Monsters Among Us Series by Alina Riley

When my marine science blog goes viral, I never expect it to be because of a café run by a kraken—or the inappropriate dreams I've been having about him ever since.Yes, you read that right. A kraken. With tentacles that can simultaneously brew the perfect espresso and plate an exquisite seafood dish (ironically). And makes my pulse race whenever they accidentally brush against my skin... moreWhen my marine science blog goes viral, I never expect it to be because of a café run by a kraken—or the inappropriate dreams I've been having about him ever since.Yes, you read that right. A kraken. With tentacles that can simultaneously brew the perfect espresso and plate an exquisite seafood dish (ironically). And makes my pulse race whenever they accidentally brush against my skin.Something about him has me coming back daily—the intensity in his deep ocean eyes, the hypnotic way his tentacles move with such control and precision, the rumble in his voice that seems to vibrate through my entire body when he talks about the sea.When a massive development project threatens the cafe and the ocean itself, we find ourselves joining forces to save the waters we both love. He's lived beneath those waves for centuries; I've dedicated my career to protecting them. And now we're spending long nights "strategizing" in the back room of his café, where the temperature seems to rise with every hour we spend together.I tell myself it's just biology—a scientific curiosity about how different our bodies are. So why does my breath catch when he looks at me? And why can't I stop wondering how those powerful tentacles would feel wrapped around my thighs? less

When a city inspector threatens to shut down your flower shop, it's normally bad for business.When you're a werewolf florist with unlicensed magical plants? It's a disaster.Elliot Thorn has built a quiet life in Thistle Grove, arranging flowers and writing poetry. As a seven-foot-tall wolf-man trying to keep his wild side in check, he prefers the company of his ferns to the complications of romance... moreWhen a city inspector threatens to shut down your flower shop, it's normally bad for business.When you're a werewolf florist with unlicensed magical plants? It's a disaster.Elliot Thorn has built a quiet life in Thistle Grove, arranging flowers and writing poetry. As a seven-foot-tall wolf-man trying to keep his wild side in check, he prefers the company of his ferns to the complications of romance. But when sharp-tongued city inspector Sarah Pearson arrives with a clipboard in hand and shutdown notices on her mind, his carefully cultivated peace goes up in magical smoke.Sarah prides herself on being prepared for anything. But nothing in her regulation handbook covers what to do - Your inspection target is an actual wolf-man- Said wolf-man blushes adorably through his fur- His poetry (accidentally discovered) makes your heart flutter- And the whole town seems determined to play matchmakerAs the full moon approaches and threats lurk in Thistle Grove's shadows, Sarah must decide if her carefully ordered world has room for a little chaos—and a lot of fur. Meanwhile, Elliot faces his own can he trust himself to love again when his heart runs as wild as his nature?Sometimes love blooms in the most unexpected gardens... even if it means bending a few regulations along the way.Welcome to Thistle Grove, where the florists are furry, the plants are peculiar, and falling in love might just require a permit. less