 8, 2022
Awesome!
I really really loved the creativity that Satine put into those yard displays!! Satine is considered a monster... even in folk haven. Half dragon and half Undine, She's doesn't have a human form. Mahon, a bear shifter that delivers her food, doesn't care about what she looks like as much as he just likes her.
I really thought the next folk haven book would feature Levi, but i was pleasantly surprised with this book. Really loved the characters and plot line!!
Keep em coming!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
I really really loved the creativity that Satine put into those yard displays!! Satine is considered a monster... even in folk haven. Half dragon and half Undine, She's doesn't have a human form. Mahon, a bear shifter that delivers her food, doesn't care about what she looks like as much as he just likes her.
I really thought the next folk haven book would feature Levi, but i was pleasantly surprised with this book. Really loved the characters and plot line!!
Keep em coming!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
February 15, 2023
This was another short novella I’m the Folk Haven series, and I think I loved this one the most. I was wondering who would be Santine’s perfect mate when I read Levi’s book, and I’m so glad she found someone that loves her the way she deserves to be loved.
Mahon’s energy was infectious, and I found myself smiling or laughing at his attempts to get to know and woo Santine. He’s a good mix of loveable goofball and dirty talker. I would have loved to see them have a full length story. I do hope to see more of them in the future, as the series continues.
Mahon’s energy was infectious, and I found myself smiling or laughing at his attempts to get to know and woo Santine. He’s a good mix of loveable goofball and dirty talker. I would have loved to see them have a full length story. I do hope to see more of them in the future, as the series continues.
February 26, 2023
I’ve enjoyed every other book in this series but I didn’t care much for this one. It felt shorter than the others and because of that, it was very much an insta-love type situation which I don’t enjoy. I think it could have been better if it was a “he falls first” but it had been spanned out more and he had to work for her, or some more tension/buildup than there was. Certain parts also felt kind of childish/corny, but that doesn’t necessarily bother me. In my opinion this was way below par in comparison to the others in this series, felt a bit like a filler.
June 16, 2023
3.5⭐
How sweet was this? Very. In a gender reversal of the recluse trope, we have a female monster who keeps to her home. But she's in for quite the change when her lunch delivery, golden retriever werebear falls for her. Hard.
It was lovely watching her come out of her shell and refreshing to end with her still on her journey. It's so unrealistic when deep-seated psychological issues are cured with a little Magic D.
Oh, and if this doesn't convince you to read it, there's always the most original BJ I've ever read. 😏
How sweet was this? Very. In a gender reversal of the recluse trope, we have a female monster who keeps to her home. But she's in for quite the change when her lunch delivery, golden retriever werebear falls for her. Hard.
It was lovely watching her come out of her shell and refreshing to end with her still on her journey. It's so unrealistic when deep-seated psychological issues are cured with a little Magic D.
Oh, and if this doesn't convince you to read it, there's always the most original BJ I've ever read. 😏
June 20, 2023
2.5 stars
This book was... Cute.
I didn't really like Mahon's goofy, exuberant golden retriever personality, but that's just me and my preferences. He was super sweet, had the odd bear growl in his voice and was pretty good at dirty thoughts. So, points for that.
I didn't find his description very enticing, but Satine did and that was alright enough.
She was an interesting character at least, and the book is basically just light fluff so there's no reason at all to get too picky IMO.
It was a super fast little novella. There's a couple of steamy scenes but overall nothing too exciting.
This book was... Cute.
I didn't really like Mahon's goofy, exuberant golden retriever personality, but that's just me and my preferences. He was super sweet, had the odd bear growl in his voice and was pretty good at dirty thoughts. So, points for that.
I didn't find his description very enticing, but Satine did and that was alright enough.
She was an interesting character at least, and the book is basically just light fluff so there's no reason at all to get too picky IMO.
It was a super fast little novella. There's a couple of steamy scenes but overall nothing too exciting.
November 30, 2022
An excellent glimpse into the entrancing world of Folk Haven
I love this short story. I have read it several times, and every time it makes me laugh, swoon, and want to dive into a re-read of the rest of the Folk Haven series. I love the sense of humour and the bear shenanigans. Anyone who enjoys the honest antics of Nalini Singh’s bear changelings will love this story, and I would strongly encourage them to explore Lauren’s Folk Haven stories.
I love this short story. I have read it several times, and every time it makes me laugh, swoon, and want to dive into a re-read of the rest of the Folk Haven series. I love the sense of humour and the bear shenanigans. Anyone who enjoys the honest antics of Nalini Singh’s bear changelings will love this story, and I would strongly encourage them to explore Lauren’s Folk Haven stories.
December 26, 2022
I really do just love this series so much. I'm pretty sure I read this entire book in like two hours counting breaks.
While this book was pretty fast-paced/insta-lovey it, it still held the same intrigue and well-rounded characters as every other Folk Haven book. I also LOVED the small touches like referencing the video game Stray and calling back to previous books.
I can't wait to read more of this series.
Lauren Connolly's got a dedicated, life long reader in me.
While this book was pretty fast-paced/insta-lovey it, it still held the same intrigue and well-rounded characters as every other Folk Haven book. I also LOVED the small touches like referencing the video game Stray and calling back to previous books.
I can't wait to read more of this series.
Lauren Connolly's got a dedicated, life long reader in me.
January 7, 2023
Very cute and steamy novella set in Folk Haven. While this story clear ties into other books, it also stood on its own pretty well as a gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast. I really enjoyed Mahon's straightforward attitude, and could relate to Satine's initial shyness. The story had lovely themes about acceptance and self-esteem while also delivering on the sexy times. Highly recommend for fans of monster romance who are looking for a twist.
July 16, 2023
Mahon and Satine
This was a cute story about fitting into society. It was cleverly written from a funny and quirky mind. I did enjoy the story but not sure if i want to continue to read the entire series. The book did make me laugh out loud though the ending was abrupt. I believe the author was rushed to finish. That’s what it seemed like anyway but all in all it was a sweet book and worth the read
This was a cute story about fitting into society. It was cleverly written from a funny and quirky mind. I did enjoy the story but not sure if i want to continue to read the entire series. The book did make me laugh out loud though the ending was abrupt. I believe the author was rushed to finish. That’s what it seemed like anyway but all in all it was a sweet book and worth the read
December 23, 2022
I have been looking forward to this book since satine was mentioned, I am so glad she got her own book. Mohon is a teddy bear (pun intended) and is just so lovable. The only thing wrong with this book is that it felt rushed and way to short, it would have lovely to see their relationship bloom over time and a little drama happening but it was a fun and sweet story
December 26, 2022
This is a sweet addition to the Folk Haven series. Satine has no human form to shift into so she lives her life as a recluse, working online and having lunch delivered to her door. The bear shifter doesn’t seem to care what she looks like. It’s a fun novella and a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 19, 2023
I originally read this story when it was published in the autor's website as a free halloween story in 2021. I love both MCs, Satine's got a great sense of humor and Mahon's a huge teddy bear. It was actually my first monster romance (with a monster other than a shifter/vampire, that is, but since those are usually in human form, I don't really think of them as monsters).
November 30, 2022
A sweet, sexy, beautiful love story that was so much fun. Satine and Mahon were a real joy. They were adorable and made such a lovely couple. This is a wonderful series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews