Grayson Cole is stuck: stuck with writer’s block, stuck with no love life, and stuck in a place he no longer feels is home. In an effort to free himself—and discover the mysterious reason he’s so drawn to his mother’s hometown—Gray travels to Scotland, hoping that the wild, beautiful scenery will relight his lost spark.
Upon arrival at a picturesque Loch-side village, Gray quickly realises that the scenery isn’t the only beautiful thing the Highlands has to offer. Hamish Macleod, the fiery young Scotsman who runs the local museum is refreshingly blunt and as sarcastic as they come, and Gray refuses to ignore their instant chemistry . . . even if the lad is an avid believer in the Loch Ness Monster.
They indulge in a no-strings holiday fling, but a series of increasingly vivid dreams—and some life-changing late night encounters—have Gray questioning everything he thought he knew about Loch Ness and its mythical beastie. He's forced to admit that Hamish was right about the creature’s existence, but it turns out, the lad is hiding an even bigger secret, and when Gray finds out the truth, he’s in for a wild ride.
In more ways than one.
OCH, NESS! is a standalone MM monster romance with size difference, Scottish dialect, and soulmates. It features an introverted English writer who embarks on a path of self-discovery and a cheeky, red-headed Scotsman who is much more than what he seems. OCH, NESS! is part of the WET ’N’ WILD series, where each novella follows a different human/water creature pairing and storyline.
This novella contains explicit full-shift monster/human scenes. If you want to know more about what to expect with this story, visit my website for a full, in-depth content list.
Och, Ness! was a sweet fated mate's monster love story. Grayson has grown up hearing the stories of Scotland from his mother and has felt a draw to their lands. He even has had dreams in which something has been reaching towards him. When writer's block hits him, he decides to finally go there to his mother's homeland and hope to satisfy his yearning and get inspiration. He soon meets Hamish, a local who runs the town's museum and boat trips that centre around the Loch Ness Monster. Grayson is drawn to Hamish and soon learns why.
I found the story to be unique because I have not read a shifter story about the Loch Ness Monster before. I also loved how the author vividly painted a picture of Scotland. Scotland is a place I have always wanted to visit, so I really enjoyed reading a fated Mates monster romance that takes place there. I enjoyed the use of Gaelic by Hamish.
Hamish pushes Grayson away since he's not ready to show his true self due to his worry that everything may be temporary. He already experienced a betrayal in the past, so I can see why it took him a moment to fully accept his mate. The sex scene with Loch Ness was so hot. I was curious as to how it would happen, but Eryn did not disappoint, I loved it.
Overall I enjoyed it and look forward to what is next to come in this series. If you're looking for a short and sweet monster romance I recommend it.
"I had followed the urge, come all the way to Scotland to find a key to the empty space inside me, and I think I had found it, and I didn't for the life of me want to let it go."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ POV: Single POV, First Person HEA: Yes Spice Rating: 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥
"Less than an hour ago, I was flat on my back in the sand, hankering to be shagged raw by the literal Loch Ness Monster. You know, just a typical Thursday evening."
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion Where do I sign up to get my own beastie? What an awesome read this was super sweet and super spicy and all the monster bits you could want in a book! A quick read, it does have insta love but I really loved how it was done, it flowed nicely. Gray and Hamish were so perfect together, and the chemistry between them was off the charts, especially the cave scene! I love how both characters had their storyline developed before they got together, gave them so much more depth to their personalities and I felt I connected with them a lot! I cannot wait for the next book in the series and also for Eryn to tell me she's found a single beastie for me!
Read if you like: ❣️ MM Shifter Romance ❣️ Loch Ness Monster/Human ❣️ No Angst ❣️ Size Difference ❣️ Secret Identity ❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Mentioned parental death, insults as a love language, inhuman genitalia
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
This was such a dirty little novella. I’m talking actual sex with the Loch Ness monster dirty. It was so good, though.
Grayson is an author from London with a bad case of writer’s block. He decides to take a trip to Scotland in hopes that it would give him some inspiration in his writing. That’s not the only reason for this destination vacation, though. He’s always felt tied to Scotland. Tethered somehow. He thought it was because his mother was Scottish, and he grew up listening to stories from her home. He wanted to see this place he grew up hearing about. On top of that, he’s had dreams of the place for years. He just needed to go. Upon arriving, he had this sense of rightness. Like he felt like he belonged there. And then he met Hamish, the owner of the Loch Ness monster museum. Grayson felt like he knew Hamish his whole life, and that sparked a great friendship and then more between the two men.
I really liked seeing Grayson and Hamish get close. I also liked seeing Grayson come out of his shell around Hamish. He was a little nervous of the pretty man at first, but they worked through that. To be honest, I was wary about reading this novella due to the Scottish dialect. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to understand what they were saying, and I was nervous that I would have to google a lot of phrases. That wasn’t the case at all. The author helpfully added a glossary in the book that had the meanings of any Scottish word or phrase she used. Honestly though, I feel like I could follow along fine without the glossary. The only time I used it was to look up the definitions of some Scottish terms of endearments that were used.
The sex in this was definitely something. I knew there would be some Loch Ness monster fun, but I didn’t think Grayson would actually spread his legs for Nessie. What a daredevil. It was so fun. Now that I know what this author is capable of writing when she advertises monster sex, you better believe I’m reading the rest of the novellas.
If you want a quick, easy read full of cheeky banter, soulmates, and monster sex galore, give this a try!
Nunca pensé que en los años que llevo de lectura acabaría leyendo una historia parecida, pero…aquí estamos y me ha gustado lo que he leído.
Lo empecé a leer básicamente porque ya había leído la otra saga de la autora y me gustaba como escribía. Vi que tenía este libro y me dije: ¿por qué no? Tenía un poco de apuro, no lo voy a negar por el contenido. Sin embargo, la sinopsis y los primeros capítulos me sacaron de dudas y seguí leyendo.
En general, decir que la historia me ha gustado. Los personajes me han parecido entrañables. La historia es mucho más corta de lo esperado y me la terminé en dos noches. Eso sí,he de admitir que alguna que otra escena un tanto peculiar me la he saltado porque no me he sentido cómoda.
A por el siguiente sin duda (cuando se publique, claro).
"Forget the movies— he was like something out of a fantasy novel, one of those fairy folk who danced under the moonlight with wildflowers in their hair."
Och, Ness! by Eryn Hawk is the monster novella I didn't know I needed, and NOW I need to know waaaay more about Hamish and Grayson and how their relationship and life develops.
Hamish is our cheeky Scotsman with a huge secret and Gray is the introverted British writer who is compelled to visit Loch Ness, like there's an invisible line reeling him in. Their connection is magical - literally - and you should prepare yourself for some spicy beastie/man action too!
Short, sweet and angst-free, this novella is a fabulous palate cleanser for darker reads.
This was a quirky and sweet novella. I love monster romances and it’s nice to have it based on an real life tale where there are a few who believe Loch Mess monster exists.
I wasn’t expecting Gray to be so timid and shy, but with Hamish being as bold as he is, the opposites attract works well, in more ways than one.
“You're so hot inside,” I gasped in awe. “Like a furnace. You're going to melt my cock like a bastard candle.”
This was painful to read and I started skimming at 52%.
I don't like either of the characters, or care where this is going. It's just too cheesy for me.
Greyson has a bad day and almost gets it on with Nessie - why he thinks the creature is sentient at that point is a mystery to me!
And then why on earth would Greyson buy a house in Hamish’s village, you know, where he's lived for 150 years, and then invite Hamish to move in with him? Why not go live with him?!??
I'm not usually a big fan of insta-love but I didn't mind a bit in this novella because it was so well written and the plot flowed easily and even though it was a short story, I didn't find it lacked anything at all. Grayson lives in London, he's an author and suffers from writer's block. He decides to travel to Scotland, where his mom was from, to relax and take a break from it all hoping he'll get back to writing. Then he meets Hamish who works at the Loch Ness Monster museum in the little town where Gray is staying. The attraction is immediate but it takes Gray a bit to do something about it. Good thing Hamish takes charge and invites him out. This is the sweetest monster story I've read so far. There is absolutely no angst at all, Gray and Hamish are so perfect together. They connect at all levels and Gray feels he's finally found someone who understands him completely. I enjoyed seeing them together but it got even better when the "monster" showed up. The first time Nessie and Gray met was incredibly hot, but also beautiful and sweet. The chemistry between the creature and the writer is so well described that I could feel their connection while reading. It was hot, sexy and romantic. I can't say that I wish the book had been longer, because for me it has the right length. I truly fell in love with Gray and Hamish, the little village where they left and Loch Ness. Having been there myself, it was so nice to recognise the places mentioned and could feel the magic of the Highlands again.
Who gave this book permission to be so cute?! I devoured OCH, NESS in one sitting last night and it was delightful, spicy, and fun. Grayson travels to Scotland hoping to overcome his writer's block but instead, he finds himself being charmed by a red-headed Scotsman who runs the Loch Ness monster museum in town.
Hamish was flirty and confident and I loved how he drew Gray out of his more introverted and solitary ways. Of course, Hamish is more than just a regular man and Gray soon learns all the benefits of dating Nessie. These two were on fire together, in both of Hamish's forms, and they fall hard and fast for each other. I was sucked into their romance from the beginning and I can't wait to read more in this new series!
3.5/5 — You know what? I wished this was a bit more monster-y.
But oh! This had potential. I loved the Scottish touch and the touristic atmosphere of the plot. The Loch Ness Monster was a fun change too from all the aliens and other monsters I’ve read about lately.
I must say though that in the end, this book was a bit of a disappointment. I was sure there would be a plot twist I couldn’t have predicted but I was wrong about that. The end was exactly the way I dreaded it to be. No plot twist. Sadly.
And because the book was rather short the characters weren’t very thought out in my opinion. They felt shallow to me. No chemistry too even though they were supposedly soulmates. That didn’t really come across I think.
What disappointed me most was the one and a half monster scene. That was it. One full monster scene is all I got from a Loch Ness Monster Story. That is simply not enough for me.
But in the end I still had a pretty good time with this book. It could have been better though.
2/5 Is it the slump or the book? At this point, who knows. 🤷🏻♀️ This was a quick read.
I’ve been spoiled by dual POVs so I find myself struggling to enjoy single POVs unless it’s done in a way where the other MC’s emotions are written all over their face. In this case, I was really wanting that other POV.
I’m a monster lover, so the monster sex didn’t bother me - what did bother me was that it happened before Grayson knew the beastie was Hamish. And so soon after they had hooked up. He even asked Hamish if it was okay to sleep with someone else because they weren’t exclusive just having fun, ‘ cause he wanted to not feel guilty having sex with the beastie. 🤦🏻♀️
The pacing just didnt work for me. If Hamish didn’t want a relationship because Grayson wasn’t sticking around why did they go on two dates ? Why not just have sex ? But as soon as Gray had sex with Hamish in his beastie form (without knowing it was him) he said he wouldn’t let something trivial like distance keep them from having a relationship now that he’s had him 🤷🏻♀️
Sooo, I liked the idea but found the execution to be lacking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was an amazingly sweet read!! I am very new to reading about monster romance of this sort, of something that was almost entirely inhuman, so this was exciting! Like it really was a completely different creature that was big and... woah mama 😳💦 I knew that going in but it still took me by surprise 🤣 That's a good thing tho!! The love story that went with it too was endearing, I liked the banter and reading the Scottish dialect, that was really fun 😚 Both these characters were so cute to read about.
Eryn's writing is so smooth and easy for me to read, that I can just gobble it up, and take whatever she throws at me! Can't wait for more stories from this series 💕💖
I'm thinking this author just isn't for me. The Scottish language and landscape were a plus, and so was Nessie. The rest didn't quite work for me. To start with, I encountered the same problem I had with the author's Cair: one of the main characters keeping his distance until almost the end despite the obvious bond and attraction. I disliked Hamish for that and for the facts that he was underdeveloped and either smirking or laughing at Grayson. What's more, he was like a total opposite of Nessie, and the two didn't really come together well. If it wasn't for the scenes with Nessie, I would never have believed this was a soulmates story. I wanted more like that. Grayson and Hamish? Apart from lust, I didn't see much there. Also, I wouldn't call this either fast-paced or high-heat.
Apart from all that, this is a quick and low-angst read that can be quite enjoyable if you want something easy.
June 2023. Another strange Kindle Unlimited read I took a swing on (as a curiosity not as something genuinely romantic or erotic, to be clear) in anticipation of the “Read on the Wild Side” AKA Monster Banging theme of one of my book clubs.
Though it’s a shifter romance, I have discovered unexpectedly that the human is actually fucked by the Loch Ness monster in its monster form in some scenes, and human in others. Points for ingenuity on the use of flexibility etc.
It’s unfortunately an “instalove” which isn’t the end of the world when it’s a magic world, sure fine. But they go on like 3 dates and only talk about whether or not the Loch Ness monster is real and that the human’s mother was Scottish so he always wanted to visit. I don’t know a single hobby, interest, like/dislike, etc for Hamish the Loch Ness shifter. Absolutely no idea. And with the human MC I mainly know he has writer’s block and is visiting Scotland.
Literally talk about anything else, give your characters traits or personalities if it’s going to be this long or just make it a short story instead of a novel/novella if you don’t want any personalities or characteristics in it at all. Don’t really recommend. Read on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a sweet monster romance novellas sett in Scotland between a struggling writer and the Loch Ness monster with soulmates, bon bons, a picnic, magic , a size difference, a forked tongue, and steam.
Favorite Quotes: He was magical, Fae or fairy, it didn't matter but he had bewitched me, stoked a desire inside me that I'd forgotten was there.
I frowned. "Has it not been lonely?" "Nah, I've met some fascinating people alone the way. Besides, how could I be lonely when I've got my mate?" "Three centuries is a long time to wait for your soulmate." He winked at me. "Aye, but you were worth the worth it."
It was a claim. Hamish was mine - not a casual fling, noy "the one that got away". He was mine. And I eas already well adn truly his.
I took a few days to decide on my star rating, because it was really 3.5, so I’m rounding up to 4! I really enjoyed this novella, and want to read more in the series. There were just a few things that didn’t quite hit right for me. But over all, this was a fun, quick, low to no angst, spicy romance. If you like fated mates, monsters, and mm, plus insta attraction, this is great. Especially if you want something to keep you company in between heavier reads or book hangovers.
The basics *mm monster romance between shifter lake monster (like the legit Loch Ness Monster!) and human man *insta attraction *am I attracted to this? -yes I am! *on page, descriptive intimacy *intimacy in shifted form *single POV
I honestly think the main reason this wasn’t an automatic hit for me, and a clear new comfort read, is the single POV. I really enjoyed the relationship, the banter, and the spice! I even understand motivations behind certain behaviors of Hamish. But I wish I had more of a peak into his mind set when he was acting in a certain way. Just so I could have a *feel* for what he was thinking. The prologue was perfect, and I wish there were a few chapters like it interspersed throughout to give us those little peaks! I also have a few questions remaining about the future, that were hinted at but not fully explained. I could ignore those and they had less impact on my overall rating though, just impacted my plot rating.
I really enjoyed this book because of the dynamic characters with distinct flaws and preconceived notions. Grayson was cranky and got easily tongue tied around Hamish, and Hamish was mischievous and charming, if not a bit jaded. Their story was fast paced and engaging, definitely worth the read.
“Less than an hour ago, I was flat on my back in the sand, hankering to be shagged raw by the literal Loch Ness Monster. You know, just a typical Thursday evening.” 4⭐️3🌶️
Grayson has felt drawn to the Scottish highlands for as long as he can remember but when a bout of writers block sends him north for a break he finds a lot more than he bargained for. Explore the beautiful area of Loch Ness and uncover its secrets in Och, Ness by Eryn Hawk.
As someone who grew up obsessed with cryptozoology, happened to marry a Scottish man - who of course proposed at Loch Ness, I obviously *HAD* to read this. And it did not disappoint! The accent/dialect is written incredibly well, the monster smut is unique (TW fully shifted sxx that might be off-putting to some), and the fated mates/friends to lovers arc is very sweet!
Overall, this was cute! I do wish the mystery had lasted longer because Grayson spiralling and being so clueless was adorable - I was giggling the whole time! And I’m greedy lol I always want more. Definitely check it out if you like quick MM reads with a side of unique monster banging.
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
This story is about a writer named Grayson, who is experiencing writers block and decides to go to Scotland to hopefully clear his head and the block. He also has been having dreams, calling him back to him home town, even though he was too little to remember it. He meets Hamish, a local, and has an undeniable attraction/connection with him. Grayson doesn't believe in the myth of the Loch Ness monster, and Hamish is determined to change his mind. I give this 3.5 stars. While reading this story, while I liked the premise and had lots of promise, it lacked a few components that I look for in a story, a feeling I get when reading to fully believe the love is real. All in all it was a good story and I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say I loved it, I liked it very much.
Och, Nessie, I’m in love! I need more monster love in my life, and I want to start and end with Hamish. A whole lotta sexy splashed with even more fun, you’ll fall head over flippers for Gray and Hamish.
“You know, you little thief, where I’m from, it’s rude to touch a man’s bonbons without asking.” He licked the dusting of sugar off his fingertips, and paired with the smouldering eye contact, it was suggestive, in the least—downright erotic, at most. “Well, I’d certainly share my sweets wi’ ye anytime ye asked.”
Shudder, that brogue, it’s downright lethal and I’ll be hearing it in my dreams. And the things Hamish can do, mmmm, I’m talking years of dreams featuring him. I loved it, I heart it, and I want more. Gray and Hamish are sweet, sassy, and monstrously good. I’m wild about these two, and they’ve almost assuredly whet (or wet) my appetite.
The premise of the book seemed good and was for as far into the book as I got, but I could not stand the British dialect. It’s almost like the author looked up every slang British word, and used it.
This was my first monster romance, but I knew I had to give it a read. I love Nessie and believe that they are real. I've watched documentaries on it, and I've wanted to go to Loch Ness and find them for myself, so this was right up my alley.
Grayson is suffering from writers block and decides to spend 3 weeks at Loch Ness. He heard stories about it from his mother and has always felt drawn to the place. He meets Hamish, the Nessie museum owner, and sparks immediately fly.
I had an idea early on about who Nessie was, and I wasn't surprised by the big reveal. The two separate relationships he has, with both Nessie and Hamish, were both important to Gray. I loved seeing that playout, especially with him not believing in Nessie.
The sex scenes are scorching hot, especially the one in the cave. It was something I've not read about before, and I definitely need to read more of this genre. This one was very short, and things happen at lightning pace, but that seems to be the norm with fated mates stories. I did enjoy it, and I need to now find Nessie!
Grayson is a 32 year old writer from London. After suffering a bout of writer’s block, he travels to Scotland in hopes of some inspiration. It helps that his mother is from there and he’s felt a pull there for a while.
Hamish is a Scottish native who runs the Loch Ness Monster Museum. There’s more to him than meets the eye. He’s amused by Grayson’s lack of belief in the beastie.
Hamish and Grayson share an attraction to one another. They have noticeable chemistry once they take the plunge and start a holiday fling. Grayson is a bit shy, so it was great seeing how bold he becomes around Hamish.
Things keep happening that sway Grayson’s opinion on the existence of the LNM. His dreams keep ramping up as well. I loved all of the lore in the novella. Scotland was a wonderful backdrop to the story. I loved the Scottish dialect peppered throughout the story as well. Hawk provides a glossary at the back of the book to assist with any Scottish and/or Gaelic words/phrases.
This story is a low angst monster romance with fated mates, size difference, sweetness, and spice. (Yes, there is monster sex as well). ;)
For me, it was a bit too sweet and their relationship progressed exponentially quick after their first meeting, but that's soulmates and instant lust/attraction I suppose. I think the soulmate part could have been explained better and the author could have done more with this part. I think the whole story took place in four days, so it's really a whirlwind romance.
There is no action/suspense in this story. We also only read the story through the eyes of Grayson, which makes for a bit of a one-sided story. Hamish feels like a one dimensional character and I didn't really feel the connection or chemistry between the main characters.
The description of Scotland was cute and accurate and having been to Loch Ness myself, I could really imagine being there.
Och, Ness was a super sweet romance. Grayson is suffering from a nasty case of writers block. After many failed attempts to find inspiration he decides to vacate to his mother's homeland of Scotland, a place that Gray has always felt indescribably tethered to. Unceremoniously finding himself caught up in a gift shop guided tour he becomes captivated by Hamish and the mythical legend of the Loch Ness. If you love light, fluffy romances with an extra side of human/monster loving! This is a perfect afternoon read for you.