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Hummingbird Tales #1
Hummingbird and Kraken
Geir
Geir lives alone in the woods for a reason. And he likes it that way.
Until Declan lands on his doorstep, with a bubbly personality, shimmery lipstick, and dreams of adventure. Surely Geir can let him stay for a few days without giving in to temptation.
Or letting him discover that he’s a kraken shifter.
Only Declan has other ideas. Because Declan loves his tentacles. And he believes that Geir can be the Daddy that he needs.
Declan
Declan might be a teeny little bit impulsive. Alright, a lot impulsive. But he’s still allowed to believe in love at first sight, right? Geir is practically perfect, with his stern scowl, sexy secret, and possessive doting. When Declan settles in and makes friends with the neighboring shifter tribe, it feels like he might have found a home.
Of course, it isn’t that easy.
Strangers lurk in the area, harassing Declan for information about his shifter friends. Geir inexplicably disappears for hours every day. Declan’s only clues seem to lie in Native American legends, as he tries to unravel Geir’s past and their future together.
When danger threatens their small community, Declan’s loyalty is put to the test. And Geir must decide who he trusts, who he cares about, and who he is.
Hummingbird and Kraken is an expansion of the short story, My Kraken. It has non-mpreg shifters, a happy-go-lucky boy, a grumpy old kraken, bad guys on the loose, plenty of tentacles, and a HEA.
Geir lives alone in the woods for a reason. And he likes it that way.
Until Declan lands on his doorstep, with a bubbly personality, shimmery lipstick, and dreams of adventure. Surely Geir can let him stay for a few days without giving in to temptation.
Or letting him discover that he’s a kraken shifter.
Only Declan has other ideas. Because Declan loves his tentacles. And he believes that Geir can be the Daddy that he needs.
Declan
Declan might be a teeny little bit impulsive. Alright, a lot impulsive. But he’s still allowed to believe in love at first sight, right? Geir is practically perfect, with his stern scowl, sexy secret, and possessive doting. When Declan settles in and makes friends with the neighboring shifter tribe, it feels like he might have found a home.
Of course, it isn’t that easy.
Strangers lurk in the area, harassing Declan for information about his shifter friends. Geir inexplicably disappears for hours every day. Declan’s only clues seem to lie in Native American legends, as he tries to unravel Geir’s past and their future together.
When danger threatens their small community, Declan’s loyalty is put to the test. And Geir must decide who he trusts, who he cares about, and who he is.
Hummingbird and Kraken is an expansion of the short story, My Kraken. It has non-mpreg shifters, a happy-go-lucky boy, a grumpy old kraken, bad guys on the loose, plenty of tentacles, and a HEA.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2020
108 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Reese Morrison
30books320followersReese Morrison lives in Philadelphia with their partner, two precocious children, and intermittent housemates, guests, and homeless, queer teens. Their hobbies are volunteering on too many boards, planting gardens that they forget to water half-way through the summer, making up songs for their kids, and putting off writing their dissertation.
Reese and their partner both identify as genderqueer and are part of a vibrant community of queer and trans folks. They started writing because they were dissatisfied with the lack of trans and genderqueer characters in what they were reading and finally decided to do something about it. Many, but not all, of their books are kinky (for a whole range of kinks...) and they feel that it's important to represent a range of backgrounds, dis/abilities, gender presentations/ identities, and body types in their writing.
Reese and their partner both identify as genderqueer and are part of a vibrant community of queer and trans folks. They started writing because they were dissatisfied with the lack of trans and genderqueer characters in what they were reading and finally decided to do something about it. Many, but not all, of their books are kinky (for a whole range of kinks...) and they feel that it's important to represent a range of backgrounds, dis/abilities, gender presentations/ identities, and body types in their writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 20, 2020
I read this when the author first released it as a freebie short story - and I LOVED it! It was my favorite from that entire collection. So I am SO SO glad they expanded the short story into a full novel! I LOVED IT, even more than I thought I could!
Declan is just a cinnamon roll and an absolutely adorable, heartwarming character. He's out and proud, and he doesn't care who sees him wear cropped tops and makeup. I love how authentic to himself he is, and I love that he rambles and I love that he can make friends with anyone in the span of 2 minutes. And I love how perfect he is for grumpy, taciturn kraken shifter, Geir.
Geir is such an interesting character, and one I would love to still read more about. He's ancient, he's older than all of the other shifters around him, and he's lived mostly on his own for who knows how long. But Declan, his total adoration for Geir's shifted form, and how perfect they are for each other is just wonderful to read about. These two had great chemistry together, and I love the slow progression to both of them finding out what the other wants physically.
What I loved most about this expanded edition is that there is so much more world building and new characters, due to the Native lands that Geir lives by. I loved Ro - and OMG I can't wait for his short story with a certain someone, and I loved the community that Declan loved and was able to get Geir more involved with. There is more plot, conflict, and danger, and I just loved it.
Seriously - I think I could still read more about Geir and Declan! (Give me 5 years in the future when we can learn more about Geir!)
If you're a fan of consentacles, shifters, a bit of daddy kink and play, then you should try this one out.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Declan is just a cinnamon roll and an absolutely adorable, heartwarming character. He's out and proud, and he doesn't care who sees him wear cropped tops and makeup. I love how authentic to himself he is, and I love that he rambles and I love that he can make friends with anyone in the span of 2 minutes. And I love how perfect he is for grumpy, taciturn kraken shifter, Geir.
Geir is such an interesting character, and one I would love to still read more about. He's ancient, he's older than all of the other shifters around him, and he's lived mostly on his own for who knows how long. But Declan, his total adoration for Geir's shifted form, and how perfect they are for each other is just wonderful to read about. These two had great chemistry together, and I love the slow progression to both of them finding out what the other wants physically.
What I loved most about this expanded edition is that there is so much more world building and new characters, due to the Native lands that Geir lives by. I loved Ro - and OMG I can't wait for his short story with a certain someone, and I loved the community that Declan loved and was able to get Geir more involved with. There is more plot, conflict, and danger, and I just loved it.
Seriously - I think I could still read more about Geir and Declan! (Give me 5 years in the future when we can learn more about Geir!)
If you're a fan of consentacles, shifters, a bit of daddy kink and play, then you should try this one out.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2020
I have read several of Reese Morrison’s book now and I have enjoyed each of them. But I wasn’t sure I would love this one as much. Tentacle sex sounds fun, but a lot of the times I have tried reading it, the story ends up being all erotica, with no real plot or emotion.
Well, this story ended up being exactly what I have always wanted when I first found out tentacle sex was a thing. Very sexy, but there was still a plot and emotions. So, if you are looking for tentacle sexiness, you will find it here. But if you are interested in other things like, emotions, femme-gay boys who are flexible with gender, stoic Daddy’s, shifters, and general kinkiness, well you will also find it here.
I got this as an ARC, but I will definitely be reading it again sometime soon.
Well, this story ended up being exactly what I have always wanted when I first found out tentacle sex was a thing. Very sexy, but there was still a plot and emotions. So, if you are looking for tentacle sexiness, you will find it here. But if you are interested in other things like, emotions, femme-gay boys who are flexible with gender, stoic Daddy’s, shifters, and general kinkiness, well you will also find it here.
I got this as an ARC, but I will definitely be reading it again sometime soon.
May 7, 2022
Re-read May 7, 2022. Still a very enjoyable read for me
Want to read
September 13, 2020TENTACLES!
July 30, 2020
I read the original short story of this book and really enjoyed it. The expansion into a full length book turned out really well.
I wish there was more romance between Declan and Geir. Don't get me wrong, Daddy kink is my favorite, but it felt a little out of place as written and Declan came across as someone more interested in a Sugar Daddy than just a Daddy.
Loved May and Geir's interaction with her. Loved Ro and his friendship with Declan.
Overall, a good book. If you're new to tentacles, definitely give it a read!
I received an ARC of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wish there was more romance between Declan and Geir. Don't get me wrong, Daddy kink is my favorite, but it felt a little out of place as written and Declan came across as someone more interested in a Sugar Daddy than just a Daddy.
Loved May and Geir's interaction with her. Loved Ro and his friendship with Declan.
Overall, a good book. If you're new to tentacles, definitely give it a read!
I received an ARC of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2022
Tags: daddy kink, tentacles, kraken shifter, bad guys, femme MC, kink awakening, almost instalove
I’m really torn on the rating. It feels like a solid 3.5, but I enjoyed myself so much I’m rounding up to 4*. Overall this was sweet and fun. I loved the sunshine MC’s happy acceptance of the kraken shifter and all his tentacles, and the kink that they developed - tentacles as bondage, sea monster role playing, yes please.
The plot was a bit shaky at times - especially the bad guy narrative - and the pacing wobbled a bit. I could tell this was an early book by the author. But it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the book.
Overall I would definitely recommend.
I’m really torn on the rating. It feels like a solid 3.5, but I enjoyed myself so much I’m rounding up to 4*. Overall this was sweet and fun. I loved the sunshine MC’s happy acceptance of the kraken shifter and all his tentacles, and the kink that they developed - tentacles as bondage, sea monster role playing, yes please.
The plot was a bit shaky at times - especially the bad guy narrative - and the pacing wobbled a bit. I could tell this was an early book by the author. But it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the book.
Overall I would definitely recommend.
Read
January 14, 2021DNF 27%
December 22, 2021
This was the most bananapants book I’ve read so far. It was astonishing. Highly recommended. As long as you’re ok with tentacles. Like, really ok with them.
June 8, 2021
4.5
Not sure I was prepared for tentacle sex, but here we are. This is a very *interesting* book. There are a few plot holes that don't ever get explained and some other just vaguely unbelievable things, beyong the shifting, like falling in love within an hour and one of the MCs just not being phased at all that the other MC is a kraken shifter.
Declan is leaving is his shitty boyfriend when his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere Ohio. He ends up wandering upon a house where a grumpy stoic man lives and finds himself a place to stay for the night. When his car ends up taking multiple days to finish, Declan has to figure some shit out. Luckily the man he stumbled upon, Geir, is pretty taken with him as soon as he meets him. Geir is a kraken and has been alive for centuries, yet no one has ever captured his attention in the way that Declan has, in all his femme-gay, adhd, overactive, and talkative glory. Declan soon figures out the Geir is a kraken and this moment was so weird for me. Like he really thought it was just cool and sexy and not terrifying or at least weird at all? wild.
Anyway, Geir lives on a plot of land and has a treaty with a Native American reservation that is a few miles away. Over the centuries Geir has aided them in protection and they have given him a space to be himself. This tribe is made up of shifters as well and they work together to keep themselves safe.
Rohahen and May are the absolute highlights of this book. Ro is one of the neighbors and his friendship with Declan was amazing and adorable and hilarious. May is a child with a traumatic past which led her to learn her shifting form early, like way early at 4 years old. She's an adorable fluffball of a kitten who gets into more trouble than one toddler should be able to, but she was precious.
I loved all the highly detailed descriptions of Indigenous customs and would love to see an own voices review. Reese Morrison has a lot of info in the authors note about their research process and sensitivity readers etc.
Not sure I was prepared for tentacle sex, but here we are. This is a very *interesting* book. There are a few plot holes that don't ever get explained and some other just vaguely unbelievable things, beyong the shifting, like falling in love within an hour and one of the MCs just not being phased at all that the other MC is a kraken shifter.
Declan is leaving is his shitty boyfriend when his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere Ohio. He ends up wandering upon a house where a grumpy stoic man lives and finds himself a place to stay for the night. When his car ends up taking multiple days to finish, Declan has to figure some shit out. Luckily the man he stumbled upon, Geir, is pretty taken with him as soon as he meets him. Geir is a kraken and has been alive for centuries, yet no one has ever captured his attention in the way that Declan has, in all his femme-gay, adhd, overactive, and talkative glory. Declan soon figures out the Geir is a kraken and this moment was so weird for me. Like he really thought it was just cool and sexy and not terrifying or at least weird at all? wild.
Anyway, Geir lives on a plot of land and has a treaty with a Native American reservation that is a few miles away. Over the centuries Geir has aided them in protection and they have given him a space to be himself. This tribe is made up of shifters as well and they work together to keep themselves safe.
Rohahen and May are the absolute highlights of this book. Ro is one of the neighbors and his friendship with Declan was amazing and adorable and hilarious. May is a child with a traumatic past which led her to learn her shifting form early, like way early at 4 years old. She's an adorable fluffball of a kitten who gets into more trouble than one toddler should be able to, but she was precious.
I loved all the highly detailed descriptions of Indigenous customs and would love to see an own voices review. Reese Morrison has a lot of info in the authors note about their research process and sensitivity readers etc.
July 20, 2020
I loved My Kraken so I was super excited when Reese said they were writing an expansion of it. I loved this book sooooooooo much. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me have so many feels. The way that Reese wove Native American culture through the story was wonderful and the myths themselves were well conceived. The supporting cast was made up of well formed characters that made you fall in love with them and really care about them. I never wanted this book to end. The Daddy element only heightened my enjoyment of this book, I mean it was a Daddy tentacle story, how awesome is that. Reese is becoming one of my favorite go-to authors for a great read with wonderful characters, great plot lines, and amazing world building. I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. You should definitely read this book.
June 26, 2021
Of course Declan is sparkly fabulousness, but I especially loved how he didn't even blink at Geir's tentacles. However -- communication, people, it's a real thing! Talk to each other! Still, I enjoyed this silly little story and expect I'll read Ro's story eventually.
September 29, 2023
The First Nation stories revolving around lady spring and and old man winter. That's interesting.
July 29, 2020
Hummingbird and Kraken by Reese Morrison is an amazing book about Declan and Geir.
Geir lives alone in the woods and he likes that. He is a kraken shifter. Declan is a human and finds himself stranded at the side of the road. After seeking someone to help him he finds Geir. Geir doesn't want him to find out what he is but Declan has other ideas. He loves Geir's tentacles and he believes Geir can be the Daddy he always wanted.
I loved Declan and Geir's story. They were amazing together.
Geir lives alone in the woods and he likes that. He is a kraken shifter. Declan is a human and finds himself stranded at the side of the road. After seeking someone to help him he finds Geir. Geir doesn't want him to find out what he is but Declan has other ideas. He loves Geir's tentacles and he believes Geir can be the Daddy he always wanted.
I loved Declan and Geir's story. They were amazing together.
July 21, 2020
I highly enjoyed this book!
It had a different storyline from most shifter books I have read, as it was not MPreg, and it involved a sea creature.
Geir is a kraken, and has lived a pretty lonely existence for a really really long time. Why form attachments when you will lose the people you care about when they die. So he has become a bit grumpy and disconnected from the world.
Declan is a human who is very comfortable in his skin, and unapologetic for being him. He wonders if he will ever find the person who can love him for him, as he is. He is bubbly, talkative, curious, and very much an extrovert.
When car trouble causes the two to meet, they have a fairly instant connection. Declan is just what Geir needs to reconnect him to the world, and Geir is what Declan needs in loving him for who he is.
Along the way we meet an interesting cast players in the local Native American tribe of shifters.
Once again, Reese has written a great book that has a more original storyline, and isn’t the average wolf shifter romance. They are rapidly becoming a favorite author of mine for this reason.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
It had a different storyline from most shifter books I have read, as it was not MPreg, and it involved a sea creature.
Geir is a kraken, and has lived a pretty lonely existence for a really really long time. Why form attachments when you will lose the people you care about when they die. So he has become a bit grumpy and disconnected from the world.
Declan is a human who is very comfortable in his skin, and unapologetic for being him. He wonders if he will ever find the person who can love him for him, as he is. He is bubbly, talkative, curious, and very much an extrovert.
When car trouble causes the two to meet, they have a fairly instant connection. Declan is just what Geir needs to reconnect him to the world, and Geir is what Declan needs in loving him for who he is.
Along the way we meet an interesting cast players in the local Native American tribe of shifters.
Once again, Reese has written a great book that has a more original storyline, and isn’t the average wolf shifter romance. They are rapidly becoming a favorite author of mine for this reason.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
October 16, 2020
Received ARC. This was my first book into tentacles, but I loved that part! I would have loved more of a buildup to the sweetness, but it is pretty much instalove and insta sweetness which is awesome. This book did not connect to me, but I think it will with others. Overall I really enjoyed the details about Grier’s kraken side. Would recommend to someone looking for a very possessive quasi daddy would loves his boy very much, oh and tentacle sex!!
November 10, 2022
tentacles everywhere
That was fun. I love the cranky sunshine fun. Shout out to talking about not only injustice for shifters but other injustices that would be intersectional if there were shifters. That made if more real. This was a fun shy type of love. I love that they had to figure each other out. The way the shifters worked was different than usual and I really liked that concept. The writing was good the smexy was hawt, and maybe there are other books of the pac.
That was fun. I love the cranky sunshine fun. Shout out to talking about not only injustice for shifters but other injustices that would be intersectional if there were shifters. That made if more real. This was a fun shy type of love. I love that they had to figure each other out. The way the shifters worked was different than usual and I really liked that concept. The writing was good the smexy was hawt, and maybe there are other books of the pac.
July 29, 2020
3,5�
The original free short story "My Kraken" was a really good read, I loved it and couldn't wait for the full length book to come out! But.
I think there are expectations when you're waitning for something this bad, and sadly this story wasn't what I hoped for.
I wanted more romance, more tentacle and more erotica. And what I got? Weak characters, really few romance, many folklor/legend retelling... and sensual tentacle scenes.
So after all I'm not sad, because the tentacle scenes were really, really sweet, I loved those so much. The author's strongest writing style is the sensual scenes, I love it when just a hug can give me all the warm feelings, and this time was like that. I loved when they were together and just 'were'. Those scenes were the best.
Ro was a good side character, and I can't wait to read their story too!
The mistery and kindnapping scene was so out of the blue, it really didn't fit the story at all. And the jealousy... it can be hot, but this time it was just boring because they didn't speak at all. Declan was a whiny little brat with all the 'I want it this way' attitude - and don't get me start on the daddy kink. Just why! I LOVE daddy kink, but this wasn't perfect for these characters at all. Gier was a really sweet and caring character, I loved him really, really much, but Declan was... not for me for this time. I loved them in the short story, but this time with the full length book I just couldn't. They weren't the same.
It may seem that I didn't liked the book, but it's not true. I really enjoyed it, but those were the things I don't liked. As I said, the sensual tentacle scenes, and Tier's friendship was really good. But Declan throw me off this time.
It wasn't a bad book, the writing style is good and the book is easy to read, but I wanted more from this story.
I read an ARC copy, and this is my honest review.
The original free short story "My Kraken" was a really good read, I loved it and couldn't wait for the full length book to come out! But.
I think there are expectations when you're waitning for something this bad, and sadly this story wasn't what I hoped for.
I wanted more romance, more tentacle and more erotica. And what I got? Weak characters, really few romance, many folklor/legend retelling... and sensual tentacle scenes.
So after all I'm not sad, because the tentacle scenes were really, really sweet, I loved those so much. The author's strongest writing style is the sensual scenes, I love it when just a hug can give me all the warm feelings, and this time was like that. I loved when they were together and just 'were'. Those scenes were the best.
Ro was a good side character, and I can't wait to read their story too!
The mistery and kindnapping scene was so out of the blue, it really didn't fit the story at all. And the jealousy... it can be hot, but this time it was just boring because they didn't speak at all. Declan was a whiny little brat with all the 'I want it this way' attitude - and don't get me start on the daddy kink. Just why! I LOVE daddy kink, but this wasn't perfect for these characters at all. Gier was a really sweet and caring character, I loved him really, really much, but Declan was... not for me for this time. I loved them in the short story, but this time with the full length book I just couldn't. They weren't the same.
It may seem that I didn't liked the book, but it's not true. I really enjoyed it, but those were the things I don't liked. As I said, the sensual tentacle scenes, and Tier's friendship was really good. But Declan throw me off this time.
It wasn't a bad book, the writing style is good and the book is easy to read, but I wanted more from this story.
I read an ARC copy, and this is my honest review.
July 21, 2020
OK � Let’s chat Reese Morrison for a quick second. If you have not read a Morrison book, this should be at the top of your to-do list. Reese has the ability to use uniquely different characters in their books, which takes a traditional romance and takes it to the next level (i.e Love Languages novels, highly suggest by the way). This novel is no different. It is a gripping story that drags you into its depths within the first chapter and leaves you breathless until the end (…and who am I to complain if Geir is there with me?).
The characters draw you in from the very beginning with Geir’s (I still am completely unsure how you actually pronounce his name) private and dominant tendencies to Declan’s impulsive and witty personality. Say what you want about tentacles in the bedroom but Geir and Declan keep it steamy throughout the book (*beginning right at 10% - which you know I am all about because the slow burn is just too much sometimes). Plus, a nice side of Daddy Dom is always appreciated. Reese takes kinky and drenches it into a captivating and compelling story.
This novel is drenched in Native American legends, intimidating strangers, and cut throat action that keeps the plot moving swimmingly. Be prepared to become attached to characters quickly � now I wait patiently for the story of Ro (…well somewhat patiently�).
The characters draw you in from the very beginning with Geir’s (I still am completely unsure how you actually pronounce his name) private and dominant tendencies to Declan’s impulsive and witty personality. Say what you want about tentacles in the bedroom but Geir and Declan keep it steamy throughout the book (*beginning right at 10% - which you know I am all about because the slow burn is just too much sometimes). Plus, a nice side of Daddy Dom is always appreciated. Reese takes kinky and drenches it into a captivating and compelling story.
This novel is drenched in Native American legends, intimidating strangers, and cut throat action that keeps the plot moving swimmingly. Be prepared to become attached to characters quickly � now I wait patiently for the story of Ro (…well somewhat patiently�).
September 19, 2020
Shifter romance / Daddy Kink
Tentacle sex ! Kraken Daddy !
What more to say?! It's a unique take on paranormal world and its mythical beings. This is my first book from this author and I loved their style of writing and unique characters. I loved Geir the best of all ; a Kraken's mode of living, its awareness of the world is all beautifully represented here. The author has also given us scenes from Native Americans's lives and their tragic past . This story generates in you an intrinsic respectful appreciation of nature and its inhabitants.
Recommended paranormal romance.
Tentacle sex ! Kraken Daddy !
What more to say?! It's a unique take on paranormal world and its mythical beings. This is my first book from this author and I loved their style of writing and unique characters. I loved Geir the best of all ; a Kraken's mode of living, its awareness of the world is all beautifully represented here. The author has also given us scenes from Native Americans's lives and their tragic past . This story generates in you an intrinsic respectful appreciation of nature and its inhabitants.
Recommended paranormal romance.
June 12, 2022
Uh holy shit, this is freaking incredible.
Daddy kink �
Tentacles �
Spanking �
Really, really excellent genderqueer character �
I thought I would hate Declan as a main character, but I adore him. He's flighty and twittery and chattery and sparkly - precisely a hummingbird. But what's really beautiful is that he, Geir, and the author all have so much love and respect for him precisely the way he is. I love that so much. The kink is fantastic and hot AF, the plot is fascinating, but what really makes this book perfect is how the author brings these two wildly different personalities together and shows how much they love each other for exactly who they are. Despite the tentacles, it's one of the more realistic portrayals of love I've ever found in a romance novel. The leads have to learn how to communicate despite having very different understandings and experiences and brains that function differently - that's so real, and I love it. And the sex is hot AF. Gah.
I will add, a lot of the plot has to do with the local indigenous shifter community, and there are several indigenous folk tales woven through that are plot elements. The indigenous characters are well-rounded, and they don't feel like noble savage caricatures. There are frank discussions about their history and treatment by white people, and Declan has a moment of recognizing that he as a white person is part of that history.It feels respectful to me, but I am a white lady and really can't be the judge of that. I would love to see an indigenous reviewer's perspective.
Overall I just...I'm in love? I hope this author writes 5000 more books exactly like this, or totally different bc I will read anything that comes from their mind.
Daddy kink �
Tentacles �
Spanking �
Really, really excellent genderqueer character �
I thought I would hate Declan as a main character, but I adore him. He's flighty and twittery and chattery and sparkly - precisely a hummingbird. But what's really beautiful is that he, Geir, and the author all have so much love and respect for him precisely the way he is. I love that so much. The kink is fantastic and hot AF, the plot is fascinating, but what really makes this book perfect is how the author brings these two wildly different personalities together and shows how much they love each other for exactly who they are. Despite the tentacles, it's one of the more realistic portrayals of love I've ever found in a romance novel. The leads have to learn how to communicate despite having very different understandings and experiences and brains that function differently - that's so real, and I love it. And the sex is hot AF. Gah.
I will add, a lot of the plot has to do with the local indigenous shifter community, and there are several indigenous folk tales woven through that are plot elements. The indigenous characters are well-rounded, and they don't feel like noble savage caricatures. There are frank discussions about their history and treatment by white people, and Declan has a moment of recognizing that he as a white person is part of that history.It feels respectful to me, but I am a white lady and really can't be the judge of that. I would love to see an indigenous reviewer's perspective.
Overall I just...I'm in love? I hope this author writes 5000 more books exactly like this, or totally different bc I will read anything that comes from their mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2021
This is a great story by a new to me author.
The MCs couldn’t be more different. Quiet/can’t shut up, buff/fem, shifter/human—the comparisons go on. I was more drawn to the characters than to the story line, tbh. Especially Declan. Out and proud, Declan is a fingernail polish, lip-gloss wearing gay boy, and he doesn’t apologize for it.
When Declan finds out his NYC boyfriend is cheating, he takes to the road, without any plan or many belongings. When he runs out of gas, it’s Geir’s cottage he comes upon. It’s deep in the trees and near a Native American community of shifters. The little kitten shifter is adorable!! The author includes Native American folklore into her story, as well.
That said, I didn’t believe the insta-love. These two MCs were over the moon for each other way too quickly, especially given how different they were. Geir knew next to nothing about technology or the outside world. And it niggled me a bit that Declan may have been using Geir for a free ride.
It’s an interesting read, though, and I didn’t even mention the hot tentacle sex!!!
3 stars
The MCs couldn’t be more different. Quiet/can’t shut up, buff/fem, shifter/human—the comparisons go on. I was more drawn to the characters than to the story line, tbh. Especially Declan. Out and proud, Declan is a fingernail polish, lip-gloss wearing gay boy, and he doesn’t apologize for it.
When Declan finds out his NYC boyfriend is cheating, he takes to the road, without any plan or many belongings. When he runs out of gas, it’s Geir’s cottage he comes upon. It’s deep in the trees and near a Native American community of shifters. The little kitten shifter is adorable!! The author includes Native American folklore into her story, as well.
That said, I didn’t believe the insta-love. These two MCs were over the moon for each other way too quickly, especially given how different they were. Geir knew next to nothing about technology or the outside world. And it niggled me a bit that Declan may have been using Geir for a free ride.
It’s an interesting read, though, and I didn’t even mention the hot tentacle sex!!!
3 stars
July 12, 2022
Tentacles? Tentacles.
3.5 stars // Overall I enjoyed this book, but it was just too unrealistic in the human character never having a single reservation or concern with anything he learned about the world of magic, shifters, etc. He just didn’t feel like a real, possible person and the book instead relied on annoying miscommunication to create conflict in their relationship. I did enjoy the immortal character being clearly inhuman in how he experienced the world, it was very believable. The magic was a little convenient in its solution to the plot’s problems.
I appreciate that the author used sensitivity readers for indigenous culture, but it was still annoying to have the oblivious human white boy be the vessel through which all the culture was experienced. Once again, he seemed really one dimensional, completely oblivious to the history of how indigenous people have been treated in America while somehow never having been racist in his life and knowing all people like him are horrible.
3.5 stars // Overall I enjoyed this book, but it was just too unrealistic in the human character never having a single reservation or concern with anything he learned about the world of magic, shifters, etc. He just didn’t feel like a real, possible person and the book instead relied on annoying miscommunication to create conflict in their relationship. I did enjoy the immortal character being clearly inhuman in how he experienced the world, it was very believable. The magic was a little convenient in its solution to the plot’s problems.
I appreciate that the author used sensitivity readers for indigenous culture, but it was still annoying to have the oblivious human white boy be the vessel through which all the culture was experienced. Once again, he seemed really one dimensional, completely oblivious to the history of how indigenous people have been treated in America while somehow never having been racist in his life and knowing all people like him are horrible.
May 31, 2023
"Hummingbird and Kraken" received TWO AND A HALF stars.
I liked Declan and Geir’s story. The plot moved too slow, though. Sometimes I wondered if it was an intentional comparison to Geir�
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the bookwhen I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
I liked Declan and Geir’s story. The plot moved too slow, though. Sometimes I wondered if it was an intentional comparison to Geir�
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the bookwhen I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
February 6, 2022
I went into this for some readon thinking this was a monsterf*cking short, and whilst it mentioned daddy kink, which I don't read, it had a Kraken shifter so I picked it up.
This is a full length kraken shifter/human light daddy kink romance. I wasn't super emotionally invested in it but it I was reading it between some other heavier books so it worked. I enjoyed the kraken trying to understand what kink is and why he is being called Daddy and the saving the children plot moved swiftly along.
This is a full length kraken shifter/human light daddy kink romance. I wasn't super emotionally invested in it but it I was reading it between some other heavier books so it worked. I enjoyed the kraken trying to understand what kink is and why he is being called Daddy and the saving the children plot moved swiftly along.
December 31, 2021
The story was ok funny and sweet. I really liked the world, the setting and a lot of how the first half was told. The second half was mainly focused on Hentai tentacle porn and ownership fetishes, but it also did have a lot of good stuff. If it had more story and less porn I would have rated it a lot higher.
September 27, 2021
I'm not a fan of big misunderstandings that can be solved by simply talking to each other. Aside from that, I loved this book. Especially the second half, I caught myself smiling like a dope several times. And, ok, so apparently I have a kink for tentacle sex...learn something new!
April 10, 2022
a good book
This is a paranormal shifter romance without mpreg. Well now, this book is definitely different but it’s a very well written book with fantastical world-building, great character development and a very good plot! Take a chance on this one!
This is a paranormal shifter romance without mpreg. Well now, this book is definitely different but it’s a very well written book with fantastical world-building, great character development and a very good plot! Take a chance on this one!
February 14, 2022
BDSM: daddy/boy dynamic, spanking, sounding,
Roleplaying,
also tentacles... lots of tentacles... I usually dont do tentacles but this wasnt that bad. I blame Reese Morrison's magic.
Roleplaying,
also tentacles... lots of tentacles... I usually dont do tentacles but this wasnt that bad. I blame Reese Morrison's magic.
May 17, 2022
Sweet with bite
Geir and Declan are a sweet couple with bits of angst. I loved these two, I hope to see more of them in future books.
Geir and Declan are a sweet couple with bits of angst. I loved these two, I hope to see more of them in future books.
July 30, 2020
This was so dreamy
I've been struggling to come up with a way to review this book that doesn't consist of me erupting into a fangirling rage of "IT'S PERFECT, BUY IT" because who does that help? But after some thought, I think I've got something; this book is dreamy.
And I mean that in every sense and of the sort of the word. This book feels like an odd cross between a lucid dream and a fever dream that just kind of leaves you feeling giddy and warm and unexplainably happy. I wasn't left with a debilitating book-hangover that often happens when I finished a book I really enjoy. It's almost the opposite really. Declan and Gier's relationship just left me with this joy that I know I will take with me in the days to come. I loved this book and here is my wholehearted attempt at why.
My strange love of tentacles aside, I think the true majesty of this book comes down to the characters. Declan is beyond adorable and just the cutest thing on two legs. His relationship with Gier (who is a grump after my own heart) is precious and needs to be protected at all costs. Then you have Ro and May and everyone else who just makes this book feel that much more special. Even the tiny moment at the end of the book which I'm not going to say cuz it might be considered a spoiler, warmed my ice-cold/ 2020 has left me dead, heart.I love them and I want to be their friend. Seriously, Declan and I could hang out. Something tells me he could help me perfect my winged eyeliner look.
Within the giddy dreamy atmosphere as of this book, there are also these really high energy action scenes. Now, are they the best action scenes I've ever read? Not really, but action scenes are kind of hard to write and do take time to master. But the energy was there and there were stakes. There was genuinely a point where I was fearful for our main characters. I know this was Reese Morrison's first dabble in action and I hope we will see more from them in future because hats off mate, mission accomplished. That 70% mark had me terrified.
And finally, because it's me, we have to talk about the smut. To say it was hot would be an understatement. To say it could cause a small forset fire is an understatement. To say it is the reason the polar ice caps are melting is...probably a bit of an exaggeration but we're going to say understatement because dramatic. I should explain and I will but really quick, in case you are new here, hello hi welcome, Reese Morrison is about to change your life. Your smut expectation will forevermore be SO HIGH! I mean once you have a taste of perfection how do you go back to anything else right? Again my unhealthy love and obsession with tentacle the side, Gier is swoon. For someone who hasn't been with anyone in a very long time, he knows what he's doin'. He's got extra appendages and he's not afraid to use them. There was daddy kink, and role play, and that bit towards the end, sis I was LIVING! If you weren't into tentacles before, you will be by the end of this book. And if not you're lying. It's okay, we've all been there, it's a process.
Anyways, in case it wasn't clear enough I love this book. Every single bit of it. From the healthy relationships (people they talk about their problems, I know!) to the fascinating Native American tie in, to the smut I haven't gushed about enough, it was my everything. 5 solid stars because for years I've been yearning for consensual tentacle books and now that they are finally a thing, I am going to bask in the afterglow.
I've been struggling to come up with a way to review this book that doesn't consist of me erupting into a fangirling rage of "IT'S PERFECT, BUY IT" because who does that help? But after some thought, I think I've got something; this book is dreamy.
And I mean that in every sense and of the sort of the word. This book feels like an odd cross between a lucid dream and a fever dream that just kind of leaves you feeling giddy and warm and unexplainably happy. I wasn't left with a debilitating book-hangover that often happens when I finished a book I really enjoy. It's almost the opposite really. Declan and Gier's relationship just left me with this joy that I know I will take with me in the days to come. I loved this book and here is my wholehearted attempt at why.
My strange love of tentacles aside, I think the true majesty of this book comes down to the characters. Declan is beyond adorable and just the cutest thing on two legs. His relationship with Gier (who is a grump after my own heart) is precious and needs to be protected at all costs. Then you have Ro and May and everyone else who just makes this book feel that much more special. Even the tiny moment at the end of the book which I'm not going to say cuz it might be considered a spoiler, warmed my ice-cold/ 2020 has left me dead, heart.I love them and I want to be their friend. Seriously, Declan and I could hang out. Something tells me he could help me perfect my winged eyeliner look.
Within the giddy dreamy atmosphere as of this book, there are also these really high energy action scenes. Now, are they the best action scenes I've ever read? Not really, but action scenes are kind of hard to write and do take time to master. But the energy was there and there were stakes. There was genuinely a point where I was fearful for our main characters. I know this was Reese Morrison's first dabble in action and I hope we will see more from them in future because hats off mate, mission accomplished. That 70% mark had me terrified.
And finally, because it's me, we have to talk about the smut. To say it was hot would be an understatement. To say it could cause a small forset fire is an understatement. To say it is the reason the polar ice caps are melting is...probably a bit of an exaggeration but we're going to say understatement because dramatic. I should explain and I will but really quick, in case you are new here, hello hi welcome, Reese Morrison is about to change your life. Your smut expectation will forevermore be SO HIGH! I mean once you have a taste of perfection how do you go back to anything else right? Again my unhealthy love and obsession with tentacle the side, Gier is swoon. For someone who hasn't been with anyone in a very long time, he knows what he's doin'. He's got extra appendages and he's not afraid to use them. There was daddy kink, and role play, and that bit towards the end, sis I was LIVING! If you weren't into tentacles before, you will be by the end of this book. And if not you're lying. It's okay, we've all been there, it's a process.
Anyways, in case it wasn't clear enough I love this book. Every single bit of it. From the healthy relationships (people they talk about their problems, I know!) to the fascinating Native American tie in, to the smut I haven't gushed about enough, it was my everything. 5 solid stars because for years I've been yearning for consensual tentacle books and now that they are finally a thing, I am going to bask in the afterglow.
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